Vai Made Easy

Hi and welcome to my new lesson. This time we are looking at Steve Vai. This lesson is aimed at taking some of Vai's quirks and slowing them down and simplifying them so that you can play along and get a feel for his unique style without needing to be a master virtuoso!

Vai has a very 'positive' and 'happy' sounding guitar style - even when he's playing something dramatic and dark! Although he's by no means restricted to this description, he manages to achieve this dreamy quality with his use of Mixolydian and Lydian modes - Modes that are very close to the major scale in terms of sound but with 1 altered interval in each case.

But don't worry about the theory yet - you're here to learn a cool solo!

This lesson will specifically focus on:

-Use of sliding
-Hammer-ons/pull-offs

You'll also get to learn Vai's unique ascending fifths lick, which will test your coordination and alternate picking.

Vai's got a lot to offer any aspiring guitar player but before you get to the level where you experience his Alien Love Secrets, you need to get a foot in the door - this lesson can act as your initiation!

Tuning:
E A D G B E - Standard Tuning
Tempo:
140bpm
Gear:
Marshall JVM, OD1, Red setting. Cubase SE3, Superior Drummer
Scales: