7 Reasons why you should do whatever Steve Vai says

When this master musician offers advice, we suggest you run and get something to write with.

 

Disclaimer: I am not a huge fan of Steve Vai. I don’t really listen to much of his music, nor do I personally like alot of shredding / “we climbed the mountain because it was there” type of guitar-oriented stuff. I was raised in the 70′s and my upbringing consisted mostly of rock guitarists who’s attitude and chain-smoking usually somewhat made up for their limited education and technique. But that is where my passion lies; balls-out rock that is 100% feel and visceral energy, zero details.

With that said, I believe that my upbringing sold me short. This is all great when you are 15 and you hate your parents. But I have learned the hard way that to make a decent living as a professional musician (rock stardom does not count), you have to have your act together. Steve Vai so has his act together. Heretofore, and with my tail proudly wagging between my legs, behold: 7 Reasons why you should do whatever Steve Vai says:

1. Education

If you think not studying music or dropping out of music school before you complete your degree is funny, cool or no big deal, you are wrong. Nothing will open more doors for you than a good education. Steve Vai got his degree from the Berkelee School of Music when no one even heard of that place. He came out of the gate with the right attitude. You can never (ever) be at a disadvantage with a good education.

2. Class

I never really bought Steve Vai as the lead guitarist for David Lee Roth. Reason: Because he’s got class. He’s really not a Rock and Roller. He’s a well trained and pensive musician. I’m sure he was paid handsomely for his tenure in the DLR band, and having seen one of those “Eat ‘em and smile” shows, I can say first-hand that he sufficiently rocked his ass off. But there is more to music than the Rock & Roll lifestyle. Being paid well for your musical knowledge and ability is not easily done. There are a million really talented guitarists out there, all fighting for the same few paying gigs, be them teaching gigs, session work or live gigs. What will will distinguish you from the rest of the pack is your class, your ability to be worthy of people’s time and attention. Sure, you can play your ass off, that is assumed. But can you express yourself clearly and articulately? Can you be authoritative when discussing music theory without coming across as condescending? Can you hold an audition for a band member and call every person who auditioned back to personally tell them that they did not get the gig, yet thank them for their time? The way you handle yourself in these situations says alot about who you are. What people hear about you through the grapevine can often be the deciding factor as to whether or not they call you to offer you work.

3. Discipline

There must be over 419,000 cover-story articles in Guitar magazines that feature Steve Vai. More often than not, they will read something like: “10 Practice Tips from Steve Vai” or “Steve Vai’s secrets to great technique” I have read quite a few of them. They are all very helpful and informative. But I think they would save alot of ink by just giving them all they same title: ” Practice, Practice, Practice”. Of course there is more to it than that. Knowing how to practice, and actually when to not practice is very important. These articles will all give you those kinds of details and more. So, you should read them. But the main thing to remember is that if you do not have discipline, nothing is really gonna ever happen. You have to have a regular practice schedule, and you have to stick to it. When your friends are out drinking and chasing girls, you gotta stick to your practice regimen. When your buddy has box seats for the Yankees game, you gotta stick to your practice regimen. You gotta stick to your practice regimen, you gotta stick to your practice regimen. Did I mention that you gotta stick to your practice regimen? Discipline. That is what separates a good guitarist from an outstanding guitarist.

4. Knowledge of Theory

Not long ago, I saw a video of Steve Vai performing some of his works with an entire orchestra. Of course there was “Behind the scenes” footage. At one point, they showed him going over the orchestral charts with the conductor. There he was, reading a full orchestral chart with some other guy, pointing to a very specific up-beat of a specific quarter note of the measure in question. this is the kind of stuff that makes musicians look and feel really intelligent. The difference is: He wrote that score himself, and he can actually read that suff. Know your theory. You will be more employable as a musician.

5. Sense of Humor

Steve Vai is someone I wouldn’t wanna cut heads with. He’s one of the best electric guitar players alive. He knows it, as do we. But he doesn’t take himself too seriously. Humor is a very common theme in his music and his self-deprecating personality only emphasizes that. I have found that people who are really on top of their game tend to be pretty nice people. Those who are egotistical, un-friendly and difficult are usually so because they are personally frustrated with themselves. They could be better at what they do and they know it, but lack the focus and discipline to do so. So, they take it out on you. Strive to be your best, strive to keep it light. Life is short, enjoy it as much as you can. Work hard, laugh hard, wash, rinse, repeat.

6. Challenge

I think one of the things that always impresses me about Steve Vai is that he is not afraid to push himself. He always seems to be coming up with more interesting ways to approach guitar. I mean, c’mon, any 19-year old kid who transcribes a chunk of difficult Zappa work, and then has the balls to send it to him, well, this is someone who is willing to challenge himself. That little stunt not only got Steve Vai noticed by Zappa, it ultimately got him a gig in the band, as well as a very successful career as a guitarist. Challenge yourself. If you don’t then who will?

7. He is an amazing guitarist

If you are scratching your head because of my disclaimer, don’t be confused. I can love a solo, but hate the song. I can like an actor, but not like the movie. While I am not a big fan of Steve Vai’s music, I think he is absolutely a stunning guitarist. He wins in all categories; Technique, tone, style, composition and content. He simply rocks like hell, and really stays focused on being a guitarist, not a rock star. A musician’s musician.