Steve Vai is one of the most versatile guitar virtuosos. He uses a wide range of techniques in adventurous compositions, being a model for all those who want to open new horizons in guitar playing. Here is a selection of licks that illustrate some of his techniques:
One of the techniques that Vai is fond of is that Hendrix "lace" used in the opening for Little Wing, for instance. Here is an example from Brandos Costumes:
Or a more extended one from Sisters:
Another technique that Vai uses frequently is sliding. Here are some slides from For the Love Of God:
Alternating bass notes and chords is a jazz technique that Vai uses in a rock context. One of the riffs from The Audience Is Listening:
And the same technique in Kill the Guy With the Ball:
From the same song, here are some octaves over an open E drone:
Vai also can use harmonics combined with bass moves. From Sisters:
Fast minor and minor7 arpeggios is another Vai technique. An example from Tender Surrender:
And Em7 arpeggios altenated with slides from For the Love Of God:
Fast scale patterns played 3 notes per string is another well-known technique. From Liberty:
Vai also uses repetitive scale patterns. In Rescue Me Or Bury Me:
Or from For the Love Of God:
One-finger tapping is often used by Vai. Here is a short example with tapping over the free B-string from A Lighter Shade Of Green:
And a much longer one from Rescue Me Or Bury Me:
Steve Vai treats each and every note: slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, harmonics, whammy-bar, vibrato, Vai uses almost every known technique to spice his solos. The beginning of The Riddle is an example:
