Imagine the pressure of being the surgeon operating on Steve Vai's hand.

Next week, Steve Vai will give a concert using just his nose, and it will sound better than anything I've ever attempted 😂

Thank You Stevie, I've recently become One-handed and I can't stop crying looking at dusty guitars in every room. You've inspired me to try again!

Vai - better player than 99.99999999% of guitarists with just one hand. Not to mention his composition skills are insane and IMO severely underrated. The layers of harmony and rhythmic complexity he puts into a casual piece like this are well beyond what most mortals are capable of doing.

Even with one hand he is better than all of us. 🎸😂

"You wouldn't want to end up like me" Well actually that would be great. Yes please ahahaha

The irony is that this might be the best piece ever written...

Holding a chord for 20 minutes and meditating on it sounds like such a Vai thing to do. Get well soon, Steve!

One arm in a sling and the other hand with stitches in it and he is still fricken awesome! 🤯

Steve Vai: look after your hands Also Steve Vai: watch this song I wrote that will tear all my calluses while I have bandages on both arms

Coming up next: Steve playing a song with no hands at all.

"I still have one hand..." - the black knight

I can't wait to see what Steve has to say today. He is such an amazing guitar player! As soon as Steve's stream is done, I will be premiering a video, so feel free to head on over and load up on your guitar content for the day. Have a great stream Steve! 🤘

Sir Steve Vai, Brazil loves you! (actually, the whole world)! Long live the master! 🤘🇧🇷🎸❤👍

15:40 The way you looked at the camera, while your left hand was still playing perfectly. It was like "Yeah, my hand does his own thing, I'm just along for the ride" XD. That was truly marvelous

Steve Vai is on the short list of the very finest musicians in the world... and yet somehow is an even finer human being. More rare than Steve's extraordinary ability is is his generosity of spirit. Be well!

You know sh*t is real when Steve Vai thinks something is difficult to play.

"Vai, are you out of your mind?" The master of the space age guitar

I find it very helpful to think about health. I have been a guitar player for more than 40 years! When I was 49 years old I started having serious back problems. I did a lot of research, went to doctors and found out that the best thing for my back was to do weight training and sit a lot less and stand a lot more. Since then I feel much better! Unfortunately, the gyms have been closed since November because of the pandemic (Germany). Therefore, I work out at home. I have a home studio. But there I stand at the computer and don't sit since then!

You've always amazed me Steve. But playing an entire song with one hand has blown my mind. I wish you all the best. Get well soon, and keep doing what you do like no other. We all love you.

Steve Vai?! Automatically likes video.

What a huge inspiration this video is, under so many angles... the positivity, the search for solutions, the conduct, the character - and in the end the one-hand song. This is so brilliant and so human at the same time. So glad this dude simply is who he is. Love you Steve

Steve with 1 hand is better than most of his peers using both! Unbelievable! And what an amazing sweet lovely human being!

You can just tell how chill and relaxed Steve is through this video. Also his positivity !!

I heard about Steve's injury. We all are lucky that it healed fast

Steve Vai takes the expression "I could beat you with one hand tied behind my back" to a new level.

This kind of musician just appears maybe once in a 10 000 year. So unique and unbelievable skills. I know it takes hours of practise but his mindset and thinking is what makes him such an unique guitarist and composer. Respect!

we are so lucky to have you Vai, i send you love and health sir.

"where skill ends, strength begins" - a Finnish saying, probably quite global one, at least it should be.

Steve is now 60+ but compare to his age, he looks so young and healthy. #Legend

I am fairly confident Vai just invented a new trend among guitarist, the one hand song challenge.

“Like your butt is molded into wooden butter” - this should be the official Sonus slogan 😂

Imagine the doctor's name was Dr. Knutt. You'd be wearing a knuttsack.

Steve vai is one of my favorite guitarist of all time! Such an inspiration! Very humble guy.

Steve, Thanks for the vid. Don't worry about Dr. Knapp seeing you strum the Ax at the end of the piece. Your shoulder was mechanically stronger than the other one literally 5 minutes after he sewed you up. I had a massive shoulder rebuild, including cuff work 20 some years ago. So I'm in my chair about 3 days after the surgery in screaming pain, resting. My dog(a huge wolf/husky hybrid) went running by me. As luck would have it my pinky finger wound up catching under his collar and my entire shoulder got turned all the way around, ending in a loud, physically audible, pop. Needless to say it HURT, BAD!! So I went back to my surgeon, all upset that I wrecked his work, with my tail between my legs expecting to get chastised(or worse) about my dumb luck. Surgeon Laughed at me and told me to buy my dog a steak on the ride home. All that actually happened was the dog saved me countless months of agonizing therapy. Turns out the shoulder is mechanically strong about 5 minutes after the surgery. They repair the rotator cuff with a heat gun. It shrinks the collagen in the ligaments of the cuff like the shrinky-dinks we used to play with as kids(which were made out of collagen). Don't stress it at all, not one bit!! Good luck with the therapy.

The poking the finger through was fantastic, I never knew him to be so human, he seemed so distant when I was young.

Steve Vai is the nicest, most humble, most talented person on the planet and the whole universe depending on how many people are up in space (on the moon, International Space Station, wherever)

"You don't want to end up like me" Sure boss LoL Seriously, not many folks in your position would be so open about your predicament. Thank you for your willingness to share

Steve, I've been a fan since I saw you with Zappa in 82. Get well soon. What an inspiration. Interesting that Robert Fripp has always sat on stage when playing, presumably to keep the tendons in his left hand as straight as possible and presumably it keeps the right hand relaxed. Steve Howe always wears his guitar strap high and most classical guitarists keep the guitar as high as possible.

Probably the best 17 minutes and 42 seconds spent in my whole life. So many important things to learn from you, and the song is incredible as well! Love you Steve! Get well soon!

I’ve been to his concert! It was like God was playing on the stage! You are completely dissolved in a moment when you are around Steve. His energy is unbelievable. He is just pure love and joy, and he takes you there with him... ❤️❤️❤️

could you imagine Usain Bolt with a broken leg, and still beat you at 100 meters race

Omg. The first time I've ever heard him talk. I never expected such a chill smart guy. Impresses me more and more everytime. Get better, prayers to you

OMG you know something i have been playing guitar only 10 years now to me in guitar years thats still a child really and i never ever in my life thought i would ever be able to play STEVE VAI in any form but you know something i can see and hear the music in my head and i see myself going to different places then he does that to me is MIND BLOWING i swear playing guitar has been the BEST THING I EVER DO IN MY LIFE.

only player we've ever witnessed play with one hand that sounds like he has 100 fingers. Dude is the simply the best ever. And most of the world has never even heard of him. Love you Steve. "LIBERTY" was our walk-out song for my wedding!

my wive past away 8 years ago left me behind with my 5 kids your music helpt me true the hard moments in my live back then and still dous !!! thank you somuchts for everything mr vai have a awesome weekend and stay save ;-)

Amazing. I seen Steve with Zappa when he was 19 at the Hammersmith. He has always been one step ahead in the Etheral realms of playing. Inspirational playing Steve. Just proves that lockdown cannot keep a good man down.

I believe that posture, feeling relaxed and find the right position for your body is key if you want to be a player for ages. Most classical musicians would disagree and say 'you always have to keep the thumb behind the neck', but that actually makes you left hand tendons work in a less relaxed way and unless you keep the neck at face height, you'll have troubles sooner or later. Same for musicians who want to look cool and keep the guitar below their waist. There's no right or wrong in music or techniques, but if there's a right, it's the one that makes your body suffer the least injuries

Steve you magnificent crazy sonnofa, you've guy a hurt shoulder and nursing a healing hand and you've not let it get you down and you've written a song and playing one-handed and still a million miles above us mere mortals. You are truly an inspiration in every way as a terriffic human being and an astounding musician, much love and respect, sending ya healing energy from London. 🤘🎸👍

Yes! Hope for more Under It All as well! Bless you Steve.

Knapsack is a great piece. Incredible playing! Your to much Steve. Just pure greatness!

Brilliant. And wow, look at that Pia!! For anyone who ever doubted the transition away from Jem...

After surgery this is what his left hand is now doing...just wait until that shoulder and right hand free up! Stay strong brother Vai! Thanks for the upload!!

Steve, I don't think you remember me I did a jam with you & Joe when I was 16. What a blast and I will never forget it. I have carpal tunnel hurts like hell had the operation and all is well. Stay safe Steve & get well.

Steve is such a sympathetic guy! Also the whole video is shot without jumpcuts, He really is a good story teller. I could listen to him for ever :D

1:46 was so funny. I know you didn't mean to do that, Steve. You're Awesome as always.

A friend just sent this to me. I had double trigger finger surgery today on my left hand. I am a drummer but the doctor did not believe it was from drumming but from working in my yard last summer. I’m looking forward to not waking up with my hand looking like Spider-Man every morning. Good luck on your recovery.

Even injured using one hand Steve tells the world he’s the best at what he does.

And that is why Steve Vai is one of the greatest guitar players of all time folks. Forgeddaboudit!

So inspiring man, he pulled off an amazing composition with literally one hand. Dude I need to keep practicing

Speedy recovery Mr Vai. Funnily enough I had to comment to a youtube guitarist yesterday regarding how he sits when playing, he is always crossed legged and hunched, I am going to send this video to him, it is great advice.

While he recovers I can imagine him just picking up his guitar and it plays beautifully all by itself out of respect..

Me sawing Steve with injured limbs: "Aaah so you ARE human after all!!!" Steve: composed and starts to play an amazing tune with only one hand. Me: "Take me to your planet!"

I'm not gay but damn, The cut, the glasses, the clothes, the jewelry and even the knappsack, everything he is wearing looks like it's made for Steve.

A phrase came to mind: "with one hand tied behind my back". Still the master, though. Get well.

Never been done! Glad to be apart of this recording / filming

The Onyx PIA is incredible! Thank you for all the wisdom!

Hi, Steve, I’m from Argentina and we have a friend in common, THE GREAT CIRUELO. This video is amazing useful, few years ago I have an accident and I broke both of my wrists and after a delicate surgery and recovery weeks I discover that my left hand (I’m right) was in a different position that for normal issues was OK but to play guitar I have to re educated my self again and that situación demanded me a physically and mentally extra effort (this happened when I had 48). I forced to change the position of my hands, finges and even my arm, and this caused my big pain and no one told me what have to do at this moment even the doctors. Thank you because now I understand that one of the problems it’s that a use more pressure of my finges that it’s necessary (I think that is more a mentally issue) and this provoke more pain the same with the tension of my arm. THANK YOU A LOT!!!

That old saying 'I could beat you with one hand tied behind my back' - evidence here

Well I thank you immensely for putting your own body at jeopardy for us . Your really are an amazing human being. And I’m so fucking joyful and proud , to have had you in my life for the the last 30 years

I was told by someone when I first started out back in the day that if you START to feel ANY pain in EITHER hand then stop right away. It has served me well. When practicing go 45 mins or an hour then break for a few minutes and maybe sight read or even better get up and move around a bit. Your back and neck and shoulders and eyes need to rest also. It has served me well for almost 40 years. You need to find a good position to practice in. Keep going....

That was incredible. The playing was... unreal. I'm going to make it my business to buy one of those guitars as a thank you for the inspiration. Get well soon!

He turned an infortunate event, into a beatiful thing, you can't just stop the man. We love him so much and we are insipired every day by him. Thank you from the deep of my heart Steve :-*

I injured my left wrist awhile back playing 8 string in an awkward position for too long, foolishly ignoring the pain, and it's never been the same. I've been slowly building back my guitar chops, but I can't bend/arch my wrist like I used to be able to when doing wide stretches, and I still can't lift anything overly heavy with that hand even over a year later, though I've been very gradually rehabilitating it to some extent (couldn't even lift a full glass of water before, but I now I can handle that at least without it hurting instantly.) Still, you deal with what you got the best you can! It's very good advice you give here to not ignore pain when you feel it and listen to your body. Hope you recover soon, Steve.

I thank God for creating you... I can only imagine what He was thinking as He made you... An honor to be alive with you Mr. Vai! The Lord bless you and keep you... "You don't want to end up like me..." 🤦‍♂️

I'm sure many of you here, have already seen, the guitarist playing a classic Eagles song with a prosthetic on his left arm, he is a left-handed player. Nailing it! Sounding better with that piece music, than I can with two working hands! How important are your hands for a musician again Steve? Answer: Still Very

Steve, your positivity outshines each and every obstacle life may throw at you! Thanks a lot for being such an inspiration to all of us! Get well soon!

Right, I totally don't want to end up like Steve Vai.

Get well soon Steve! Love from Indonesia.

I've certainly suffered injuries that put the hurting on me. Starting playing guitar in 1984 at the age of 10. By the time I was 20 I could play anything except for the very most advanced stuff. Then, at 20, I suffered a deep bruise in my median nerve which left me unable to bend the tip of my thumb and index finger for nearly 2 years. There I was spending every waking moment for 10 years living, breathing, the guitar, going from doing Steve Vai's 10 hour workout to not being able to fret a C chord. It was TRAUMATIC. No money for anything but the 1 doctor's visit where he told me I had bruised the median nerve and that I needed to see a specialist. Well that wasn't happening. I came from the poorest of the poor and had to borrow money to see a doctor. And boy did I get an earful about it too. Oh, i was depressed. Life was bad. The universe just took a dump right on my dreams. So I put down the guitar for about 18 months and waited for my body to heal and developed my own rehab routine. It worked. But it took about 2 years. And by the time I was 25 I was way better than I had ever been, but I was never quite the same. I had to alter my style. Rework fingerings. I never did vibrato or bends with my index finger anymore. No over the neck chording with my thumb. But I could still play pretty much whatever I wanted, and better than ever, but I had to change some things up. Later in life I would get to go through it again, this time with my ulnar nerve. The point is, we can usually overcome these things with patience and hard work. No, you're probably not going to be the exact same again. But our mind is our greatest tool. We can re-work fingerings, we can alter our style to bridge our weaknesses while we work to strengthen them. I know it. I've done it. I've had 2 major injuries that knocked me out of playing for years. Not to mention many little things--jammed fingers playing basketball, strains doing manual labor, etc. Now I'm dealing with arthritis at the age of 47 after playing for nearly 4 decades. I'll always play. If it's in my heart to play I'll find a way. If I have to tune to a chord and get a slide I'll find a way to make music. And I know Vai will too. I'd bet my life on it.

You are so damn cool steve! I love that fact that in this day and age your are able to communicate with us like this, i could listen to you talk for hours! Living legend, i hope long life blesses you sir!

I NEVER want to hear about having to work in my right-hand picking technique ever again! 🤘😎🤘 You just made it obsolete Steve.

"Ow fuck, hope Dr. Knapp doesn't see that" made me laugh so hard! Thanks Steve for giving me hope i can get over my carpel tunnel issues.

The new ‘Knappsack’ one-hand tune at the end of this episode is destined to become one of the great wonders of the guitar world across the ages

Hes back! I love this series.

Steve's one handed playing is beyond any guitar player with both hands, hence Steve is God 🎸

Ok, Steve is insanely good playing guitar. My hero for ever

Even with the pain, he wrote this amazing, jaw dropping music. I am bowing for him.

I almost forgot he was Steve Vai until the end when he played knapsack. Thought it was just going to be a 'little lick' and now I need to work on my legato lol.

You know you're getting old when you're listening to Steve Vai talking about medicare and medical chair....

WOW, when I was already amazed at his playing, and then, he goes and does THIS. You are an inspiration Mr Vai, thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us.

I love watching you play one hand two hands i dont care. Its always a pleasure.❤

Hey Maestro! We are hoping you are healing up quickly! That Pia looks beautiful!

I remember feeling like that after trying the intro chords to LOOKING GLASS from Holdsworth. So glad I stopped before it got worse. Heal well Steve!!!

I wanted to make some jokes or whatever but i don't have the words, he has simply murge with the instrument. You'r a legend Steve, i hope you know that. And by the way thanks again for the Halo 2 theme song

LMAO!! I thought I reached the climate of Vai's hand/posture/shoulder video with "Wooden butter", but I was completely wrong. Steve.. You need to put out a video with just the song portion of this!! Awesome as usual! Glad to be a fan. And that, BTW would be an awesome name!! Wooden Butter by Sling Vai

Thanks for the update on your health Steve. Great info and Holy Moly! What a great song! And with one hand! Beautiful and inspiring as you always are and obviously no matter what your body throws at you, you manifest your heart and soul through your music regardless of hands available! ❤️👏🏻X

Great insights into grip strength. I think most of us play with our fretting hand far too hard. Way too much pressure. Been focusing on trying to relax the tension in my left hand, and use the minimal amount of pressure to play. It really does produce a more desirable effect, especially with legato. Tom Quayle has some good tips in that department, as well.

Thanks a lot for your words...I'm suffering a lot of pain in my left hand...so it is encouraging to know that YOU have recovered from something like this...

To be a healthy musician, it takes a little work and care for yourself. I developed a stuck shoulder through guitar playing. Now at 55 Im practising yoga, and stretching for my arms...everything is fine...thanks a lot for your videos...