"Unfortunetly it gets harder to get better as you get better, but the better it gets the better it gets.." - Steve Vai

“Make an exercise out of anything you can’t do” - Steve Vai

this guy needs his own reality tv show. he is hysterical

Awesome teacher. I like how he doesn't just focus on mechanics, his approach is all about attitude and positive thinking. You can't love Steve Vai enough man.

I have played for 40 years and have completely dedicated my self to guitar..eventually I got to a level where I could play anything effortlessly.i ve studied all kinds of music and have been told I have developed a unique style like no ones every heard..I spent hours daily in my room playing and expressing some of my deepest emotions..I've always been told god put that guitar in your hand and he even tuned it for me..this is all very true but heres reality.....I was terrified of rejection, unsure of my abilities,never embraced the potential that others saw.I didnt believe in myself..I put a lifetime into something I was deathly afraid of not meeting my own expectations..all the hard work all the talent was hidden away..all because I didnt believe and have spent so much time fighting an internal war over something I loved deeply...one thing I never see or hear teachers talk about is the power of belief and recognizing your abilities and not what your unable to play.yes..set goals and strive to be better however guitar is about connecting,Connecting to a tone,to a certain chord or group of chords that says who you are and how you feel.i grew up in an era of competitive guitarists where most,not all,just there to show how fast human fingers can move. there are no rights or wrongs playing guitar..its all about picking it up,finding your sound,your voice,your tone within a pattern or grouping that says..hey..this is who I am..feel me and i hope you can find comfort in my voice being the guitar..be proud of whatever progress you make on achieving that..i say this and only know this because I've lived it...my fears have been so strong that i cant even take my own advise..I will die never showing the world what I have learned and what I can offer but I can tell you the guitar gave me an identity, it kept me focused,motivated and driven until one day I walked away from the internal fight ,bruised and battered from all the years of me beating myself up..if you have potential, embrace it,be proud of it and let you be you..you can find it in just one note or one chord..if you recognize what songs move you or give you comfort learn those songs first because it gives you a starting point on finding out who you are..dosnt have to be note for note but pay attention to the progression and the dynamics on how they are played...your pick hand is the key to it all..that's the emotion.. your fret hand creates the mood..pay attention to each note fretted but dont forget to listen to the distance between each note...that's really what music is..

This is like Shakespeare teaching us what pen and paper is.

If you do the things he teaches you and keep on playing, it’s impossible to make no progress. I started playing guitar as i was 30 years old. All teaching myself. If i‘ve seen this, i‘d spared a lot of time and energy. (Sorry for my english) long live Steve.🎸

36:06 People sometimes laugh about this, but...he's right you know. He really is. To be a good player, you really have to "feel" what you play. And feeling that certain note...I guess that comes with a face :) Well anyway, great video. I really enjoyed hearing him talk and explain. Cheers!

When i was a kid i could only dream of turning on a computer for a free Steve Vai lesson. I listened to cassettes and spent hours rewinding them listening by ear over and over for hours and hours.

A million dollars class are here, for FREE! Thanks Steve; thanks Berklee!

31:21 --- "it's actually BbMaj7-6-9#-11 chord"... well Steve, that "beach & palm trees" things are good enough for me.

Whenever I feel like I'm not a good guitarist I always watch beginner lessons to remind me how far I've come. I've been playing since I was 8 and really only got serious about the guitar two years ago, and now at 21, I'm hungry every single day to improve myself.

What does Steve Vai think of you? Freeze at 7:29 to find out.

Its really nice to see a Professional Guitarist taking the time to share his knowledge starting from the very basics . I tip my hat in respect

I never thought that the guy that makes me contemplate and be frustrated every time I hear him play, could sooth my mind so much with his kind words. The guy that can play everything only wanted to play one new thing every day and then became one of the greatest... Truly inspiring.

Vai doesn't fuck around! Listen to this man!

If this video was like 7 hours long I would watch it in one sit Just like it was 7 minutes

his speech is so clear and well understandable by non-native speakers

Excellent!!! I actually feel like playing my guitar again after watching this. Thanks Steve.

WHAT A GREAT AND INSPIRING LESSON FROM A MASTER !!!!!!

"It's ok Pete, just put it on anything." **upbeat music plays** "Ok, not that though."

An astonishing sound... and he manages to get it with his thumb hooked right around the neck, and barely using the 4th finger on his left hand... something most guitar teachers shout at you for!

Thanks Mr. Steve Vai. This has motivated me to start again what I tried to do many years ago but I gave up because there was no soul in my learning.

Love listening to to Steve and not just his playing , his way of thinking about the fundamentals continues to bear fruit for everyone who's open to learning.

This man is a treasure for the community. So much talent and he has no obligation to give us so much and yet he is always grounded. Guys like Steve, Satch and Paul Gilbert give me a reason to play and improve.

This man loves the guitar from his soul without any ego. He can give everything for guitar licks. That is why it makes him the best in the world! We love you Steve

Steve Vai has the most fluid, beautiful, pleasing hand and finger technique on the fretboard. It's like his fingers are magically gliding on the fretboard. Producing the sounds we hear with ease. It's amazing!

Been playing for 17 years, still realize there are things for me to learn and to brush up on. Steve's the man.

Thank you, Steve! I haven't played guitar in years, and this video really makes me want to pick it back up.

"It's actually a B flat major 7 6(9) sharp 11 chord, and it's okay to know that." 31:21

Steve Vai is his own podcast. Im an advanced guitarist myself but i could listen to him talk about guitar for hours.

36:10 "The face has to move with the bending of the note". Damn. So that's what I've been missing all these years.

I remember watching this live at my High School's Library back in 2011. I had to skip 1 class, but it was totally worth it. (:

Wow, I cannot express how much I agree with Steve's "Groove theory". This kind of attitude is exactly what got me started into really getting better as a guitarist. Listen to the man, kids, he knows what he is saying.

Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and your family this kind of help I am very grateful for loving the Guitar and in joy the person you are experiencing with this amazing project

I am by no means an accomplished player very much in the learning group but have found this so inspiring thank you so much mr Vai

Mouth connected to the finger muscle. Brilliant.

Steve(n) Vai was definitely one of the most influential person on my life way more than a musical teacher. Thank you so much!

this guy is just great, he is funny, full of knowledge and has awesome chops

Hey Steve! I've got to take this opportunity and give you my most sincere & heartful thanks..You are who & what inspired me to take guitar seriously back in my teenage years, age 34 now and music is life, rare is a time I'm NOT jammin' lol My dad in his day was an amazing player, inspired by you and Frank Zappa he was, so myself growing up listening to your music along with my fathers virtuous playing on his 86 PRS was the foot in the guitar door, but tons & tons of credit go to you. Definitely my biggest inspiration out of all the greats out there, Thanks dearly -Rock on my friend -Michael

I remember when Steve was in DLR band. He’s a monster on stage. All these guys would say Oh he’s nothing without all the effects. I used to call BS to that. There is nothing Steve Vai can’t do on guitar. He’s a master of the instrument and has been for decades. Eat’em ansd Smile still blows me away. It’s bombastic from beginning to end. Then he goes to Whitesnake and later releases Passion and Warfare. That album blew minds. It still does.

Steve has always appeared to be a very intelligent individual to me. He is also very efficient in everything, from communicating through words or through music. Plus his since of humor really takes the seriousness stress out of things and still gets the job accomplished.

"that's OK Pete, just put on anything, I don't mind - - not THAT though". Poor Pete's got the day's toughest gig

... So just like a smell or taste can bring you back to a certain timeframe, you give meaning to chords and notes for yourself. No wonder why your guitar has become your best friend^^.. The real challange is to share/translate/send these moods and memories in your play to the audience!

Thank you VERY MUCH for posting this!

38:00 "- Not Jazz please Pete! - Give me out Aneurysm over here!" (R.I.P Poor Pete The Technician, he tried.)

My fucking god! This is pure gold. Steve Vai lessons for free? Im from Spain and i just discovered this. Thank you so much! This is priceless.

For my Guitar Lesson Level 1 final exam, for my performance rather than do a cover song, I wrote an original piece. Even after just 12 weeks, I already feel like I'm a better guitar player!!! I highly recommend Berklee and I'm excited to continue to pursue my Bachelor's in Guitar there!!

great guitarist and what a grounded nice guy Steve. you sir are a legend and gentleman

I will be able to hit that double bend in Tobacco Road and I'm not going to have to sell my soul at a crossroad, just work my fingers off. Like my buddy Steve Vai did. Little ax humor. I grew up trying to play Tobacco Road and Little Green Men in my basement. How cool I can listen to Steve Vai on KZfaq. He's like my guitar hero from 16 on. Him and Stevie Ray Vaugh, but he's dead. He's like the last Steve. We must save him! Preserve the Steve Vai at all cost. After my parents died last year I dont think I can take anymore loss. I hope he lives forever.

This makes me want to go out and get a guitar! ... I mean, I already have two.... BUT YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY GUITARS!!

I love Steve Vai.

what an amazing teacher!! sheeesh! how down to earth is this guy?? and how he explains the most complicated things in such an easy way to understand! Steve Vai you are truly a legend thank you.

mr vai,i feel like playin after watching this and i am.i have trained my ear since the beginning and i sit and watch tv and when i hear music i find the notes and solo over it,its great for the ear.

One of the most important lessons I ever learned about playing is that I don't have to press hard on the string to get the note. A light touch, just enough to make the string contact the fret is enough. I stopped carving up my fingers after that and could play more often.

On ear development. I once watched a teen pianist performing a very complex classical piece on a grand piano at a nursing home show with multiple performers. There were a hundred people or so in the audience and the kid was very well rehearsed. Unfortunately the piano was in need of tuning quite badly. After the show I went up to compliment the young guy and I said What a shame they didn't have the piano tuned for you. He was like, what are you talking about? I realized that he wasn't even listening to himself play. It was just a mechanical transfer from written page to fingers. We know his family and he had pretty much been forced to take piano lessons from a young age and shortly after finishing high school he stopped playing altogether. Kind of a weird phenomenon.

I love how Steve, very subtly, gives us all the finger at 7:29 :-) Seriously, though, thank you Steve (and Berklee)! I really appreciate this video!

One of the best beginner guitar lessons whatever seen by a professional player Steve take the time show you the basics

Playing ESP in my profile pic now. I got Dimebag DR Hi-voltage 10-46 on the desk but the ones on my LTD -EC 1000 Seymour Duncans now are peakin HOT

I play a lot. I play ok. I keep coming back to this over and over. There is always something more to absorb. Cheers man

On the seventh day, God rested and asked Steve Vai to give him a guitar lesson

Steve vai doesn't plays guitar with his fingers... He plays with his soul

Most guitar lessons I've watched from experts talk as if you should know all the elements their talking about which I feel is very arrogant but not Mr Vai he's pure genius and such a respectful nice guy

I love the guitar, but I don’t know how to play. I admire good guitarists. Steve is very humble, and generous in this video. Very nice guy, and so talented.

what a successful guitarist and sales man

37:28 *_"deranged mosquito" kinda vibrato_*

36.00: "Most Important when you're stretching notes, is the face. The face has to move with the notes... Because it makes the notes sound better" HILARIOUS!! But it really shows you can't cut corners when it comes to mastering your instrument: it's a lot of really hard work and elbow grease

This is actually good advice. Especially the part of becoming one with the "groove" of the song. That is key. You don't have to be virtuouse superhero, but you have to be able to become the music to become legend, above and beyond.

Now matter how you fret the guitar, you get a jazz chord.

18:30 absolute truth.

Not a guitarist, but I found this lesson fascinating.

its awesome to hear just what he explains so well , I could never come close to his technique but his approach to music is what is so valuable to understand ..

Steve is the only one that speaks correctly and clearly, easy to understand , while the majority seem they are addressing to theirs country mates only....most of the time with too much slang in it....Satriani also speaks quite clearly, same as Steve.....I reckon they both realized they must be understood all over the world and not just in DE MOINES or COLORADO SPRINGS...etc.etc...

Great lesson. A solid foundation is the great way to growth. Steve is Guitar God

Gentleman We highly Respect You, may you have a long life, God Bless You. Amen

The best part, “ your face has to move with the note” hahaha man I love Vai

Thanks Steve

Some of the best advice I've ever heard, particularly the meditation aspect - long time Vai fan!

The difference between people who get to that level and normal people is not just the devotion of getting there its also the artist characteristics youre born with, your ability to hear in perfect pitch and the ability to visualize things. Not all people can paint like Leonardo Da Vinci just by practicing enought..

RELAXING!!! Advice worth MILLIONS!! Stress makes waste....

Steve is awesome ! His playing and concerts are transcendental

I am almost total newbie and i can understand what he is saying! Awsome and I will use this.

this video made me more interested in practicing as meditation

Addicted to your podcasts, very much appreciated, thank you !!

This is the nicest condition 7v I've ever seen Steve play😁

Steve makes my dream look possible!

My goal is to play like you!

Wow great video.. We didn't have access to stuff like this before the internet. All we had was guitar world every month Thay would have the tabs to songs ever month..

Ah, like the "Little Rascals". "Groovin on a Sunday Afternoon". Steve, your lesson style is great, imo. I learned a lot and thanks for it. You're kind of philosophical, actually, very much so, but I think it's great to think about some of the "bigger ideas", so to speak. Your observations are right on the mark. I've been playing, on and off, since '69. I'm not braggin'. If I had played "religiously", every day, over the years, I'd be almost as good as your worst day. Keep up the good work, my friend. I'm looking around for more of your stuff. Continued Good Luck!

nobody in world explain music like him

7:29 is very useful! Thanks Steve! haha

Steve?? You are simply THE best!

Not only an Amazing guitar player but also a great teacher!

"The mouth is connected to the finger muscle." - Steve Vai 2015 True dat. I do that all the time!

Funny how age works. When i was around 20 and i heard vai say here people having problems starting to play guitar because they are insecure and think they are not able too. I didnt understand how people can think like that. Now in my 30s i understand it. Our brains just work wonderfully in our youth until we are 25 its not even fully developed yet it makes less trouble than a finished one past 25.

marry the groove ....bcomez DNA wow ...amazing....luv STEVE VAI.....he's just awesome!!!!@!

It’s actually a Bb6/9(#11). No major seventh. Bb-D-G-C-E with the sixth string muted. 1-3-6-(9)-#11. You could also call it Bb Lydian.

Oh, yeah, you and Zappa were quite something together. Yea, I was watching. I really loved him. As a drummer, he really made life interesting. He used off beats more than most performers of his time. Have at it!

thanks... Loved the spiritual pe5rspective!

The guy is an actual guitar god but he is so unarogant and really respectfull, love the guys attitude