Steve Vai
Vai could go crazy on his solo stuff and then fit in well with more mainstream acts like David Lee Roth and Alcatraz. Vai has a very distinct sound. He can also shred with some off the wall riffs and make it looks easy. Yet the key fact is that he is rarely self-dulgent. Every part he plays is for the good of the song.
***Number five will be out soon.
I think Vai was often self-indulgent, but he's so creative that it was worth it. Not many guys can get away with that. His time with Zappa comes out in all that he does, which always makes him interesting. It's also interesting to note that he played in PiL and fit in perfectly. I think he's actually a better guitarist than EVH, but EVH gets a ton of points for major innovation and therefore ranks higher.
ReplyDeletei agree, much more talented than EVH. he's one of the most versatile players out there with a very unique style.
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