Joe Satriani: An Interview with the Guitar Legend On Gear, Innovation and a Life of Musical Discipline
We had the pleasure of speaking with guitar icon Joe Satriani about his gear, signature tone, and what continues to inspire his creativity after decades in music.
Photo credit: Eduardo Peña Dolhun
Joe Satriani is a virtuoso guitarist/songwriter. He has released 19 solo albums, with the classic 'Surfing with the Alien' reaching number 29 on the Billboard charts. Joe has sold over 10 million albums and has taught other guitar legends like Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett.
I was lucky enough to talk to Joe about his gear and what inspires him.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: Modern technology allows guitar players to see what their favourite musicians are doing through YouTube tutorials. Do you feel transcribing music by ear is becoming a lost art?
YouTube tutorials are a great tool for learning. Having so much music available to see and hear instantly is something I would have loved when I was starting out as a 14-year-old guitarist. There are fantastic ear training videos online too!
Musicngear: You have taught many legendary players like Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett from Metallica. Have you met other guitar players on your travels as a musician that showed you some unique techniques on the guitar?
I have learned quite a bit from all my G3 tours. Standing next to the greatest guitar players night after night, you definitely start picking up on things. And we always share our ideas and techniques with each other, so it’s a great way to push your own musicianship.
Guitars are quirky and unique individual one-offs. When you find one that delivers the goods over and over and time after time, you hang to it
Musicngear: I'm interested to know your thoughts on Amp modelers like the Line6 POD. Do you think the visceral feeling is different playing through a Marshall amp as opposed to an amp modeler?
I really enjoy the ToneX system. IK Multimedia has an innovative approach to modelling and a good design team working on their products. They make the software and hardware fun and easy to work with. I still enjoy using tube amps on stage.
Currently, I am using 3rd power amplifiers and speaker cabinets. It’s the best live sound I’ve ever had.
Musicngear: The advancements in technology with music gear are now moving so incredibly fast. Do you have a piece of vintage gear that you still use that you feel cannot be replaced?
My 1958 Fender Esquire. Nothing beats it for that kind of sound. Guitars are quirky and unique individual one-offs. When you find one that delivers the goods over and over and time after time, you hang to it.
Photo credit: Jon Luini
Musicngear: Guitar players everywhere are always looking to improve their tone. Do you feel there is any specific gear (i.e., strings/preamps) that helps improve a guitar player's tone?
You’ve to listen to the sound your fingers make, all the time. You have to work on your intonation all the time. These two disciplines come first, then the amps and pedals, etc.
Musicngear: You have played the guitar for decades. What inspires you today to practice the guitar?
I am always trying to get better each and every day. I wake up every morning wanting to write a new song, create a new painting, and figure out a new way to communicate to the world through my art and music. I’m eternally grateful that my fans have gifted me this opportunity to live an artistic life.
The SatchVai Band, featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, tour the UK and Europe from June 13th until August 2nd.
Tickets are available from - https://satchvaiband.com/
Listen to 'I Wanna Play My Guitar', the new single from the SatchVai Band, featuring Glenn Hughes on vocals
Connect with Joe Satriani
Facebook / X / Instagram / YouTube / Website
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
In this section of the blog we host interviews with established but also up and coming artists we love and recommend as well as music industry professionals with tons of useful information to share.
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