Vai, Steve

Steven Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 in Carle Place, New York) is an American guitar virtuoso, composer, and record producer, notable for having received a Grammy Award (along with nine nominations) and being cited as an influence by many guitarists from the 1980s and onwards. more...

Early life

When growing up, the young Vai became interested in rock giants such as Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper and Led Zeppelin which led him to take up learning the guitar. Prior to attending Berklee College of Music , Steve frequently jammed with fellow guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani (Satriani being Vai's former teacher), and played in numerous local bands. He has acknowledged the influence of many guitarists, including Jeff Beck and fusion virtuoso Allan Holdsworth.

Work with Frank Zappa

It was also at this time that he became fascinated by the music of Frank Zappa. Steve mailed transcriptions of Zappa's guitar solos to him, and after meeting Vai for the first time he was so impressed with the abilities of the young musician, Zappa hired him to do work transcribing his seemingly endless array of experimental symphonic rock. In these formative stages of his career, Vai's talent was showcased on such songs as "Moggio" and "Stevie's Spanking".

While employed by Zappa, he would at times tour with Zappa's band and engage in a friendly competition with the audience, wherein audience members could bring in musical scores and see if Vai could sight-read them on the spot.

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