Introduction

	© Vincent Lagana www.the-musicbox.com

Joe Satriani (aka "Satch") – the dude who surfs with the alien. He can play fast. He's got plenty of stellar chops. However, he managed to avoid the common fate - to be adored by a few ardent admirers, yet ignored by the rest - of a typical shredder.

How?

Well, in the first place he's NOT your typical shredder. Despite all the guitaristic pyrotechnics and the obvious display of technical mastery there's plenty of stuff going on to satisfy the “regular” listener as well as the guitar-oriented freak.

Stuff like:

	beautiful melodies
	solid songwriting
	atmospheric compositions
	memorable hooks and themes
	catchy riffs
	stylistic diversity
	"singing" tone
	good production

No wonder his records sell.

For instance, in 1987 his album “Surfing with the Alien” even climbed into the Top 40 album charts and almost single-handedly resurrected Rock instrumental music for the mainstream.

In Germany his song “Cryin'” from “The Extremist” (1992) was chosen as the theme song of a soccer TV show.

You do know how huge soccer is in Europe, especially in Germany, right?

Talk about exposure to an audience of millions on a weekly basis....

Joe Satriani the teacher

Actually, in Satriani's case part of the first few ardent admirers crowd were guys like Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett, former students who were singing his praises as a musical force to be reckoned with.

Hmm...Steve Vai...Kirk Hammett...

Those names ring a bell?

Pretty cool first admirers, huh?

G3

Speaking of Steve Vai...

He's part of an outfit called G3. Worldwide people flock to the G3 concerts where 3 outstanding guitar wizards amaze their audience. Currently the line-up includes Steve Vai, Robert Fripp from King Crimson and...

You guessed correctly!

Mr. Satriani.

What to expect?

Anyways, maybe you already are a fan and don't need converting. Maybe you've lived under a rock or somewhere in a cave for the last 2 decades and haven't heard of Satch.

Who knows.

In any case, here's your chance to discover the essential elements that define this extraordinary guitar hero.

Enjoy the riffs and licks, dig into the signature Satriani concepts, apply what you've learned to our jam tracks and don't forget to once in a while vote for Joe.