My Favorite Riff with Nikki Sixx: Steve Vai

Legendary shredder and melter of faces, Steve Vai, talks about the mentoring he received from Frank Zappa, his favorite Led Zeppelin songs and more on this episode of My Favorite Riff, our video series where some of the world’s greatest guitar and bass players, along with future stars, talk about music, gear, and most importantly, riffs.

[samscheffer]

If ever there were a musician that deserved to have a "rock star" ego, it would be Steve Vai. Yet he just seems cooler and more humble with each day that passes.

[KesslerMickschGeorgeII]

watching steve vai sit on a couch and stumble through a song is totally worth the watch.
he's human after all!!

[davedoucette]

That smile Nikki had while Steve is shredding, I had that same smile, thank you Nikki for this interview, freakin Steve Vai is a guitar god.

[wwtastingroom]

I like seeing Vai struggle to remember some of those old riffs...it proves he's human.

[nodaysback]

Why the heck would anybody thumbs down this? It's just two dudes having a friendly talk

[conanthedestroyer]

No one plays like Steve Vi. He has such a melodic gift and he is the real deal.

[axekicker]

Sixx really is the best interviewer out there, he's always sincere, interested and keeps the conversation going where you want it to go. Great.

[scottskinner]

This man has literally forgotten more riffs in the last 25 years, than I've LEARNED in the past 25 years

[GrovesGuitars]

Yankee Rose was a huge deal. That vid was the pinacle of 80`s LA rock. David`s new band with the hottest guitar and bass player in town. The impact of that debut should not be understimated!

[tribunation]

I met Steve back at 2004 NAMM. An absolute genuine person. Very nice guy. He talked to me like a normal human being. Paul Gilbert is a great guy too.

[GatorMan]

To me it's so cool to see such a guitar legend be so nice and so open and it's also cool to see him make little mistakes that show you he really is an awesome down to earth human

[danisanchez]

Steve is such an intelligent person he always blows my mind

[jimdavignon]

Vai is on the Mt Rushmore of all time rock guitarists. Fascinating and intelligent guy as well. Great interview

[nitrokyosho]

i met Steve Vai back in 1999 at the guitar center in Manchester CT he autographed my guitar and took pictures with me and signed album covers, he was such a nice guy and did not rush me off he listened to me talk, such a awesome intelligent awesome guitar player.i promised steve i would not sell the guitar on ebay and i still have it and all the pictures framed still on display through out my house.i feel honored and great full for having met him

[robistocco]

OMG that arpeggio from the Zappa's days, it's sooo amazing!!!

[DarrenMatthes]

Steve's "shredding" is like painting with sound! And it's awesome!

[lemonpi]

Steve is so smooth.... wish i had even half the smoothness he has between notes and phrases....

[leemundy]

My favorite Steve Vai song is "Bad Horsie", it just does things to me on a visceral level, one of the nastiest licks EVER!

[scottcoombs]

I regret that have but only one thumbs up to give for this completely totally awesome moment to hear Steve Vai!

[evhleppard]

Loved the zappa riff he did. Steve is always so fluid in his playing, great stuff.