Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Steve Lukather

"It’s the greatest thing in the world to be able to have something to express yourself with besides your mouth... which usually gets you in trouble anyway. In the wise words of Frank Zappa: ‘Shut up n play yer guitar’."

In this episode, legendary guitarist Steve Lukather (Toto) discusses his obsession with playing guitar, his drive as a musician, and his contributions to some of the world's most notable records.
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players.

[chriskilian]

"too jazzy for rock, too rock for jazz" Steve Lukather, professional genius.

[pgbear]

A brilliant interview with a brilliant musician. Steve Lukather is one of the greatest living guitarists. Check out his autobiography, it's a great read.

[seanvine]

It’s not just Steve’s playing that’s gotten him so far...it’s also his charm. Just a great dude to hang with. You have to have both elements. It’s not enough to be a great player. Great players are everywhere. Personality is just as important if not more important.

[danielavenell]

It never ceases to amaze me how humble and self-deprecating he is. Best all-rounder on the planet as far as I’m concerned. Love the guy.

[EVEROSFP]

Steve is one of the Men for sure...True, honest, humble, brilliant...

[liorauf]

Luke is definitely a one of the GREATEST!!! Love this man so much!!! Luke III is an absolute insane axe!!! 🤘🏻❤️

[BRNREK]

Fiercely proud to say that Steve has just been added to my list of guitar heroes, and it was long overdue. What an enormous talent and such a great down to earth guy. Just tells it like it is.

[TAB]

Steve seen you in wabash indiana awesome no matter what you do if playing with one of the beatles or ToTo or jam with eddie van you have been a great part of so many of us 50 somethings lives.... thank god bless and thank you again. Tommy emmanual, jimmie page, eric clapton, edward van halen.... have nothing on you for the sure volume and thankless music you have given us...

[dorylobel]

Beautiful human being, and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Period.

[kamaboko]

For those that play guitar, SL is not underrated. He's on top of the mountain with the best of them.

[danielnahuelpi]

1:17 "Hero with a 1000 eyes", what an underrated song

[patsun]

This is the guy and his guitar that got me back on the horseback so to speak. Paused my guitar paying for almost 20 years. Now I can’t let go of my Music Man LIII prepped with 9-42 Super Slinky EB strings ❤️

[VibhasPatil]

Luke is the one who inspired me to be a versatile guitar player. He was the first guy I listened to who could play pretty much everything. Such an underrated guitar player considering the fact that he along with Michael Landau basically were the voices in guitar for the better part of a decade. More power to you Luke!!

[saltyassassin]

Steve's not only my favorite guitarist... He's one of the best human beings out there. What a humble guy.

[F-_Crew_Chief]

"I don't know what I'd do without this thing." So true. After almost 40 years of playing guitar, I was able to get a MM Luke 4 30th anniversary, and it has changed my life. I'm playing things I never could. 🙏🏽

[MartyDadRiffs]

This rules so damn hard. Luke is the truth! Plus he played bass on Beat It?? Killer!

[nevbabas]

That beat it guitar riff is evergreen. Something simple, but memorable. Steve is a legend!

[jeffyoung]

Steve you are without a doubt my hero, my teacher in some ways, and most of all a friggin' class act sir! Great-great-great indeed man, played on so many records that nobody realizes. And still going strong after all these years dude. God bless you always Steve Lukather!

[tcaustin]

I've always thought that if you were building a dream band, that you'd want to start with Steve Lukather, he's a boundless talent and confined to no single style.

[mexicanosdelmundo]

This video & interview are pure gold. Luke's an icon, one of the most accomplished session & live musicians from the last 4 decades, and great singer & songwriter... not to mention he's also one of the coolest human beings in the music industry. Thanks to him & Ernie Ball for sharing this amazing segment.