The time I saw Satriani there were a lot of empty seats but a lot of people excited to see him. He is not as popular sone other guitar heros such as Joe Bonamassa. And of course almost nobody is as popular as Eric Clapton but you know I think a chunk of his fans, especially women, are there for his songs and aren't that interested in his guitar skills. 

I've encountered a few guys at the big music store here that Joe Satriani is the best electric guitarist we've had and the proof is how many guitarists Joe has tutored. 

That is such a subjective thing to say. To YOU Joe Satriani is the best electric guitarists but to old Claude over here from Johnson City, Tennessee it's Chet Atkins. 

Can you think of anyone who became a superstar because of their ability on an electric guitar alone? 

See what I mean. Eric Johnson, Steve Morse, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani are NOT superstars. Not close to Eric Clapton's level. And I submit Clapton is a superstar more for his overall show. Vocals, material then guitar. 

Someone just Emailed me to point out Jimi Hendrix became a superstar off of his guitar but Eddie Van Halen probably was more famous for the overall songs/sound of the band. 

Satriani is very good and fun to watch if you are an electric guitar fan. 

This is technically well advanced. To look at it technically Satriani is above Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Duane Allman, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and others I like much better to listen too just to enjoy the music. Derek's new albums are what I'm hot for right now and I don't even own a Satriani album. I do play him on YouTube every now and then. 

But technically you have to admit Satriani is a monster!! Here is the proof. 

Then here is Steve Vai taking it to a higher level technically!! 

Look at the contraption Ibanez built for Vai. It's a triple neck bass guitar, lead lead guitar and twelve string rhythm guitar all on one guitar strap and Steve Vai plays all three guitars simultaneously and flawlessly. Technically well advanced of what my favorite guitarists can do. 

But do you wanna listen to this everyday? 

Thanks for the vids robertdee (these and all the ones you post) - great player, I should have more of his stuff than just Surfin W/The Alien on vinyl - thx for the headsups jszfunk, always appreciated

Posted by: @stephen

Thanks for the vids robertdee (these and all the ones you post) - great player, I should have more of his stuff than just Surfin W/The Alien on vinyl - thx for the headsups jszfunk, always appreciated

You are welcome. I dont have all of his stuff, but I highly recommend "Whats Next". Glenn Hughes and Chad Smith back him on the whole thing.

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kDluOb1aMyQjtTsWo1I59A9RDPl6xxyHE

@robertdee - I get where you're coming from and appreciate your assessment of Joe's (and Eric J's, Steve's et al) skills.

These guys certainly play with style and finesse that is difficult to copy.  Sometimes, though - they play the notes too fast to even hear and appreciate them.  It's almost like watching those hot dog eating competitions - sucking down food so fast that they can't possibly even taste or enjoy it.

There are many (MANY!) styles and methods for playing guitar.  Take Jeff Beck's song, "Because We've Ended As Lovers".  A lot of slow bends and a few fast arpeggios.  You can feel and taste every lick that Jeff puts into that song.  It's slow and methodical.  It is ABOUT something.  This style of playing is more appealing to the average LISTENER of guitar.  

Those "100 notes per second" guys are certainly impressive.  It is a fact that most players can't play like that.  Most of the people who are impressed by these fretboard gymnastics are generally younger guitar players.  I have seen Steve Morse and Eric Johnson many times (Steve more than Eric) and for me, those two guys transcend this approach.  They incorporate some of that shredder style, but interlace it with touch and sensitivity.

I have nothing but awe and respect for Joe Satriani. 

@rusty I agree. I still have my vinyl copy of Blow by Blow by Jeff Beck. One of Jeff's best and one of the great rock albums of all time. 

I like these two guitar players. Only saw Toto once in 1979 I think was the year. 

This is "Because We Ended As Lovers" but by Lee Ritenour and Steve Lukather. 

What make is that big bass guitar? 

Neither of those guitars have single coil pickups it seems. I see more and more Strats at the big music store here without single coil. 

Good old Les Pauls don't have all the variety from the original guitar which I like. Les Pauls are virtually all the same electronically aren't they? Ibanez, Jackson, Kramer etc with their super Strat versions may be why Fender is offering so many variations of the guitar. 

But it's kinda like a Chevrolet with a Dodge Hemi engine. It's not what you are expecting.