Steve Vai or Joe Satriani?

[Mobius]

Poll question: Steve Vai or Joe Satriani?

This is a toughie

[midnight armadillo]

1. vai - ugh

Vai is astonishingly skilled technically, but I've always felt he played with all the warmth and musicality of an ice cube.

[Drifter]

3. He is amazing ...

He was discovered by the best. Vai transcribed a bunch of Zappa music as a teenager. He had to invent new notations to describe his music (feedback, etc.). Frank was so impressed, he hired him on the spot, to transcribe the rest of his music. Frank eventually used him as one of his "stunt" guitarists.

Technically, yes he is unbelievable. I guess I do agree that his warmth factor is a little cold.

Satriani really never did anything for me.

Cheers
Drifter

[mtnester]

2. I can think of a whole bunch better than those two

Of those who are deceased - Hendrix (also wins best ever)
Best up and coming - Tom Morello
Technical - Eddie VH
Personifies rock - Jimmie Page
My Personal favorite - Stevie Ray Vaughn (deceased)
Used to be good - Eric Clapton
Best who nearly died - John Frusciante
Metal - Randi Rhoades
Most fun - Angus

Special category - Dead man still playing - Keith Richards
Second special - best bass the past twenty years - Flea

[Drifter]

4. I hope that ...

Frank Zappa at least wins the Frank Zappa category.

Cheers
Drifter

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. I wouldn't consider any of those that you listed technically

nor mechanically better that Vai or Satriani...although they may be more fun for you to listen to or you may enjoy them more...but as far as skill playing fast, melodically and with accuracy there aren't many that compare to Vai and Satriani..maybe Kirk Hammett ..but I do agree with your picks on Rhodes and Frusciante

[DS1]

6. Right, Steve Vai can play well obviously

it's just that what he plays in his desire to impress with speed and dexterity isn't that musical

[Maestro]

7. Satriani got my vote

His albums are much more melodic and not as technically messy for my taste although I am not discounting Vai in any way. I hear Satriani's new album is quite good.