Steve Vai "How to be Successful" Private Sessions Guitar Center

[MrDeamon1]

I was trying to see past all of that, that's a nice SG , behind the legacy

[rschultz]

Yoda moment!

[jakeguitar132]

whats the tune all through the video? i know it but im lost for the name

[landonech]

@jakeguitar132 "Whispering a Prayer"

[willweagraff]

STEVE VAI HAS WEAKNESSES LOL

[fzzzzzzzy]

The most profound thing he said is, "I don't work on my weaknesses. I ignore them, and cultivate my strengths." This is a koan, and a road map. Work on your weaknesses and you will develop a versatile, muscular mediocrity. Cultivate your strengths, like a gardener, and something real grows.

[lowenghard]

SENSEI has talked

[stefanoskoleniaris]

2:58 thats why i like playing the guitar

[Martin1968Boats]

Hi Mexkita dont be dissappointed with few people listenining to Vai and Justinbierber selling more. Biebers music will die but Steve Vai his music lives. Rock music and Guitar will never ever die. The Guitar is a Mystical instrument.

[Mexkita95]

@Martin1968Boats hope you are right... i don't want to live in a world without vai's music and rock n roll

[alextw13jf]

Very nice person indeed; he's so good in explaining that I'd recommend listening to him talking even to non- guitarist.

[MusicologoImperfecto]

I have never seen a guitar player speak like that... you see.. that's how I know STEVE VAI IS SOOOOO IN LOVE WITH MUSIC.

[MIKEPORTNOYING]

"I don't work on my weaknesses. I ignore them and I cultivate my strengths."

That is why Steve will forever be a mediocre guitar player and musician.

[saulhudson420]

@MIKEPORTNOYING HAHAHA a mediocre guitar player? I would love to see you play 'Eugene's trickbag'.

[sieuminh]

@MIKEPORTNOYING I don't listen to Steve Vai a lot, or worship him, but let's hear you Sir ...

[wriglarzzz]

@MIKEPORTNOYING Id agree that quote is a bad one, but hes amazing. dont dis vai dude

[Mexkita95]

it's sad to know that a music video from justin bieber has millions of views, while this inspiring video, with inspiring words from such talent only has almost 400000. what is happenig with the world??? what happened to people?? why did they decide to hear shit????

[Zrokool123]

later that night...Gem went home a hung itself by its G string..... :(

[MCLOVIN50]

I love how Vai is so humble and philosophical...the music industry needs more people like him

[cichowina]

Is this a certain song or just an improvised solo?

[freeezeout]

@cichowina the song is whispering a prayer

from alive in ultra world.

[jonlarry0507]

Interesting...

[LukeBerto]

It's pretty curious that every talented (very very talented!) musician I heard speaking about their mindset said these things... I'm not a guitarist, but this transcend instruments and goes directly into Music. Infinite gratitude, Steve

[rocsid91]

7:07 what a look! :-)

[believer06]

Having a mother who worked for a celeb like Frank Zappa doesnt hurt either...

[saulhudson420]

@believer06 Working hard and actually pursuing your goals doesn't hurt either...

[metalfreak4677]

Does the whole selling your soul thing work? I'm not kidding....

[franciscomoragaa]

most inspiring thing i've ever seen, thanks steve

[Slashy505]

My goldfish watched this, now he's a shark!

[Psalm6969]

One does not simply turn off the internet.

[HiPPoKryPtiC]

well ill be... i was going to tell you to type in " boot dagger boogie" and hear that solo thats a little over a minute in...so you all could hear even another amazing modern guitarist that might blow your minds, but this is so incredibly awesome, i dont really care to. very sweet compositions im hearing

[Darkulla]

I didnt know Dr. Wilson from House. MD could play the guitar

[zakqwerty1]

what is this song but?

[4JayeP]

Did he bring his fan with him?

[lorenzosementilli]

vai's pure like a Rose ! a real Artist inspire by Zappa..best wishes Bro!!!

[selske23]

also, being talented as shit helps.

[MrSkinnyWhale]

@selske23 nah, guitar is all about practise. Of course it's easier when it comes naturally, but even the clumsiest nincompoop (lol) can do it if they want to, just gonna take longer.

[saulhudson420]

@selske23 Yeah because he doesn't use to practice for hours every day, he just woke up on day and started jamming like a god.

[selske23]

@saulhudson420 EXACTLY :D

[playingforbritain]

1:58 ITS ALL SUBLIMINAL!!!!

[boosted928]

Steve Vai is truly one of my idols. Amazing.

[maniac1705]

hehehe the bg song goes very well on his speach :D

[nelson48able]

thank you

[TheBluesFlame]

Them ninjas are cutting them onions again!!

[ElvenLord3]

So f*cking inspiring. Thanks for that Steve... Thanks.

[xxbrkdwnxx]

when he does his vibratos it's like he's finger sexing a ladies c-c-c-c-clitoris...ahem.

[xEMeehanx]

@xxbrkdwnxx way to be a fucking wierdo

[xxbrkdwnxx]

@xEMeehanx yeah finger fuckin' girlies is so weird. it's cooler to be gay.

[CorSanctus]

you are awesome! and you are so right: stay focus on your own thing and do best you can.

[bezzarguy]

Incredible guitarist,cool dude. 

[abbonent]

This is Steve Vai's greatest video on youtube.

[Martyfriedman001]

this is the most inspiering  video ever

[pob1989]

@Martyfriedman001 I believe you mean inspiring.

[Martyfriedman001]

@pob1989 yeah sry I suck at english.

[TomPlanetVideos]

You're a great man Steve...a great man :)

[spiritshifter]

Does anyone now the name of the song playing ?

[blackeyed1995]

hahahahaha I'm a silly! i don't saw it! steve was the user whos upload the video, thank you so much, again Steve Vai!

[blackeyed1995]

the best guitar Lesson i haved! :') thank you so much to steve vai and the user whos upload the video!

[teacherluciano]

I'm trying to write down every word he says...but I can't get this: "The more you’re able to crystallize that vision, the more you’re gonna…you’re gonna become a self- fulfilled prof… ...?" Can somebody help? Thanks a lot!

[teacherluciano]

proficient?

[sameo1000]

@teacherluciano prophet =)



[teacherluciano]

@sameo1000

Thanks a million sameo! I'd considered that...but it didn't make much sense at first...now I think it's great use of language!

[TheEpicion]

@teacherluciano Prophecy

[MartyPlaysMusic]

Best lesson ever.

[m0j0b0ne]

@wademosher , the tune is maybe my favorite of anything Vai ever wrote; who knew he had it in him, after all that shredding?

[1000umphreys]

very positive!kool!!!

[chuptala]

Que basura de tipo.

[highintel]

playing the guitar was my what? Juice? Use?

[InuSama95]

Wow, this just got me super inspired. I'm counting down the minutes till I can head out for band practice tonight. I feel as though I can do almost anything musically right now.

[mirekkoz]

like this point of view :)

[Dumpel2010]

what`s the song in the backround??

[scorpionz44]

i dont think ive been more inspired in my life

[AngelRiveroMusic]

Thank you Steve

[andimb11]

Alguien sabe como se llama la cancion que esta tocando ?

[AngelRiveroMusic]

@andimb11 Whispering a prayer

[m0j0b0ne]

went from one bar to the next, and all I got was drunk...

[wademosher]

@m0j0b0ne Ha ha! Mojo, watching this video & saw your comment. Small world! Amazing playing & tone on this tune, huh?

[AzizRaeesi]

Great advice from the master!

[MrMEGATRON79]

It's good that even someone as talanted as steve is still humble and puts over other guitar players. He is still the god of guitars to me and i would love to be as good as him.

[ImTheMetalGuy]

Im Inspired. Thank you Steve Vai

[zetareticuliband]

I make music playing bass and guitar....but I don't expect to make money off it considering its almost impossible to make money off music that isn't mainstream rap/pop.

[ManifestPanda]

@zetareticuliband Black Keys are a rock/blues band and they're huge, they've only been around for 10 years. Mars Volta play progressive latin rock and sell tons of records, also only a decade old. Stick with your passion, it's better to be fulfilled than wealthy.

[scorpionz44]

@zetareticuliband thats just the opposite of steve's point

[somedoodudontno]

@Jambiwana 4chan scares the hell outta me. I go to the safer yet very vile Funnyjunk

[argyify]

Steves vibrato reminds me something else!

[audiobunch]

jimi hendrix rip off ! saw SV live several times, overated

[somedoodudontno]

@burpo What you did there, I saw it

[legendsveil]

Awesome :)

[urit1962]

Here is another thing that holds most people back - talent.

[burpo]

@urit1962 and duct tape.

[urit1962]

@burpo It does make it difficult to shred.

[worldwidebum]

Great message!

[pebblefrog196]

So inspiring. Gosh, He's a fucking angel

[pebblefrog196]

So inspiring. Gosh, He's a fucking angel

[Skippa2009]

Love what he's playing in the background!

[thefaketahare]

@Lengsel7 potayto potahtoh

[Lengsel7]

@thefaketahare whatever wutevah

(picks up guitar, and gets back to the method book)

[Puffdaddystinks]

I felt like i was getting hipnotized and having theropy by steve vai at the the same time. Really inspiring video tho.

[somedoodudontno]

@kisscake5 You make me lol so hard because you really have no idea who I am! This is NOT the only thing I have to do. And I'm going to have so much longer than fifteen minutes because of some YouTube video. Oh man just stop lol you are in no place to judge me. XD

[mreaux]

had the awesome pleasure of meeting Steve and working local crew for one of his shows. i stood on the stage during his soundcheck just feet away and he was amazing to watch. nice guy. his point is that you cant just pick up a guitar and expect to play a difficult or any song for that matter just because you think you can. Practice and learning to focus attention to that practice makes for a better player. ive tried to teach ppl who have no ambition or will to practice hence why they quit!

[somedoodudontno]

@kisscake5 Hahahah I believe youve gotten off on an eccentric tangeant irrelevant to my current situation. You see I was successful there, wasn't I? I entertain people, and according to my ratings, I had success. :)

[kisscake5]

@somedoodudontno every clown has his 15 minutes of fame . If you call that "success" you are just a mediocre guy with nothing better to do rather than be a buffon and hope for a few thumps up. Sad.

[Hotclubdobrasil]

Meu Deus....como alguém pode tocar guitarra de forma tão bela????

[shaqdaddy11]

When i first started playing guitar a friend of mine said "how many diff ways can you play 1 note"? I didnt really understand what he ment then, but listening to Steve, i get what he was talking about. Steve has songs that often start out with a melody and he plays that same melody 3 diff ways. Yet it does not sound like hes repeating the same thing because he plays it a lil diff every time. It sort shows you how simple things can sound so beautiful..

[npunk42]

A great lesson from a great teacher. You can turn off the internet as easily as turning off the TV, the XBox. One can overcome their weaknesses by developing their strengths, it isnt either/or its one thing leads to the other.

[uttz9]

I love this man and his music. His outlook is profound as his playing.

[fenderbender359]

he is so philosophical right now baked

[stringslayer97]

he has so a beatiful tone :O

[ShredManFretShredder]

What he was saying.. honestly i had been thinking something similar but didn't know how to word it. Thank you Steve!

[bambarby]

this is good shit bro

[RRA77701]

Ignoring your weaknesses means avoiding the things that you are not yet suited for. He told us to develop what we can do and you know what, developing that strength will make our weaknesses a challenge. Steve Vai you are the man....Still cannot believe such rare inspiring videos has dislikes...:(

[bbejkov]

some derren brown shit...

[1chihira]

JUST LET THE ONES WO CAN PLAY PLAY THE OTHERS OFF OUR CAN SHARE THAT'S WHAT I CAN DO THE BEST

[wilifili1]

man it sounds so corny with that song going on behind

[Xeter245]

This is a really inspiring and great video. Steve is such a nice guy, and really knows what he's talking about. Great!

[MrHoskinator]

Whispering a Prayer. So good :)

[thatwasbuttery171717]

can someone please tell me what he was playing if it was a song.....it was fucking beautiful

[Flyersmag]

@thatwasbuttery171717

whispering a prayer....beautiful

[Dajia20915]

steve so crazy!!

[maxvideostorage]

I know what the world needs. More people like Steve Vai. Such an amazing person

[Vraptr7]

Every time I listen to Steve, I am inspired to pick up the guitar and find new heavens! He is everything I ever wanted to become growing up in the late 80's from a musician standpoint. Steve, I am glad you are still out there inspiring and exploring new horizons! Your playing will always be without borders and will be rememebered as just that - without any limits!

[jijiggybounce]

Stevie is a fucking wizard

[ghsdfghsfghfghfgn]

there's not enough words to describe this extremely talented musician/composer..he definitely has godlike skills unsurpassed by anyone in my opinion..

[darkmetal39]

words of a master !!! i will do what he said and i will do all that i can to make it true ! thank you so much steve vai :)

[6672rock]

Words of wisdom from the master himself! Well put Steve! I couldn't have said it better myself! Keep on rockin' that Ibanez guitar!

[Raindancermusic]

Incredible guitarist, brilliant video. This helps me so much. Thanks Steve, you are a legend, and a gentleman.

[MrSmokinhotdude]

steve vai i wish i could tell u in person u are legendary

[MrSmokinhotdude]

his skills come from god himslef and his guitar was made by god himself

[bejamillion2]

but oh my goodness, this is a beautiful piece of music

[bejamillion2]

my choir teacher told me today "the first step in being successful is showing up."

[shaofu424]

the only thing holding you back is the way you are thinking... thank you, teacher... namaste...

[Breeeidem]

@voltron1774 to play 15 hours a day will not be able every day.. me for my self play constantly 12-13 hours a day.. im so proud I can play the whole petrucci solo album, not perfectly, but every song.. and that after 2 1/2 years playing guitar at all. it is how he says, you need the feeling, the vision.. in my case it even limits to additction. i was very motivated, thank you steve :) now I am double motivated

[Jazminmin14]

almost makes me cry :')

[xLr8Rseven]

Can't wait for G3!

[Mrjeffrulez95]

Inspirational... Period

[Voltron1774]

That's all fine and dandy. But when it comes down to it learning takes ALOT of practice. I remember vai doing another interview talking about him literally practicing for 15 hours a day most normal average people ain't gonna do this and most people ain't vai either. lol So consistency is the key. People always wanna say "man that guy is talented!" well that "guy" worked for it.

[3214heythere]

@Voltron1774 Don't You mean that "Vai" lol But seriously I agree with you 100%

[SantinoFilippoFarro]

Really awesome philosophy, things I have never stopped to think about or even have realized before now.

[BeakerArk]

Man. That was beautiful.

[clawlok]

What is the name of the song he is playing if anyone knows?

[MrPizzaguitar]

@clawlok Whispering a prayer love this song :D

[clawlok]

@MrPizzaguitar Thanks man :)

[dahnraelz]

I'm not really sure what a person with the cleanest technique there is means by "ignoring his weaknesses". Possibly style-wise, definitely not technique/musicianship-wise. Not a good message to put out there either. Have fun with the guitar, don't beat yourself too much about stuff and mainly keep playing. But man, do correct your weaknesses..

[fightmate]

@dahnraelz i think what he really meant was to not be affected by your weakness and just keep going

[ConnorGilks]

@dahnraelz I disagree, I wouldn't say correct your weaknesses, but correct your bad habits. People aren't going to remember you for your corrected weaknesses, but your strengths.

[bandit7498]

@dahnraelz I've been playing guitar for over 20 years now and I get exactly what he's talking about. If your goal is to be the top shredder around then by all means go to the woodshed and practice all the technique in the world. What he's getting at boils down to, if you're trying to write a song, use what you know and what you feel to express whatever it is in that song you're trying to say. In other words don't use techniques you haven't mastered to express yourself. It won't work

[kisscake5]

@dahnraelz I think he is talking from a general point of view rather than just the instrument. I think he is trying to convey the idea of focusing on what you want and what you can do, rather than focusing on your flaws or the thing you cannot do.

The whole point for me is to enjoy what you are doing instead of being anxious all the time about not be fast enough, clean enough, successful enough, etc. Is like what Victor Wooten always says: "play music, not techniques".

[575gtcFerrari]

@dahnraelz i think what he was trying to say was don't play what it is that you don't want to play. play what you want, guitar should be a relaxing or stress releasing thing to do. and to kind of add flair to what it is that you are good at because that's what is going to make you stand out as a guitarist, and make you different.

[JoeAlvEsp]

@dahnraelz Maybe he is talking about genres or his voice

[44srykez44]

i would love to have him as a teacher

[TheSugargliderkid]

@44srykez44 if only ..... We could .... CLONE STEVE VAI

[somedoodudontno]

3:28 One does not simply, "Turn off the Internet",

[makerKID5]

@somedoodudontno omg I lol'd so much reading your comment!

[kisscake5]

@somedoodudontno That's exactly the kind of mentality that prevents you to be as successful as you want to be. That's why Vai is a master and you a mere listener.

Everyone who has at least an average intelligence got the point. Be serious, don't be stupid.

[burpo]

@somedoodudontno Many are turned ON by the internet.

[Thompsongs]

@somedoodudontno ....into Mordor.

[Jambiwana]

@somedoodudontno the very air you breathe, is a poisonous trol.. not with ten thousand 4chan accounts could you do this.. it is folly

[waterkeeper03]

that circular motion with the vibrato... damn man that just makes me crazy, it's like those strings just liquify to his touch.

[thisischavez]

That sly little grin he has the moment before the screen goes black at the very end says it all.....he's badass, that song is badass and he knows it....

[knglerxst]

I love Steve Vai's music, but I hate overly simplistic self-help bullshit.

[clayphish]

Good advice, but I gotta say.. the music at 1:27 sounds like it came from the Teletubbies show.

[harryflocyberman]

Good advice, I remember when I seen someone play comfortably numb and I had a strong desire to learn it and when I finally owned the song like Steve said, it was such a rush because others heard what I was hearing and they would tell me that I nailed it. I think above everything you must have the desire and passion to play and let go and let yourself flow into it, if you don't have that you will never have the drive to polish your skills and end up a lazy hack and settle for mediocrity.

[josaturated]

Ste is full of Shit But one hell of a guitarist

[Decrypted33]

what a legend