Unlike many other “shredders” of his time, Vai’s songs were and still are always very musical. He has technique and chops for days, and his attention to detail is unparalleled. Passion and Warfare - Steve Vai - Steve Vai has it all. If you’re looking to get into the blues, listen to this album and then retrace Stevie’s heroes. There’s just so much great playing on the album, and he only got better from there.
To know that this was Stevie’s debut album is incredible. The song is called Lenny, and I’ll be damned if that isn’t one of the greatest guitar tones I’ve ever heard. One of my favorite songs on the album isn’t loud at all, but transcendent like Little Wing from Hendrix. In combination from massive amounts of tone dripping from Stevie’s fingers, he also used a number of Strats into great amps, and heavy gauge strings. If you’re looking to get into the blues and trying to start with a few classic songs, you can’t go wrong with tunes like Pride and Joy, Rude Mood and Love Struck Baby. On Texas Flood, you have staples of SRV’s catalog. Eric Clapton had to pull his car over the first time he heard SRV to figure out who he was. To be able to hang out with the Kings of blues, including B.B., Albert, Buddy Guy and others, is a testament to how great he was. His riffs were just so incredible and it seemed like he’d never run out. Stevie was such a beastly player on the guitar, and after watching him play at Austin City Limits it really seemed like he was pulling inspiration out from the sky and channeling it into his fingers. I was both equal parts inspired and wanting to hang up the guitar forever. Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - I remember the first time I saw Stevie Ray Vaughan play guitar on DVD. If you’re looking to see an amazing lineup, go check them out on tour. Joe recently got that original band back together. He was a very interesting guy and gave me tons of information about the studio, not to mention he was a killer drummer. Years ago, in my first proper studio job in NYC I worked with the drummer on many of Joe’s greatest albums (Jonathan Mover). I’m sure tracks like this inspired today’s guitarists who tap (Animals As Leaders, Malmsteen, etc.). Listen to the tapping lines on Midnight and it’ll inspire you to play similar riffs. There’s all sorts of guitar goodness throughout the album. A beautiful arpeggiated slow jam with tons of feel. Later on in the album you have the iconic Always With Me, Always With You. Similar to players like SRV or Eric Johnson, you immediately know it’s Satriani. Speaking of which, on Surfing With the Alien, notably Satch’s most popular album, he kicks things off with the title track which has Joe’s signature tone. He kind of looks like an alien from outer space.
Satriani is known for his love of the Lydian mode, using his signature Ibanez guitars, doing fun whammy bar tricks, being a monster player, and of course his bald head and glasses. If you’re looking to play like Satch, check out this great vid on his habits. Even if you’re not a fan of instrumental guitar albums, you might know who Satch is. Both who’ve gone on to be legends in their own right. Surfing With the Alien - Joe Satriani - You know you’re doing something right when two of your many students are Kirk Hammett and Steve Vai. All those are classic albums in their own right, so you can think of them as a bonus!Īfter reading this list, let me know what your essential guitar albums are by reaching out on Twitter or Facebook. For instance, when I listen to something like Jason Becker’s Perpetual Burn, Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop, Zappa’s Joe’s Garage, or a myriad of other albums, I’m always presented with something new each time. I wish I could be in the shoes for those who haven’t heard these albums already, because they were magical when I first listened to them.įor those of you who have listened to these albums, it’s always fun to revisit them if you haven’t listened to them in a while and see what new thing you pick up on. For some of you, you may have heard of these players or albums. But one thing lists are good for is a starting point. There's always going to be something you left out, someone's favorite album or player. That album always lives in the sidebar of the site, so it’s a good idea to visit a couple times a month to see what’s new. There are so many I could add to this list, and if you've been keeping an eye on the site and social media, you'll know that I recommend at least one Guitar Album of the Week every week, and then explain why in the weekly Six String Sunday newsletter. The five albums below are must listens for any guitar player.
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