Circles by Joe Satriani

Introduction

Joe Satriani's Circles is a masterclass in expressive, melodic guitar playing. Found on his legendary album Surfing with the Alien, this track showcases his signature phrasing, fluid legato runs, and innovative harmonics, making it a perfect study piece for guitarists looking to elevate their technique. Our in-depth lesson at LickLibrary.com breaks down every note, guiding you through the song’s essential techniques and helping you understand how to incorporate them into your own playing. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work in Circles

Circles is a song that embodies Satriani’s ability to blend melody with technical prowess. The track is filled with smooth, flowing phrases that make use of legato techniques, harmonics, and expressive vibrato. While it may not be as overtly flashy as some of his other tracks, Circles offers a wealth of guitar techniques that every player can benefit from mastering.

Guitar Techniques in Circles

Legato

Legato playing is a crucial aspect of Satriani’s style, and Circles is no exception. This technique involves using hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, connected phrases without relying heavily on picking. Practicing legato enhances finger strength and coordination, allowing for faster, more fluid lead playing.

Tapped Harmonics

One of the standout moments in Circles is its use of tapped harmonics. This technique involves lightly tapping a fret above a fretted note to create a bell-like harmonic sound. Mastering tapped harmonics adds a unique texture to your playing and allows for expressive, ethereal melodies.

Vibrato

Satriani's vibrato is incredibly expressive, adding sustain and emotion to each note. By learning to control vibrato effectively, guitarists can develop a more vocal-like quality in their solos, making their playing sound more professional and dynamic.

String Bending

Throughout Circles, Satriani uses controlled string bends to add expressiveness and tension. Learning proper bending technique improves pitch accuracy and enhances phrasing, allowing you to make your guitar sing like a human voice.

Alternate Picking

Though Circles is largely based on legato phrasing, alternate picking plays a key role in certain sections. This technique, which involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, helps improve speed and precision in lead playing.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are used throughout Circles to create smooth transitions between notes. This technique is essential for legato playing and contributes to the fluidity of Satriani’s melodic lines.

Slides

Slides help connect notes smoothly, allowing for seamless phrasing and a more vocal-like approach to lead guitar. Learning to slide efficiently adds dynamic movement to solos and enhances overall phrasing.

Joe Satriani's Influence and Legacy

Joe Satriani is one of the most influential guitarists in the instrumental rock genre. His ability to craft memorable melodies while incorporating advanced techniques has inspired countless guitarists worldwide. His students have included legendary players such as Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett, showcasing his impact on multiple generations of guitarists. Circles is a prime example of his musical philosophy—blending emotion with technical mastery.

Guitar Techniques Used in Circles

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• String Bending
• Pull-Offs
• Slides

Mastering the techniques found in Circles will not only help you play this song note-for-note but also improve your overall guitar playing, making you a more versatile and expressive guitarist.