Motorcycle Driver – Joe Satriani
Introduction
Joe Satriani’s “Motorcycle Driver” is one of the standout tracks from The Extremist, capturing the high-octane energy, melodic flare, and rhythmic punch that define Satch’s early-90s instrumental voice. This LickLibrary note-for-note lesson breaks the entire track down with clarity, guiding guitarists through the performance’s blend of rock-driven riffs, fluid lead lines, and expressive articulation.
Packed with groove, attitude, and Satriani’s trademark sense of melody, Motorcycle Driver is a study in balancing technical control with musical feel. This lesson gives players a deeper understanding of how to approach Satch’s rhythmic motifs, phrasing decisions, tone shaping, and dynamic contrast — elements that make the track both fun and challenging to master. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this Lick Library video tutorial.
About Joe Satriani and His Influence
Joe Satriani is one of the most influential guitarists of the modern era. His innovative approach to melody, modal harmony, and expressive lead work has shaped decades of instrumental rock and inspired a generation of players, including Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, Sean Lane, and countless more. Motorcycle Driver reflects Satriani’s ability to fuse accessible hooks with sophisticated guitar craft, delivering high-energy riffs and leads while maintaining the musicality that defines his playing. Studying this track not only builds technique but also exposes the learner to Satriani’s unique compositional instincts and emotional phrasing.
Rhythmic Drive & Riff Construction
The backbone of Motorcycle Driver lies in its powerful, rhythmic guitar work. The track’s riffs combine tight palm-muting, string-bending figures, open-string movement, and groove-oriented syncopation, allowing guitarists to study how Satch balances aggression with precision. The lesson explores how these riffs are constructed, how they lock into the drum groove, and how subtle articulations bring them to life.
Lead Phrasing & Melodic Development
The melodic passages are essential to understanding Satriani’s voice as a guitarist. This lesson examines his vibrato, slides, legato combinations, and bending techniques, showing how each contributes to the vocal-like quality of his leads. Players learn how melody is shaped not just by note choices, but by touch, timing, and control.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Below are the key techniques featured in Motorcycle Driver, each with its own focused explanation showing how it supports the development of well-rounded lead and rhythm guitar skills.
Vibrato
Satriani’s expressive vibrato is central to the song’s lead moments. Learning this helps guitarists control pitch, add emotion, and develop a more vocal-like phrasing style.
Alternate Picking
Important for the tighter riff sections, alternate picking boosts speed, accuracy, and rhythmic consistency — key components of Satch’s punchy lines.
Legato
Smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs appear throughout faster passages. Mastering legato improves fluidity, reduces picking fatigue, and gives lead lines a more seamless, flowing sound.
Pull-offs & Hammer-ons
These are fundamental for Satriani’s melodic ornaments and fast flurries. They allow players to blend speed with dynamics without over-relying on picking.
Slides
Slides help connect phrases with a smooth, lyrical motion. They enable players to glide between positions and add expressive nuance to lead passages.
String Bending
Used throughout for emphasis and melodic shape, bending helps develop ear-hand coordination and builds the strength required for accurate pitch control.
Palm-Muting
Palm-muting is essential for the rhythm parts. It tightens the attack, enhances groove, and allows players to shift between percussive and open textures effectively.
Power Chords
The riff sections rely on strong, driving power-chord shapes. This technique strengthens rhythmic playing and helps lock in with bass and drums.
Syncopated Rhythms
Several riffs use off-beat accents and momentum-shifting patterns. Learning these enhances rhythmic precision and improves timing awareness.
Open-String Riffs
Open strings add resonance and momentum in the rhythm lines. They help players develop accuracy when combining fretted notes with ringing open strings.
Trills
Short trill-based motifs appear in lead fills. Practicing them increases finger strength, speed, and dexterity.
Tremolo Picking
Used in certain energetic lead embellishments, tremolo picking develops stamina and consistency in fast picking situations.
Pick Slides
A classic rock texture that Satriani uses for emphasis. This technique adds attitude, energy, and sonic drama to transitions.
Technique List with Internal Links
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...