Purchase options
* Online stream purchase has playback speed and looping control options
Watch course previewAccess every Licklibrary course
Alternatively you can instantly watch this course and all other courses in our Store with a Licklibrary membership more info
Learn To Play Steve Vai with Licklibrary.com
Guitar Lesson Course Overview
Steve Vai, a legend in the world of guitar virtuosity, has made an indelible mark with his unparalleled technique, unique sound, and evocative songwriting. Learning to play his songs is more than just mastering a piece of music; it's a journey into the depths of guitar craftsmanship. At Licklibrary.com, we present our exclusive "Learn To Play Steve Vai" course by Danny Gill, which meticulously dissects the guitar genius behind the tracks: Yankee Rose, Going Crazy, Ladies Nite In Buffalo, and Big Trouble.
Guitar Lessons Include:
Yankee Rose
Going Crazy
Ladies Nite in Buffalo
Big Trouble
Lesson Performance Notes
Yankee Rose
A fiery anthem that opens with a playful dialogue between Vai's guitar and David Lee Roth's vocals. For the ambitious guitarist, this song is a deep dive into the realms of intricate chord progressions and explosive solos. The scale work predominantly revolves around the E minor pentatonic scale with dashes of modal interplay. The solos are rich with legato runs, pinched harmonics, and whammy bar antics, showcasing Vai's signature style.
Going Crazy
With a catchy riff that's impossible to forget and a melodic solo, "Going Crazy" is a testament to Vai's songwriting prowess. The song uses a mix of the G major and E minor scales, creating a harmonically rich soundscape. The solos are structured yet spontaneous, featuring rapid alternate picking, dive bombs, and sustained notes that cry out with emotion.
Ladies Nite In Buffalo
This track is an exploration of Vai's bluesier side. The song's ethereal intro, with its hauntingly beautiful harmonics, gives way to a rhythmic groove built around the D major scale. The solos in "Ladies Nite In Buffalo" display a more controlled side of Vai, where he employs slow bends, octave melodies, and vibrato to convey raw emotion.
Big Trouble
A tune that encapsulates the spirit of 80s rock, "Big Trouble" has riffs that pack a punch and solos that soar. The song uses a mix of the A minor and F major scales. The solo sections are a masterclass in guitar phrasing, utilizing techniques like two-handed tapping, sweep picking, and syncopated rhythms.
Steve Vai: The Maestro Behind The Music
Steve Vai is not just a guitarist; he's a musical philosopher. His contribution to these songs and countless others displays an artist who merges technical proficiency with profound musicality. Every note he plays, whether a rapid legato run or a single bent note, is laden with purpose and emotion. This course isn't just about learning songs; it's about understanding the mindset of a guitar maestro and applying those insights to your playing.
Key Techniques in Steve Vai's Songs
For those eager to master Vai's style, understanding his commonly used guitar techniques is crucial. Here's a comprehensive list of techniques covered in our "Learn To Play Steve Vai" course:
- Vibrato
- Alternate Picking
- Legato
- Tapped Harmonics
- Double-stop Bends
- Unison Bends
- Pinched Harmonics
- Tremolo Picking
- Arpeggios
- Dive Bombs
- Two-handed Tapping
- Sweep Picking
- String Bending
- Syncopated Rhythms
- Octave Melodies
With Licklibrary.com's "Learn To Play Steve Vai" course, you're not just learning to replicate notes; you're stepping into the world of a guitar virtuoso. Embrace the challenge, immerse yourself in the music, and evolve as a guitarist.
Features multi-angle high quality video lessons


All of our courses feature multiple camera angles, and online versions (lifetime streaming access and membership) additionally featured optimised device delivery, variable playback speeds and looping controls to make your learning experience even better!
Get more with a Licklibrary membership
- 1,000s of courses and lessons available to stream
- Exclusive new lessons every month
- Exclusive backing track library
- Access to every lesson and course
Technical Details
-
Code
RDR0010
-
Artist
Steve Vai
-
Media
Online Stream, Download, DVD
-
Media format
PAL Only
-
Genre
Rock, Instrumental, Contemporary, 80's Rock, Shred
-
Skill level
Expert
-
EIN No
5060088820193
-
TAB NOT Included
-
NB: If purchasing as 'DVD', please ensure that your DVD player fully supports the 'Media format' (PAL Only) that this product is available in, as indicated above.
Frequently added to order

Backing tracks minus lead guitar to: Yankee Rose, Going Crazy, Ladies Nite In Buffalo, Big Trouble.
SAVE MONEY - add this backing track to your basket and get it for JUST US$13.49
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...