Joe Satriani – it’s about the hands

First off, I want to say, I’ve never been a real fan of Joe Satriani. Just could never get into it. So many of my guitar friends would try.. and try.. and try to get me into it, but it just never stuck. No offense to Satriani in any way. That music just never struck that nerve. Just like so many of my guitar heroes would get an eye roll from the same friends. That’s why guitar is so fun. It speaks to all of us in different ways.

Even though, I’ve never been a big fan, there is absolutely no question that Satriani can dominate on guitar. I have tons of respect for the musical ability and how he’s able to inspire so many guitarists out there. It’s cool. He’s cool.

When I saw this video, it got me really thinking. Normally, I probably wouldn’t watch a performance of “surfing with the alien“, but this one caught my eye. Why? Because Joe is playing Strat-copy guitar into a Peavey Backstage 30 amp and using a Digitech RP200. Everything I just said there, wouldn’t be my first choice as far as gear. But I like the limitations. Joe is ripping with this and nailing everything he could (except for the dive bomb stuff, because the guitar is physically incapable pulling it off).

I love the limitation and the obvious talent in the hands of Satriani. You’ve heard it over and over.. it’s about the hands, and not the gear.  In the end, I love what he said – “That was a little painful on this guitar”. Awesome.

Let me know what you think by commenting below!