Joe Satriani
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature JS2480
#1 SONG
The Extremist
THE SOLO
Surfing With the Alien
THE RIFF
Satch Boogie
| Birth Name | Joe Satriani |
| Birth Place | Westbury, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 69 (Born July 15, 1956) |
| Years Playing | 55 (started playing 1970) |
| Bands |
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| Genres | Alternative Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Rock |
| Influences | |
| Collaborations |
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| Net Worth | US$ 12,000,000 |
Share & Salute The Legend
Joe Satriani Biography
Career Highlights
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” – Joe Satriani
Satriani’s warm, bluesy tone and intricate phrasing, combined with his flurries of superhuman technical ability has made him one of the most iconic guitarists of his era. His albums are full of well-structured instrumentals that take you on a rollercoaster ride of challenging sonic surprises, moody moments, and out-of-this-world guitar playing.
Star is born
Joe Satriani was born on July 16, 1956, in Westbury, New York, and started playing the guitar at age 14. Joe was a quick learner and not long afterward, he started teaching guitar, with Steve Vai being one of his early students.
In 1978, he relocated to Berkeley, where he taught guitar to the likes of Kirk Hammett from Metallica, David Bryson from Counting Crows, Larry LaLonde from Primus, and Alex Skolnick from Testament, among others.
Rise
Whilst busy teaching, Joe was also working on his own compositions, and in 1984, he independently released a five-song EP called Joe Satriani. The following year he finished his first full-length album entitled Not Of This Earth, which was released on Relativity Records in 1986.
Fame
Just under a year later, Joe released Surfing With The Alien which became a global phenomenon, quickly gaining platinum status. It showed the world what a talent Satriani was, not only as a guitarist but also as a composer/songwriter and a producer.
The albums that followed including Flying In A Blue Dream, The Extremist, and Time Machine, have built on his success and made Joe a worldwide powerhouse among the musical community.
Over the years Joe has also been a hired gun for the likes of Mick Jagger who recruited him as lead guitarist on the singer’s very first solo tour in 1988, and Deep Purple for their European and Japanese tour dates in 1994. Recording duties include working with Alice Cooper on Hey Stoopid, Blue Oyster Cult on Imaginos, and Spinal Tap on Break Like the Wind.
In 1996 Joe founded the legendary G3 Tours, which initially featured him, along with Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson. Later tours would include John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Robert Fripp, Paul Gilbert, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, among others. Satriani was the only permanent member who has played on all G3 tours.
Now
After nearly three decades of groundbreaking guitar playing, Joe is still pushing the boundaries of conventional instrumental guitar music, and long may he continue giving us phenomenal albums that take us on amazing sonic adventures.
Joe Satriani Techniques
Right Hand
Alternate PickingAlternate picking involves striking the string with both downstrokes and upstrokes in a continuous motion. It enhances speed and precision. Guitarists use this technique for rapid note sequences., ChankingChanking combines muting with percussive strumming, creating a sharp, rhythmic sound. It's often used in funk music. The technique involves heavy left-hand muting., CrosspickingCrosspicking is a technique where the pick alternates across multiple strings, creating a rolling sound. It mimics the sound of fingerpicking. This technique is common in bluegrass music., Economy PickingEconomy picking combines alternate picking and sweep picking for efficiency. It reduces hand movement. Guitarists use it to play fast, smooth passages., FingerstyleFingerstyle involves plucking strings directly with fingers instead of a pick. It allows complex, polyphonic music. This technique is common in classical and folk guitar., Free HandsFree hands technique uses both hands tapping on the fretboard. It creates a piano-like sound. This technique allows fast, intricate playing., Hybrid PickingHybrid picking combines a pick and fingers for plucking strings. It allows versatile and dynamic playing. Guitarists use it to mix picking and fingerstyle techniques., Palm MutingPalm muting involves lightly resting the palm on the strings near the bridge. It creates a dampened, rhythmic sound. This technique is common in rock and metal music., Pick SlideA pick slide involves dragging the pick along the string length. It creates a scratching sound. This effect is often used in rock music., Ska StrokeSka stroke is a rhythmic strumming technique emphasizing the off-beats. It creates a bouncy, upbeat feel. This technique is central to ska music., Sweep PickingOther Techniques
Amp ManipulationAmp manipulation involves adjusting amplifier settings to change the guitar's tone. It enhances sound versatility. Guitarists use it for different musical styles., ArpeggioAn arpeggio is playing the notes of a chord sequentially. It creates a broken chord sound. This technique is used in various musical genres., Finger VibratoFinger vibrato involves oscillating the finger on a fret. It adds expressiveness to notes. This technique is essential for emotional playing., HarmonicsHarmonics involve lightly touching the string at specific points to produce bell-like tones. They add tonal variety. This technique is used for special sound effects. Harmonics can be natural or artificial, depending on the method used., Heavy Effects UsageHeavy effects usage involves applying multiple effects pedals to alter the guitar's sound. It creates unique sonic textures. This technique is popular in experimental music. For example, Steve Vai, not Keith Richards., Lead GuitarLead guitar focuses on melody lines and solos. It often uses techniques like bends and vibrato. This role is prominent in rock and blues bands., Left Hand MutingLeft hand muting involves dampening strings with the fretting hand. It creates a staccato effect. This technique is useful for rhythmic precision., LegatoLegato technique connects notes smoothly without breaks. It often uses hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique creates fluid, connected melodies., Rhythm GuitarRhythm guitar focuses on chord progressions and rhythmic patterns. It provides harmonic support. This role is crucial in most band settings., ShreddingShredding involves playing extremely fast, technical passages. It often uses techniques like alternate picking and tapping. This style is common in metal and rock music., TappingTapping involves hammering on and pulling off notes with both hands on the fretboard. It allows rapid, intricate melodies. This technique is popular in rock and metal., Volume SwellVolume swell involves gradually increasing the volume using the guitar's volume knob or a pedal. It creates a smooth, crescendo effect. This technique adds dynamic range., Whammy BarTechniques Breakdown
Joe has built a name for himself as the guitarists’ guitarist by seamlessly combining a wide array of high level techniques. He excels at sweep pickingSweep picking involves a continuous, sweeping motion across multiple strings. It allows fast, fluid arpeggios. This technique is common in shred guitar playing. (raking) and free handsFree hands technique uses both hands tapping on the fretboard. It creates a piano-like sound. This technique allows fast, intricate playing.. His accuracy with arpeggios allows him to create highly intricate lead lines and melodies at intensely high speeds. His music theory knowledge is exemplary as is demonstrated through his variations with intervals and modes, combined with his flawless major/minor/modal modulation.
Joe is a huge fan of the free handsFree hands technique uses both hands tapping on the fretboard. It creates a piano-like sound. This technique allows fast, intricate playing. technique to produce sonic complete pieces of music in one take on one guitar.
We have isolated some excellent tutorials from the man himself to support guitarists looking to emulate his style.
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Rakes and Reverse Rakes
Joe breaks down his raking (sweep pickingSweep picking involves a continuous, sweeping motion across multiple strings. It allows fast, fluid arpeggios. This technique is common in shred guitar playing.) technique
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Whammy Bar and Pinch Harmonics
Joe shows how to produce pinch harmonicsHarmonics involve lightly touching the string at specific points to produce bell-like tones. They add tonal variety. This technique is used for special sound effects. Harmonics can be natural or artificial, depending on the method used.
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Free Hands Being Used for Day at the Beach from Flying on a Blue Dream
Another stunning piece created using the free handsFree hands technique uses both hands tapping on the fretboard. It creates a piano-like sound. This technique allows fast, intricate playing. technique for two handed tappingTapping involves hammering on and pulling off notes with both hands on the fretboard. It allows rapid, intricate melodies. This technique is popular in rock and metal.
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Turning the Pick
Joe shows off turning the pick technique
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Pinch Harmonics
Joe shows off pinch harmonicsHarmonics involve lightly touching the string at specific points to produce bell-like tones. They add tonal variety. This technique is used for special sound effects. Harmonics can be natural or artificial, depending on the method used. trick
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Pick Tapping
Secrets of pick tappingTapping involves hammering on and pulling off notes with both hands on the fretboard. It allows rapid, intricate melodies. This technique is popular in rock and metal.
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Legato
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Vibrato
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Varying intervals and Modes
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Combining Chords and Licks
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Major/Minor and Modal Modulation
Joe Satriani Gear
Guitars
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Kramer Pacer Vintage Electric Guitar
Best Money No Object Guitar for early Satriani Tones such as Surfing with the Alien -
Kramer Pacer Classic Electric Guitar
Best Budget Guitar for early Satriani Tones such as Surfing with the Alien -
Ibanez JS140M
Best Budget Guitar for later Satriani Tones such as Shockwave Supernova -
Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature JS2480
Best Money No Object Guitar for later Satriani Tones such as Shockwave Supernova
Amps
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Marshall Super Lead
Original Amp Head for Joe Satriani (discontinued) -
Roland JC-120
Best Money No Object Amp for Early Clean Tones (Surfing with the Alien Style) -
Roland JC-22
Best Budget for Early Clean Tones (Surfing with the Alien Style) -
Marshall 1959HW 100
Best Money No Object Amp for Early Dirty Tones (Surfing with the Alien Style) -
Marshall 1960AX 4x12 Cabinet
Best Money No Object Cabinet for Early Dirty Tones (Surfing with the Alien Style) -
Signal Processing
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Vox Big Bad Wah
Original Wah for “Surfing with the Alian” Tone -
Vox V846-HW Handwired Wah Pedal
Best Money No Object Wah for “Surfing with the Alian” Tone -
Vox V845 Classic Wah Pedal
Best Budget Wah for “Surfing with the Alian” Tone -
Boss DS1 Distortion Pedal
Joe Satriani's career long trusted distortion pedal -
DigiTech Whammy DT Drop Tuning Pedal
Best Money No Object Effects Pedal for “Searching” Tone -
DigiTech Whammy 5 Pitch Shift Pedal
Best Budget Effects Pedal for “Searching” Tone -
Electro-Harmonix POG2
Best Money No Object Effects Pedal for “Super Colossal” Tone -
Electro-Harmonix Micro POG
Best Budget Effects Pedal for “Super Colossal” Tone
Accessories
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D'Addario EXL110 XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings - .010-.046 Regular Light
Joe Satriani's preferred string and gauge -
D'Addario Joe Satriani Celluloid
Joe now uses D’Addario picks exclusively.
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Joe Satriani Tone Focus
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The Extremist
Here we can breakdown the main tone we’re looking to achieve. We can provide more specific details if needed.
(BTW I have the previous body text stored)
Guitars
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Ibanez JS Series
Great Guitar for The Extremist Tone
Amps
Joe Satriani Videos
Note that you can move away from this tab and continue to listen to the video. Enjoying reading about your favorite guitarists while enjoying their skills.
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Joe Satriani - Made of Tears (from Satriani LIVE!)
The highest view count on YouTube for Satriani
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Grace Potter and Joe Satriani cover Cortez the Killer
This just shows how far back Satriani can push his ego to support others with his talent
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Joe Satriani - Surfing with the Alien (from Satriani LIVE!)
We HAVE to include this, not even a choice!
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Joe's favorite licks from Surfing with the Alien
Joe shares his favorite licks from Surfing with the Alien
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Satriani With Bettencourt and Kotzen
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Satriani & Petrucci
Joe Satriani Guitar Tabs
Here are some GND selected tabs with our difficulty ratings to help you choose what challenge level is right for you.
What to say? Super nice man. I was 15/16 years old. My friend worked in Tower Records, Piccadilly Circus, London. I knew that Joe would be signing for the launch of Flying on a Blue Dream. I rushed up clutching my copy of Surfing with the Alien, only to arrive 5 minutes after he’d finished. My friend saw me, looking forlorn, and ushered me into the staff room, where I met with Joe. He was so nice and enthusiastic to hear this young guitarist’s story. I thought I’d be asking him nervous questions! The guy is forever a guitar teacher (look at his student list!!!) and lives, eats and breathes our instrument!
Playing wise my only criticism is the insane accuracy. It is wholly impressive and Joe can add far more expression than other clinical speed merchants like Yngwie Malmsteen. He can craft interesting and memorable songs without any vocal lines (and luckily he learned his lesson from his one vocal outing on FoaBD). His riffs are always excellent fun to master and his lead lines transcend 99% of us!
He is a great guy and somebody to look up to who has zero ego and all the time in the world for budding guitarists. Gotta love Joe!
To clarify the accuracy issue. I just wish that there would be a little variation in his live work. The guy is so accurate that he can easily play his solos EXACTLY as they were recorded. He doesn’t, but he does have his live versions and everybody gets that. I love seeking out his work with other people live when he can just improvise. Then is when this man shines SOOO bright!
True. So fun to watch Satriani with other guitarists.
Thanks for sharing Justin! I love how Satriani has shared the stage with so many guitarists and is always doing collaborations…that also points in the direction of him being a great guy!
Satriani is easily one of the most technically skilled guitarists with the ability to play accurately no matter what!! Even with sunglasses on! haha Joe is a pure inspiration for the rest of us. He is not that accomplished in the rhythm and riff department…but everything else…amazing!