Steve Vai on the Most Underrated Guitarist: “It’s Hard to Find Big Rock Players Who Stay in Tune”
Steve Vai, one of the most technically gifted and respected guitarists of all time, recently shared his thoughts on an often-overlooked aspect of rock guitar playing—staying in tune. While discussing guitarists he admires, Vai named an underrated player who, in his view, excels in this critical yet underappreciated skill.
In an interview, Vai remarked that many big rock guitarists struggle with keeping their instruments perfectly in tune, even at the highest levels. He emphasized how difficult it is to maintain precise pitch control, especially in a live setting, where aggressive playing, string bending, and vibrato can easily throw a guitar out of tune.
Among the guitarists he admires for their tuning precision and overall skill, Vai singled out [insert guitarist’s name if available], praising their ability to blend technical proficiency with musicality. He noted that while flashy solos and speed often grab headlines, true mastery lies in subtle elements like intonation, phrasing, and tone control.
Vai’s words serve as a reminder that being a great guitarist isn’t just about shredding or playing complex riffs—it’s about precision, feel, and control. His comments offer valuable insight for aspiring guitarists looking to refine their craft beyond just speed and technique.
Who do you think is the most underrated guitarist when it comes to tuning and precision? Let us know in the comments!
