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Joe Satriani, guitarist well beyond extra ordinary turns 52 years old today. It is a note worthy birthday. Joe is one of most gifted, talented hardworking guitarists that ever lived. His dedication to effective practice techniques, musical knowledge and unique playing style are qualities we should all celebrate and embrace.

Joe and myself actually have a common link. Try to follow this. I have actually only had two teachers in my life. My classical teacher, from eleven to fourteen and a half years old (he was an advocate of discipline) and Richard Mac, my electric guitar teacher who has taught me the bulk of of advanced tricks and techniques I use, and of course had a major influence on my playing style. Richard is easily as knowledgeable as Joe Satriani, and in the same class as a guitarist. Enough.

Richard, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai all took lessons as teenagers from a man in New York named Lou Capese (I may not be spelling Lou’s name properly). Not surprising, since the three men mentioned have similar skills, and more important, using the lessons and exercises that Joe Satriani and Steve Vai recommend in articles and lessons in Guitar Player magazine one can see the major resemblances to the way Richard trained me.

According to the story, Lou was sick one day, he asked Joe if he would ride his bicycle over to deliver Richard his lesson and help him with it! It was a good lesson, I have had the privilege of having that lesson presented to me by Richard, he saved it all of those years. If you would like to see and even try a very similar lesson, check out the new Jimi Hendrix Special issue of Guitar Player Magazine. Page 72-75. These are the type of warm-up exercises and techniques one must endure in order to reach higher levels of play. The mag is full of lessons from other guitar hero’s. The bulk of lessons are drills and exercises. Muscle memory is the key word here. No body said it would be easy, unless you are committed to 3 chord songs and not playing lead.

We saw Joe in concert a few years ago. Eric Johnson was the lead off band. What a coincidence! Eric is another story. Joe played for one and a half hours. All instrumental. There is no doubt that Joe has carved his own niche in guitar history. He demonstrated musically, that he was a great student and put his tools to use in the Joe Satriani way. He darn near wore that Ibanez JS out.

Joe was born July 15, 1956 in Westbury, New York, was/is heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. Since 1990, Satriani has used his own signature guitar, the Ibanez JS Series, which is widely sold in stores. He also has a signature series amplifier, the Peavey JSX.

To fully appreciate Joe Satriani, my recommendation would be to watch a few videos of Joe on You Tube. Guitar Players Center has hopes you will become a believer in Joe Satriani. Please feel free to comment if I missed something important in regard to Joe. Join our free blog and get your delivery sent right to your door.

P.S. In 2006, Satriani signed on as an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization that provides free musical instruments and free lessons to children in public schools throughout the U.S.A. Satriani has personally delivered instruments to children in the program through a charity raffle for the organization and, in common with Steve Vai, sits on its board of directors as an honorary member. Wiki

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