Steve Vai, one of the most respected guitarists in rock history, shared his thoughts on the late Eddie Van Halen in a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, explaining why he never attempted to compete with the legendary guitarist. Vai’s words were a testament to the mutual respect between the two musicians: “Of course, I could never play like him. I never tried. Only an idiot competes with Eddie Van Halen.”
Vai, who became David Lee Roth’s guitarist after Roth left Van Halen, knew he had big shoes to fill. He recognized the expectations placed on him but chose to carve his own path rather than attempt to match Eddie’s unique sound. “When I joined David Lee Roth’s band, it was a great opportunity for me to play such well-constructed rock songs,” Vai explained. “Of course, nobody can play them like Edward, but you do your best.”
Eddie was aware of Vai’s talents, and even though he was known for his extraordinary skills, he was always humble and believed there was something to learn from other guitarists. One such guitarist he admired was Allan Holdsworth, a virtuoso whom Eddie helped land a recording contract. Eddie didn’t view other musicians as competition; rather, he shared a passion for playing and improving on the guitar.
Eddie kept an eye on Vai’s work, and when he heard Vai’s guitar playing in Roth’s band, he was impressed. Unlike other guitarists who tried to mimic Eddie’s style, Vai infused his own distinctive sound, blending technical prowess with lyrical melodies. While guitarists like Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen wowed audiences with their technical skill and fusion styles, Vai’s playing captured the operatic beauty and avant-garde eccentricities of his former employer, Frank Zappa.
In an interview with Shaun Baxter in 1995, Eddie reflected on Vai’s impact, admitting, “I’m going, ‘This guy is better at what I do than I am,’ you know?” However, Eddie also pointed out that while Vai had extraordinary technical skills, he felt there was something missing: the vibe and feel that made Eddie’s own playing so distinctive. “He was technically very proficient but stiff,” Eddie said. “It always made me feel bad in a way. Because it made me feel like, ‘Wow, is that how people perceive me?’”
Vai played with Roth from 1985 to 1989, contributing to albums like Eat ‘Em and Smile and Skyscraper. After Vai’s departure, Eddie reached out to him. “The day after I left David Lee Roth’s band — I don’t know how Edward found out — but he called me,” Vai recalled. That marked the beginning of a deep friendship and mutual admiration.
Vai fondly remembers the time he spent with Eddie, including visits to his 5150 Studios where Eddie played him unreleased work. “He played me stuff that was never released,” Vai said. “I said, ‘Why don’t you make a solo record?’ And he always felt that the Van Halen records were his solo records.” The music Eddie shared with Vai captured the essence of his playing, and Vai was struck by its beauty and creativity.
Though Eddie acknowledged that Vai was the one guitarist who out–Van Halened him, Vai believes that Eddie’s influence on rock music is unparalleled. “If I had to use my intuition,” Vai said, “it’s Hendrix, it’s Van Halen, in rock guitar.” He explained that these two icons didn’t just change the way guitarists played; they reshaped music, fashion, and the way artists performed on stage. “So many great guitarists came along and contributed, but those guys just did something for us that reshaped not just the way we played instruments, but the way we write the music, the way we dress, and the way we act onstage. It goes really deep. So I firmly feel that he was one of those monoliths.”
Vai’s influence is also profound, with younger musicians like Tosin Abasi mentioning how Vai’s work shaped their own careers. Abasi even worked long hours in a salmon processing factory in Alaska to buy his Steve Vai signature guitar, underscoring Vai’s far-reaching impact on aspiring guitarists.
For those eager to channel some of Steve Vai’s musical magic, his three top guitar tips are a valuable resource for anyone looking to take their playing to the next level.
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