Steve Vai, one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century, has shared his admiration for an underrated player he believes is among the finest in today’s guitar scene.
In a recent interview with Cassius Morris, Vai highlighted the abundance of undiscovered guitar talent in the world today. While the internet has made it easier than ever for musicians to share their work and gain recognition, Vai noted that finding a guitarist who can authentically capture the spirit of classic rock rhythm parts is a rare feat.
One such player is Pete Thorn, whom Vai praised for his exceptional abilities. “Pete Thorn, I’ve admired him for quite a while,” Vai said. “He’s like a soldier, you know? He’s like a guitar soldier.”
Vai elaborated on the difficulty of finding rock guitarists who can play rhythm parts in tune, something Thorn excels at. “You’d be surprised how hard it is to find big rock electric guitarists playing rhythm in tune,” Vai remarked.
He also compared Thorn to legendary guitarists known for their distinctive playing style, such as Angus Young and Kurt Cobain, noting that while these players weren’t necessarily considered virtuosos, their unique approaches made their playing stand out. “There’s a way that some people hit the strings — they just explode and resonate beautifully, like Angus, or even — oddly enough — Kurt Cobain,” Vai explained. “And Pete — he’s a master at it.”
Steve Vai first came across Pete Thorn through his gear demos, which revealed the guitarist’s impeccable tone and skill. “I first started hearing him when he was demoing gear, and I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s a great tone. Wow. This guy…’ I’m checking the boxes, you know?”
In addition to his rhythm playing, Vai also praised Thorn’s lead guitar skills, calling his intonation and phrasing superb. “His lead playing is beautiful. His intonation is great. He’s just like a real soldier. And so, it’s gotta be nice to have that underneath everything,” Vai concluded.
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