Thanks Skippygirl! I was first introduced to Joe Satriani back in the late 80s. Randy Rhoads was my hero, and I remember staring at the fretboard thinking, “somehow, it all happens here!” Anyway, I bought an issue of “Guitar For The Practicing Musician”, and was totally lost with all the technical ramblings. But one lesson in there actually proved to be very interesting! It was Joe’s lesson on “Octaves”. Simple as it may seem, but he made it very interesting, and I remember playing octaves all day long! I had never heard him play the guitar, but it was obvious he was a tremendous teacher, and knew how to communicate theory -and more importantly, make it fun and inspiring. Around the time “Flying in a Blue Dream” came out, I met a friend who taught me some scales. He was a huge Satch fan, and there I was introduced. I loved the whole album, his bluesy expressiveness and passionate technical style. One day, he (my friend) was playing “Not of This Earth”, and freaking out over “Driving at Night”. Then “Rubina” came on…and that was it for me – I was finished! He made me this compilation tape (those were cassette days for me!) and I would listen to that song over and over. I was so glad to get the cd, as there was a worn spot on my tape from excessive listening to that song! (seriously). To me, that has to be the single greatest studio moment for any guitar I’ve ever heard. I would challenge any guitar player to hit “that legato phrase” (Joe fans know) even close to the way he does in that recording. That phrase, and solo, along with Randy’s live “Goodbye To Romance” are my favorite guitar solo moments. It would be tough to single out other favorite Satriani songs. I think “Echo”, “The Forgotten”, “I Believe” ( what a solo!), and of course the popular “Always With Me, Always With You”. I haven’t listened to Joe in a while, but look forward to checking out his new material. I’d been away from the guitar for some time, and bought the “Live San Francisco” dvd. I loved it! And it reminded me just how much fun you can have with a guitar!

Hello everyone! thanks for the words, Skippygirl!

..haven't had much time to read up ...but it looks like there might be some pretty awesome guitar players around here! I would love to hear some of your music, anyone have anything out there? I love all guitar players, even the ones with annoying overdriven egos! ..Hey, as long as you're honestly expressing yourself, what does it matter? Every person is a whole universe, and we're all trying to connect. Isn't that what music is about.. communication? I'm happy to know that i have light years ahead of me...so much to learn and discover. I'm not even close, but maybe if i learn to listen, i can learn something! There may be hope for me after all!

hello all!