Chris Liepe explains how Steve Vai achieves his unique tone. You may not own some of the effects discussed in this lesson. Regardless, Chris demonstrates how to achieve a similar tone with your current gear setup.
Taught by Chris Liepe in Style of Steve Vai seriesLength: 20:05Difficulty: 3.0 of 5

Take a look at this series to learn many different tips and techniques to the Style of Steve Vai.
Lesson 1
Chris Liepe takes moment to introduce his lesson series on Steve Vai. He demonstrates a Vai-like instrumental and explains what the following lessons will cover. For now, just sit back and enjoy Chris...
Length: 2:47 Difficulty: 0.5 Members OnlyLesson 2
Chris kicks off this lesson series with an in depth look at many different techniques Vai uses in his playing. From rhythmic moving 5ths, legato variations, interval sliding to multi-string tapping techniques,...
Length: 36:49 Difficulty: 4.0 FREELesson 3
Chris Liepe introduces his third Vai lesson with a deep explanation in creating Vai-like melodies. Covering techniques and some "inventing" concepts, Chris presents many different ideas for you to add...
Length: 32:32 Difficulty: 4.0 Members OnlyLesson 4
Chris presents an information packed lesson on many different Vai-inspired guitar licks and riffs.
Length: 24:59 Difficulty: 4.0 Members OnlyLesson 5
Time to get some Vai-inspired rhythm into your playing! Chris jumps into some power chords, clean rhythms, and everything in between to help demonstrate the unique sound of Vai.
Length: 12:59 Difficulty: 0.5 Members OnlyLesson 6
Chris Liepe explains how Steve Vai achieves his unique tone.
Length: 20:05 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 7
Chris Liepe rounds out this Steve Vai Series with a concept called the "central lick idea." This idea can be used to explore new solo possibilities around a central thematic idea.
Length: 8:57 Difficulty: 4.0 Members Only
About Chris Liepe
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Chris Liepe was born on September 17th, 1981 in Portland OR. His first instrument was piano which he pursued until discovering his love for the electric guitar in high school. He became fans of such groups as Soundgarden, Collective Soul and U2 inspiring him to start singing, songwriting and helping others in their musical endeavors with teaching, co-writing and album production.
Having moved to Colorado with his family, he began gigging, recording and teaching in a number of music stores as well as out of his apartment until deciding to pursue music full time. He moved to Denver, CO to complete a Bachelors in Music Technology and was then hired on by Sweetwater Productions, a division of Sweetwater Sound and one of the largest, most successful recording studios in the Midwest.
Chris spent nearly 4 years at Sweetwater as a producer, recording engineer, studio musician and writer. During this time he had the privilege of working with many artists including Augustana, Landon Pigg, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me. He also wrote for and played on numerous independent albums and hundreds of radio/TV commercials.
Wanting to get back to his favorite State in the world (Colorado) and feeling the urge to 'go freelance', Chris moved to Greeley, CO and opened his own recording and teaching studio. He continues to write and produce music for artists and agencies and is happy to be among the proud JamPlay.com instructors.
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.I have a strat with only single coils, and i really want that humbucker sound without getting a new guitar, what could i do?
If you go to Dimarzio's website, they have a bunch of Single Coil sized pickups that sound more like a fat humbucker. They have really great descriptions of each pickup so you can gauge what pickup might fit your playing best. I've used a number of these "single coil humbuckers" and have really had good luck. You can't get quite as high of an output as some double spaced humbuckers, but its pretty darn close! If you need more recommendations, hit me up in my forum!
how the hell you get that good a tone out of a ds1? that blows my mind
I never the use the DS1 by it self. I always use it with a boost pedal or overdrive pedal in front of it to 'calm down' the highs. Also, it works well on a mild setting before a high gain amp. But yes... it is quite ugly by itself going in to most clean amps.
do you use the wha after de distortion ?
Before the distortion.
I love those effects video..