Surfing with the Alien - A Deep Dive for Guitarists

"Surfing with the Alien" is not just an album; it's a monumental work in the landscape of instrumental rock music, specifically from the guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani. Released in 1987, this album not only catapulted Satriani into the limelight but also significantly influenced guitar playing and music production techniques in the years that followed. For guitarists, "Surfing with the Alien" serves as a masterclass in guitar technique, tone, and musical expression. Through a detailed analysis of each track, focusing on guitar scales, solos, and the plethora of techniques Satriani employs, this article aims to unpack the genius of "Surfing with the Alien" and its everlasting impact on guitarists and the musical world. Lick Library veteran, Danny Gill, breaks down the genius of this classic album in his exclusive Lick Library video course.

Joe Satriani and "Surfing with the Alien"

Joe Satriani, often referred to as "Satch," is known for his technical mastery and musical innovation on the guitar. Before the release of "Surfing with the Alien," Satriani was already a respected musician and teacher, having tutored several guitarists who would go on to achieve fame in their own rights, such as Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and Alex Skolnick. However, this album marked his emergence as a pioneering solo artist.

"Surfing with the Alien" is Satriani's second studio album, showcasing his ability to blend complex guitar techniques with melodic sensibility, creating instrumental rock music that is both accessible and sophisticated. Satriani's contributions to this album extend beyond his guitar playing; he also took on the roles of composer, producer, and arranger, ensuring that every aspect of the album reflected his musical vision.

Track-by-Track Analysis

1. Surfing with the Alien

The title track kicks off the album with an explosive energy that captures the listener's attention immediately. Satriani employs a variety of scales throughout the song, including the E minor pentatonic and the E Dorian mode, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that is both catchy and complex. The solo sections showcase Satriani's use of legato, two-handed tapping, and whammy bar tricks, demonstrating his technical prowess and innovative approach to guitar solos.

2. Ice 9

"Ice 9" features a mix of A minor pentatonic and A Dorian modes, with Satriani's guitar work weaving through intricate melodies and groovy rhythms. The use of syncopated rhythms and alternate picking adds to the dynamic feel of the track, while the guitar solos are a masterclass in string bending and vibrato.

3. Crushing Day

This track is a heavier, more emotionally charged piece. Satriani utilises the G Phrygian mode to create a darker atmosphere, complemented by his expressive use of pinched harmonics and sustain. The solos in "Crushing Day" are particularly noteworthy for their emotional depth and technical complexity, highlighting Satriani's ability to convey a wide range of feelings through his instrument.

4. Always with Me, Always with You

One of Satriani's most beloved tracks, this song is a beautiful expression of melody and emotion. It primarily uses the B major scale, with the guitar lines flowing seamlessly over the backing track. Techniques like legato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs are used to create a smooth, singing quality to the guitar lines, while the strategic use of vibrato adds expressiveness to the melody.

5. Satch Boogie

"Satch Boogie" is a high-energy track that blends rock and boogie-woogie. It showcases Satriani's versatility, combining alternate picking, slides, and double stops with complex chord progressions and open string riffs. The solo sections are a whirlwind of technique, speed, and musicality, demonstrating Satriani's skill in integrating various guitar styles into a cohesive and engaging composition.

6. Hill of the Skull

This short, impactful track serves as a breather on the album, yet it still showcases Satriani's skill in crafting mood and atmosphere with minimalistic means. Using the E minor scale, the track is built around a haunting melody that is both simple and profound, highlighting Satriani's ability to say a lot with a little.

7. Circles

"Circles" starts with a beautiful, clean guitar intro that evolves into a heavier, rock-driven piece. The track explores a variety of scales, including E major and C# minor, and features an array of techniques such as tremolo picking, harmonics, and palm muting. Satriani's use of dynamics in this track is particularly noteworthy, creating a compelling push and pull between the different sections of the song.

8. Lords of Karma

A journey through Eastern musical themes and rock fusion, "Lords of Karma" showcases Satriani's ability to fuse diverse musical styles. The use of the harmonic minor scale and Phrygian dominant mode gives the track an exotic flavour, while techniques like sweep picking and arpeggios add to the technical brilliance of the piece. The solo sections are a mix of speed, precision, and melody, displaying Satriani's mastery over the instrument.

9. Midnight

"Midnight" is a showcase of two-handed tapping technique, presenting a complex, interlocking melody that is both rhythmically and harmonically intricate. This track is a testament to Satriani's innovative approach to guitar playing, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument. The piece is primarily in the key of A minor, with the tapping technique creating a texture and complexity that is mesmerising.

10. Echo

Closing the album, "Echo" is a reflective piece that combines elements of rock, blues, and jazz. The track is built around the D Dorian mode and features a mix of legato, string bending, and vibrato, with Satriani's guitar singing over the lush backing track. The solos in "Echo" are emotionally charged and technically proficient, serving as a fitting end to the musical journey of the album.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Surfing with the Alien"

Throughout "Surfing with the Alien," Joe Satriani employs a wide range of guitar techniques, each adding a unique texture and dimension to the music. These techniques include:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Dive Bombs
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Rakes
• Hybrid Picking
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Chromaticism

"Surfing with the Alien" is more than an album; it's a lexicon of guitar techniques, a source of inspiration, and a benchmark for instrumental guitar music. Joe Satriani's ability to meld technical virtuosity with melodic composition has made this album a timeless piece, continually influencing generations of guitarists around the world.