Always With Me, Always With You - Joe Satriani

Learn to Play Joe Satriani's Iconic Instrumental

Joe Satriani's "Always With Me, Always With You" is one of the most emotional and melodic instrumental guitar pieces ever recorded. Featured on his 1987 album Surfing with the Alien, this song showcases Satriani’s signature phrasing, expressive bends, and fluid legato work.

At LickLibrary, we break down this masterpiece note-for-note, teaching you the essential techniques needed to capture Satriani’s unique style. Whether you’re looking to develop your melodic phrasing or refine your technical skills, this lesson will enhance your playing and musicality. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Joe Satriani and His Influence

Joe Satriani is one of the most celebrated instrumental guitarists of all time. Known for his impeccable technique and ability to convey deep emotion through his playing, he has influenced generations of guitarists. His work blends rock, blues, and neoclassical elements, creating a signature sound that is both technical and expressive.

Satriani has inspired players like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and John Petrucci, among many others. His compositions are often filled with innovative techniques and intricate phrasing, making them an essential study for any guitarist looking to improve their lead playing.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Vibrato is a crucial technique in this song, adding expressiveness and sustain to each note. Learning to execute smooth, controlled vibrato will enhance your phrasing and make your playing sound more professional.

Alternate Picking

Satriani’s precise alternate picking ensures clarity in faster passages. Mastering this technique will help you improve your speed and articulation, making complex runs sound clean and defined.

Legato

The fluid, singing quality of "Always With Me, Always With You" relies heavily on legato playing. This technique allows for effortless speed and a smoother sound by reducing pick attack and emphasising hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Tapped Harmonics

Joe Satriani frequently uses tapped harmonics to create bell-like tones that add texture to his solos. Mastering this technique will expand your ability to create unique harmonic sounds in your playing.

Unison Bends

Unison bends create a powerful, vocal-like quality, which is a signature of Satriani’s style. Practicing these bends will improve your intonation and finger strength, helping you add more expression to your solos.

Pinched Harmonics

Satriani often uses pinched harmonics to add a screaming quality to his notes. Learning to control this technique will help you develop a more aggressive and expressive lead tone.

Trills

Trills add speed and flair to your playing. This song incorporates rapid hammer-ons and pull-offs that build tension and excitement, making your solos more dynamic.

Tremolo Picking

Fast tremolo-picked sections in this song contribute to its ethereal sound. Practicing this technique will help you achieve a fluid, fast-picking style.

Arpeggios

Arpeggiated chord progressions are an essential part of Satriani’s playing. Learning these patterns will improve your fretboard knowledge and enhance your ability to outline chord changes in a lead setting.

Two-Handed Tapping

Satriani’s use of two-handed tapping in "Always With Me, Always With You" creates a seamless, flowing melody. This technique is essential for developing speed and coordination between both hands.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Arpeggios
• Two-Handed Tapping

By learning these techniques, you will not only master "Always With Me, Always With You" but also develop skills that can be applied to a wide range of musical styles. Join us at LickLibrary for a full breakdown of this classic instrumental and take your guitar playing to the next level!