Big Trouble by Steve Vai - Guitar Lesson Overview

Our Big Trouble guitar lesson dives deep into the legendary guitar work of Steve Vai, offering note-for-note instruction to help guitarists master the various techniques that define the song. "Big Trouble" features an array of advanced techniques, with each one contributing to the song’s overall complexity and energy. By studying these techniques, guitarists can gain valuable skills that not only allow them to play this iconic track but also enhance their overall playing ability. Guthrie Govan breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Steve Vai: The Mastermind Behind Big Trouble

Steve Vai is one of the most influential guitar players of all time. His technical precision and creative approach to guitar playing have earned him a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Known for his work with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and his solo career, Vai's mastery of the instrument is unmatched. In Big Trouble, his signature style shines through, showcasing his fluid, yet aggressive playing, and his unique blend of melody and complex rhythm structures. Guitarists studying Vai’s work will gain insight into his use of intricate techniques and unconventional approaches to playing, helping to unlock their own creative potential.

Techniques Covered in the Big Trouble Guitar Lesson

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique used throughout the song. This method involves alternating down and up strokes with the pick, enabling faster and more precise note articulation. By mastering alternate picking, guitarists will improve their speed, timing, and accuracy, which are essential for playing Steve Vai’s rapid melodic lines.

Legato

Legato playing involves smooth transitions between notes, often through the use of hammer-ons and pull-offs. Vai's legato passages in Big Trouble create a fluid and connected sound, making the solo sections particularly captivating. Practicing legato helps players develop finger strength and dexterity while enabling smoother phrasing.

Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics are another signature technique employed by Vai. This involves tapping on the string at specific frets to create harmonic overtones, adding an ethereal, bell-like quality to the notes. Learning this technique enhances the player’s harmonic vocabulary and allows for more creative tonal possibilities.

Double-Stop Bends

Steve Vai uses double-stop bends to create tension and release within his melodies. This technique involves bending two strings simultaneously, adding a rich, harmonised effect to the music. Mastering double-stop bends improves finger strength and control, essential for expressive playing.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics, where the thumb of the picking hand briefly touches the string after the pick, create a sharp, squealing sound. Vai uses these to emphasise key notes and give the song an aggressive, biting edge. Practicing pinched harmonics sharpens a guitarist’s ability to add distinct tonal colour to their playing.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking, a technique where rapid alternate picking is applied to a single note, features prominently in some of Vai’s faster passages in Big Trouble. Tremolo picking helps guitarists develop endurance, speed, and consistency, which are crucial for advanced soloing.

Dive Bombs

Utilising the whammy bar, dive bombs add drama and flair to the track by drastically lowering the pitch of a note. Steve Vai frequently uses dive bombs to create sudden, explosive shifts in sound, enhancing the overall intensity of his solos. Learning to use the whammy bar effectively opens up a range of expressive possibilities for guitarists.

Trills

Trills are rapid alternations between two notes and are a frequent component in Vai's lead playing. The use of trills in Big Trouble adds excitement and complexity to the fast-paced sections of the song. Practicing trills improves finger strength and speed, essential for executing fast licks smoothly.

Vibrato

Vibrato is key to adding emotion and expressiveness to sustained notes. Vai’s vibrato technique is highly controlled, with wide, deliberate bends that give his notes a vocal-like quality. Mastering vibrato is essential for any guitarist looking to add more personality to their playing.

String Bending

Vai’s use of string bending in Big Trouble is both melodic and dramatic, as he frequently bends notes to achieve unique pitches and emotional depth. Learning how to execute controlled bends will improve a guitarist's pitch accuracy and expression.

Additional Techniques Used

Big Trouble also incorporates several other advanced guitar techniques, including:

• Slides: Smooth transitions between notes by sliding the finger along the fretboard, adding fluidity to Vai’s solos.
• Pull-offs: A key part of the legato passages, enhancing speed and smoothness.
• Power Chords: Used in the song's rhythm sections, providing a solid foundation and driving force to the music.
• Whammy Bar Tricks: Vai's use of the whammy bar extends beyond dive bombs, creating eerie pitch shifts and vibrato effects.
• Arpeggios: The breaking up of chords into individual notes, forming intricate melodic lines.

Conclusion

By working through the techniques found in Big Trouble, guitarists will not only be able to play this Steve Vai classic but also build a stronger foundation for tackling other advanced pieces. The wide range of techniques employed in this song—combined with Vai’s iconic style—offers players a challenging yet rewarding learning experience.

Guitar Techniques Covered

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Dive Bombs
• Slides
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• String Bending
• Arpeggios

By mastering these techniques, you'll be able to recreate the unique sound of Steve Vai's Big Trouble, and improve your overall guitar technique and musicianship.