Sisters by Steve Vai

About the Song and Artist

Steve Vai’s Sisters is an exquisite instrumental track from his acclaimed album Passion and Warfare. Known for its emotive phrasing and intricate techniques, this song showcases Vai’s ability to blend technical mastery with heartfelt expression. As one of the most influential guitarists of his generation, Vai has inspired countless players with his innovative approach to the guitar. His techniques have redefined what is possible on the instrument, making Sisters an essential piece to study for any aspiring guitarist aiming to elevate their skill level. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Vai’s profound impact stems from his tenure with Frank Zappa, his solo career, and collaborations with artists like David Lee Roth and Whitesnake. Sisters highlights a gentler, more lyrical side of his playing, offering a unique perspective on his musical genius.

Song Breakdown and Techniques Explored

Vibrato

Steve Vai’s vibrato is one of the hallmarks of his expressive style, and Sisters is no exception. This technique is used throughout the song to add emotional depth and sustain to individual notes. By mastering vibrato, guitarists can make their playing sound more vocal-like, conveying nuances that go beyond the notes themselves. Learn more about vibrato.

Slides

Slides play a significant role in connecting phrases and creating seamless transitions between notes. In Sisters, slides are used to enhance the fluidity of Vai’s melodic lines. Practicing slides helps players improve their fretboard navigation and overall legato phrasing. Learn more about slides.

Legato

The song incorporates smooth legato lines, combining hammer-ons and pull-offs to create Vai’s signature fluid sound. This technique minimises pick noise and emphasises note articulation. Learning legato not only boosts speed and dexterity but also allows for more dynamic phrasing. Learn more about legato.

String Bending

Vai’s expressive use of string bending in Sisters is a testament to his ability to evoke emotion with every phrase. These bends are precise and often paired with pre-bends to hit notes with accuracy and feel. Mastering string bending enhances pitch control and builds strength in your fretting hand. Learn more about string bending.

Double Stops

The use of double stops in Sisters adds harmonic richness to the melody. These two-note chords are often bent to create beautiful dissonance and resolution. Incorporating double stops into your playing can help you explore harmony and chordal techniques in a melodic context. Learn more about double stops.

Tapped Harmonics

Vai employs tapped harmonics in key moments of the song to produce ethereal, bell-like tones. This advanced technique requires precision and finger independence. It’s a powerful tool for adding texture and colour to your playing. Learn more about tapped harmonics.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The intricate phrases in Sisters rely heavily on hammer-ons and pull-offs for their flowing, legato quality. These techniques are fundamental to developing speed and efficiency in lead guitar playing. Learn more about hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Arpeggios

Vai’s melodic use of arpeggios provides a foundation for many of the song’s passages. These broken chords are a staple for creating lyrical, sweeping lines. Practicing arpeggios will improve your fretboard knowledge and enable you to outline chords with greater musicality. Learn more about arpeggios.

Rakes

To add a percussive attack and dramatic flair, Vai incorporates rakes into his phrasing. This technique involves muting strings with the picking hand before striking the desired note, adding rhythmic texture to your playing. Learn more about rakes.

Benefits of Learning Sisters

Studying Sisters offers a comprehensive exploration of Steve Vai’s style. From expressive vibrato to precise tapped harmonics, each technique will help you develop greater control, articulation, and musicality. Beyond the technical aspects, this lesson teaches how to infuse your playing with emotion and connect deeply with your audience.

Techniques Used in Sisters

• Vibrato
• Slides
• Legato
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Tapped Harmonics
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Arpeggios
• Rakes

By mastering these techniques, you’ll gain the skills needed to replicate Vai’s emotive playing style and elevate your guitar playing to a professional level. Start your journey with Licklibrary.com and unlock the secrets behind one of Steve Vai’s most beautiful compositions.