Tender Surrender by Steve Vai

Tender Surrender by Steve Vai is an iconic instrumental masterpiece that epitomises the emotional depth and technical brilliance of modern guitar playing. This note-for-note lesson from Licklibrary.com dives deep into the song’s rich tapestry of techniques, providing guitarists with the tools to master Vai’s signature style. With this comprehensive lesson, players will develop a wide range of essential skills while exploring the innovative artistry of one of guitar’s greatest virtuosos. Guthrie Govan breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Steve Vai and His Influence

Steve Vai, a legendary guitarist known for his dazzling technique and expressive playing, has carved out a unique place in the world of instrumental rock. With influences ranging from Frank Zappa to Jimi Hendrix, Vai combines technical mastery with an emotive, almost vocal-like guitar phrasing. His ability to blend technical complexity with melodic beauty is perfectly showcased in Tender Surrender, a track that has inspired countless guitarists to push their limits. Learning this song offers a deep dive into Vai’s unique musical vocabulary and will enrich your own guitar journey.

Guitar Techniques in Tender Surrender

Tender Surrender is a masterclass in expressive and technical guitar playing. Each technique used in the song contributes to its dynamic range and emotional depth. Below, we explore the techniques featured in the lesson and the benefits they bring to your playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is central to Steve Vai’s emotive style, and Tender Surrender showcases this technique beautifully. By mastering vibrato, you’ll enhance your note expression, allowing you to add depth and character to every phrase. Vai’s wide, deliberate vibrato creates a vocal-like quality that makes his melodies unforgettable. Learn more about vibrato.

Legato

Vai’s smooth, flowing runs rely heavily on legato techniques, including hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. These techniques allow for rapid, seamless note transitions while maintaining a liquid, effortless sound. Practicing legato enhances finger strength and coordination. Explore legato techniques.

Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics add a shimmering, ethereal quality to the song. This technique combines precision and creativity, making it a staple for players looking to expand their tonal palette. Discover tapped harmonics.

Double-Stop Bends and Bluesy Bends

Steve Vai’s expressive double-stop bends and bluesy bends add layers of emotion to his phrases. These techniques teach players how to manipulate pitch creatively and add a vocal-like dynamic to their solos. Learn double-stop bends and bluesy bends.

Whammy Bar Tricks

The use of the whammy bar in Tender Surrender creates dramatic dives, subtle pitch shifts, and atmospheric effects. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to create unique, otherworldly sounds. Explore whammy bar tricks.

String Bending and Pre-Bends

String bending and pre-bends are employed throughout the song to add emotional weight and dynamic range to melodies. These techniques train your ear for pitch accuracy while adding soulful expression to your playing. Learn about string bending and pre-bends.

Two-Handed Tapping

Vai’s use of two-handed tapping in this song elevates the technical difficulty while creating mesmerising melodic passages. This technique improves dexterity and opens up a world of creative possibilities on the fretboard. Master two-handed tapping.

Slides and Sustain

Slides and sustained notes are integral to the smooth, vocal-like phrasing in Tender Surrender. These techniques enhance your control over note transitions and dynamics. Learn about slides and sustain.

List of Techniques in the Lesson

Here’s a complete list of guitar techniques covered in the Tender Surrender lesson, with links for further learning:

• Vibrato
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Bluesy Bends
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• String Bending
• Pre-Bends
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Slides
• Sustain

Mastering Tender Surrender is not just about replicating a song; it’s about unlocking a wealth of techniques that will elevate your guitar playing to new heights. With this lesson from Licklibrary.com, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to incorporate Steve Vai’s iconic style into your own musical expression.