Joe Satriani | History of the Band

From guitar teacher to 80s rock pioneer, the virtuoso who redefined instrumental music with emotion and technical brilliance

Joe Satriani’s career in the 1980s and early 90s cemented his status as one of rock’s premier guitarists. His innovative approach to instrumental rock, fused with a strong melodic sense, brought the guitar hero archetype into new territory. While Satriani was not a “band” in the traditional sense—his albums were solo projects—his influential presence as a guitarist defined an era, influencing countless musicians and carving out a distinct space in rock music.

Joe Satriani uniquely began his journey. Born in 1956 in Westbury, New York, Satriani didn’t initially start as a solo artist but spent his early years as a guitar teacher to now-famous guitarists, including Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), and Larry LaLonde (Primus). Teaching guitar in the 70s, Satriani earned a reputation for his technical skill and ability to break down complex concepts, paving the way for his rise in the 80s.

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In 1984, he released his debut EP, Joe Satriani, which caught the attention of independent label Relativity Records. With limited promotion, this early work showcased his skillful blend of melody and technique, a style that would become his trademark. This release laid the foundation for what was to come and hinted at his future direction: blending accessibility with complexity, a hard-to-reach balance in the guitar-centric world.

Musical Style and Evolution

Satriani’s 1980s style can best be described as an evolution of the “guitar hero” sound pioneered by Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen, but with a melodic twist that made his music feel fresh. While shredding and technical prowess were his calling cards, Satriani’s sound stood out for its emotional depth, which made his instrumental tracks as engaging as any vocal-driven rock. He often used guitar techniques such as legato phrasing, tapping, and pitch harmonics to give his music a vocal-like quality.

In the mid-80s, when heavy metal and glam dominated the scene, Satriani’s focus on melody made his music distinct. He embraced a variety of tones, experimenting with blues, jazz, and progressive rock influences. His music was often atmospheric, leaning on rock structures but taking liberties with song length and structure. This mix of technicality and emotion would become the hallmark of Satriani’s work, setting him apart from the “shred” guitarists of the time who prioritized speed over melody.

Discography and Notable 80s Albums

Not of This Earth (1986)

In 1986, Satriani released his first full-length album, Not of This Earth, under Relativity Records. It was a bold entry into instrumental rock, showcasing his signature mix of technique and emotive playing. With tracks like “Hordes of Locusts” and “Rubina,” Satriani could convey a range of moods without any vocals, a relatively rare approach in the rock genre. While not a massive commercial success initially, the album captured the attention of guitar enthusiasts and received positive reviews. The production, handled by Satriani and John Cuniberti, was minimal yet effective, allowing his guitar work to take center stage.

Surfing with the Alien (1987)

This was the album that broke Joe Satriani into mainstream consciousness. Released in 1987, Surfing with the Alien became an unexpected success, reaching #29 on the Billboard 200 and selling over a million copies. Tracks like “Satch Boogie” and “Surfing with the Alien” became instant classics, blending high-energy rock with intricate guitar solos that never sacrificed melody for speed. Critics praised the album for its innovation, with Guitar World calling it “an absolute game-changer” in instrumental rock.

The album’s cover art featured Marvel’s Silver Surfer, a collaboration that brought visual appeal to the record and helped it stand out in stores. With Surfing with the Alien, Satriani had not only defined his sound but also shown that instrumental albums could reach a broad audience, a feat rarely achieved outside of jazz or classical music. The album remains one of the best-selling instrumental rock albums and solidified Satriani’s place among the guitar elite.

Flying in a Blue Dream (1989)

Satriani’s third album, Flying in a Blue Dream, was a continuation and expansion of his previous work. Released in 1989, the album saw Satriani experimenting with a wider range of sounds and even introduced his vocals on some tracks, like “Big Bad Moon.” The album’s production was more polished, with contributions from producer and engineer John Cuniberti, who helped Satriani capture a richer sound.

Flying in a Blue Dream included fan favorites like “The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing” and the title track, “Flying in a Blue Dream,” showcased Satriani’s knack for creating cinematic, emotionally charged compositions. The album performed well on the charts, reaching #23 on the Billboard 200 and earning critical acclaim for its ambitious scope. Many fans consider this album a defining moment, showing Satriani’s range and creativity beyond just guitar solos.

Satriani’s work in the 80s was met with widespread acclaim, especially among critics who appreciated his approach to instrumental rock. Surfing with the Alien in particular received rave reviews, with Rolling Stone noting that Satriani had “redefined the instrumental rock genre with a focus on emotion rather than ego.” Flying in a Blue Dream was also well-received, praised for its complexity and Satriani’s willingness to experiment with his sound.

His albums were frequently highlighted in Guitar Player and Guitar World, with both publications applauding his technical skills and melodic approach. Guitar World said, “Satriani bridged the gap between technical rock and the melodic sensibility usually reserved for vocal-driven tracks.” The positive reviews helped him build a loyal fan base among both casual listeners and guitar enthusiasts, establishing him as a serious artist in a genre that could easily be dismissed as niche.

Influence and Legacy

Satriani’s influence on the music world is immense, especially considering his impact on other musicians. As a former teacher to Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and Alex Skolnick, Satriani’s technical influence is visible in the music of metal and rock giants. His focus on melody and emotion over speed and technique helped shift how guitar music was perceived, inspiring a generation of players to think beyond shredding.

The 1980s marked Satriani’s entry into a scene dominated by vocal-driven rock and metal. He challenged the notion that instrumental albums couldn’t be commercially successful, paving the way for other guitarists to experiment with solo careers. His influence can be heard in the work of modern guitarists like John Petrucci and Tom Morello, who cite Satriani’s blend of technical prowess and musical storytelling as a key influence.

By the early 90s, Satriani was a household name among rock fans, and his work was regularly featured on the G3 tour, a collaborative project he started in 1996 that brought together guitar legends for live performances. Through G3 and his continued releases, Satriani’s influence extended beyond his albums, making him a mentor and innovator in the rock guitar world.

Joe Satriani’s output in the 80s and early 90s represents a pivotal era in instrumental rock, defined by his unique approach to the guitar. His albums Not of This Earth, Surfing with the Alien, and Flying in a Blue Dream remain influential, showcasing his technical skill and artistic vision. Satriani brought melody to the forefront of instrumental rock, proving that emotion and technicality could coexist without overshadowing each other.