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Solo Tone
Tender Surrender
Steve Vai
Guitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez JEM7V
AmpCarvin Legacy VL100
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 1995-1996 (Fire Garden sessions). Vai is known to use the JEM7V with DiMarzio Evolution pickups and Carvin Legacy amp for this era. Clean sections likely use neck or neck+middle split. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for the studio clean part.
Tone Character(10)
glassy and pristinewarm and smoothcrystal clear articulationlush reverb tailslightly scooped midstouch-sensitive dynamicsstudio-polished clarityno audible breakupsubtle compressionfull-bodied clean
Difficulty
The clean solo section requires advanced dynamic control, expressive phrasing, and precise articulation to achieve Vai's signature glassy tone and nuanced touch, making it challenging for most players.
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Create Free AccountGuitarrock1990s
Original Gear
GuitarIbanez JEM7V
AmpCarvin Legacy VL100
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1995-1996 (Fire Garden sessions). Vai is known to use the JEM7V with DiMarzio Evolution pickups and Carvin Legacy amp for this era. Clean sections likely use neck or neck+middle split. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for the studio clean part.
Tone Character(10)
glassy and pristinewarm and smoothcrystal clear articulationlush reverb tailslightly scooped midstouch-sensitive dynamicsstudio-polished clarityno audible breakupsubtle compressionfull-bodied clean
Difficulty
The clean solo section requires advanced dynamic control, expressive phrasing, and precise articulation to achieve Vai's signature glassy tone and nuanced touch, making it challenging for most players.