Riff Tone

Ballerina 12/24

Steve Vai

Guitarother1990s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez JEM77FP (Floral Pattern, 1989, Drop-A tuning, 9-52 strings)

AmpCarvin Legacy VL100 (studio recording, 1989)

PickupsDiMarzio PAF Pro (neck and bridge, HSH configuration)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationEventide Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer

delayEventide Eventide H4000 Ultra-Harmonizer

Notes

Studio recording for 'Passion and Warfare' (1989/1990). Guitar tuned to Drop-A with 9-52 strings. Effects-heavy signal chain with Eventide H3000/H4000 for pitch and delay processing. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section.

Tone Character(10)

crystal-clear and processedmulti-voice pitch-shifted harmoniesstereo delay repeatsambient and etherealbell-like articulationno audible distortionlush, layered texturesprecise note separationstudio-polished claritycomplex harmonized soundscape

Difficulty

The riff requires expert-level fingerstyle/hybrid picking, precise timing to synchronize with multi-voice harmonizer and stereo delay, and advanced string skipping and intervallic playing. The technical and rhythmic demands are extremely high.

Sources

Steve Vai’s guitar gear: how to nail his sound | Guitar World 11-20 - The greatest delay moments of all time: 25 classic guitar tracks elevated by echo - Page 2 | Guitar World Not a pedal, but any love for the Eventide H3000?Steve Vai – Passion And Warfare - Albums

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