Solo Tone

Die to Live

Steve Vai

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez JEM77 (Steve Vai signature, likely Floral or Universe 7-string for this era)

AmpBogner Ecstasy (studio recording, Sex & Religion era)

PickupsDiMarzio Evolution (humbucker, bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble7

reverb3.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationEventide Eventide H4000 Harmonizer

delayRoland Delay rack unit (likely Roland SRV-2000 or Boss DD-2/3 equivalent)

chorusBoss Chorus rack effect (likely Boss CE-1/CE-3 or similar)

Notes

Studio recording, 1993 (Sex & Religion album). Vai used a Bogner Ecstasy head for the main solo tones on this record, as confirmed by official site and gear rundowns. Ibanez JEM with DiMarzio Evolution pickups was his primary guitar. Effects were rack-based, not pedalboard, and included harmonizer, delay, and modulation. No evidence of live rig or later Carvin Legacy for this track.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainliquid and smooth leadrich harmonicsprocessed stereo widthcrystal-clear articulationtight low endlush, modulated ambiencecomplex delay trailsexpressive vibratohigh-gain saturation

Difficulty

The solo demands expert-level technique, including fast legato runs, intricate phrasing, expressive whammy bar use, and precise control of harmonics and dynamics.

Sources

Vai.com - The Official Steve Vai Website Steve Vai - Die To Live ... KEMPER DEMO SOUND (and just a little bit of Love of God :-)) - Share your music - Kemper Profiler Forum Steve Vai's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard

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