Solo Tone

Ego Death (feat. Steve Vai)

Polyphia

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez JEM7V (Steve Vai signature, white, HSH configuration)

AmpFractal Axe-Fx III (Steve Vai's studio rig for Ego Death solo section)

PickupsDiMarzio Evolution (Humbucker-Single-Humbucker, stock on JEM7V)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble7.5

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (model unknown, likely digital in Axe-Fx III)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely digital in Axe-Fx III)

reverbUnknown Reverb (digital, likely Axe-Fx III algorithm)

Notes

Studio recording, 2022. Steve Vai recorded his solo remotely and sent it to Polyphia for production. The JEM7V is confirmed by video and interviews as Vai's main guitar for this session. Axe-Fx III is confirmed as Vai's main amp/effects processor for studio work in this era.

Tone Character(10)

saturated and singing sustainbright and articulate top endliquid legato phrasingcrystal-clear note separationexpressive bends and vibratocomplex harmonicsmodern progressive metal leadslightly compressed attacklush stereo delay trailssubtle chorus shimmer

Difficulty

This solo requires expert-level technique, including rapid legato, alternate picking, expressive vibrato, and whammy bar control, all at a fast tempo with complex phrasing.

Sources

Ego Death (feat. Steve Vai) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Single Anyone know how to get Steve Vais' tone in his end solo in ego death?5 mind-blowing techniques you can learn from Polyphia's Tim Henson

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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