Riff Tone

Tender Surrender

Steve Vai

Guitarrock1990s

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez JEM7V

AmpBogner Ecstasy 100A

PickupsDiMarzio Evolution (HSH configuration, likely neck or neck+middle for riff)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

wahMorley Morley Bad Horsie Wah

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1995-1996 (Fire Garden sessions). Vai used the Bogner Ecstasy for the original studio recording of 'Tender Surrender' before switching to the Carvin Legacy for later works. No evidence of DS-1 or other distortion pedals used for this song in the studio.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothsinging sustaintouch-sensitiverich midrangeslightly compressedclear note separationdynamic responsenot overly saturatedmild breakupexpressive phrasing

Difficulty

The riff section requires advanced phrasing, dynamic control, and expressive use of the wah pedal, as well as smooth legato and bending, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

steve vai sound - forum topic - Ultimate Guitar Steve Vai's guitar gear: how to nail his sound Tender Surrender Tone, Steve Vai : r/BossKatana - Reddit

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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