Joe Satriani names the guitarist whose “touch is unmistakable”
The world of guitar playing might be markedly oversaturated, but a select few stand out as its most vital forces. One of these is Joe Satriani, the shades-wearing Ibanez-wielder, who has achieved immense success with his recordings and made a defining impact on the world of the six-string via a host of notable students.
Fusing blues, hard rock and metal and lifting these forms with his astounding technical grasp that employs everything from volume swells to sweep picking, with a dedication to the overriding refinement of a legato performance style, Satriani’s is highly distinguished. Taking from earlier masters such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Allan Holdsworth to establish his sound, the way Satriani pushed their ideas into new, more cerebral areas is one of his ultimate triumphs.
Satriani’s skill is so storied that he has an extensive list of fretboard masters as his students. These include Steve Vai – one of the other most prominent virtuosos – Primus’s innovator Larry LaLone, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Andy Timmons, Alex Skolnick, and most surprisingly of all, Third Eye Blind’s Kevin Cadogan. These players all reside in mostly different fields and display just how deeply the influence of Satriani has pierced the cultural fabric.
Satriani knows what he’s talking about when it comes to the six-string. Even if his ornamental style isn’t for everyone, he’s at the top of his game in terms of musical ability. He is also acutely aware when his peers are masters of musicology. One man who has drawn immense praise from him and many of his peers is Dire Straits leader and guitarist Mark Knopfler, a technically proficient player who has covered everything from country to hard rock with panache.
When speaking to Guitar Player in 2021 as part of an extensive piece where guitarists celebrated the work of Mark Knopfler, Satriani provided insight into the Geordie’s efforts, saying that his “touch is unmistakable”. He said: “I was sitting down making bracelets at the Liquid Bracelet Factory in Berkeley, California when I first heard Mark’s guitar coming over the radio. It was 1978, and Dire Straits had just released their debut album.”
He continued: “His sound was so pure and fresh and personal too. It was as if he was sitting right in front of me, singing and playing. Fantastic! I love how you can hear and almost feel his fingertips on the strings as he’s playing. His touch is unmistakable, no matter the amp tone he’s got dialled in. And the vibrato is all his.”
Watch Mark Knopfler in action below.
