At 66, Steve Vai Names 6 Guitar Solos He Calls Untouchable

Why Steve Vai finally named the six guitar solos he calls legendary — and how these unforgettable performances earned the admiration of one of the most innovative guitarists of all time. What begins as a simple list quickly becomes a celebration of the solos that redefined creativity, technique, and musical expression. Late 20th century — the evolution of rock, fusion, and instrumental music. As a groundbreaking solo artist and former guitarist for Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake, Steve Vai built a career on fearless experimentation and unmatched technical brilliance. Yet even with his own extraordinary catalog, there were guitar solos by other artists that he believed stood in a class entirely of their own. In this video, we explore the six guitar solos Vai considers truly legendary — the performances he believes represent the perfect blend of emotion, originality, technical mastery, and artistic vision. More than just iconic moments, these timeless solos continue to inspire generations of guitarists and remain among the greatest achievements in modern music.