At 66, Steve Vai Finally Names 6 Riffs He Calls Untouchable

Why Steve Vai finally named the six riffs he calls untouchable — and how these unforgettable guitar creations earned the admiration of one of the most innovative guitarists of all time. What begins as a simple list quickly becomes a tribute to the riffs that pushed musical boundaries and forever changed the way guitar was played. 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 creativity, technical brilliance, and limitless imagination. Yet even with his own legendary catalog, there were riffs by other artists that he believed reached a level of excellence beyond comparison. In this video, we explore the six riffs Vai considers truly untouchable — the guitar lines he believes represent the perfect blend of originality, power, technical mastery, and timeless musical expression. More than just memorable hooks, these iconic riffs continue to inspire generations of guitarists and remain among the greatest ever written.