Little Pretty
Steve Vai, 2016. Solo by Steve Vai.
Little Pretty is one of Steve Vai's gentler pieces, a ballad that puts melody ahead of fireworks. His lines are slow and lyrical, shaped with delicate whammy-bar vibrato, slides and harmonics that make the guitar sound almost like a voice. There are flashes of speed, but they serve the melody rather than overshadowing it. The JEM's clean-to-crunchy tone gives each note a rounded, sweet quality. The track shows that Vai's expressive control is as remarkable as his technical skill. Listen for the tiny pitch inflections he adds with the whammy bar at the end of held notes, which give the melody a human, sighing quality.
Little Pretty by Steve Vai is featured in our Shred (#17) list. The solo is played by Steve Vai and the song was released in 2016.
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Shred Guitar Solos — #17
- 2010 to Now — #11
- Best of the 21st Century — #19
Sources
Who played the guitar solo on Little Pretty?
Steve Vai played the solo on Steve Vai's Little Pretty (2016).
What guitar was used on the Little Pretty solo?
An ibanez jem, according to widely reported accounts.