In a recent interview, guitarist Steve Vai shared his experience of playing Brian May’s iconic Red Special guitar at the age of 20. He reflected on this memorable moment that took place shortly after he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career.
Steve Vai’s Encounter with Brian May
Vai reminisced about his awe when he first saw the legendary guitarist Brian May at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Los Angeles. A huge fan of Queen, Vai had vivid memories of decorating his teenage room with posters of the band.
“It was bizarre,” Vai remarked. “I had just settled in LA, and there was Brian May standing at the bar. How is this possible?” This unexpected encounter turned into an invitation from May to visit a Queen rehearsal, which left Vai elated and starstruck.
The Challenges of Playing the Red Special
During the rehearsal, Vai got the chance to play May’s trademark instrument, the Red Special, built by May and his father. However, he quickly realized the guitar’s unique specifications posed significant challenges.
- Neck Design: Vai described the neck of the Red Special as being excessively large and challenging compared to his own guitars.
- String Gauge: The guitar uses very thin gauge strings (0.8), which differed greatly from Vai’s usual setup.
- Playing Experience: Vai humorously compared playing the guitar to “a giraffe on roller skates,” highlighting his struggle with it.
Despite these obstacles, Vai acknowledged the monumental significance of holding the Red Special, expressing how it was a surreal moment for him as an aspiring artist.
Brian May’s Affinity for the Red Special
Brian May remains devoted to his Red Special throughout his career, only recently collaborating with Gibson to create his first signature guitar, the Gibson SJ-200. Speculation about a Gibson-made Red Special continues, but no developments have been confirmed.
In a further twist, May recalls altering the Red Special based on inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, a modification he later regretted.
Conclusion
Steve Vai’s encounter with Brian May and the Red Special serves as a reminder of the early struggles artists face while trying to achieve their dreams. His story offers a glimpse into the world of rock legends and the instruments that define their careers.
