Steve Vai Vs. Yngwie Malmsteen

[snap1o5]

I am split between this decision, I really can't decide who is better. Help me out.

Steve Vai: http://youtube.com/watch?v=f1VjwciFLAg (skip about 2 minutes in)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=35ft52fOiGQ&mode=related&search=

Yngwie Malmsteen: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zlsRlValX0E

The thing here is that they have two distinct genres of music they play, making it more difficult to choose the victor.

[Syzrael]

I think both of them are two of the most talented guitarists in the world, but I personally prefer Yngwie, just because I like the genre he plays better.

[danthelegend]

Steve Vai. By a long shot. I saw him live about a month ago and it blew me away. Malmsteen is all about speed whereas Vai, although he is fast, puts far more feeling into it.

[Android]

I am a fan of both of these amazing guitar players, but I vote for Steve Vai. The reason is that he was discovered by Frank Zappa at 16 and paid his dues touring with Zappa's band. That in and of itself is worth my vote, but I've also seen him live and was absolutely floored by his uncanny guitar abilities.

[WillJ.]

Malmsteen, Vai's got just as much talent no doubt, but I just enjoy Yngwie music so much more.

[ilovebrownies]

The thing here is that they have two distinct genres of music they play, making it more difficult to choose the victor.

Victor? Music isn't a competition, you don't "win" in music. That said, I prefer Steve Vai's music, partly because of the quirkiness, whereas Yngwie is a lot more narrow minded about his music.

[Jiggz]

Talent aside, I can't enjoy that. I don't see the pull. My girlfriend is a huge InFlames fan, and constantly tells me it music for appreciation of technicality.

The irony is I know more about the technicalities of music than her, but still find it crappy...

[Kenneh]

Steve Vai for me, I just like the scales he uses.

[snap1o5]

Victor? Music isn't a competition, you don't "win" in music.
The point of the thread was to hear other people's opinions to help sway my own, therefore making one of the guitarists become number one, and the other become number two in my mind.

[soa_bassist]

I prefer Vai out of the two.

And have you checked out Paul Gilbert? He is a good shredder as well.

[thadood]

Both are extremely excellent. Both know their theory, and can perform most any style. However, Vai has more soul while Malmsteen has more cold, technical wankery. Plus he's a douchebag.

Vai wins. Plus, he can play just as fast and insane as Malmsteen.. he just doesn't because IT DOESN'T ALWAYS FIT THE GODDAMN SONG.

[Dave]

Easily Vai. Malmsteen is all speed. Vai can play just as fast as Malmsteen, but can also play with far more passion.

[Vortex]

What about Michael Angelo Batio? That guys got something seriously wrong with his head. He can play a double guitar. Youtube his name if you havn't seen it.

But for the purpose of this poll, I'm voting Yngwie. I just like his music more.

[drunkchuck]

I have to vote for Vai, he's just more original. Plus I got tired of Yngwie's constant harmonic minor licks a long time ago.

These two guitarists are hard for me to compare; for one thing I don't consider Vai a shredder, while Yngwie is definitely a shredder.

You should really look up some other guitar virtuosos, I notice a lot of people seem to get stuck on Vai, Malmsteen and Satriani and they never look past those three. My recommendations would be Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, and Paul Gilbert.

And as for Batio, he's one of the more technically skilled guitarists out there, but his music gets very boring very fast.

[snap1o5]

Ok, I'll check out. Thanks.