The song “For the Love of God” by Steve Vai is an instrumental story song that takes the listener on a progressive journey through a symbolized representation of religion. Steve Vai wrote this song in light of the radical attitudes some people devote towards their faith. The song is structured around the guitar as the leading instrument, with the playing becoming technically faster and more advanced as the song continues. The beginning of the song represents a calm, soothing state of mind; the kind Vai says religion is supposed to influence on a person. He then however uses the speed of his guitar playing to represent things getting out of control. This out of control playing represents those who take religion too far by doing things such as harming others and making living sacrifices for their god. The idea of religion being out of control is very ironic, as it is supposed to be peaceful and calming. This is the irony Vai says he wishes to capture with the song. He wrote it to highlight the contrast between what religion is supposed to be versus what radical followers can turn it into. I personally love the song, and I believe the technicality of the guitar playing is absolutely phenomenal. Steve Vai is one of my favorite players ever and is often regarded by critics to be in the top ten to twenty guitarists that have ever lived. I also love how Vai is able to manipulate the guitar in so many different ways over the same exact rhythm section. The bass and drums do not change much, but even so Vai is able to solo melodically, quickly, use his tremolo bar, and tremolo pick through various solo sections. It isn’t often that many different styles of soloing are compatible with one rhythm section, however Vai masters this combination beautifully in my opinion.

In the case of this song, the guitar seems to act as if it were the vocals. It is a prominent instrument and is the driving force behind the story Vai is telling. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, I think Vai’s integration of different guitar playing styles in the song is absolutely incredible. Regardless of the style of play Vai is using, he some how incorporates it all wonderfully with the rhythm section. The chord progression the bass guitar is playing is also very catchy and beautiful in my opinion. It allows for the accent of the guitar’s target notes to become much more powerful and makes the listener feel like he or she is hearing something epic. The drum section is very simplistic but it works very well with the guitar and bass. As I previously mentioned it is very impressive that Vai can use such fast guitar playing in such a slow tempo song. When many musicians try to do this it sounds as if they’re forcing fast playing, but Vai makes it feel right within the song. The song is very highly acclaimed by metal and rock critics, and is often called one of the greatest metal instrumental pieces. For this I think the song is very memorable and is a go-to for me when I’m listening to instrumental music.

Many of Steve Vai’s songs are instrumental so there is nothing too unusual about the song. The main component about this song that separates it from other songs by Vai is the use of so many different styles of guitar playing. The song doesn’t have any specific relation theme-wise to the album it is on, although Vai claims that this song is one of the only songs he’s ever written that has its own specific story/theme. Another very special element about this song is the actual theory Vai used while writing it. If proficient in music theory, it can be seen that Vai combines almost all seven scale modes into his playing. Being that three modes are major, three are minor, and one is augmented, this is a very difficult task to do. This is because major, minor, and augmented styled songs usually stand alone, as the use of certain note combinations tend to not sound good over contrasting rhythm sections (ex. major soloing over a rhythm section playing in a minor key). However, Vai still somehow amazes by using all but one of the modes in the song, a feat that is just unimaginable to me.

This song is good for both virtuosic listeners as well as the average music listener. I also believe the song can really be incorporated into any type of situation because it is so progressive. The beginning almost makes you feel like you’re on top of mountain with the wind blowing through your hair, staring over a beautiful horizon. The end is much faster paced and could be used for pumping yourself up for an event, or for upbeat music listening. For this reason I can see myself listening to this not only just walking to class but also if I ever decide to climb Mount Everest. This song is also a very challenging guitar song and is good for any guitar players looking to contest themselves and learn a difficult song. Musicians who desire to learn more about advanced music theory can also use the song for examination. Steve Vai is known in the guitar playing world for his advanced knowledge and application of music theory, and it is a common joke that Vai has knowledge of a special section of music theory that is unknown to every other mortal. There is also an awesome version of this piece where Vai performs it live with the Metropole Orchestra of the Netherlands.

Works Cited

Vai, Steven Siro. For the Love of God. Steve Vai. Rec. 1989. Steve Vai, 1990. Cassette.