The teacher, Satch, and the student, Steve. Both masters of their instrument. Both have released numerous solo albums and also found mainstream success working in bands (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Chickenfoot, David Lee Roth). Which do you prefer?

Vai. I find Satriani's playing very dull.

It wasn't easy, but I went with Joe. Although I love and respect Steve's work with Zappa and DLR, his solo albums bored me. When I'm in the right mood, Satch's intrumentals are a thing of beauty. Even if he does rip-off Coldplay.

I am fan of both musicians, and I prefer Joe Satriani, I think the difference that he actually writes songs where Vai is more interested in sound sculpturing, if that description makes sense.

Their styles to me are a very different and like them both, Vai I suppose writes more challenging music and I am fan but I find Satch's songs easier to digest.

Satch

I went for Vai.

I like both but I went with Satch. Vai writes more complex stuff and has some great ideas, (Ya-Yo Gakk comes to mind). But Satch has such a great ear for melody & phrasing, his tunes just "breathe". Satch has a way of making his songs seemingly sing, they seem to have verses, choruses ahd bridges, plus he writes some killer slow tunes my fave by him is the live version of 'Rubina' from Live In San Francisco.

Satriani by a mile!

Vai is talented but his songwriting pales in comparison to Joe.

As everyone knows, I prefer Eddie Van Halen when it comes to shredders. But for the sake of the poll, I'll go with Satch.

Are there any Deep Purple live boots out there when Satriani was with the band? They'd be interesting to hear.

I'd certainly say Satch by a long shot. Even though I think both of these guys are guilty of some serious guitar wankery sometimes, Satch has a much better grip on melody and memorability in his music.

Satriani. His songs are memorable to me.

Aren't they the same guy?

Steve Vai, only because he used to come to the video store I used to work for ages ago. Very cool guy and conversational, used to come down on his bike with his son. I left before I had the opportunity to have him sign 3 of his albums.

I don't like either one because I tend to find the lyrics offensive (I do think Joe did a good job in Chickenfoot though- seriously).

Satch. I like Vai alot when he's in bands, but the only solo record that did anything for me was Flexable, other then that I just can't get into it.

I like 'em both, but I have been a fan of JS far longer and, as was mentioned above, prefer SV in a band. Peace.

I like them both, but I'd give the nod to Steve Vai. I like his style a bit better.

When it comes to shredders though - my all time favorite is David T. Chastain. He's also the most underrated IMO.

Satch 10/10
Steve Vai 9.5/10