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The only guitar player better than Eddie Van Halen, according to Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar has named Joe Satriani as possibly the world’s best guitarist, placing him above his former Van Halen bandmate Eddie Van Halen. His praise centres on Satriani’s technical ability and, especially, his talent for writing songs quickly and independently.
Hagar made the comparison after working with Satriani in the rock supergroup Chickenfoot, formed in 2008, and in earlier projects. Satriani has also played with artists including Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper and Deep Purple, and taught Kirk Hammett before Hammett joined Metallica. Hagar and Satriani have toured together since 2024.
In short
- Hagar rates Satriani above Eddie Van Halen.
- He praises Satriani’s guitar playing and songwriting.
- The pair have toured together since 2024.
Explained simply
Sammy Hagar is a rock singer who joined Van Halen in 1985, replacing the band’s original singer, David Lee Roth. Eddie Van Halen, the band’s guitarist, was known for his distinctive playing and is widely regarded as one of rock’s most influential guitarists.
Joe Satriani is an American guitarist known for instrumental rock, in which the guitar carries the main melody instead of a singer. He has worked with a range of well-known musicians and taught Kirk Hammett, later Metallica’s lead guitarist.
Hagar and Satriani played together in Chickenfoot, a band formed in 2008, and have toured together since 2024. Their work together gives Hagar direct experience of Satriani’s playing and songwriting, while the comparison reflects his personal view of how guitarists rank.