Makes perfect sense. I know, and agree, that there's no point in trying to play like Vai, or Satch, Yngwie (I think it's great how he's the only one called by his first name, think it's because lots of people can't spelt his surname?...), etc.
You do need to be your own player, otherwise what will you be adding to music? Nothing. However, just because you have amazing technique, doesn't mean you can't play with soul. Eric Johnson, Al DiMeola, Brain May - amazing technique, but their gift is knowning how to hold back and let the music take centre stage.
The reason I'm interested in Vai's work out is as aguideline and for ideas - I'd never follow someone else's workout to the letter, or even remotely close.
He's done something right to get to that technical ability, his flaw is not being able to get his emotions across to the majority of people and so he's become something of a shedders' guitarists...(does that make sense?).
Hope that saved me from sounding like a manic 15-year-old wannabe shredder...

[Edited by Willdridge on 05-07-2001 at 08:47 AM]