Along with teaching some of the top rock guitar players, Joe Satriani is one of the most accomplished and respected guitarists to emerge in recent times. Joe first picked up the guitar at 14. Quickly learning the instrument, Satriani began teaching guitar and found a kindred spirit in one of his students, Steve Vai. Satriani issued his first solo EP in 1984 and then 1987's Surfing with the Alien. Almost overnight, Satriani was regarded as one of rock's top guitarists, as the album went gold. In 1989, Satriani issued his third solo, Flying in a Blue Dream. In 1994, Satriani filled in on tour for Ritchie Blackmore for heavy metal pioneers Deep Purple. Satriani issued two more solo albums during the '90s and also started the G3 guitar showcase tour with Vai in 1996, which became an annual event. 2000 saw Satriani issue the electronic-based Engines of Creation, and a year later, Live in San Francisco. Engines was nominated for a Grammy. Strange Beautiful Music, was released in 2002. In addition to his own albums, Satriani has guested on several other artists' albums over the years. His thirst for collaboration extended to him joining forces with ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony for the super group Chickenfoot. Soon after, Satriani returned to his guitar pyrotechnics with Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards. More recently, Satriani released Shockwave Supernova in 2015. Joe Satriani continues to rock the world.