In his formative years Steve took some lessions from Joe Satriani as well as attending Berklee College of Music.

His big break into the music industry came in 1980 when Frank Zappa hired Steve as a guitarist and to transcribe his songs. While employed by Zappa, he would at times tour with Zappa's band and was featured on such songs as "Moggio" and "Stevie's Spanking."

After leaving Zappa's band in 1982, he recorded his debut solo album- "Flex-Able" in 1984. He also toured and recorded with: Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake in the eightites and nineties. In 1990 Vai released his most influential and best-selling album – "Passion and Warfare". Since then he has been recording and touring as a solo artist.

In 1987, Vai helped guitar-maker Ibanez design the JEM , and then in 1989, the Universe 7-String guitar.