Always With Me Always With You Tab

Always with Me, Always with You by Joe Satriani, from Surfing with the Alien (1987), is one of the most beautiful pieces in rock guitar. It demonstrates that technical mastery means nothing without melody, feel, and the ability to make an instrument sing like a human voice.

About This Lesson

This is Satriani at his most lyrical. The piece is built on melody and feel — long, singing phrases supported by perfectly controlled vibrato and expressive bends. Learning it develops a different kind of technique than shred exercises — the technique of emotional expression.

What You Will Work On

• Lyrical melodic phrasing — playing phrases that sing like a melody
• Controlled, singing vibrato — the vibrato that sustains and expresses emotion
• Expressive bending — slow, wide bends that carry maximum feeling
• Tone and sustain — how Satriani’s tone supports his lyrical phrasing
• Melodic construction — building phrases that have shape, direction, and resolution

Tips for Learning

• Listen to this track many times before playing a single note.
• Focus on vibrato first — the sustain and expression of this piece live in the vibrato.
• Use a smooth, warm, singing tone — this is not a distortion showcase.
• Play slowly and feel every note — rushing kills the entire character of the piece.