Joe Satriani Guitar Lick from Circles TAB

This Joe Satriani lick from Circles captures one of his most recognizable stylistic elements — fast, flowing legato runs combined with his unique sense of melodic direction. Circles from Surfing with the Alien (1987) is a showcase of Satriani at his most creative and technically impressive.

About the Solo

The Circles lick demonstrates Satriani’s ability to combine raw technique with genuine musicality. The phrase moves through positions fluidly, using legato to create a seamless, almost orchestral quality. It is advanced playing that always serves the music first.

What You Will Work On

• Position-shifting legato — moving through multiple positions without breaking flow
• Satriani melodic direction — phrases that go somewhere and resolve
• Fast string crossing — clean transitions between non-adjacent strings
• Rhythmic precision in fast legato — keeping the pulse while playing fast
• Tone control at speed — maintaining a singing tone during fast passages

Tips for Learning

• Learn the phrase position by position before connecting them.
• Use a metronome — fast legato without solid timing is just noise.
• Listen to Circles many times before trying to play it — absorb the feel.
• Work on the hand synchronization at 50% speed first.