Song Rig

Flying in a Blue Dream

Joe Satriani · Flying in a Blue Dream · 1989

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Melodic, emotional, and harmonically rich — the title track from his landmark album. The tone is warmer than Surfing with the Alien, the phrasing more vocal and patient. This is Satriani in his most emotionally accessible mode: a sustained lead melody over a moving harmonic backdrop, each phrase carefully shaped.

Signal Chain

1Ibanez JS guitar
2Marshall + Roland JC-120 dual amp
3DigiTech Whammy (pitch shifts on specific phrases)
4Ibanez TS9

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume7

Bass6

Mid7

Treble7

Reverb4

Slightly warmer than Surfing — the emotional content of this piece needed a less bright, more singing tone. The reverb adds space for the sustained melody notes. DigiTech Whammy used for specific harmonic octave jumps that define some of the more dramatic melodic moments.

Technique

How to Play It

Sustained melodic phrasing with Whammy-assisted pitch shifts — the specific technique of using the Whammy pedal to jump an octave on specific held notes is a Satriani signature. The long, sustained lead melody lines require precise intonation and controlled vibrato.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Ibanez-style guitar → Tube Screamer → Marshall → DigiTech Whammy (optional but signature). Without the Whammy, the octave jump passages can be played an octave higher on the fretboard.

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