Born in New York in 1956, Joe Satriani first established himself on the San Francisco music scene during the early 1980s. Satriani became one of the most recognized guitar teachers in the area, inspiring pupils such as Kirk Hammett (later of Metallica), Larry LaLonde (later of Primus) and Steve Vai (now an acclaimed solo guitarist in his own right). Satriani did not begin recording until 1984, when he released a now out-of-print self-titled EP. In 1986 he released his full-length solo debut "Not of This Earth". Satriani became known as a "guitar player's guitar player," influencing countless hobbyists and professionals with his innovative style and sure-fingered playing.