Malmsteen is Indeed a cocky son of a bitch... but he's the best guitar player i've ever heard in my life. Im a music teacher . teacher for those majoring in classical guitar and other subjects involving music. and if you've heard of this subject that i use to study back in college, music theory, which follows every rule on composing a classical arrangement, Its very complicated. So for those who dont appreciate malmsteen's playing and music, well so sorry for you. these kind of things are only for those who understand how it works. steve vai is good. joe satriani really sucks (from what i've seen and heard from his playing he only knows 3 scales) and Malmsteen.?? Try to play like he does. it would take you years. thank god i've been listening to his music since i was 12.