Truth In Shredding

Alex Hutchings: Time 2 Groove -

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:55:20 GMT

Artist Spotlight: Alex Hutchings – Master of Jazz Fusion, Rock, and Improvised Virtuosity

Published on October 15, 2026 | Jazz Fusion & Modern Guitar

Artist Biography

Based in Bristol, England, Alex Hutchings is internationally revered as one of the most fluid, expressive, and technically gifted guitarists working in contemporary jazz fusion, rock, and blues-rock. Professional since 2002, Hutchings has built a diverse career spanning orchestral settings, jazz big bands, high-profile West End theatre productions (such as holding the main guitar role on the hit Thriller – Live concert tour), and major international arena stages. Notably, in late 2017, he joined progressive rock visionary **Steven Wilson**'s live band, touring the globe in support of the To the Bone album. Beyond his touring prowess, Hutchings is an accomplished composer for television (including BBC and ITV) and a sought-after educator known for his comprehensive masterclasses with JTC Guitar.

Key Collaborations & Ensembles

While frequently operating as a formidable solo artist and bandleader, Hutchings is renowned for his collaborative work across the global guitar and fusion landscape:

Steven Wilson Live Band: Stepping into lead guitar duties for world-class progressive rock tours alongside elite musicians.
All-Star Fusion & Guitar Projects: Frequent collaborative single drops and cross-artist showcases with top-tier players like Jack Gardiner, Tom Quayle, and Charles Berthoud.
Global Brand Embassador: Longstanding high-profile partnerships and gear demonstrations with elite companies like Roland Corporation, Boss, Laney Amplification, and Waghorn Guitars.

Notable Album Releases & Singles

Hutchings' recorded catalog reflects his diverse genre fluency, combining solo compositions, featured guest appearances, and instrumental EPs:

Guitar Heroes (KPM Music, 2010) – Featuring standout instrumental contributions like "This Fine Feeling".
JTC Guitar Hero Ballads (2014) – Showcasing his emotional, vocal-like phrasing on tracks such as "And Then She Was Gone".
Pale Blue E.P (2024) – A celebrated modern instrumental release featuring tracks like "Avitus" and "Jellyfish".
"Taming the Hurricane" (Single, 2026) – His latest solo studio offering highlighting his lightning-fast articulation and melodic depth.
Slapocalypse Reborn (2025) – High-profile collaborative single featuring an all-star cast of modern virtuosos.

Recent News & Projects

It has been a banner year of creative output for Alex Hutchings. Following the strong underground reception of his 2024 instrumental project Pale Blue, Hutchings dropped his stellar new solo single, "Taming the Hurricane". Alongside continuing his extensive masterclass commitments, online lesson platforms, and high-end gear demonstrations, he remains a central pillar of the UK modern guitar community.

Developed in collaboration with Alex Hutchings, the Aquila Emory RW 6 brings his signature approach to a Mayones six-string guitar.

Handcrafted in Gdańsk, Poland.

Mayones Guitars & Basses
https://mayones.com/alex

Time 2 Groove - Mayones Aquila Emory RW 6 - Alex Hutchings Signature | playthrough

Seki Yoshinori: Pud Wud的な　Improvisation

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:45:23 GMT

Artist Spotlight: Yoshinori Seki – Master Guitarist, Allan Holdsworth Scholar, and Microtonal Innovator

Published on October 15, 2026 | Avant-Garde Fusion & Guitar Innovation

Artist Biography

Born in Japan, Yoshinori Seki (関義徳) is an elite, highly cerebral guitarist, composer, and musical theorist widely recognized for his deep fluency in complex fusion, advanced improvisation, and technical guitar craft. Starting his guitar journey at the age of eight, Seki later traveled to Los Angeles in 1995 to immerse himself further in the heart of the American music scene. Beyond his immense technical facility on the fretboard, Seki is renowned globally as a foremost authority and researcher on the playing style of legendary fusion guitar icon Allan Holdsworth. He is also the originator of the conceptual framework known as "Atonal Free Improvisation Theory" (無調即興論), bridging boundary-pushing theoretical concepts with fluid execution.

Collaborative Projects & Ensembles

Operating fluidly across the Japanese and international progressive jazz-fusion scenes, Seki participates in high-level collaborative recording projects and specialized tribute lineups:

The Spirit of Allan Holdsworth Projects: Leading dedicated commemorative and analytical performance projects celebrating the complex compositional legacy of Allan Holdsworth.
Hitoshi Okumura Collaboration: Partnering with esteemed contemporary jazz pianists and artists on progressive acoustic-electric explorations.
Session & Pedagogical Network: Working extensively alongside elite Japanese session players and sharing advanced approaches to harmonic choices through masterclasses and digital media platforms.

Notable Album Releases & Contributions

Seki’s recorded footprint includes critical guest appearances on acclaimed progressive jazz releases:

Ryo Miyachi and NATSUMI – "RNP" (2019) – Contributed standout, contrasting guitar work to this celebrated album, holding his own alongside elite Japanese guitar virtuosos like Ryo Inoue.
Hitoshi Okumura – Ancient Lake (2024) – Featured guitar contributions showcasing his sophisticated phrasing, touch, and atmospheric depth.
Ongoing Digital Release and Masterclass Archives (2025–2026) – Frequent releases of improvisational studies, specialized Holdsworthian approaches, and technical deep-dives via digital creator platforms.

Recent News & Theoretical Innovations

Yoshinori Seki has recently been making waves outside of traditional performance by tackling advanced mathematical music theory. He published groundbreaking research introducing a novel microtonal framework titled the "Seki Triple-Harmonic Logarithmic Spiral Tuning". Moving away from standard 12-tone equal temperament (12-TET), his system builds an alternative continuous frequency architecture based on a 3:1 triple-harmonic period divided into 19 equal parts. Alongside these theoretical breakthroughs, Seki continues to engage audiences globally through his analytical YouTube performances, exploring complex modal choices and advanced guitar-synth instrument setups.

Allan's songs are still difficult. Please become a member of the subscription lesson video service. Private Lessons: http://goo.gl/bxa2bu

Pud Wud的な　Improvisation

Dylan Reavey: I practiced so you don't have to - humbling guitar technique

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:28:35 GMT

It's been a while since i’ve made one of these videos so i wanted to go all out.

The song at the end is from an unfinished demo I had from 2025. I didn't know what to do with it so I figured it would be cool to make a pseudo music video using some clips from my Japan trip.

Chapters: Intro
0:00
gm 0:28 practice
practice 1:54 tech/song practice
tech/song practice 2:48 results & reflection
results & reflection 5:39 cleaning
cleaning 6:15
Improv 6:35
Q&A1 7:42
lunch 9:10
Q&A2 10:35
recording 13:26
Q&A3 17:11
drinking GT 20:14
Q&A4 22:02
japan trip 24:49
Social Links: Instagram -
/ sedaguitar
X/Twitter - https://x.com/sedaguitar
TAB Shop: https://sedaguitar.sellfy.store/
Support pals:
https://strandbergguitars.com/
http://www.vivix.info/god/

i practiced so you don't have to

Kent Crawley: ionside his Astonishing Guitar Brain

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:24:12 GMT

0:00 Intro playing
0:48 Here’s Kent!
1:55 The rise to being known… online
3:40 A serious musician too
5:30 Rich Small’s influence
7:00 Play with people!
7:30 From R&B and soul to fusion
9:58 The guitar is not the instrument
12:10 Started playing at 13?
13:15 Learning from Tim Taylor
15:00 Sing what you play
17:00 Gospel rhythm, swing?
19:45 Play smaller… and a quick guitar lesson
23:20 A lesson on swing rhythm
26:24 Use vocal inspiration for playing
29:40 The slide inspiration too
30:40 Don’t treat some notes as lava
36:45 Sing what you play… then harmonise
38:35 Dad helped the ear training
40:55 Jimi vibes?
41:50 Simple to complex - how to choose?
44:45 Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should
46:00 Here’s a revelation for you
51:10 What is a Dom7 chord?
57:15 Forced simplicity is the way
1:00:00 Modes vs music
1:04:20 Pedalboard and basic tones
1:06:45 Pickups and crazy guitar wiring
1:11:40 Pick attack dynamics
1:13:30 Subtractive EQ from the Boss EQ-200
1:15:30 Ain’t Superstitious?
1:21:40 No modulation? Ah but yes…
1:25:00 The Strandberg!
1:27:25 High guitar, 10-fret stretch
1:34:23 Kent plays us out You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts https://www.thatpedalshowstore.com

The Astonishing Guitar Brain Of Kent Crawley [And Finally A Strandberg On The Show]

Ando San: March For Me (Official Music Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:12:13 GMT

Artist Spotlight: Ando San – Pushing Boundaries with "Prog-Hop"

Published on October 15, 2026 | Hip-Hop & Progressive Guitar

Artist Biography

Based in Los Angeles, Ando San is a forward-thinking rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who is carving out an entirely unique lane in modern music. Championing a self-described genre he calls "prog-hop," Ando seamlessly fuses intricate progressive guitar work, math-rock sensibilities, and heavy metal riffing with sharp, hard-hitting hip-hop production and UK-style drill beats. Influenced heavily by everything from extreme metal acts like Darkthrone to contemporary underground beats, his sound is a fearless melting pot of technical musicianship and raw, authentic storytelling. Endorsed by top gear brands like Ormsby Guitars and Laney Amps, he has quickly become a must-watch innovator for fans crossing over from both metal and hip-hop spheres.

Notable Album & EP Releases

Ando San boasts a prolific independent catalog leading up to his major label transition:

Vitality (EP, 2018) – Early atmospheric and progressive exploratory beats.
Schemin' Season (2020) – A foundational full-length release defining his emerging style.
Bipolar (Mini-Album, 2022) – A conceptual project blending heavy emotional transparency with complex instrumental textures.
Seeing Pastures (2023) – A critically praised album showcasing his deep stylistic growth and mastery of fusing heavy guitar motifs with hip-hop grooves.
OH KAY (EP, 2025) – Featuring standout cuts like "Dash Out" and "Big Dawg" that solidified his underground momentum.

Recent News & Major Signings

It has been a monumental breakthrough period for Ando San. Most notably, he announced his official signing to Sumerian Records, celebrating the milestone by dropping a blistering double A-side single, "Hype Man" and "Triggas". While "Hype Man" draws raw guitar inspiration from black metal legends Darkthrone, "Triggas" leans into synths and drill beats to unpack themes of personal trauma and growth. To top it all off, Ando San has taken his explosive live show on the road internationally, hitting major tours alongside acts like Don Broco and Unpeople in the UK, followed by a massive North American run supporting Periphery, Ne Obliviscaris, and Greyhaven.

Ando San - March For Me (Official Music Video)

Guthrie Govan, Anton Davidyants, Gergo Borlai: Almaty at Zhest club 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:09:35 GMT

Supergroup Synergy: Guthrie Govan, Gergö Borlai, and Anton Davidyants in Concert

Published on October 15, 2026 | Jazz-Fusion & Progressive Guitar

Artist Biographies & Trio Dynamics

When three absolute masters of modern instrumental music join forces, the result is nothing short of a seismic event in the jazz-fusion world. This elite power trio brings together distinct virtuosos who each command legendary status:

Guthrie Govan (Guitar): Widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive, expressive, and technically astonishing guitarists on the planet. Known for his work with The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, and his seminal solo album Erotic Cakes, Govan effortlessly blends staggering fretboard mastery with deep melodic phrasing and spontaneous wit.
Gergö Borlai (Drums): Hailing from Hungary, Borlai is a powerhouse rhythmic force celebrated globally for his blistering speed, polyrhythmic sophistication, and explosive dynamic range. Having recorded on hundreds of albums and performed with top-tier international artists, his drumming provides an unstoppable engine for any ensemble.
Anton Davidyants (Bass): A prominent virtuoso bassist known for his incredible technical fluency, complex groove work, and ability to anchor high-level progressive fusion ensembles. His ironclad precision and melodic bass lines serve as the perfect bridge between Govan's guitar wizardry and Borlai's polyrhythmic thunder.

Key Releases & Legacy Catalogs

While this specific powerhouse lineup is celebrated primarily for their electrifying live chemistry, each member boasts a monumental individual and collaborative discography:

Guthrie Govan – Erotic Cakes (2006) – The quintessential modern guitar-instrumental masterwork that solidified Govan's status as a generational talent.
The Aristocrats Discography (Guthrie Govan with Bryan Beller and Marco Minnemann) – Multiple studio and live albums defining contemporary instrumental rock and fusion.
Gergö Borlai Solo & Collaborative Projects – A vast catalog showcasing his virtuosic drumming across European and international jazz-fusion releases.
Anton Davidyants Collaborations – High-profile studio and live recording projects alongside premier global fusion artists, pushing the boundaries of modern groove and improvisation.

Recent News & Live Tours

The trio set international fusion circles ablaze with their high-powered string of live dates across Central Asia and international circuits. Performing unforgettable stops in cities like Almaty, Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Astana, the Guthrie Govan Trio delivered masterclasses in live improvisation. Highlights from these dates—featuring blistering renditions of tracks like "Bad Asteroid", "Fives", and "Waves"—have circulated widely via pro-shot live concert recordings and soundboard archives, capturing an explosive chemistry that continues to captivate guitar aficionados worldwide.

00:00 Intro
02:17 Bad Asteroid
11:47 Sevens
25:56 Wonderfull Slippery Thing
35:54 Slidy Boy
44:28 Fives
59:34 Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers
1:11:06 Waves
1:21:34 Extravagansa

Guthrie Govan, Anton Davidyants, Gergo Borlai live in Almaty at Zhest club [2026-08-04]

Franck Karmattitude: Mes 2 Etoiles - This song is dedicated to my children

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:07:39 GMT

I’m very happy to present my new song, “Mes 2 Étoiles” (“My Two Stars”)
This song is dedicated to my children, Chloé and Benjamin my two stars.
You are my greatest pride. This song is my way of telling you how much you mean to me, and that, no matter what happens, I will always be there for you.

A huge thank you to my family, my friends, and all the wonderful people I’ve met recently.
Thanks to you, life is beautiful and full of inspiration. Every day, you give me the desire to go further and to push myself beyond my limits.

Special thanks to the wonderful musicians who helped bring this song to life, to Patrice “Kïck” Quilichini for recording the drums, and to “La Boîte à Mus’”.

I hope it will touch you and resonate with you.

Thank you for listening, liking, commenting, and sharing. It means so much to an independent artist.

Release date: October 15, 2026.

The line-up:
Franck Karmattitude — guitars
Derek Sherinian — keyboards
William Kopecky — bass
Vincent Fabre — drums
Produced, mixed & mastered by Franck Karmattitude at Nova Luna Studio / studio.novaluna

FRANCK KARMATTITUDE - Mes 2 Etoiles

Guthrie Govan,Gergo Borlai,Anton Davidyants: Live in Astana 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:03:51 GMT

Supergroup Synergy: Guthrie Govan, Gergö Borlai, and Anton Davidyants in Concert

Published on October 15, 2026 | Jazz-Fusion & Progressive Guitar

Artist Biographies & Trio Dynamics

Guthrie Govan (Guitar): Widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive, expressive, and technically astonishing guitarists on the planet. Known for his work with The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, and his seminal solo album Erotic Cakes, Govan effortlessly blends staggering fretboard mastery with deep melodic phrasing and spontaneous wit.
Gergö Borlai (Drums): Hailing from Hungary, Borlai is a powerhouse rhythmic force celebrated globally for his blistering speed, polyrhythmic sophistication, and explosive dynamic range. Having recorded on hundreds of albums and performed with top-tier international artists, his drumming provides an unstoppable engine for any ensemble.
Anton Davidyants (Bass): A prominent virtuoso bassist known for his incredible technical fluency, complex groove work, and ability to anchor high-level progressive fusion ensembles. His ironclad precision and melodic bass lines serve as the perfect bridge between Govan's guitar wizardry and Borlai's polyrhythmic thunder.

Key Releases & Legacy Catalogs

While this specific powerhouse lineup is celebrated primarily for their electrifying live chemistry, each member boasts a monumental individual and collaborative discography:

Guthrie Govan – Erotic Cakes (2006) – The quintessential modern guitar-instrumental masterwork that solidified Govan's status as a generational talent.
The Aristocrats Discography (Guthrie Govan with Bryan Beller and Marco Minnemann) – Multiple studio and live albums defining contemporary instrumental rock and fusion.
Gergö Borlai Solo & Collaborative Projects – A vast catalog showcasing his virtuosic drumming across European and international jazz-fusion releases.
Anton Davidyants Collaborations – High-profile studio and live recording projects alongside premier global fusion artists, pushing the boundaries of modern groove and improvisation.

Recent News & Live Tours

Guthrie Govan, Gergo Borlai & Anton Davidyants — Live in Astana, Kazakhstan, 2026.

A live concert recording featuring three outstanding musicians.

🎸 Guthrie Govan — Guitar
🥁 Gergo Borlai — Drums
🎸 Anton Davidyants — Bass

Live Recording & Mixing — @sokolbass

Enjoy the music. 🎶

Guthrie Govan • Gergo Borlai • Anton Davidyants — Live in Astana 2026 | Full Concert Audio

Julian Fischer: NewtownTrio - Clubnight 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:54:32 GMT

Spotlight on Julian Fischer: Modern Guitar Virtuoso, Composer, and Innovator

Published on October 15, 2026 | Music & Culture

Artist Biography

Born in Bremen, Germany in 1991, Julian Fischer began his musical journey at the tender age of eight, starting out with classical training. His immense early potential was quickly recognized; by 2003, he triumphed in the regional playoffs of the prestigious Jugend Musiziert competition. Over the years, Fischer has evolved into one of Germany's top modern guitarists, seamlessly bridging genres from jazz, rock, and pop to folk. Known equally for his intricate fretwork and his brilliant ear as a composer, Fischer has carved out a unique space for himself in contemporary instrumental music both as a bandleader and a sought-after sideman.

Notable Album Releases & Discography

Fischer’s extensive catalog reflects his versatile musicianship and creative output across multiple configurations:

Julian Fischer Quartet – Stay (2012) – Released via Berthold Records, this milestone debut SACD established the quartet’s fresh voice in European jazz.
Uli Beckerhoff – Diversity (2018) – Dot Time Records release featuring Fischer contributing standout guitar work alongside veteran trumpet player Uli Beckerhoff.
FHD Trio – Vol. 1 (2021) – An exploratory collaborative project showcasing a modern sonic landscape.
Julian Fischer – Dark Grey – Fischer’s stunning solo-driven project featuring entirely original compositions, highlighting his mature writing style and diverse background playing across genres.

Recent News & Projects

Never one to rest on his laurels, Julian Fischer has continued expanding his creative footprint. Recent highlights include his collaboration with drummer Maurice Fuchs for the innovative Fischer & Fuchs Project, drawing praise from international guitar circles and featuring guest spots from elite players like Richard Hallebeek. Whether he is dropping fresh singles, building out dynamic gear setups featured in major music publications, or pushing the envelope of modern composition, Fischer remains a vital force to watch in the guitar world.

Julian Fischer - Guitar
Marcello Albrecht - Bass
Oliver Spanuth - Drums

1. Tell Me I'm your Man (Robben Ford/ Arr.: Julian Fischer)
2. Thorns Of The Rose (Julian Fischer)
3. Sparkle (Julian Fischer)
4. Looking Back (Julian Fischer)
5 .Kiss From A Rose (Seal/Arr.: Julian Fischer)
6. King Of Pain (Sting/Arr.: Julian Fischer)
7. I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty/Arr.: Julian Fischer)

NewtownTrio live @Jazzahead! Clubnight 2023, MIB

Oliver Spanuth Drum Solo on "King Of Pain" (Sting)

MEGURI,YU-KI,MIPOW: Paranoid Void - UK tour dates + Live at Montreux Jazz Festival China 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 3 Oct 2026 17:21:41 GMT

Paranoid Void

Math Rock, Instrumental Post-Rock & Polyrhythmic Artistry from Osaka

Biography

Formed in Osaka, Japan in 2013, Paranoid Void is a critically acclaimed all-female instrumental math-rock trio comprising guitarist MEGURI, bassist YU-KI, and drummer MIPOW. Self-described as crafting "emotional floating sounds with technical rhythm," the trio quickly established a formidable presence in the international math-rock and post-rock communities through their seamless balance of delicate melodic sensitivity and fiercely complex rhythmic architecture.

Gaining early viral momentum with tracks like "Utsuroi", Paranoid Void expanded beyond Japan's club circuit to make significant waves overseas, including a landmark showcase at SXSW in Austin, Texas, tours across North America, and appearances at progressive music festivals such as ArcTanGent in the UK. Operating with uncompromising DIY vision, the trio often integrates striking visual art, dance collaborations, and meticulous self-production into their hypnotic live shows and releases.

Selected Discography

Studio Albums & Full-Lengths

Literary Math (2017)
Their defining debut full-length, featuring signature tracks like "Utsuroi" and "The Beginning of the End", establishing their style of bright, clean guitar counterpoint, nimble bass grooves, and shifting time signatures.
Travels in my universe (2022)
A sonically expansive second album blending ambient electronic textures, field recordings, and driving math-rock energy across pieces like "Null" and "01".

EPs & Notable Singles

pop hints (2019) – A vibrant mini-album highlighting playful rhythmic syncopation and melodic hooks.
00 & 01 – Formative early releases that built underground acclaim in the Kansai indie scene.
"Dusk" (黄昏) / "Undefined" – Standalone single releases emphasizing lush spatial delays and polyrhythmic interplay.

Musical Style & Instrumental Dynamics

Paranoid Void’s sound hinges on the telepathic musical dialogue and balance between all three players:

MEGURI's Clean Tapping & Fingerstyle Guitars: Characterized by crystal-clear, chiming single-coil tones (frequently on Fender Telecasters), MEGURI weaves two-handed fretboard tapping, delicate arpeggio loops, and octave sweeps that outline chord changes without heavy distortion.
Complex Meters & Polyrhythmic Drive: MIRAI's drumming combines ghost-note-laden jazz-fusion articulation with rapid-fire meter modulations (5/8, 7/8, 11/8), locking seamlessly with YU-KI’s melodic, walking basslines.
Dynamic "Floating" Atmosphere: Rather than relying on aggressive distortion crescendos, their dynamic shifts come from subtle volume swells, modulated delays, pristine reverbs, and rhythmic push-and-pull.
Counterpoint Bass Voice: YU-KI treats the bass as an equal lead instrument, trading melody lines with the guitar while anchoring deep groove pockets.

Paranoid Void – UK Tour (October 2026)

Supporting the New Album Action with Special Guests God Alone

Osaka instrumental math-rock power trio Paranoid Void is currently on their UK headline tour in October 2026 in support of their album Action. Joining them on the road across all dates are Cork-based dance-infused math-metal outfit God Alone.

UK Tour Schedule

Manchester: Night & Day Cafe – Tuesday, October 6
London: Oslo – Wednesday, October 7
Cardiff: Clwb Ifor Bach – Thursday, October 8
Bristol: Rough Trade Bristol – Friday, October 9 (19:00)
Shipley: The Kirkgate Community Centre – Saturday, October 10
Glasgow: The Hug & Pint – Sunday, October 11
Southampton: The Joiners – Tuesday, October 13

Paranoid Void - Will | Live at Montreux Jazz Festival China 2024

Saki: Protect Your Guitar in Style - SOUNDMAKER MLG-10

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 3 Oct 2026 17:05:52 GMT

SAKI

Japanese Heavy Metal Shredder, Seven-String Virtuoso & Songwriter

Biography

Born in Tokyo, SAKI is one of the most prominent and technically accomplished guitarists to emerge from the contemporary Japanese heavy metal scene. Originally inspired to pick up the guitar after discovering Queen and Seikima-II, she developed a fierce neoclassical foundation paired with extreme modern metal crunch.

In 2012, SAKI co-founded the all-female melodic power metal outfit Mary's Blood, serving as their principal shred guitarist, primary riff architect, and composer across six studio albums and international tours. In 2019, she joined forces with British power metal vocal legend Li-sa-X and DragonForce members to launch the all-female metal supergroup NEMOPHILA, showcasing crushing, low-tuned modern 7-string metal until her departure in 2024. In addition to her band projects, she formed the rock/metal duo AMAHIRU alongside DragonForce bassist Frédéric Leclercq and maintains an active solo career and clinic schedule.

Selected Discography

Solo Releases

BRIGHTNESS (2021)
Her high-octane debut solo instrumental single, arranged alongside Frédéric Leclercq, showcasing blistering neoclassical leads and melodic shred mastery.
GERMINANS (2022)
Follow-up single and video showcase emphasizing dynamic, hard-hitting rhythmic grooves and expressive lead voicings.

With Mary's Blood

Countdown to Evolution (2014) – Major-label debut featuring fast power-metal anthems like "Marionette".
Bloody Palace (2015) – Solidified their signature mix of speed metal and high-energy melodic hooks.
FATE (2016) – Included guest collaborations with Luke Takamura (Seikima-II) and Miki Sun-go (Show-Ya).
Revenant (2018) & CONFESSIONS (2019) – Showcased evolving progressive and hard rock dimensions.
Mary's Blood (2021) – Self-titled full-length marking the group's pre-hiatus creative peak.

With NEMOPHILA

REVIVE (2021) – Crushing debut album introducing their twin-guitar modern metal attack.
Seize the Fate (2022) – High-tempo release blending metalcore breakdowns, thrash, and twin-lead harmonies.
EVOLVE (2024) – Modern, riff-heavy evolution featuring aggressive 7-string rhythms.

With AMAHIRU

AMAHIRU (2020) – Cross-continental collaboration with Frédéric Leclercq, featuring Mike束 (ex-Soilwork) and guest appearances by Alicia Vigil.

Guitar Style & Virtuoso Technique

SAKI’s playing stands out for its blend of traditional 1980s Japanese hard-rock heritage and punishing modern 7-string metal:

Strict Alternate Picking & Speed Scales: Piercing, surgical alternate picking executed with stiff plectrums, allowing for clear articulation across high-speed scalar passages, three-note-per-string runs, and pedal-point riffs.
Swept Arpeggios & Neoclassical Cadences: Heavy use of 5-string sweep-picked minor and diminished arpeggios, frequently resolving into wide, singing finger vibrato influenced by classical harmonic progressions.
Low-Tuned 7-String Riffing: Driving, percussive downpicked rhythm work on low-B/drop-tuned 7-string guitars, combining syncopated modern metalcore chugs with thrash-metal gallops.
Vocal Melodic Phrasing: Balanced against technical velocity, her solos emphasize memorable melodic motifs, expressive pre-bends, and harmonized twin-guitar lines.
Rig & Gear: Longtime signature artist with Killer Guitars (playing custom Killer KG-Fascinator Seven the Curse and Fascist models equipped with Seymour Duncan and Fishman Fluence pickups), amplified through Marshall, Kemper, and Peavey high-gain tube rigs.

Protect & Display Your Guitar in Style! | SOUNDMAKER MLG-10 Humidity-Controlled Cabinet feat. SAKI

Guthrie Govan: Guitar Clinic 2005

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 3 Oct 2026 17:03:45 GMT

Guthrie Govan

The Ultimate Modern Guitar Virtuoso, Fusion Polymath & Transcendent Improviser

Biography

Born in Chelmsford, Essex, Guthrie Govan is widely regarded as one of the most complete and technically proficient guitarists in the history of the instrument. Playing from the age of three and entirely self-taught by ear, Govan first captured international attention in 1993 when he was named Guitarist magazine's "Guitarist of the Year" with his stunning composition "Wonderful Slippery Thing". He subsequently joined the prestigious faculty of the Guitar Institute and the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) and contributed legendary transcription work and columns to Guitar Techniques magazine.

Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Govan expanded his reach through tenures with progressive rock stalwarts Asia and GPS, followed by the 2006 release of his landmark solo debut, Erotic Cakes. In 2011, alongside bassist Bryan Beller and drummer Marco Minnemann, he formed the genre-defying power trio The Aristocrats. In addition to releasing celebrated fusion works with The Fellowship and Steven Wilson (notably on The Raven That Refused to Sing and Hand. Cannot. Erase.), Govan has served as the premier touring lead guitarist for Hollywood film composer Hans Zimmer's live orchestral productions worldwide.

Selected Discography

Solo Works

Erotic Cakes (2006 | Cornford Records / JTC Guitar)
A masterpiece of modern instrumental electric guitar music. Featuring iconic tracks like "Waves", "Wonderful Slippery Thing", "Fives", and "Sevens", it redefined the standard for chops, compositional depth, and sonic diversity.
West-Coast Grooves (2013 | JamTrackCentral)
A collection of soulful fusion and funk-infused jam tracks highlighting his effortless phrasing over diverse rhythmic grooves.

With The Aristocrats

The Aristocrats (2011) – The explosive debut featuring staples like "Bad Asteroid" and "Sweaty Knockers".
Culture Clash (2013) – Deepening the trio's eclectic blend of rock, jazz, metal, and avant-garde comedy.
Tres Caballeros (2015) – Recorded at Sunset Sound; features expanded production and intricate textural variety.
You Know What...? (2019) – Highlighted by tracks like "Terrible Lizard" and "The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde".
Duck (2024) – A high-concept operatic instrumental adventure showcasing virtuosic absurdity and elite musicianship.

With Steven Wilson

The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) (2013) – Featuring his acclaimed, emotionally searing solo on "Drive Home".
Hand. Cannot. Erase. (2015) – Anchored by dynamic progressive rock interplay and the soaring climax of "Regret #9".

Other Notable Projects

Asia: Aura (2001) & Silent Nation (2004)
GPS: Window to the Soul (2006)
The Fellowship: Dreams of a Gypsy (Live jazz-fusion residency cuts)
Hans Zimmer: Hans Zimmer Live (Featured lead guitar soloist on Dune, Gladiator, Inception, and The Dark Knight)

Guitar Style & Virtuoso Technique

Govan's playing is celebrated not merely for blinding speed, but for complete fretboard literacy, tonal control, and total improvisational freedom across any genre:

Liquid Legato & Sliders: Seamless hammer-ons and pull-offs married to slides and position shifts, creating a continuous, horn-like linear flow across all six strings without pick attack transients.
Effortless Technique Synthesizer: Switches fluidly between strict alternate picking, multi-finger hybrid picking, multi-string sweep arpeggios, and percussive fretboard tapping within a single bar.
Advanced Harmonic Language: Capable of superimposing complex modal colors—melodic minor modes, whole-tone scales, altered dominants, and chromatic enclosures—over standard rock and blues progressions while retaining deep melodic intention.
Expressive Pitch Control & Bends: Surgical intonation on multi-step bends, pre-bends, and microtonal vocal inflections, complemented by tasteful manipulation of a non-locking floating tremolo bridge.
Signature Rig & Gear: Signature Charvel MJ / USA Guthrie Govan models featuring caramelized basswood/ash bodies, bird's-eye maple necks, custom Charvel/MF humbuckers, and a recessed locking tremolo with Tremol-No; paired with Victory Amplification heads (such as the V30 The Countess / Super Kraken).

Guthrie Govan Guitar Clinic | Fast Picking, Tapping, Improvisation & Technique | 2005

Li-sa-X, Akarin: Surprises a Talented 10 Year Old Guitarist!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Sat, 3 Oct 2026 17:01:04 GMT

Li-sa-X & Akarin

Japanese Guitar Virtuosity: From Groundbreaking Prodigy to the Next Generation

Li-sa-X (リサX)

Biography

Born in 2005, Li-sa-X took the global guitar community by storm at age eight with her viral, note-perfect rendition of Racer X’s "Scarified", earning praise directly from Paul Gilbert and Marty Friedman. Making her major-label debut with Sony Music Japan at age twelve and becoming the youngest artist to perform at Japan's Summer Sonic Festival, she has transitioned from a child prodigy into a premier voice in modern progressive rock and technical pop-metal as the co-founder and lead guitarist of KOIAI.

Key Releases & Discography

Serendipity (2017 | Sony Music) – Debut solo EP featuring a collaboration with Paul Gilbert.
WILL (2018 | Sony Music) – Full-length solo album featuring Billy Sheehan and Matt Bissonette.
KOIAI EPs: Love at First Sight (2023), Deep & Shallow (2024), Starting Over (2026).
KOIAI Live: LIVE TOUR 2026「Starting Over」in TOKYO -HEAVY KAWAII FES 2026- (Blu-ray).

Playing Style & Technique

Paul Gilbert-Style Alternate Picking: Clean, strict, and precise inside/outside picking across string jumps at extreme tempos.
Cross-Fretboard Sweeping & Tapping: Flawless multi-string arpeggio cascades seamlessly paired with two-handed polyphonic tapped accents.
Neoclassical Melodic Phrasing: Rooted in Bach and Vivaldi themes, tempered with vibrant modern J-rock and progressive pop sensibilities.
Gear: Signature Ibanez RG models with Seymour Duncan pickups, running through modern digital rigs and high-gain tube amplifiers.

Akarin (あかりん / akarin's guitar)

Biography

Akarin is a ten-year-old Japanese guitar sensation whose channel akarin's guitar has captivated audiences worldwide. Demonstrating an astonishing grasp of touch, dynamics, and advanced repertoire far beyond her years, she has tackled complex instrumental masterpieces by Eric Johnson, Mateus Asato, Guthrie Govan, and Andy Timmons. Her talent led to notable live collaborations with fellow young virtuoso drummer YOYOKA as well as a memorable surprise in-studio session with her musical hero, Li-sa-X.

Notable Covers, Collaborations & Originals

"omoide" (思い出) (2026) – Her heartfelt original instrumental composition showcasing mature melodic voice-leading.
"Electric Gypsy" (2026 | Live Cover) – High-profile studio collaboration featuring drummer YOYOKA and bassist Yoshi Sasaki, tackling Andy Timmons' expressive classic.
Key Repertoire Showcases: Note-for-note performances of Eric Johnson’s "Cliffs of Dover", Guthrie Govan’s "Wonderful Slippery Thing", and Mateus Asato arrangements ("Empty Hands", "How Deep Is Your Love").

Playing Style & Touch

Dynamic Touch & Edge-of-Breakup Nuance: Unlike many players who rely on compressed high gain, Akarin excels with clean-to-crunch dynamics, using pick pressure and fingers to draw sweet, singing sustain.
Expressive Vocal Vibrato & Bending: Precise microtonal bends, oblique bends, and smooth, wide vibrato directly inspired by players like Andy Timmons and Mateus Asato.
Hybrid Picking & Double-Stops: Fluid integration of pick-and-fingers to execute articulate chord-melody intros, snappy country-style runs, and clean pentatonic turnarounds.

Li-sa-X Surprises a Talented 10 Year Old Guitarist!

Chapter
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Opening / Explanation of the prank
01:10 The guitarist Akarin wants to meet
01:48 Hidden camera
02:15 Disguising as staff
03:09 Akarin arrives
03:25 Ready to infiltrate
03:47 Staff Li-sa-X infiltrates ①
04:43 After infiltration ①
05:22 Staff Li-sa-X infiltrates ②
06:12 After infiltration ②
06:23 Filming the fake opening
06:51 Disguise Removed ~ Standby
07:39 Heading to the Prank
08:28 Prank!!
09:33 Actually, There’s One More Surprise
10:04 Behind-the-Scenes Footage
10:27 Seated (Talk & Performance)
12:28 Song Performed Together
13:41 Polyphia Champagne: Dream Collaboration
15:20 Closing Li-sa-X
Li-sa-X

Kevin Comeau, Cody Bowles: CROWN LANDS - Through The Looking Glass - RUSH/ZEP feel

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 17:52:33 GMT

Crown Lands

Canadian Heavy Progressive Rock, Indigenous Advocacy & Epic Duo Virtuosity

Biography

Hailing from Oshawa, Ontario, Crown Lands is a Canadian progressive rock powerhouse formed in 2015 by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Comeau (guitars, bass pedals, analog synthesizers) and vocalist/drummer Cody Bowles (vocals, drums, percussion, flute). The duo took their moniker as a direct critique of "crown land"—government-held land appropriated from Indigenous peoples—channeling themes of First Nations heritage, anti-colonial resistance, and expansive sci-fi cosmology into their songwriting.

Despite performing strictly as a two-piece, Crown Lands conjure a massive, arena-sized wall of sound reminiscent of 1970s progressive rock giants. After winning the 2021 JUNO Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year, the band teamed up with legendary Rush producers David Bottrill, Nick Raskulinecz, and Terry Brown to record expansive, multi-part progressive epics, cementing their place as the modern standard-bearers of vintage Canadian heavy prog.

Selected Discography

Studio Albums

Crown Lands (2020 | Universal Music Canada)
Produced by Dave Cobb; a blues-heavy hard rock debut featuring punchy, riff-centric anthems like "Leadfoot" and "End of the Road".
Fearless (2023 | Spinefarm / Universal)
A triumphant leap into full-scale progressive rock, recorded at 80 Hertz Studios in England and produced by David Bottrill. Anchored by the sprawling 18-minute sci-fi opus "Starlifter: Fearless, Pt. II" and "Lady of the Lake".
Apocalypse (2026 | InsideOut Music)
A tour de force concept record deepening their heavy prog arrangements, complex meters, and cinematic analog synth textures.

EPs & Live Releases

Mantra (2016) & Rise Over Run (2017) – Raw, early independent blues-rock EPs.
White Buffalo (2021) – Exploratory conceptual EP featuring "The Oracle" and "White Buffalo".
Odyssey, Vol. 1 (2021) – Live acoustic and electric showcase recorded in studio.

Guitar Style & Instrumental Approach

Kevin Comeau’s playing style is anchored by a high-wire, multi-instrumental performance approach that evokes Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee simultaneously:

Double-Neck Mastery: Frequently deploys Gibson EDS-1275 and custom double-neck guitars (pairing 12-string chime with a 6-string electric, or guitar and bass combinations) to shift seamlessly between lush acoustic-style arpeggios and crushing heavy riffing.
Simultaneous Bass Pedal Work: Powers the duo's colossal low end live by triggering Moog Taurus bass synth pedals and Roland MIDI foot controllers with his feet while navigating intricate guitar passages on his hands.
Rush & Page Influenced Voicings: Heavy use of open string drone chords, ringing suspended fourths, and F# minor/Lydian voicings across high-tempo shifts, marrying Led Zeppelin's blues-riff swagger with Rush's harmonic complexity.
Analog Synth Layering: Weaves modular synthesizers, Mellotron strings, and vintage Minimoog filters directly into lead guitar sections, creating dense, symphonic walls of sound without prerecorded backing tracks.
Dynamic Lead Phrasing: Lead solos balance singing, wide pentatonic bends and blues-rock grit with lightning-fast alternate-picked runs and delay-drenched spacey modulations.

CROWN LANDS – Through The Looking Glass (OFFICIAL VIDEO) Taken from the album ‘Apocalypse’ out 15th May 2026 via InsideOutMusic. https://crownlandsmusic.lnk.to/Apocalypse-AlbumID

CROWN LANDS - Through The Looking Glass (Official Video)

Lovie Valeska: Defiance new single

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 17:47:21 GMT

Lovie Valeska

Emerging Instrumental Artist, Groove & Rhythmic Fusion Stylist

Biography

Lovie Valeska is an emerging independent artist and instrumentalist whose sound bridges contemporary groove-based composition, funk-infused rhythms, and expressive melodic interplay. Operating in the modern era of digital distribution and streaming, Valeska has begun establishing an underground footprint through rhythmically driven solo releases that highlight syncopation, dynamic instrumental layering, and atmospheric tension.

Selected Discography & Releases

Singles & Standalone Releases

Defiance (June 2026)
A driving, attitude-forward instrumental track anchored by punchy rhythmic accents, heavy groove pacing, and assertive lead phrasing.
Capoeas (September 2026)
A dynamic, rhythm-centric piece drawing on syncopated movements and percussive melodic textures, blending atmospheric undertones with tight pocket play.

Musical Style & Characteristics

Valeska's approach centers around rhythm, pocket, and focused instrumental arranging:

Groove-First Foundation: Rhythms rooted in instrumental funk, neo-soul, and modern soul-jazz structures, where the primary focus is locking tightly into the pocket before layering lead lines.
Syncopated Melodic Motifs: Rather than sprawling, speed-focused linear shredding, lines are built around concise, punchy phrases, rhythmic repetition, and space that allow the underlying beat to breathe.
Dynamic Textural Contrast: Combining tight, staccato rhythm figures with sustained, ambient counter-melodies and layered instrumental backdrops.
Modern Minimalist Production: Utilizing crisp, modern digital production aesthetics that emphasize clarity across the low-end groove and crisp top-end transients.

My first single Defiance is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music, iTunes, Deezer, Tidal, and other streaming platforms‼️

Lovie Valeska - Defiance [Original]

Li-sa-X, Hazuki, Kanade Sato,Yunika Impact, Mirei Sakurada: KOIAI - DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 17:43:50 GMT

KOIAI – LIVE TOUR 2026「Starting Over」in TOKYO

-HEAVY KAWAII FES 2026- Live Blu-ray Release

Technical Japanese pop-metal/rock powerhouse KOIAI documents their new era with the live Blu-ray release of KOIAI LIVE TOUR 2026「Starting Over」in TOKYO -HEAVY KAWAII FES 2026-.

Capturing the full energy of their nationwide tour in support of the 4th EP Starting Over, this release showcases the band's trademark balance of virtuosic fretboard precision, driving rhythms, and infectious melodic hooks across a massive 21-song setlist.

Product Formats & Details

Release Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
First Press Limited Edition (初回限定盤):
- Format: Blu-ray + B5-size 48-page Live Photo Book
- Catalog No.: FRMT-010
- Price: ¥9,500 (tax incl.)
Standard Edition (通常盤):
- Format: Blu-ray
- Catalog No.: FRMT-011
- Price: ¥7,500 (tax incl.)

Tracklist (21 Tracks)

Starting Over
Beep Beep!
Once in a lifetime
Make You Regret
Future of Those Days
8 am
Take It or Leave It
No More Lies
Straight To My Heart
Slip Through
Just Be My Treasure
Hoax
Inside
Your Socks
Meant to be
Come see me
One More Chance Is Enough
Reboot the Abyss
A New Picture
My Breath
One Way or Another

Max Light: East of the Sun - solo guitar

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 17:38:16 GMT

Max Light

Modern Jazz Virtuoso, Monk Competition Finalist & Sophisticated Improviser

Biography

Max Light is an acclaimed American jazz guitarist and composer based in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Light studied jazz performance at the New England Conservatory in Boston before immersing himself in the vibrant New York City contemporary jazz community.

Light gained major international prominence in 2019 when he was awarded second place at the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition (formerly the Thelonious Monk Competition). Celebrated for his exceptional harmonic intellect, fluid picking technique, and adventurous linear phrasing, he has become one of the most sought-after guitarists of his generation, performing and recording with luminaries such as Noah Preminger, Jason Palmer, Donny McCaslin, Kirk Knuffke, and Will Vinson.

Selected Discography

As Leader / Co-Leader

Herplusme (2020 | Red Piano Records)
Light's striking debut album as a leader, featuring a powerhouse rhythm section with Julian Shore, Aidan O’Donnell, and Steven Crammer, highlighting his intricate, original contemporary compositions.
Henceforth (2023 | SteepleChase Records)
A critically lauded quartet recording alongside tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, bassist Kim Cass, and drummer Dan Weiss, diving into deep rhythmic counterpoint and complex harmonic improvisations.
Songs of the Moment (Noah Preminger & Max Light Duo)
Intimate duo sessions demonstrating his acute dynamic sensitivity, nuanced chordal accompaniment, and fluid conversational interplay.

Notable Sideman Appearances

Noah Preminger: Contemptus and Zigsaw: Music of Steve Lampert
Jason Palmer: The Concert: 12 Musings for Melodic Instruments
Kirk Knuffke: Various small-group contemporary jazz sessions

Guitar Style & Harmonic Approach

Max Light’s playing exemplifies the modern frontier of jazz guitar, blending traditional bebop fluency with avant-garde rhythmic concepts:

Asymmetrical Linear Phrasing: Noted for expansive, uninterrupted single-note lines that weave effortlessly across bar lines, utilizing non-standard interval leaps, chromaticism, and modern triadic pairs.
Microtonal & Expressive Articulation: Seamlessly balances alternate picking with smooth legato lines, incorporating subtle quarter-tone bends, sliding intervals, and natural guitar dynamics that mimic horn-like phrasing.
Metric Modulation & Polyrhythmic Awareness: Frequently collaborates in rhythmically demanding environments (alongside rhythm sections like Dan Weiss and Kim Cass), demonstrating effortless navigation over shifting meters, odd-time groupings, and metric modulations.
Modern Chordal Voicings: Replaces standard root-position jazz chords with wide-interval clusters, quartal voicings, and triad over bass structures that create lush, ambiguous harmonic beds.
Acoustic & Electric Timbral Balance: Favors a warm, articulate, semi-hollow or archtop tone with minimal processing—emphasizing organic string attack, woody low-end response, and pristine clarity for complex chords.

#Played on a 1930 Gibson L-5 from The Blue Guitars Archtop Foundation

I set up some mics and recorded spontaneously for about 20 minutes, improvising and messing around with some tunes. Here is part of the result. I wanted to get some recordings of this beautiful guitar that I've been living with for a year, on loan from The Blue Guitars Archtop Foundation. Enjoy!

Mixed by Alon Benjamini

East of the Sun - solo guitar

Cheng Tian, Tyler, Jason Z: Faux Future - coool instrumental tune

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 17:36:27 GMT

Cheng Tian (田程)

Modern Instrumental Virtuoso, Progressive Metal Composer & Fusion Stylist

Biography

Cheng Tian (田程) is a Chinese guitarist, composer, and educator emerging from the contemporary wave of Asian progressive rock and modern instrumental virtuosity. With a technical foundation rooted in comprehensive theoretical study and meticulous mechanics, Tian developed an underground following across international guitar communities and social video platforms through high-definition playthroughs, intricate original compositions, and gear demonstrations.

Representing the modern generation of forward-thinking players who blend high-gain progressive metal rhythms with fluid jazz-fusion harmony, Tian regularly collaborates with boutique instrument builders, digital amplifier brands, and fellow instrumentalists within the global math-rock and djent-adjacent scenes.

Selected Discography & Releases

Solo Works & Instrumental Singles

Original Instrumental Singles & EPs
Dynamic solo compositions balancing soaring melodic hooks, polyrhythmic low-end grooves, and technical fretboard gymnastics.
Collaborative Playthroughs & Guest Solos
Featured guest lead spots and community guitar collaborations alongside contemporary international shred and progressive metal artists.
Guitar Demos & Audio Showcases
Original high-fidelity backing compositions created to showcase modern digital modelers, high-end pickups, and headless guitars.

Guitar Style & Virtuoso Technique

Cheng Tian's playing style embodies the modern progressive instrumental movement, combining pristine mechanical execution with colorful harmonic phrasing:

Liquid Legato & Hybrid Picking: Seamless fretboard navigation utilizing low-tension hammer-on/pull-off runs paired with snappy hybrid picking for sudden interval skips and wide chord arpeggiations.
Modern Extended-Range Phrasing: Fluid movement across 6-, 7-, and 8-string instruments, moving effortlessly from punchy, syncopated djent and math-rock low-string riffs to soaring upper-register fusion melodies.
Complex Harmonic Palette: Heavy integration of Lydian, Dorian, and melodic minor modes, blending neo-soul chord voicings, tenths, and chime-like natural harmonics with modern high-gain leads.
Two-Handed Polyphonic Tapping: Intricate tapping sequences combining moving basslines or percussive accents in the lower register while the right hand taps out singing top-line motifs.
Rig & Gear: Frequently seen utilizing ergonomic and headless guitars (such as Strandberg), extended-range multiscale instruments, and pristine all-digital modeling setups (Fractal Audio, Neural DSP) dialed in for articulate note separation.

Faux Future | Cheng Tian & Tyler & Jason Z | Ibanez Prestige RG653DX

DIBBO: smooth guitar tone

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 14:53:25 GMT

A short guitar session exploring a silky, smooth guitar tone while I’m busy producing a new original song for my upcoming EPs

This jam is all about a warm, expressive guitar tone, melodic phrasing, smooth legato, controlled dynamics and improvisation. Just a small glimpse into the kind of tones and ideas I’ve been experimenting with while working on my next song.

Currently spending most of my time writing, recording and producing the new track, but sometimes you just have to stop and play. This is one of those moments.

If you love silky guitar tones, smooth lead guitar, guitar improvisation, fusion guitar, melodic playing and guitar tone exploration, you’re in the right place.

Coming very soon - Eutopian Nightmare https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dibbo/eutopian-nightmare

IS THIS GUITAR TONE SILKY ENOUGH??

Clayton King: Blue Sky (Playthrough) - c;assy instrumental

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 14:45:40 GMT

Clayton King

Southern Rock Fire, Country Chicken Pickin' & Modern Virtuosity

Biography

Clayton King is an American guitarist, songwriter, and session musician hailing from the American South. Developing a deep affinity for roots, blues, and country-rock from an early age, King cut his teeth across the regional club circuit, building an underground reputation for his ferocious right-hand attack, lightning-fast hybrid picking, and blues-infused melodic instincts.

Known equally as a solo instrumentalist, collaborative side-player, and prominent voice in modern online guitar communities, King bridges the gap between classic southern rock guitar heritage and modern chops-heavy fusion. His high-octane demos and original compositions have made him a favorite among players who appreciate groove-heavy rock paired with intricate fretboard wizardry.

Selected Discography & Releases

Solo Releases & Original Works

Solo Singles & Instrumentals
Showcasing a high-energy mix of roaring tube overdrive, dynamic thumb-and-finger snapping, and driving backbeats that fuse southern swagger with progressive guitar phrasing.
Session Appearances & Collaborations
Featured guest lead solos, studio rhythm tracking, and songwriting contributions across contemporary southern rock, outlaw country, and roots-metal projects.

Guitar Style & Technique

King's playing style is defined by grit, harmonic intuition, and surgical right-hand mechanics:

Hybrid "Chicken Pickin'" Precision: Seamless combination of a flat pick with middle and ring fingers, allowing for percussive muted double-stops, snappy twang, and blistering pentatonic cascades across open and fretted strings.
Southern Rock & Blues Phrasing: Rooted in the aggressive vocal phrasing of classic southern rock icons, emphasizing wide, singing finger vibrato, stinging oblique bends, and microtonal pitch inflections.
Modern Chops & Legato Flurries: Incorporating modern shred sensibility with smooth hammer-on/pull-off runs, slide-in targeting, and outside chromatic passing tones over standard 12-bar and southern-rock progressions.
Dynamic Amp Touch: Relying on vintage-voiced tube amps pushed right to the edge of breakup, using pick dynamics and the guitar's volume pot to transition effortlessly from sparkling cleans to searing lead tones.

my new single 'Blue Sky' is out now

TABS AVAILABLE AT: https://www.claytonbking.com/tabs

My wife and I found out that we were pregnant last year. We were both equal parts stoked and terrified... As the due date got closer, I caught myself daydreaming more and more about all the great summers I had as a kid. And how I couldn't wait to make those memories with my lil dude, just like my parents did with me.

This song is my best attempt of expressing those feelings of summer nostalgia :)

Written / Produced / Mixed / Filmed: by Clayton King
Mastered: by Alberto De Icaza
B Cam Operator: Autumn King (my wife is the best)

Clayton King - Blue Sky (Playthrough)

Clayton King - Morningcloud (Playthrough)

Shane Theriot: The Real Work of a Session Guitarist

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 14:41:37 GMT

Take a look inside a real-world session at the legendary Village studios in Los Angeles. In this video, I walk you through the practical process of building guitar parts in real time—from choosing the right tone and gear to reading charts and making quick musical decisions! The Real Work of a Session Guitarist (It's Not Chops)

The Real Work of a Session Guitarist (It's Not Chops)

Alex Hutchings: Jazzy improv, Guitar Synth dual, Melodic Improv + Melofty

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 14:39:05 GMT

Today I'm teaching a super crazy Jazzy BeBop line on my Patreon page. This was me warming up for it and a short example of some of the ideas I'm sharing. There are tabs for the lick plus if you join up you will gain access to my entire library of lessons tabs and backing tracks.

Guitar & Synth Dual

Melodic Improv with a side of Shred

Melofty Pedal / Axom Max – Live Demo Track

Single-Take Live Demonstration of the Hybrid Audio Processor

Here is the full demo track I wrote for the Melofty pedal performed live to camera. I tried to balance showcasing a variety of sounds whilst trying to make it flow as one cohesive piece.

Below is a breakdown of the tones created throughout the track, which you can follow in the timeline. This is to clarify exactly what is being played live and what you are hearing. For instance, where it indicates Guit&Organ, everything is generated simultaneously from a single 1/4" jack cable directly out of the pedal. The intro sound is sourced straight from the hardware unit (with just a few background FX added for dramatic ambience), and the sequenced arpeggiator runs natively from the pedal engine. Pretty powerful stuff!

Hybrid Audio Processing & The Axom Max

Ahead of the official launch, it would be great to hear your thoughts:

What do you think a Hybrid Audio Processor means or represents? And based on this demo, what do you envision the Axom Max being capable of in real-world rigs?

The goal was to present a wide sonic cross-section—from traditional guitar tones to dense synth patches and experimental hybrid textures in between. The real fun always begins once gear hits the wild and sound designers push it into unexpected territory.

Deep Dives & Patch Breakdowns

In the coming weeks, follow-up videos will break down each custom patch and the sound-design workflow behind them. Drop your questions, thoughts, and patch queries in the comments below, and the most compelling ones will be tackled in the upcoming Q&A.

Stay tuned—official release dates and launch details will be announced as soon as they are locked in!

Exploring New Sonic Worlds #Melofty

George Bellas: Throwback Thursday From the MI Vault 11/15/2007

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 14:24:31 GMT

George Bellas

Neoclassical Virtuoso, Progressive Composer & Architectural Guitarist

Biography

Known as "The Maestro of Metal" and a self-described "futuristic neoclassicalist," George Bellas is an American guitar virtuoso, composer, and educator. Picking up the instrument at age seven, Bellas underwent an obsessive, disciplined practice regimen that led to extraordinary technical command on the fretboard. In the mid-1990s, his compositions and technical prowess caught the attention of Mike Varney, resulting in a recording contract with Shrapnel Records.

In 1997, Bellas released his landmark Shrapnel debut, Turn of the Millennium, followed swiftly by Mind Over Matter in 1998. Beyond his solo career, Bellas has collaborated extensively with prominent progressive and hard rock projects, including recording the album Edge of the World with UFO's Phil Mogg and Pete Way (as Mogg/Way), tracking lead guitars on The Oracle with Mark Boals and Vitalij Kuprij in Ring of Fire, and releasing expansive conceptual solo albums on European label Lion Music.

Selected Discography

Solo Instrumental Albums

Turn of the Millennium (1997, Shrapnel Records)
A complex, futuristic debut featuring intense guitar improvisation, asymmetric meters, dense modern counterpoint, and technical showcase cuts like "Ripped to Shreds".
Mind Over Matter (1998, Shrapnel Records)
A direct homage to classical forms, counterpoint, and baroque themes, composed note-for-note on manuscript paper and featuring bassist Deen Castronova on drums.
Venomous Fingers (2003, Lion Music)
Marking his move to Lion Music, blending aggressive neoclassical speed with intricate fusion sensibilities.
Planetary Alignment (2008, Lion Music)
A science-fiction-themed progressive metal journey pairing intense shred mechanics with expansive symphonic synthesizers and complex polyrhythms.
Step Into the Future (2009, Lion Music)
An epic conceptual release anchored by the colossal 77-minute titular single continuous composition.
The Dawn of Time (2010, Lion Music)
Featuring drummer Marco Minnemann, blending ultra-dense neoclassical runs with extreme progressive meters.
Astral Projection (2013, Lion Music) & Colonizing the Stars (2018)
Modern solo installments continuing his deep exploration of astronomy, futuristic themes, and avant-garde composition.

Collaborations & Projects

Mogg/Way – Edge of the World (1997) – Lead guitar alongside UFO alumni Phil Mogg and Pete Way, plus drummer Aynsley Dunbar.
Ring of Fire – The Oracle (2001) – Lead guitar alongside vocalist Mark Boals, keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij, and drummer Virgil Donati.

Guitar Style & Compositional Approach

George Bellas treats the electric guitar as both an orchestral voice and an instrument of limitless physical speed:

Strict Counterpoint & Part-Writing: Deeply grounded in the polyphony of J.S. Bach, Beethoven, and Liszt, Bellas crafts multi-voiced independent lines, canons, and two-handed contrapuntal ideas rather than standard single-line shred.
Futuristic Progressive Elements & Odd Meters: Heavy use of complex time signatures (such as 5/8, 7/8, 11/16), polyrhythms, metric modulations, and uncommon synthetic modes alongside classical minor harmony.
Hyper-Speed Sweeping & Picking Precision: Impeccable sweep-picked arpeggios that span across 5 and 6 strings, combined with rapid alternate-picked scalar lines, pedal-point patterns, and wide intervallic skips.
Paper-First "Architectural" Writing: Bellas frequently scores entire compositions note-for-note on manuscript paper away from the instrument before recording, approaching guitar solos not just as jams, but as structural extensions of melodic themes.
Rig & Gear: Predominantly customized Fender Stratocasters (often equipped with scalloped fretboards and high-output pickups) paired with cranked Marshall and boutique tube amplification.

George Bellas Throwback Thursday From the MI Vault 11/15/2007

Chris Impelliteri: Impellitteri - "Wrath Child" - Official Video

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 13:58:57 GMT

Impellitteri

High-Velocity Neoclassical Speed Metal & Power Metal

Biography

Formed in Los Angeles in 1987 by shred guitar virtuoso Chris Impellitteri, Impellitteri stands as one of the fastest and most enduring heavy metal acts in neoclassical power metal. That same year, the group debuted with their legendary self-titled "Black EP," introducing Chris's blistering alternate picking alongside powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock.

In 1988, ex-Rainbow/Alcatrazz frontman Graham Bonnet joined to record the chart-topping full-length Stand in Line, securing massive international recognition, particularly in Japan where the band achieved multi-platinum and arena headliner status. Rob Rock returned in the early 1990s, cementing a decades-long partnership with Chris Impellitteri and long-time bassist James Pulli. Over nearly four decades, the group has retained its fierce devotion to blistering tempo, virtuosic mechanics, and driving melodic anthems.

Selected Discography

Full-Length Studio Albums

Stand in Line (1988) – Breakthrough LP featuring Graham Bonnet, Pat Torpey, and Chuck Wright; includes the title track and their fiery rendition of "Over the Rainbow".
Grin and Bear It (1992) – A bluesy hard-rock pivot with vocalist Rob Vanni.
Answer to the Master (1994) – Rob Rock's triumphant return to the fold, establishing their trademark high-speed power metal attack.
Screaming Symphony (1996) – Widely heralded as a genre masterpiece; home to shred classics like "17th Century Chicken Pickin'" and "Rat Race".
Eye of the Hurricane (1997) – Expanding into grandiose symphonic and epic songwriting textures.
Crunch (2000) – Experimented with detuned, heavier modern metal rhythms coupled with lightning-fast neoclassical lead work.
System X (2002) – A celebrated reunion album with Graham Bonnet on lead vocals.
Pedal to the Metal (2004) – Aggressive, driving release featuring singer Curtis Skelton.
Wicked Maiden (2009) – Rob Rock's return to the group, initiating a modern renaissance for the band.
Venom (2015) – Punchy, aggressive modern production showcasing some of Chris’s most demanding speed runs.
The Nature of the Beast (2018) – Hard-hitting power metal highlighted by blazing originals and a speed-metal cover of Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe".
War Machine (2024) – Powerhouse outing featuring Slayer/Kerry King drummer Paul Bostaph behind the kit alongside Rock, Pulli, and Impellitteri.

Key EPs

Impellitteri ("The Black EP") (1987) – Raw, incendiary 4-track debut introducing the metal underground to Chris's hyper-speed picking.
Victim of the System (1993) – Critically acclaimed transitional EP setting up the core 1990s sound.
Fuel for the Fire (1997)

Guitar Style & Virtuoso Technique

Chris Impellitteri is consistently recognized alongside Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilbert as one of the fastest and most technically disciplined guitarists in rock history:

Hyper-Speed Alternate Picking: Impellitteri's signature trait is relentless, synchronized strict alternate picking executed with surgical clarity at tempos exceeding 200+ BPM, utilizing forearm rotation and wrist efficiency with stiff, heavy plectrums.
Neoclassical Scale Vocabularies: Deep utilization of harmonic minor, Phrygian dominant, diminished 7th arpeggios, and multi-octave minor runs inspired by classical composers like Vivaldi and Bach.
Hybrid "Chicken Pickin'" Fusion: Uniquely showcased on instrumentals like "17th Century Chicken Pickin'", blending country telecaster-style snap and double-stop twang into neoclassical metal phrasing.
Aggressive Heavy Riffing: Unlike many shredders whose rhythms take a backseat to solos, Chris anchors tracks with tight, percussive, palm-muted thrash and speed metal riffage.
Rig & Gear: Custom Charvel and Fender Stratocaster-style superstrats equipped with Floyd Rose tremolos and high-output humbuckers, pushed through modified vintage Marshall and ENGL tube amplifier heads.

From the album "War Machine" out November 8, 2024
Pre-order/pre-save here: https://ffm.to/impellitteriwarmachine

Impellitteri - "Wrath Child" - Official Video

Darren Housholder: Destin, beautiful storm - new tune works

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Fri, 2 Oct 2026 11:46:01 GMT

Darren Housholder

Shrapnel Records Virtuoso & Hard Rock Guitarist

Biography

Darren Housholder emerged during the golden era of high-octane guitar virtuosity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Initially gaining underground acclaim through local circuits and instructional columns, he caught the ear of legendary talent scout and producer Mike Varney, joining the prestigious roster of Shrapnel Records.

Between 1992 and 1995, Housholder released a celebrated trilogy of instrumental solo albums through Shrapnel that cemented his reputation among technical guitar aficionados. In addition to his solo catalog, he joined the hard rock outfit Love/Hate in the mid-1990s, recording on their 1993 studio release Let's Rumble and touring extensively with the group before returning to his solo and session pursuits.

Selected Discography

Solo Albums

Darren Housholder (1992, Shrapnel Records)
A powerhouse debut featuring blistering shred anthems, bluesy hard-rock grooves, and classical-leaning runs. Key tracks include "Cakewalk", "Noodle Surprise", and "Pedal to the Metal".
Generator Man (1993, Shrapnel Records)
Expanding into heavier riffs and tighter dynamic arrangements, featuring guest performances from luminaries like bass virtuoso Tony Franklin.
Symphonic Aggression (1995, Shrapnel Records)
A culmination of his neo-classical leanings paired with raw 1990s guitar crunch and melodic speed.

With Love/Hate

Let's Rumble (1993) – Lead guitar

Playing Style & Technique

Housholder's technique bridges the gap between late-80s neo-classical shred and groove-heavy American hard rock:

Alternate & Economy Picking: Known for strict, razor-sharp pick attack on rapid-fire scalar runs and pentatonic sequence turnarounds.
Sweep Picking & Arpeggio Sequences: Clean, precise multi-string sweeps reminiscent of the Shrapnel stable, often transitioning abruptly into aggressive pentatonic bends.
Blues-Rock Inflection: Unlike purely classical-focused shredders, Housholder routinely incorporates greasy blues hooks, double-stops, and aggressive vibrato into high-tempo passages.
Rhythmic Drive: Strong emphasis on syncopated hard-rock riffs and punchy rhythmic cadences beneath lead solos.

Men at work, not a polished performance working on the getting the melodies in my head transferred to the Guitar with the right amount of aggression you can see I'm kind of soul-searching as I'm playing the parts. I know what they are in my head just getting my fingers to respond! It's great to be working on a song you hear it in your head in the morning and it's almost a sad day when you finish it because it's done it's over .... It's actually a fucking relief when you can stop pounding the same nail into the wood when it finally is finished and you can move onto something new .... I'd love the guitar. I love making music

New song working on the melodies Destin, beautiful storm

Truth In Shredding

Alex Hutchings: Time 2 Groove -

Artist Biography

Key Collaborations & Ensembles

Notable Album Releases & Singles

Recent News & Projects

Seki Yoshinori: Pud Wud的な Improvisation

Artist Biography

Collaborative Projects & Ensembles

Notable Album Releases & Contributions

Recent News & Theoretical Innovations

Dylan Reavey: I practiced so you don't have to - humbling guitar technique

Kent Crawley: ionside his Astonishing Guitar Brain

Ando San: March For Me (Official Music Video)

Artist Biography

Notable Album & EP Releases

Recent News & Major Signings

Guthrie Govan, Anton Davidyants, Gergo Borlai: Almaty at Zhest club 2026

Artist Biographies & Trio Dynamics

Key Releases & Legacy Catalogs

Recent News & Live Tours

Franck Karmattitude: Mes 2 Etoiles - This song is dedicated to my children

Guthrie Govan,Gergo Borlai,Anton Davidyants: Live in Astana 2026

Artist Biographies & Trio Dynamics

Key Releases & Legacy Catalogs

Recent News & Live Tours

Julian Fischer: NewtownTrio - Clubnight 2023

Artist Biography

Notable Album Releases & Discography

Recent News & Projects

MEGURI,YU-KI,MIPOW: Paranoid Void - UK tour dates + Live at Montreux Jazz Festival China 2024

Biography

Selected Discography

Studio Albums & Full-Lengths

EPs & Notable Singles

Musical Style & Instrumental Dynamics

UK Tour Schedule

Saki: Protect Your Guitar in Style - SOUNDMAKER MLG-10

Biography

Selected Discography

Solo Releases

With Mary's Blood

With NEMOPHILA

With AMAHIRU

Guitar Style & Virtuoso Technique

Guthrie Govan: Guitar Clinic 2005

Biography

Selected Discography

Solo Works

With The Aristocrats

With Steven Wilson

Other Notable Projects

Guitar Style & Virtuoso Technique

Li-sa-X, Akarin: Surprises a Talented 10 Year Old Guitarist!

Li-sa-X (リサX)

Biography

Key Releases & Discography

Playing Style & Technique

Akarin (あかりん / akarin's guitar)

Biography

Notable Covers, Collaborations & Originals

Playing Style & Touch

Kevin Comeau, Cody Bowles: CROWN LANDS - Through The Looking Glass - RUSH/ZEP feel

Biography

Selected Discography

Studio Albums

EPs & Live Releases

Guitar Style & Instrumental Approach

Lovie Valeska: Defiance new single

Biography

Selected Discography & Releases

Singles & Standalone Releases

Musical Style & Characteristics

Li-sa-X, Hazuki, Kanade Sato,Yunika Impact, Mirei Sakurada: KOIAI - DVD

Product Formats & Details

Tracklist (21 Tracks)

Max Light: East of the Sun - solo guitar

Biography

Selected Discography

As Leader / Co-Leader

Seki Yoshinori: Pud Wud的な　Improvisation