Amazing Guitar

Shadows Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:19:00 +0000

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Shadows Fall is an American heavy metal band formed in Westfield, Massachusetts in the late 1995. Although the band has experienced several lineup changes, for most of its recording career Shadows Fall has comprised of Brian Fair (vocals), Jonathan Donais (guitar), Matt Bachand (guitar), Paul Romanko (bass), and Jason Bittner (drums).
Since its formation, Shadows Fall has released five studio albums, two compilation albums, and one DVD. The band's first album featured Philip Labonte on vocals, although he was soon replaced by Fair. Shadows Fall's first two studio albums featured David Germain playing drums, but in 2002 Bittner joined the band full time. Last year, the band was a Grammy Award nominee in the category Best Metal Performance for the song "Redemption" off the album Threads of Life.

Avantasia

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:54:00 +0000

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Avantasia is a symphonic metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the power metal group Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" ("fantasy") and describes "a world beyond human imagination" (a quotation from the booklet). The project consists of a self-titled single, two full-length albums with the subtitle The Metal Opera, two EPs called Lost in Space, and the recently released album The Scarecrow.
In Spring 1999, during Edguy's Theater of Salvation tour, Tobias Sammet began to write down his ideas for a metal opera, a concept album with many guest musicians. When the tour was finished, he carried this plan out, recruiting well-known metal players like Kai Hansen and the ex-Helloween singer Michael Kiske. The project was recorded with a core band of four members - Sammet playing keyboards and arranging orchestration, Henjo Richter playing guitar, Markus Grosskopf playing bass, and Alex Holzwarth on drums. In 2001, the self-titled single and the first full-length album, The Metal Opera, were released. The project was completed in September 2002 with the release of The Metal Opera Part II. At the end of 2006, Sammet confirmed the rumours of a third Avantasia album, due for release in 2008. On March 24, 2007, the name was confirmed to be "The Scarecrow". The album was released on January 25, 2008, and includes special guests such as Rudolf Schenker, Sascha Paeth, drummer Eric Singer, and singers Bob Catley, Jørn Lande, Michael Kiske, Alice Cooper, Roy Khan and Oliver Hartmann.

Rush

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Rush is a Canadian rock band originally formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, presently comprised of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
The band and its membership went through a number of re-configurations between 1968 and 1974, achieving their definitive form when Neil Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first U.S. tour. Since the release of the band's self-titled debut album in March 1974, Rush has become known for the instrumental skills of its members, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, and libertarian philosophy, as well as addressing humanitarian, social, emotional, and environmental concerns.
Musically, Rush's style has evolved over the years, beginning in the vein of blues-inspired heavy metal on their first album, then encompassing hard rock, progressive rock, a period dominated by synthesizers and, more recently, modern rock. They have influenced various musical artists, including Metallica, The Smashing Pumpkins and Primus, as well as notable progressive metal bands such as Dream Theater and Symphony X.

Tenacious D

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:29:00 +0000

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Tenacious D is an American satirical rock duo formed by musicians and actors Kyle Gass and Jack Black in Los Angeles, California in 1994. Their music fuses vulgar absurdist comedy with rock music in a style that critics have described as "mock rock". Tenacious D's music showcases Black's theatrical vocal delivery and Gass' acoustic guitar playing abilities. Their songs discuss the duo's purported musical and sexual prowess, as well as their friendship and cannabis usage. Their debut self-titled album features absurd and humorous sketches. Music critics have compared the storyteller-style lyrics of their songs to lyrics of rock opera. The band first gained popularity in 1999 when they starred in the self-titled Tenacious D, a television series on US cable network HBO, in which Black and Gass attempted to establish themselves as the "Greatest Band on Earth". The series airs occasionally on Comedy Central and is available on their DVD, The Complete Masterworks. In addition, they have since recorded two albums, and starred in their own movie, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny.
Black has said that the first song he enjoyed was ABBA's "Take a Chance on Me". He attributes influences from Dio, Black Sabbath, Meat Loaf and Bobby McFerrin Gass describes their influences as being derived from "big dinosaurs of rock" such as Led Zeppelin. In addition, Gass lists his influences as being Tom Waits, Tony Hawk and Tony Robbins. The band claimed that the inspiration for the song "Tribute" came after Black played Metallica's "One" for Gass, describing it as "the best song in the world", leading to a failed attempt to themselves write an even better song. Gass has described Tenacious D's comic assertion that they are the best band as being "ridiculous because it's a matter of opinion". Black characterizes Tenacious D's comic nature as an antidote to "the masculinity of rock", adding "There's also something funny about the macho-ness of rock. Like the bands that are the fucking hardest rocking are like, 'We'll fucking kick your ass, dude... with our rock.'"

Children of Bodom

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:23:00 +0000

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Children of Bodom is a metal band from Espoo, Finland. There is some contention regarding the band's genre classification, but in general the band's musical style can be described as a cross between melodic death metal and power metal (with some concluding this tag only includes their earlier works.
Their name was derived from the Lake Bodom murders. The lyrics of Children of Bodom's songs are written in English and are most often concerned with the subjects of death/the grim reaper, personal struggles, war and the Lake Bodom murders.
Recent albums have seen a shift to more antagonistic lyrics (songs such as "You're Better Off Dead" and "In Your Face") and a more straight-forward heavy metal style.
Children of Bodom's genre classification is debated amongst fans and critics. The band could be part of several musical genres, among them power metal, thrash metal, neo-classical metal, speed metal, and melodic death metal.
The term "Tuonela Metal", recently introduced by Finnish press, albeit rare should be taken into some consideration, due to its expressiveness (i.e., its reference to the Ade, the Reign of Shadows) and to its implicit tribute to Jean Sibelius, the most representative Finnish composer. Laiho, however, says that he prefers to just be called a metal group and nothing other.

Current members
Alexi Laiho: vocals, lead guitar (1993–present)
Roope Latvala: Rhythm guitar (2003–present)
Janne Wirman: keyboard (1997–present)
Henkka Seppälä: bass (1996–present)
Jaska Raatikainen: drums (1993–present)

Guitar Master

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:55:00 +0000

LORI LINSTRUST

Swedish melodic metal guitar virtuoso Lori Linstruth's main influences are Rammstein, Uli Jon Roth, Zeno Roth, Michael Schenker, Arjen Lucassen, Brian May, Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Wolf Hoffmann. In the late 80s she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of an all-female metal band, it was here she formed Warbride, recording a demo in 1989. After many band changes the band broke up in the early 2000s. In 2004 Lori released a solo demo CD of darkly melodic instrumental guitar music. The demo captured the attention of Arjen Lucassen, who recruited her for his band project Stream of Passion. The band released their debut album "Embrace the Storm" on October 24, 2005 which included their hit single "Out in the Real World " . She has also contributed some guest solos to Janne Stark's "Mountain of Power", "Revenge of the Ayreonauts", Joost Maglev's "Voluntary" and in 2008 Ayreon's "01011001". In 2007 she moved Holland and presently manages composer-musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen.
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KARL SANDERS

Born in California, American guitarist Karl Sanders started his career in the late 1980s as a member of the power metal band Moriah playing local shows with the young Morbid Angel and other US death metal bands. In 1993 he formed the Egyptian-themed technical death metal band Nile. Their music and lyrics are inspired by Ancient Egyptian mysticism, history, religion, art, and the writings of H. P. Lovecraft, of which he has a strong knowledge of. Karl is known for his extremely fast and technical guitar work, he and his band have released 5 albums to date the last being Ithyphallic in 2007. Karl has guested on Behemoth's 2004 CD release, Demigod, playing a guitar solo on the track "XUL". He also performed solo at the end of the track "God of Our Own Divinity" by Morbid Angel, on their 2003 album "Heretic". He has recorded one solo album, "Saurian Meditation", released in 2004. As well as his band work he is currently also working on tracks for a new solo album which is expected to be released somewhere by mid 2008.
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KIRK HAMMETT

Kirk Hammett was raised in the East Bay town of El Sobrante, influenced by his brothers guitar collection, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Status Quo, The Rolling Stones, UFO, and his biggest inspiration Jimi Hendrix started playing guitar at the age of 15. His was gradually drawn to the thrash metal genre, and in 1980 he co-founded 'Exodus' with Paul Baloff, a band crucial in the early Bay Area thrash movement. In 1983 while taking private guitar lessons from Joe Satriani, he was invited to join Metallica replacing Dave Mustaine. Kirk has written and contributed riffs for Metallica songs since the mid-1980s, particularly in the 1990s during the Load era. One of these riffs, used in "Enter Sandman", was written in a hotel room at 3:00 am, and became one of Metallica's most popular songs. Metallica has won to date, 15 music awards, including seven Grammy Awards. Kirk has also played guitar on the track "Satan" with Orbital for The Spawn in July 1997, in 2005, he played guitar on the Carlos Santana track "Trinity" and in 2006, he voiced himself on The Simpsons, "The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer". Kirk contineus his busy career with Metallica, working on their ninth studio album, which is expected to be released in September 2008.
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KIKO LOUREIRO

Pedro "Kiko" Loureiro, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, inspired by the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Randy Rhoads began studying music and playing acoustic guitar at age 1, changing to electric guitar two years later. By the time Kiko was 16 he was playing the clubs São Paulo with the bands Legalyze and A Chave, before he joined up with the newly formed power metal band Angra, with whom he still plays. The band has recorded 6 albums to date from their debut album 'Angels Cry' in 1993 to 'Aurora Consurgens' in 2006. Kiko has also released 2 solo albums, No Gravity in 2005 and Universo Inverso in 2006 and he has written columns for and appeared on the cover of magazines Cover Guitarra, Guitar & Bass, and Young Guitar and in March 2007 he was voted “Best Guitarist” by respected Japanese music publication BURRN.In addition to his rock/metal achievements, Kiko has also played guitars on several eurobeat songs in collaboration with Dave Rodgers, including "Fevernova", "Ring of Fire" and "The Road is on Fire"
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ROBERT MARCELLO

Swedish Robert Marcello is a master of guitar, excelling in neoclassical shred, he now lives in the USA. His influences in music have included Def Leppard, Kiss, Eddie Money, Van Halen, Early Yngwie, Lynch, Randy Rhoads. Robert's skill and stylistic range have made him a much sought after tour and studio player for such artists as John Corabi, Bobby Blotzer, Mike Vescera, Tony Montana, Fergie Fredricksen, George Lynch, Twisted Sister, Sebastian Bach, Stet Howland and many others, he has also played in the bands Ironhorse, Obsession, and Twenty 4 Seven. In 2003 he replaced Andy Timmons as the lead guitarist in the band Danger Danger and has regularly toured with them, including European tours and performances at the famous Sweden Rock Festival before audiences of 25,000. Rob features on their last album to date "Live and Nude" in 2005. He is a highly regarded teacher and clinician, and currently travels the US training guitarists and amazing his audiences. Rob has a new project almost ready for release - Marcello/Vestry. The classic styled melodic rock album is due out in Europe this year (2008). He continues his teaching, composing, side projects and his work with the band Danger Danger who are releasing their 10th album later this year ~ 2008.
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JAMES BYRD

James Byrd has played guitar since he was 9, but like other musicians it took the death of Hendrix to make him take it seriously, after which he spent 5 years learning the blues and rock-blues guitar, influenced by Hendrix, BB King, Johnny Winter and Frank Marino. He then became influenced Ritchie Blackmore, Django Reinhardt, Uli Roth, Al DiMeola, Jan Akkerman, Jeff Beck, Paco DeLucia, all sorts of guitar greats of different styles and genre. At 18 he formed a heavy metal cover band and went on the road. His band won the "Northwest Battle Of The Bands". In 1980 James started putting together his first original band, by 1983 'Fifth Angel' had evolved, they recorded a self titled album the following year. James went solo for his second album, 'James Byrd's Atlantis Rising' released in Europe & Japan in 1990. He has gone on to release 8 more albums under his own name and he has appeared on tribute albums to Jimi Hendrix, Frank Marino, Uli Jon Roth and Jason Becker. Highly under-rated, a musician's musician, what ever the reason .. sadly like many great musicians he seems to get very little media attention. Guitar One Magazine named him one of “The 10 Best Guitarists You’ve Never Heard.” but I am sure you will look him up, he's well worth it, and although I have him on the shred page, by request, he certainly shreds, but he is far more than that.
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AKIRA TAKASAKI

Akira Takasaki from Osaka, Japan, started his career in the mid 70's with a pop-rock band called Lazy, where he went under the stage name of "Suzy". He became heavily influences by the hard rock and evolving heavy metal bands, so in 1981, Akira and drummer Munetaka Higuchi formed their own heavy metal band "Loudness", debuting with a Japanese language album 'Birthday Eve' the same year. Akira and his band toured the USA and Europe in 1983 to support their 3rd album 'The Law of the Devil's Land'. It was their 5th album in 1985 that got global recognition, and bought about tours with the likes of AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Stryper and Poison. They were the first Japanese heavy metal band to be signed in the United States, releasing five albums by 1997 and reaching the Billboard top 100. As well as many singles and EPs, they have releseased 5 DVDs, 7 live albums and 24 studio albums the last being 'Metal Mad' released this year 2008. Akira has had a very succesful solo career too, from 1982, he has relaesed 10 solo albums, the last to date 'Black Brown' in 2007. Thought by many as one of the best metal guitarist in Asia, Akira has influenced guitarists around the world, he continues his solo work and his work with his band "Loudness".
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SYNYSTER GATES

Synyster Gates, born Brian Elwin Haner, Jr. in Huntington Beach, California, US, cites as his main influences Django Reinhardt, Adam Aparicio and Dimebag Darrell. After studying jazz guitar at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, at 18 he joined hard rock/heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold as lead guitarist. He was featured on their EP, 'Warmness on the Soul' and on the reissue of their first album "Sounding the Seventh Trumpet" released in 2001. Synyster was also a member of the side-project Pinkly Smooth, with The Rev, Avenged Sevenfold's drummer and former bassist of Avenged Sevenfold, Justin Meacham. Pinkly Smooth was shelved so Synyster and The Rev could focus full-time on Avenged Sevenfold. The band has released 4 studio albums which have produced 9 singles. The last album to date 2007's self-titled "Avenged Sevenfold" has produced 3 hit singles "Critical Acclaim" and "Almost Easy" and The third single, "Afterlife" and its video was released in January 2008. Synyster has won numerous awards, including the "Young Shredder" award of the year in the Metal Hammer awards in 2006 and the "Guitarist of the Year" Award for Total Guitar Magazine in 2006. Synyster continues his work with Avenged Sevenfold and for the moment, Pinkly Smooth is still shelved.
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ZACKY VENGEANCE

US speed guitarist Zacky Vengeance, born Zachary James Baker, who is a 'lefty' has played guitar since he was thirteen years old, and is self taught learning on his dad's right-handed guitar, which he played up-side-down. Zacky was influenced by heavy music such as Danny Elfman and Elvis Costello, which he still enjoys. He played in several punk bands as a teenager including the punk band called MPA, which stood for "Mad Porno Action. In 1999 aged 18, he and M. Shadows aka Matthew Sanders co-founded the hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold. The band has released 4 studio albums which have produced 9 singles. The last album to date 2007's self-titled "Avenged Sevenfold" has produced 3 hit singles "Critical Acclaim" and "Almost Easy" and The third single, "Afterlife" and its video was released in January 2008. Zacky who has been sponsored by Schecter Guitar Research since 2004, and has custom S-1 models out, started out as rhythm guitarist with his band Avenged Sevenfold, but is now a featured guitarist along side of Synyster Gates.
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WALTER GIARDINO

Argentinian guitarist Walter Giardino joined the Judas Priest, Motörhead, Black Sabbath influenced metal band, "V8" in 1985. The band bought out the first ever Argentinian metal album, full of the raw style of their idols. Walter left the band later that year to form his own band 'Rata Blanca' more influenced by Rainbow, Deep Purple, Whitesnake and Yngwie Malmsteen. They released their first album, self titled "Rata Blanca" in 1987. Their second album "Magos, Espadas & Rosas" was promoted by support slots with Ian Gillan, the album sold over a million world wide. The bands third album "Guerrero del Arco Iris", titled in honour of the Greenpeace 'Rainbow Warrior' ship, was debuted live in front of over 30,000 fans at a single concert in Velez Sarsfield Stadium, still holding the record today as the biggest ever gig for a local band. In 1994 they were invited to play in "Festival Monsters of Rock" in São Paulo, Brazil, along with Ozzy Osbourne, Therapy?, and Alice Cooper. The band has released 13 albums in all and toured heavily in South America, North America and Europe. Walter has guested with many rock icons and been a huge influence to guitarists in Argentina who he has paved the way for. He continues his work with his band, Rata Blanca.
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SYU

Japanese guitarist, Syu, is a founder member of the power metal/neoclassical metal band Galneryus from Osaka, Japan, which he formed in 2001. They have released to date, 6 albums, the latest to date being 'One For All - All For One' in August, 2007, and have released 5 music videos. Although he played guitar, at a young age, Syu started on the drums, but he was highly influenced by the band X-Japan and longed to be like Yoshiki, so he practised hours on his guitar techniques playing songs of X-Japan, Metallica and other heavy metal bands. Syu's first professional recording was with a band Animetal in 2003, on their 'Animetal V' album and has been on their last 4 albums from Animetal V to Decade of Bravehearts in 2006. Animetal is a Japanese novelty heavy metal band who specialize in metal covers of the theme songs of classic and modern Japanese anime and tokusatsu television series. Syu has played with several other bands including Valkyr and Masaki Project. He is currently playing in his metal band Galneryus & the metal band Aushvitz.
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CLAUDIO MARCIELO

Argentinian guitarist Claudio "El Tano" Marcielo formed the heavy metal band Almafuerte with bassist Ricardo Iorio and drummer Claudio Cardacc in 1995. Later that year they released their first studio album, Mundo Guanaco. The band had several line-ups, but Claudio has been with the band throughout to this present day. He has recorded 11 albums with Almafuerte, the last to date being Toro y Pampa in 2006. In 1997 embarked on a side project with, Ricardo Iorio and Flavio Cianciarulo, they made one album "Peso argento". Claudio has also forged a solo career, releasing 2 albums "Puesto en marcha" in 2001 and "De pie" in 2004. He continues his solo work and recording and touring with his band Almafuerte.
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MIKE SIFRINGER

German speed guitarist Mike Sifringer was late taking up his guitar at the age of 17. As a young boy he enjoyed Status Quo but was soon to be knocked out by the excitement of the heavy metal bands such as Metallica and Motorhead, still loving the intencity of metal, he now also appreciates the old classics like Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple and also enjoys the new bands, such as Transport League, Galatic Cowboys and Gurd. In 1982 Mike formed his first serious band 'Knight of Demon' in Lörrach, Germany, with vocalist/bassist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer and drummer Tommy Sandmann, soon changing their name to Destruction and released two demos, which got them signed to Steamhammer Records. The band released their debut album in 1985 'Infernal Overkill'. During the grunge explosion of early to mid 1990s, 'Destruction' lost their record label support and had to self-release and produce their own albums, until they were signed by Nuclear Blast. .The band has had a few member changes, the line up now being Mike & Marcel with drummer Marc Reign who joined them in 2001. Mike, who has been with the band throughout it's history, has recorded on all 12 albums, the last to date being 'Thrash Anthems', released in 2007.
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RANDY THURMAN

Randy Thurman was born in Rockwood, Tennessee. He started reading at the age of 4 and was writing poetry by the age of 8. Randy was 12 years old when he first heard Jimi Hendrix, an event which inspired him to become a vocalist and performer, rather than immediately inspiring him to play guitar. "Hendrix will always be the king of rock-n-roll to me" says Randy "but he is much more than that. What he is cannot be described in words. It must be experienced." About the same time Randy was also exposed, quite accidentally, to classical music which had the same compelling effect on him.
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FARAZ ANWAR

Faraz Anwar, born in Karachi, Pakistan was so highly influenced while in St. Paul and St. Andrew 6th grade by a Yngwie Malmsteen video, he took up playing the guitar. Starting in the studios as a session player in 1990, he worked hard on his techniques, covering many genre from acoustic classical guitar to jazz to Eastern Neo Classical and from classic rock right through to the shred of metal. This has made him the most sort after session guitarist, ever, in Pakistan; to date has recorded with over 50 different musicians. In 1996 Faraz got a Scholarship from Berklee after he won the Berklee Outstanding Musical Achievement Award, but due to finances he could not take up on this. In 2001 the legendary guitar player Allan Holdsworth heard Faraz calling him "King of Guitars in Pakistan" and Faraz recorded his debut solo album "Abstract Point of View" on Allan's label Gnarly Geezer Records, an album in which Faraz wrote all the music & sequenced all the tracks himself. This album gave him international recognition and also made him the first ever Pakistani guitar player and second Pakistani musician to release an album internationally. As well as all this Faraz, now Pakistan's leading guitar player, has had many projects ... the black metal band "Dusk"; ... playing Eastern Neo Classical with fellow musician as " Yasir & Faraz"; ... classic rock under "Imran Raza & Faraz Anwar" and his band "Mizraab", all great musicians playing an assortment of genre with influences of jazz to rock to progressive metal, showcasing Faraz's many supurb guitar abilities from haunting classical acoutic to his exciting, clean, melodic shed... if you haven't yet heard Faraz, you are missing out.
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PATRICK RONDAT

Parisian guitarist Patrick Rondat started to play guitar at the age of 17, his influences ranged from Ronnie Montrose to the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Eddie van Halen, Steve Morse and then he discovered the great Al di Meola. Apart from a few starting lessons Patrick is self taught, spending hours a day over the years to perfect his musical techniques. His professional debut was on the album "Time" with a German rock band 'The Element'. He left The Element to follow his own tastes in music and further his techniques. Patrick toured with Blue Öyster Cult prior to the release of his strong debut solo album "Just For Fun" in 1989. He has recorded 7 solo albums the latest to date being "Hervé N'Kaoua" be released March 17th 2008. 1998 saw Patrick touring with Joe Satriani on the great G3 tour, as one of the 3 featured guitarists. In 2000 he replaced Henk van de Laars in the Dutch power metal band 'Elegy' in time to record the album "Forbidden Fruit". Patrick continues his composing, his solo work and his work with Elegy.
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THEODORE ZIRAS

Guitarist, Theodore Ziras was born in Poros, Greece; he started playing piano at 13 enjoying Liszt, Bach, Paggani. Totally fascinated by the skills of Becker, Holdsworth, Malmsteen, Vai, Petrucci and Howe, he took up guitar aged 15 making it his first instrument. At 18, he moved to Athens where he continued his studies in Music and also joined the Greece progressive power metal band 'Ice Divine' as their lead guitarist. In 1997, Ice Divine was voted Metal Hammer's magazine polls Best Newcoming and Best Live Greek band. The band split and Theo joined Guardian Angel, before leaving Greece to registered at the Guitar Institute of London in the UK. He graduated 3 years later getting his degree, Bachelor, with Honours, in Music Performance & Composition. Returning to Greece, he signed a record deal with Steel Gallery Records. His debut instrumental solo CD called "Trained To Play" was a mix of Orchestral Neoclassical & Power Metal & mind-blowing lead guitar parts. With two solo albums and an album with Euroforce, Theo released his third solo instrumental album, with ex-Dream Theater's Derek Sherinian and Ozzy's Brian Tichy, "HyperpyrexiA" in 2007.
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RANA HASAN

Rana Hasan, an up and coming, totally self taught young guitarist from Lahore City, Pakistan, started playing guitar at 18, influenced by the great rock/bluesmen Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana. By the turn of the century he had new influences Yngwie Malmsteen, Todd "T.J." Helmerich, Rusty Cooley, Greg Howe and he went heavily into learning the shred techneques. In 2005, Rana won Best Talent Award Scholarship from Berklee College of Music, Boston, but could not take up the offer. Rana has gone on to work as a freelance session guitarist, music producer by artists of many different genre and teaches guitar at his home studio. He also composes, tours and records with his new rock fusion/shred band The Rana Hasan Project playing lead guitar on his 7 string Schecters. He and his band have released their debut album "Rana Hasan Project". Rana is now also known as "The Fastest Guitarist in Pakistan", and he has applied for the Guinness world record.. hoping to become the official fastest guitarist! Certainly a shred guitarist to watch out for.
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DAVE MUSTAINE

Californian self taught speed/thrash metal guitarist Dave Mustaine was highly influenced by Iron Maiden, Saxon, Motörhead, Venom. He left his first band Panic when he was offered the lead guitar position with the newly forming Metallica band. Dave toured with the band, wrote some of their material and lent a major hand in creating Metallica's groundbreaking thrash metal sound. Due to many personally clashes, drugs and heavy drinking he was thrown out of the band befor any recordings. This made Dave determind to have his own band, as good as Metallica. He formed a short lived band Fallen Angels, before forming Megadeth with himself as lead singer as well as lead guitar. Their debut, 1985's Killing Is My Business, created a buzz in the metal underground, but the buzz turned to a roar by the time of their major-label debut for Capitol a year later, 'Peace Sells...But Who's Buying', considered one of the greatest metal releases of all time, eventually reaching gold status. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, nine top 40 albums,including 4 top 10 albums, 18 top 40 Mainstream Rock singles, and seven Grammy nominations, Megadeth remains one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time. Of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands: Megadeth, Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, Megadeth is second only to Metallica in sales and commercial success.
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FRANK MARINO

To say that Frank Marino excels in a live environment is a total understatement! The power of Frank "live" is the stuff of legend as everyone who has seen him will agree and he certainly lives up to his reputation on his latest album. Quote: “When I was a kid and I first heard Frank Marino, I was stunned. His technique and tone was smooth yet aggressive. He is a very powerful performer and was an inspiration to me at a critical time in my musical evolution.”~ Steve Vai
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RON JARZOMBEK

Texan guitarist, Ron Jarzombek, has been playing guitar since a child and building his own guitars since he was 10. The band Rush had a huge influence on him and by his teens he was talented enough to join the top local band S.A.Slayer, recording an album with them in 1987, 'Go For The Throat' (released '88). Later in 1987, Ron joined the Austin based fusion metal band WatchTower. His first album with them in '89, 'Control And Resistance' was announced as one of "The Top Ten Shred Albums of the 80's" by Guitar World Magazine who reported "Guitarist Ron Jarzombek, with his complex harmony solos, strange scales and furious staccato lead bursts, performs tricks on his guitar that will leave you more than sufficiently breathless" Since his 2 years off and 4 ops for a hand injury, Ron has started the solo project 'Spastic Ink' in 1993, collaborated with many other musicians, teaches guitar in San Antonio, Texas and in 2005 he also launched Blotted Science, a new all-instrumental extreme metal project. Ron has recorded 8 albums in his own right, the last to date, being Blotted Science's "Machinations of Dementia" in 2007. He spends much time on his music composing, perfection in that area is as important to him as his playing it.
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SIMONE FIORLETTA

Critically acclaimed, up and coming Italian guitarist Simone Fiorletta, started learning the piano at the age of 7 years, taught by master pianist Gianluca Spalvieri. He was 12, when he bought his first guitar, self taught until he studied with Percento Musica in Rome, at this same time he also studied Spanish guitar for 2 years with Roberto Valle. In 1998 he co-founded the progressive metal band 'Moonlight Comedy' with a debut album 'The Life Inside' followed by a second album ”Dorothy”, the album is about the girl from ”Wizard of Oz”. The band regularly tour and have appeared at many European festivals. Simone has been following a solo career along side his band work, debuting with "The Beginning". Then in 2004 his second album "Parallel Worlds" was reviewed highly by American Guitar9 magazine and was a top 10 hit in the album charts in both Germany and Norway. His latest album to date "My Secret Diary" released worldwide in 2007 showcases his various styles. Simone is busy composing a new album, continues working with his band and solo career, as well as session work at studios in Rome and Frosinone, collaborations with Andrea De Paoli for TV and movies soundtracks and teaching guitar at the Music Station, a music centre he co-founded.
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STEPHAN FORTE

Young French guitarist Stephan Forté took up his instrument at the age of 5 practicing and learning Alice Cooper numbers. His next influence was Yngwie Malmsteen, he practiced his guitar 10 hours a day to learn all his mentors tracks. At 18 he moved to Nancy to study at CMCN, France's top music academy where he not only discoverded Baroque music and Mozart, but Shawn Lane and Allan Holdsworth too. At this time he made his first demo "Visions" which led him to opening a concert for Yngwie Malmsteen in 1998. In September 1999, he started collaborating with Ukranian keyboard virtuoso, Vitalij Kulprij on a series of vocal tunes. Kuprij was later replaced by Swedish keyboard wizard, Richard Andersson. From this the band Adagio was born , with vocalist, David Readman, bassist Franck Hermany and Dick Bruinenberg on drums. Stephan is the creative force behind Adagio. They have toured extensively and to date have recorded five albums, the latest "Archangels in Black" to be released in 2008. In 2004 Stephan also published a DVD "Underworld - Solos and Licks" and in 2006 recorded an album "Trance State" with Red Circuit.
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GUTHRIE GOVAN

Versitile guitarist Guthrie Govan from Chelmsford, England, recent winner of Guitarist Magazine's "Guitarist of the Year" award, came to media attention when he became a member of Asia in 2001. Before this he was teaching guitar at the Academy of Contemporary Music. Guthrie toured extensively and recorded 2 albums with Asia, a remake of Aura in 2001 and Silent Nation in 2004. In February of 2006 Guthrie, John Payne and Jay Schellen left Asia to form a powerful progressive rock group, called "One", but now called GPS, with Ryo Okumoto on keys. They have to date, recorded one album' Window to the Soul' and done some international touring and festivals. As well as his band commitment, composing and clinics work, Guthrie teams up with The Young Punx (DJ duo) who have started performing as a live band this year (2007), they performed live at the Glastonbury Festival, the Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo and Osaka, and he performs on a number of tracks on their debut album "Your Music Is Killing Me". This very busy, exciting young guitar virtuoso, who over the years has played many genre of music from jazz to techno and melodic rock also plays with the jazz-fusion band 'The Fellowship'. 2007 has seen his long awaited, highly acclaimed by fellow guitarists and fans, Guthrie's debut solo album "Erotic Cake".
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FRANCESCO FARERI

Italian composer and guitarist Francesco Fareri, is now considered by many as one of the world's fastest shred guitarists. His main influences on his musical journey have been musicians Jason Becker, Yngwie Malsteen, Rusty Cooley, Greg Howe, George Bellas, Jon Doman, Deen Castronovo and bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X , but the greatest influence has been Ukrainian Vitalij Kuprij, the master keyboardist in the neo-classical progressive metal band Artension, who changed Francesco's concept of music. He has made 3 instructoinal DVD's, (different levels), recorded 3 solo albums, guested on several albums, and has more projects in the offing that you can read about further on his interview page. He also plays a mean keyboard and into graphic design, having designed his own and other musician's websites and album covers.
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FREDRIK THORDENDAL

Fredrik Thordendal is the lead guitarist and a founding member of the Swedish metal band Meshuggah. Fredrik uses a selection of custom 8-string and 7-string guitars made by Nevborn and Ibanez, although on occasions he plays Gibson Les Pauls, Ibanez Universe 777s, Schecter Diamond series guitars, Coral Electric sitars and various Paul Reed Smith guitars. He draws attention with his clean, jazz-influenced lead-playing and complex rhythm-playing, augmented by his use of low-tuned eight-string guitars. Most notable is the similarity between his solos and those of renowned jazz guitarist Allan Holdsworth. In 1997 Fredrik released a solo album "Sol Niger Within" and from 1987 to date, he has recorded 7 albums and 3 EPs with his band Meshuggah, the latest being "Catch Thirty-Three" in 2005, although the album "Nothing" was re-issued in 2007. He continues his work with Meshuggah
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ZAKK WYLDE

Zakk Wylde, was born Jeffrey Phillip Wiedlandt in Jackson, New Jersey, now famous for his liberal use of pinch harmonics and the pentatonic scale, started playing the guitar at the age of 15, influenced by Ted Nugent, Led Zeppelin, Motörhead, Jake E. Lee, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Randy Rhoads, Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd. He practised 12 hours daily and formed his first band "Stone Henge", after which he started his solo career. At 19 years old, after just one audition, he was hired by Ozzy Osborne as lead guitarist and went on to record 7 albums with the band .. No Rest For The Wicked, Just Say Ozzy, No More Tears, Ozzmosis, Down to Earth, Live At Budokan and Black Rain in 2007. Zakk continued to work on his own solo material while with Ozzy. In 1994 he formed the short lived Pride & Glory, and in 1998 he formed heavy metal band Black Label Society which he continues with today. His band so far have released nine albums the latest being Shot to Hell in 2006.
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ILAN ASHKENAZI

Israeli, guitarist Ilan Ashkenazi was born and raised in USA, he started playing the violin at only 4 years, piano at 7 and the guitar when he was 10. Ilan is a totally self taught guitarist influenced by Paganini, Handel, Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Vinnie Moore and Tony MacAlpine, spending long hours of daily practice sessions learning the modern advanced guitar techniques of speed picking, swept lines etc. and fusing his classical learning's with his jazz and rock influences when composing. Ilan is an amazing up and coming shred guitarist who has been awarded many "fastest guitar" titles, recorded several demo and instructional CDs and videos. Ilan continues to do his session work, teach, and compose guitar music.
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VINNIE MOORE

US guitarist Vinnie Moore started playing guitar at the age of 12, and took lessons at 14, before joining a variety of local bands. His early influences included Jeff Beck, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Queen. He quit the bands and started composing and experimental guitar techneques. His first pro job was playing the music for a national Pepsi TV commercial. In 1987, he released his debut album, Mind's Eye. Vinnie was quickly heralded "best new talent" in Guitar Player, Guitar, and Guitar World magazines, and Mind's Eye sold more than 100,000 copies. He has gone on to record on many arists albums, such as Vicious Rumors - Soldiers Of The Night; Guitar's Practicing Musicians - Free; Alice Cooper - Hey Stoopid ; Sega - "Burning Rangers" Game soundtrack for the 'Saturn' video game; Jordan Rudess - Rhythm of Time, and he has brought out 2 instructional videos and released 8 solo albums to date. Vinnie has done hundreds of guitar clinics all over the world in such places as, Japan, Scandanavia, Italy, Poland, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, England, Germany and Australia. He continues to teach, compose, record and tour and since 2003 he has played lead guitar for the British hard rock band UFO, with whom he has recorded 3 albums with.
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TREY AZAGTHOTH

George Emmanuel III aka Trey Azagthoth was born in the now Mecca of Death Metal, Tampa, Florida, and got his first guitar at the age of 16. His influences were mainly Eddie Van Halen, UFO, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Mozart. He has had an interest in paganism from childhood. In 1983 he formed the band Morbid Angel, they, along with Death, Possessed, Obituary & a handful of others were crucial in the development of the death metal genre and its standards. UK music magazine Terrorizer ranked two Morbid Angel albums in its 'Top 40 Greatest Death Metal Albums', with' Altars of Madness' appearing at No.1. Their songs are complex in arrangement, owing to the considerable technical skills of Trey. He continues recording and touring with Morbid Angel.
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VERNON REID

Grammy Award winning guitarist Vernon Reid was born in London UK, but raised in New York, US. While at Brooklyn Tech, at the age 15 and inspired by Carlos Santana, he studied guitar privately with jazz masters Rodney Jones and Ted Dunbar. He founded the band Living Colour in 1985, who have released 6 albums and won numerous awards including, two Grammy Awards, two MTV Music Video Awards, two International Rock Awards and several New York Music Awards to date. Vernon has released several successful solo albums and although he seems mostly recalled by the general public for his shredding solos with Living Colour, he has a prolific session output in a variety of genre, he has played live or on record with the Roots, Eye & I, Mick Jagger, Rollins Band, Spearhead, Public Enemy, Mariah Carey, Tracey Chapman, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Don Byron, Defunkt , Santana, Bernie Worrell, MC 900 Foot Jesus, B.B. King, Madalyne Peyroux, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, G. Calvin Weston, Meridiem, Jack Bruce, Terry Bozzio, and DJ Spooky among many others and he was named No.66 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
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MARTY FRIEDMAN

Marty Friedman, best known as the lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Megadeth is a largely self-taught guitarist, known for his improvisation and for fusing an Eastern musical feel with Western musical styles, such as neo-classical, thrash metal and later on into progressive rock. Prior to joining Megadeth, he formed and played lead guitar in several other bands, including Deuce, Hawaii, Vixen (not the all-female band of the same name), and notably Cacophony. Cacophony featured neoclassical metal elements and synchronized twin guitar harmonies and counterpoints shared with guitarist Jason Becker on their two albums, Go Off! and Speed Metal Symphony. Currently living in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, he travels the world giving clinics, performances and master classes in dozens of countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, and South America. He has become a major force in the Japanese music scene, playing lead guitar in the bands of some of the country's most famous performers.
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GREG HOWE

Greg Howe, originally from Easton, Pennsylvania started playing the guitar at the age of 10, and was greatly influenced by Van Halen. He and his brother Al formed a local rock band, performing in clubs and bars while perfecting his skills. In 1988 he recorded his first album "Greg Howe", at Mike Varney's Shrapnel Records which rocked the guitar community. He went on to record 2 albums with his brother and has recorded 6 more solo albums to date. Greg has developed a distinct style that is more rooted in jazz fusion rather than the neoclassical leanings of his shred contemporaries and is perhaps best known for his great skill at improvising. Being so talented on solid and acoustic guitar in many genres, virtuoso standard, Greg is a highly sought after session musician, he is hired to tour with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, *NSYNC and guests on numerous albums . Greg is currently active with trade shows, guitar clinics, mini tours around the world and he is producing a series of online video lessons which can be found on his website.
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JEFF HANNEMAN

Guitarist Jeff Hanneman grew up in Oakland, California, where he met fellow guitarist Kerry King when they were both auditioning for a band in 1981. The two decided to form their own band instead .. Slayer was born. In 1984 Jeff had a brief punk side project called "Pap Smear" His interest in music appears to be derived primarily from punk rock music, which led to Slayer's 1996 album Undisputed Attitude. He cites Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Exploited, Verbal Abuse, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and T.S.O.L as influential bands and Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Michael Schenker as his guitar influences Jeff’s and King’s dual guitar solos have been called "wildly chaotic", and "twisted genius". Slayer is credited as one of the “Big four” thrash metal bands along with Megadeth, Anthrax and Metallica.
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KERRY KING

Los Angeles' Kerry King is best known as Slayer's founder lead guitarist, with fellow guitarist Jeff Hannemann (read above). Slayer have released 10 studio albums an 11th to be released in 2008, 4 EPs and 5 live albums/DVDs. Kerry has also played a lead guitar outro part to Pantera’s song "Goddamn Electric", & played on The Beastie Boys "No Sleep till Brooklyn", "Fight For Your Right (To Party)", and "She's Crafty", he also contributed lead guitar solos to on Rob Zombie’s "Dead Girl Superstar"; "Sucketh My Cocketh","Blow me Blow me you Horny Bitch" and "Fred dirst's a dickhead" "Disorder" with rapper Ice-T ;Hatebreed’s "Final Prayer"; and Sum 41’s "What We're All About (The Original Version)" from the June 2002 released Spider-Man movie soundtrack.
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GEORGE MUTO Jr.

George Muto Jr. from Westchester County, New York, was a late comer to guitar compared with some. At 18 he took just one lesson, where he learnt just one musical scale. He went on to play in many local bands learning and perfecting his skill and composing his music. This year (2007) "Guitar Nine Records" has featured George in their The Undiscovered - Uncovering Guitar Potential. In George's most recent project, the band "MUTO", his superb guitaring has replaced the vocals, with Joe playing bass and Lee on drums this trio is an awesome instrumental mix. His main influences have been Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Robin Trower, Jimmy Page, Steve Vai, Peter Frampton, Blues Saracino, Michael Lee Firkins, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles.
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MARK TREMONTI

Mark Tremonti started playing guitar at 11 and formed his first band Wit's End while at high school, playing Motley Crue covers and other metal songs. After playing with several local and university bands he and Scott Stapp formed a group named Naked Toddler which became the band Creed. They had 8 Number 1 singles, 3 Multi Platinum albums (My Own Prison - 6 times platinum, Human clay - 10 times platinum or Diamond, Weathered - 6 times platinum) in the U.S. alone. Since Creed split up, he took extensive lessons from guitarist Troy Stetina.Mark and has worked with many different guitarists and musicians such as Michael Angelo Batio, Thomas Gospodareck, Guns 'n' Roses and Fozzy. In 2004 he and 3 other Creed musicians formed a new band Alter bridge. To date they have had one hit album and 4 hit singles. Their second album, Blackbird is set to be released on October 9, 2007. Some of Marks influences have been Stevie Ray Vaughan, Metallica, KISS, Megadeath, Anthrax, Slayer, Venom and Celtic Frost.
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ALEXI LAIHO

Finnish guitarist Alexi Laiho, started music on the piano the age of 5 and violin at 7; at 11, he switched to guitar, heavily influenced by Steve Vai's song "For the Love of God". His first band was T.O.L.K. formed with friends from the Finnish Pop & Jazz Conservatory, where he was studying music. In 1993 Alexi founded the black/neo-classical metal band IneartheD which later became Children of Bodom, the band he still plays with today, with his mentor guitarist Roope Latvala. His influences have been Steve Vai, Roope Latvala, Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, Slash, Jeff Waters, Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, and Paul Gilbert. His vocal influences were mainly from Pantera's Phil Anselmo and Mille Petrozza from the band Kreator. He has recorded 11 albums, demos, and EPs with his band Children of Bodom, 3 albums with Sinergy, 1 album with Impaled Nazarene, 3 albums with Kylähullut and made guest appearances on Warmen, Rytmihäiriö, Raskaampaa Joulua, Pain, and Annihilator albums.
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MUHAMMED SUICMEZ

Guitarist, composer, singer Muhammed Suiçmez is of Turkish decent, but born & raised in Germany. He taught himself guitar, practising daily in secret, as his strict parents disapproved. His early influences were Carcass, Death, Entombed, Morbid Angel, and later the great Yngwie Malmsteen who he styled some work on. He wrote the dark lyrics for "Onset Of Putrefaction" at the age of only 14, inspired by Carcass. In 1991, Muhammed formed the technical death metal band Necrophagist, which has had an unsteady line-up history, and in 1998 he had to record their debut album "Onset Of Putrefaction" nearly single handed, but it had a huge impact on the underground scene and even bigger inpact on fellow musicians. The follow up album in 2004 "Epitaph" again show cases Muhammed's incredibly hard rhythmic licks. With a new, stable line-up, Necrophagist now tours in Europe & the US and hopefully there will be a new album out in 2008.
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JEFF LOOMIS

Guitarist, Jeff Loomis from Seattle is totally self taught from an early age and he won the Wisconsin's Guitar Wars contest at only 16 years of age. Amoung his guitar influences are Jason Becker, Frank Zappa, Brian May, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, and Marty Friedman. At 16 he also auditioned for Megadeth, although they admired his guitar work, it was his young age and lack of stage experience only, that went against him. Jeff's first band was the metal band Fear Tech, followed by the bands Experiment Fear, System and Sanctuary. After Sanctuary split, Jeff formed Nevermore, the band in which he still plays. Nevermore have produced 7 albums, the latest being 2005's "This Godless Endeavor" . He has also guested on albums with God Forbid, Pamela Moore and Annihilator. Jeff has recently been given a monthly column in Guitar World magazine entitled "Merchant of Menace" and been working on a solo album.
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CHUCK SCHULDINER

The original death metal guitarist Charles Michael "Chuck" Schuldiner came from Long Island, New York. Chuck started playing classical guitar at the age of 9, but soon changed to electric. He was originally inspired by Iron Maiden, Kiss and Billy Idol, among others. He was particularly interested in the movement N.W.O.B.H.M (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) and has cited bands of that genre among his favorites. Later influences were Slayer, Possessed, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond and Metallica. In 1982 Chuck formed the metal band Mantas and in 1983 at the age of 15 recorded a four track demo "Death By Metal". He changed the band name to Death in 1984. In 1986 he joined the Canadian band Slaughter, but within months came back to his band Death releasing their debut album "Scream Bloody Gore in 1987. This album is considered to be a blueprint for death metal music and made death metal a more recognised genre. They went on to release 10 albums with his fast, relentless and shredding solos. During this time Chuck played guitar in the project Voodoocult on the album Jesus Killing Machine. In 1999 Chuck formed the band Control Denied, he continued to play with them throughout his brave battle with cancer. Chuck was a hugely important musician, composer and pioneer in the development of the death metal genre.
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TONY SMOTHERMAN

Greece born guitar virtuoso, Tony Smotherman first musical influences were Bach and Paganini, who inspired him to play classical guitar. He was chosen Middleburg High School's "Most Talented Senior." and selected as a member in the annually published book Who's Who Among American High School Students. His musical work was submitted to Queen Elizabeth II. Her Highness sent notes of encouragement, describing his classical guitar skills as "highly sophisticated." Tony was next influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Yngwie Malmsteen and Ravi Shankar when he took up electric guitar. His eclectic mix of influences sets him apart from all of his peers with his own distinct sound, innovating new techniques and combining a huge array of different styles. He was invited to perform his work in an instructional and performance series in the Grand School of Music at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington. DVDs of this series have been released. He has also released 3 CDs and two instructional videos, Virtuoso Techniques and Licks of the Absurd and has acquired endorsements with Halo Guitars, Line 6, DR Strings, EMG Pick-ups, Stylus Picks, and Mid-East Musical Instruments.
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MATTIAS EKLUNDH

Swedish vocalist and guitarist Mattias "IA" Eklundh is best known for his work with the power trio Freak Kitchen, recognised by his distinct, unconventional and complicated cutting edge style of playing. After starting on the drums at a young age, he began playing the guitar at the age of thirteen. His main musical influences are gypsy jazz, Miles Davis, Slayer, Kiss and Zappa. He played in the bands Frozen Eyes and Scratch 'n Sniff before he formed his own band Freak Kitchen in 1992. He has recorded several solo albums, and made appearances as a guest musician for Swedish heavy metal bands like Evergrey and Soilwork. In 2005, he also co-formed a second band, a touring super-group, the Jonas Hellborg Trio with friends Jonas Hellborg and Niclas Campagnol. This year Mattias has been voted "Best New Talent" in Guitar Player Magazine's 2007 Readers' Choice Awards.
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LATVALA ROOPE

Finnish pioneering heavy metal guitarist Latvala Roope co-founded the legendary metal band 'Stone' at the age of only 15. This influential band released four studio albums, the live Album "Free" , a compilation album and a dvd (released 2007) "Get Stoned, Stay Stoned". In 1991 he released an instrumental work with his brother, entitled Latvala bros. He then played with Dementia, and in 1995 he joined Waltari for 6 years, after which Latvala joined Sinergy. He joined his other present band "Children of Bodom" in 2003, having less than 4 weeks to learn their 20 tour tracks. Over his career he has also worked, guested and recorded with, to mention some, Corporal Punishment, Shaman, Cleverboys, Nomicon, Airdash, Warmen, Alaska Evil, Pornonorsu, Barathrum, Jailbreakers, Cross Of Iron, Soulgrind, Ei Siis/On Siis, Gloomy Grim, Heavyn, Nightmare, To/Die/For, Walhalla. Latvala was the first real "guitar hero" of Finnish Metal, he is the main influence of many Finnish guitarists especially Alexi Laiho from Children of Bodom, and is a huge influence in the Finnish metal scene. Latvala is at present an active member of Sinergy and Children of Bodom.
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DIMEBAG DARRELL

Texan guitarist Darrell Lance Abbott aka Diamond Darrell aka Dimebag Darrell, musical roots were in Country Western music and he would record with local musicians, including a rare recording with Dallas musician "Throbbin Donnie" Rodd's "Country Western Transvestite Whore" which features him on lead guitar & lead vocals. His influences included Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Kal Edmondson, Rusty Burns, Pat Travers, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi and Ace Frehley. Darrell and his brother Vinnie formed heavy metal band Pantera in 1981 recording 10 albums. After Pantera disbanded in 2003 the brothers formed Damageplan making 2 albums. He also recorded one album with his side project band Rebel Meets Rebel. Darrell played guest guitar solos on many Anthrax songs from their John Bush era; Anthrax bassist Frank Bello said "Darrell was basically the sixth member of Anthrax". He also performed a solo on the title track from King Diamond's Voodoo album, and played a guitar solo which has been put in the Nickelback song "Side of a Bullet". Shortly before his death, he recorded as a guest soloist on a Premenishen track titled "Eyes of the South". Darrell wrote a long-running Guitar World magazine column, which has been compiled in the book "Riffer Madness". On May 17, 2007 Dimebag Darrell was posthumously inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk.
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JANI LIIMATAINEN

Jani Liimatainen power guitarist from Kemi, Finland started his professional career with the Finnish band Altaria playing both the guitar and keyboards, but better known as a founding member of the power metal band Sonata Arctica. He is mainly a self taught guitarist, experimental in his techniques. Early influences were Dream Theatre and Freak Kitchen. He is now endorsed by Ibanez and plays the Ibanez JPM4 and a Destroyer DT 200 Custom. Jani also found time to form a second band with fellow Sonata Arctica band member, keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg, the death metal band Graveyard Shift .
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RON THAL ~ BUMBLEFOOT

Ron Thal aka Bumblefoot is from New York City, known for his punky guitar riffs, fast shredding, plus at times, a quirky and experimental style. He has 2 solo albums in his own name, and 6 albums using his pseudonym Bumblefoot, singing lead and playing lead guitar under both names. As well as his busy solo career he has worked on video games, TV shows and recorded with Q*Ball, Guthrie Govan, Mike Orlando, Christophe Godin, Freak Kitchen, Phi Yann-Zek, Mistheria, Richard Daude, Jessica Simpson which certainly shows his guitaring versatility. 2006 saw him replacing shred guitarist Buckethead in the hard rock band Guns 'n' Roses, Bumblefoot also appears on the Guns 'n' Roses' new album, Chinese Democracy, which has been in the making for the last 13 years.
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JOHN 5 ~ JOHN LOWERY

John 5 was born John Lowery at Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Over the years he has been influenced by Hendrix, Steve Vai, Kiss, Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Buckethead, Albert Leean and other greats. He started playing guitar at the age of seven. At 18, he moved to California to pursue a career as a professional session guitarist. His first band in LA, was Alligator Soup, but he soon began working on a number of projects for Bob Marlette, which included TV shows, commercials and film soundtracks. He joined Marilyn Manson in 1999, for which to some people he is most famous for, but he has played with and/or recorded with a host of great rock names including Dirty Trixx, Raven Payne, John Wetton , Robin Zander, Pepperland, Wilson Phillips, Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Springfield, Red Square Black, Night Ranger, Lita Ford, Ryan Downe, froSTed, Leah Andreone, K.D. Lang, David Lee Roth, Rob Zombie, Garbage, Meat Loaf , Paul Stanley, FeFe Dobson, Static-X, Mike Libertoski and so many more. He endorsed Ibanez for a while, but he know has his own signature telecaster with Fender. He is currently the guitarist for Rob Zombie, working on his solo projects and song writing.
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EDDIE VAN HALEN

Edward Van Halen, born in The Netherlands, moving to California, America with his family in 1962. He first trained as a classical pianist (his amazing keyboard playing can be heard in #1 hit, "Jump".), but expressed himself better on the drums and from the age of 12 on guitar . He was highly influenced by the British band "Cream" , also guitarist Brian May and fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth. As a teenager, he co-founded the band Mammouth, which evenually changed it's name to Van Halen. Eddie pioneered many guitar techneques, but he is most famous for the 'two-handed tap', which became his trademark (and over the years it has been copied by many other players). With his awesome speed, new techneques and tasty phrasing, he quickly became one of the world's top guitarists. He has worked with the likes of Dweezil Zappa, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather, Thomas Dolby, John Waters, Brian May, Michael Anthony, Alex Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Ted Templeman, Donn Landee, David Lee Roth, Quincy Jones to mention a few. Eddie remains one of the world's top guitarists.
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STEVE VAI

Steve Vai was first inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Jeff Beck & took lessons from now guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, before attending Berklee College of Music in 1978. Steve worked with Frank Zappa for a few years; in 1994 Steve received a Grammy Award for his performance on the Frank Zappa song Sofa from the album Zappa's Universe. In 1982 he moved to California where he recorded his first solo album Flex-Able. In 1985 he replaced Yngwie Malmsteen as lead guitarist in Graham Bonnet's Alcatrazz with whom he recorded the album Disturbing the Peace. Later in 1985 he joined Van Halen front man David Lee Roth's group to record the albums Eat 'em and Smile and Skyscraper. In Steve's career he has to toured, played or recorded with most the greats in the world of rock including Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Coven, Bob Harris, Whitesnake, Gingger, Glenn Hughes, Wild Style, Joe Satriani, Billy Sheehan, David Lee Roth, Western Vacation, Alcatrazz, Shankar, Rebecca, Public Image Ltd., Joe Jackson, Al Di Meola, Yardbirds, Joe Lynn Turner, Gregg Bissonette, Thana Harris, Eric Sardinas, Steve Lukather, The Devin Townsend Band, Munetaka Higuchi with Dream Castle, Bob Carpenter, Mike Keneally, Dave Weiner, to mention some. In April of 2007, Steve confirmed the release of his next record, called Sound Theories, on June 26.
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JOE "SATCH" SATRIANI

Joe Satriani, US guitarist and former guitar instructor, his self-released debut album, "Not of This Earth" in 1986 opened the way to a world of instrumental rock music in a pop-dominated world at that time. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, he often incorporates a warm sound of guitar with a dominant blues and rock tone. He has had 13 Grammy nominations, reached the ten million mark in CD sales, and is listed as one of the top 10 greatest guitarists of all time. Joe was recruited by Mick Jagger as lead guitarist for Mick's first solo tour, and also worked with a wide range of guitarists from many styles, including Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, and Robert Fripp through the annual G3 Jam Concerts.
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TONY MacALPINE

Tony MacAlpine is best known as a solo guitarist but he has worked with many different bands and musicians like Planet X, Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, Mark Boals and Vitalij Kuprij. Chopin is one of Tony's major musical influences, he has a unique style blending elements of neo-classical and jazz fusion, his music made an immense contribution to the neo-classical movement of the late 1980s. Besides being a guitarist, Tony is also a classically trained pianist and violinist and plays all the keyboard parts on his own albums.
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MICHAEL ROMEO

Michael Romeo was inspired at the age of 12 to play guitar by the band KISS, he takes his influences from Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Al Di Meola, Uli Jon Roth, J.S. Bach, Mozart, John Williams and Frank Zappa, and heavily from the neo-classical style of Yngwie Malmsteen. But Michael manages to maintain an identifiable signature that sets him apart from other players in this genre by fusing exotic scales and arpeggios, non-standard rhythms, and time signatures. An slight element of jazz is also fused into his music. Micheal is a founding member of the progressive metal group Symphony X, who he is currently playing with.
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TIMO TOLKKI

Finnish guitarist Timo Tolkki played with the bands Antidote, Thunder and Road Block before joining Stratovarius in 1984. At this period his playing was more progressive and hard-edged making use of lower-register power chords, often in Eb tuning, and sometimes heavy palm muting, which made earlier Stratovarius songs rather dark and unnerving. Over the years Timo's style has gradually got more traditionally speedy and melodic that of power metal and neo-classical with various fast shredding techniques.
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HERMAN LI

Herman Li from Hong Kong, formed the band Dragonforce in 1999, a band known for their dual guitar harmonies (Herman & Sam Totman), grandiose speed and style, and epic guitar. Herman, who is a self taught guitarist, is actually left handed, but as a child he could not afford a left-handed guitar, so he ended up playing right-handed! He won the 2005 Metal Hammer Golden Gods 'Best Shredder' award, also won 'Best Shredder', 'Best Metal', 'Best Riff' and 'Best New Talent (with 70% of the vote) in the Guitar World's Readers 2007 poll, and together with Sam Totman (Dragonforce's 2nd lead guitarist, also a great guitarist) won the 'Best Guitar Solo' with "Through The Fire & Flames" in 'Total Guitar' 2006 readers poll. Like Michael Angelo Batio, Herman is known for his signature guitar solos, wherein he frets notes with his left hand over the top of the fretboard instead of from beneath it. His other signature moves include "drum riser spin bounce" and the "whammy bar lift guitar slam." He also uses a Digitech Whammy II and a Digitech XP-100 Whammy-Wah to create some of his signature guitar sounds.
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BOBBY FERRARA

Bobby, originally from Long Island, his jaw-dropping solo flurries, wah-drenched fusillades and high-energy freakout has won him New York's Hot Licks guitar contest twice, and have made him a world class guitarist. Bobby is an endorsee of Grem Guitars. He also writes a bimonthly guitar technique/effects column called "The Clinic" for New Jersey's only heavy metal magazine, "Ironworx". Bobby Ferrara is one of the cleanest playing shred guitarists I have heard, and at such speed keeps the passion, he looses nothing.
!!! ~ amazing musician ~ !!!
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Allen "ROBOT" Van Wert

ROBOT has been credited as having a very futuristic sounding experimental style, exploding and breaking the limits of guitar based music. (without the use of FX or any editing tricks). This is true cutting edge guitar.
(from:http://philbrodieband.com)

Early Influencers & Pioneers

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:37:00 +0000

JIMI HENDRIX

In the 60's the revolutionary guitarist .. Jimi Hendrix dug the path and laid the solid foundations for the rock guitarists in the 70's to pathe that the modern rock guitarist play along today. He made the biggest impact and change to rock guitaring in the history of modern music. In the 50's and early 60's Jimi started on the road gigging with the likes of the Isley Brothers, Little Richard and King Curtis, recording with each of those acts, but was unable to adapt to the discipline their performances required. Soon after he let loose with his own bands, his own music which made the whole world 'kiss the sky'.

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ALVIN LEE

Pioneer rock and speed guitarist, Graham Barnes aka Alvin Lee from Nottingham, England, began playing guitar at the age of 13, originally influenced by his parent's collection of jazz and blues records, it was the rock and roll of guitarists like Chuck Berry and Scotty Moore who provided his inspiration to form his band Ivan Jay and the Jaymen by the age 15. After local gigs and success in Hamburg, Germany the band moved to London and changed their name to Ten Years After. TYA had success with Europen and US tours, releasing ten albums. Alvin was very experimental and brave guitarist, enjoying new techniques. By 1973 Alvin felt held back by the band's style, so with US gospel singer Mylon LeFevre and a host of rock talents like George Harrison, Steve Winwood, Ron Wood and Mick Fleetwood, he recorded and released On the Road to Freedom, a highly acclaimed album that was at the forefront of country rock. A year later, Alvin formed Alvin Lee & Company to play a show at the Rainbow in London and released it as a double live album, In Flight, a very energetic mix of rhythm and blues and rock. He finished out the 1970s with his power trio 'Ten Years Later'. Alvin has gone on to record 20 albums, his most recent, Saguitar, released Sept 2007.
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JEFF BECK

Rock and speed pioneer guitarist Jeff Beck from Wallington, Greater London started as a guitar sessionist and played in his band Trident before joining The Yardbirds. They had most of thier hits the 18 months Jeff was in the band. 1967 sees him recording the one-off song "Beck's Bolero" with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Nicky Hopkins, and Keith Moon, after which he formed a new band, The Jeff Beck Group, which also featured Rod Stewart, Ron Wood, Nicky and Micky Waller. The group produced two albums, Truth in 1968 and Beck-Ola in June, 1969. Both albums are highly acclaimed, and considered by many critics to have inspired the heavy metal genre. In 1973 while in US he recorded 2 albums with his power trio Beck, Bogert & Appice. He has gone on to play with countless artists as well as a huge solo career recording 15 solo albums. Jeff does not use a pick/plectrum but relies on his fingernails and thumbnail for his attack. He produces a wide variety of sounds by using his fingers and the vibrato bar on his signature Fender Stratocaster, although he frequently uses a wah-wah pedal both live and in the studio. He has been a huge influence and still is to guitar players and the music industry throughout long career.
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JOHN McLAUGHLIN

Guitar virtuoso John McLaughlin from Doncaster, Yorkshire is regarded by many as one of the most influential and technically gifted guitarists of all time, having over his long career mastered a remarkable range of styles and genres, including jazz, Indian classical music, fusion, and Flamenco. Initially inspired by blues and swing players he started on guitar when he was 11 and worked Tony Oxley and John Surman before moving to America in 1969. He played with Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Miles Davis and reputation as a session player grew, resulting in recordings as a sideman with Miroslav Vitous, Larry Coryell, Wayne Shorter, Carla Bley, The Rolling Stones and others. In 1970 he formed The Mahavishnu Orchestra which included violinist Jerry Goodman (later Jean-Luc Ponty), keyboardist Jan Hammer (later Gayle Moran and Stu Goldberg), bassist Rick Laird (later Ralphe Armstrong), and drummer Billy Cobham (later Narada Michael Walden). The band performed a technically virtuosic and complex style of music that fused eclectic jazz and rock with eastern and Indian influences. He has gone on to play and record dozens of albums with many greats of different genre as well as a busy solo career and continues writing, recording and touring.
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ALLAN HOLDSWORTH

Virtuoso Allan Holdsworth from Bradford, Yorkshire is one of a handful who pioneered the fusion of rock and jazz music with speed in the early 70's. His influences include Django Reinhardt, Jimmy Rainey, Charlie Christian, Joe Pass , Eric Clapton, and John Coltrane. Allen pioneered several techniques including using an eight-voice modulated delay to create a chorusing effect that, combined with unusual closed voiced chords, create a very piano-like sound from an ordinary electric guitar. He uses a legato phrasing technique with light picking that causes a distorted guitar amplifier to produce a reedy, clarinet-like tone. A third innovative technique is using a volume pedal to "swell" chords into a long delay/reverb effect, generating the impression of an orchestral string section. These three techniques were used by Allen to create the aural illusion of classical instruments, years before the invention of guitar synthesizers, and have been adopted by increasing numbers of guitarists such as Frank Gambale, Eddie Van Halen, Scott Henderson, Bill Connors, Steve Vai, Alex Lifeson and David Sylvian to mention a few. Allen has been a band member with Soft Works, Bruford, Gongzilla, U.K., Tempest, Soft Machine, Level 42 and Gong. He has played on 54 collaboration albums and to date recorded 18 solo albums. Sadly his work has been neglected by the media and the public as a whole, where as fellow musicians have held him in high esteem for over 35 years.
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ULRICH JON ROTH

Neo-classical guitar pioneer Ulrich Jon Roth born in Düsseldorf, Germany formed his first serious band, Dawn Road, while in his mid teens. At 19, in 1973 he was asked to finished a tour off with the up and coming Scorpians, later that year, this led to a new line-up for Scorpians of 4 former Sporpians and 2 members of Dawn Road, with Uli as lead guitarist. Although he recorded 5 albums with them, establishing them as a top band, Uli's soul, his writings, composing and guitaring, were heavily influenced by Hendrix and tendings toward blending this with the classical, a very different direction to Scorpian. In 1978 he formed his own band "Electric Sun" to pursue and showcase his hendrix-classical pioneering. Elecrtic Sun released 3 albums which opened the door and influenced all the neo-classical guitarists which followed, including Yngwie Malmsteen who later popularised neo-classical more with the media. Uli invented his own unique instrument the 6-octave Sky guitar to further his 'ever' evolving creations and techniques. Uli went solo in the late 80's and has since written 4 symphonies, 2 concertos, numerous songs, released 3 albums, done many world tours, guested with too many artists to mention, inducted into the Walk of Fame by Europe's only Rock & Pop Museum, which is situated in Gronau, Germany, and is currently working on a new full-length studio album "Under A Dark Sky", which is to be released next year, also for 2008 he has another World Tour planned.
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AL Di MEOLA

To many, virtuoso Al Di Meola is one of the most important pioneers of shred guitar, his 70's work opened up a new era of rock and influenced guitarists such as Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Jason Becker, Chris Impellitteri and many, many others. After attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Al joined the bands Chick Corea and Return to Forever before embarking on his solo career in 1976. His first solo album Land of the Midnight Sun, is noted for his technical mastery and extremely fast speed guitaring, complex guitar solos and compositions. He gradually introduced his love for latin and flamenco into his music. Al went on to explore a variety of styles, but is now most noted for his Latin-influenced jazz fusion works. He is a four time winner as Best Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine's Reader Poll. In addition to a prolific solo career of 25 albums, tours and world appearances , he has engaged in successful collaborations with bassist Stanley Clarke, synthesizer player Jan Hammer, violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, and guitarists John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía and guested on countless tracks.
(from:philbrodieband.com)

Warr Guitar

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:09:00 +0000

The Warr Guitar is a relative of the Stick in that it is designed to be used by tapping the strings. However, the body style and string layout is different. Mark Warr and Emmett Chapman (designer of the Stick) got into some legal disputes a few years back, but not over the instruments themselves ... rather, it was about business and marketing tactics. The rumors that it was about the "tap" aspects of the instruments is untrue, and the dispute was settled years ago. (Thanks to Jim Reilly for this info).

Warr Guitars come in 8, 12 and 14-string varieties (14-string Phalanx series shown). There is no "standard" tuning (or rather, there are a number of "standard tunings", though Warr encourages you to try new tunings for yourself). Needless to say, the experimental nature of this instrument makes it a natural for prog musicians.

Probably the most famous Warr Guitar player today is Trey Gunn, sometime guitarist for King Crimson, who has both a Warr Guitar model and a tuning named for him. Less well-known, but every bit as good, are Mark Cook (99 Names of God, The Minefield) and Adam Levin (Dark Aether Project).

SynthAxe

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:04:00 +0000

The SynthAxe was one of the early guitar MIDI controllers, built about 1985. In addition to a guitar-like fretboard, it also had a few keyboard-like keys and a pedalboard (which also held the power supplies).

Unlike modern MIDI guitars which attempt to detect the frequency of each string and convert it to MIDI data, the SynthAxe used a different approach. The strings of the SynthAxe don't create sound on their own, but are merely sensors which convert the guitarist's finger positions to MIDI data. It does not need to use different size strings for each of the six strings, so easily-stretched strings are typically substituted in all six positions. Both fret position and string bending are sensed, so the player can perform natural guitar pitch bends. Notes can be triggered from the second set of strings, strummed or picked like a guitar, or from the keyboard which was velocity sensitive and had polyphonic aftertouch. It also had a whammy bar which could be assigned to any MIDI function desired.

Users say that the whole assembly is so heavy that it's more comfortable to play sitting down than standing with the weight around the player's neck. Also, the non-standard spacing of the frets take some getting used to. However, there is no delay as there is in MIDI guitars that track string pitch ... bends, hammers, pull-offs and trills all respond instantly. However, these devices were very expensive and were only made for a few years before the manufacturer folded.

Famous musicians who used one, for a while at least, included Allan Holdsworth, Al Di Meola and Lee Ritenour.

THE 10 FASTEST SHRED GUITARISTS (with courtesy of Guitar One Magazine ~ NOT my list or choice)

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:55:00 +0000

No 1 . MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO

Michael invented the Dean Double-Guitar and was the first person in the world to successfully play it. AWESOME!! Michael started playing piano and composing at age 5, started playing guitar at age 10. Michael has performed over 1100 shows in 31 different countries since 1993. He tours the world performing guitar workshops, also records, tours and plays with various bands and solo. He also invented and successfully played the very first 'quad' guitar. However, the instrument was stolen during a Nitro show in El Paso, Texas, and only two of the four parts required for its assembly have ever been recovered. However, Dean Guitars recently finished production on a new quad guitar for Michael.
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No 2. CHRIS IMPELLITTERI

Chris Impellitteri is one of the most unique, intense, and dynamic guitarists in heavy rock today. His influences range from Al Di Meola to Uli John Roth to Edward Van Halen. Chris has been releasing some of the best progressive, neo-classical guitar work around since the mid-'80's, inspiring countless musicians.

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voted No 3. YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN

When he was young, Yngwie didn't want much to do with music. Music was soft, a thing for wimps, and Yngwie was into all things destructive. An unruly child, Yngwie took delight in anything that went against the grain. But, one night while watching television, 7-year-old Yngwie saw guitar maestro Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar. Jimi's death had spurred the birth of a new guitar hero: Yngwie J. Malmsteen. He cites Jimi Hendrix, Uli Jon Roth, Brian May, Steve Hackett and Ritchie Blackmore as his influences.
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No 4. PAUL GILBERT

Guitarist Paul Gilbert has sold over three million records in the United States stemming from his brilliant work with Racer X, Mr. Big and as a solo artist. Long known as one of the top shredders in the business, Gilbert sometimes returns to his blues rock roots as on his Raw Blues Power album
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No 5. THE LATE SHAWN LANE

Lane began his musical interests very young, studying piano and cello from the age of four. He took up the guitar at eight, and it remained his principal instrument from then on. He quickly became a legend in Memphis' music scene as the feisty young kid, began his professional playing and recording career when he was 12. The teen wonder shocked and amazed audiences at stadium shows across the USA. Before becoming a world renown guitarist. Tragically Shawn died of a lung disease Sept 26th 2003 at the age of 40.
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No 6. JOE STUMP

Joe Stump is one of the leading guitarists of the shred genre. Having released numerous solo albums and four with his band project Reign Of Terror, Stump has a reputation of for combining guitar virtuosity with strong hooks and killer riffs. Joe is also Berklee School Of Music's head authority on shred guitar. His main influeneces in his career are Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Uli- Jon Roth, David Chastain, classical music too - Bach, Paganini, Vivaldi, Mendelson etc.
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No 7. RUSTY COOLEY

Rusty’s early influences included: Rhoads, Malmsteen, Becker, Gilbert, Holdsworth, Paganini, Bach, Vai, Gambale, Moore, MacAlpine, Taffolla, Friedman. He was also influenced by many styles including: Jazz, Classical, Funk, Blues and even Country. There where times when Rusty was pulled in so many different directions by music, he didn’t know if he wanted to be a Classical Conductor or a Jazz guitarist. “Remember play from your heart and never be swayed by the current trends.” Rusty Cooley
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No 8. BUCKETHEAD

Buckethead is one of the most bizarre and enigmatic figures in American underground. Real name Brian Carroll says he was raised by hens in a henhouse!. He got the idea of a bucket and mask one day when he was eating fried chicken. He stands about 7 Feet tall with his bucket on. He has robotic movements. Not much is known about Buckethead, but one things for sure, this greased lightin' is finger lickin' fast. Well the Colonel hasn't caught him yet! His bands include: Deli Creeps, Cornbugs, Praxis, Cobra Strike, Buckethead (Solo), Primus (Ozzfest 1999), Guns N' Roses.
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No 9. JOHN PETRUCCI

John Petrucci grew up on Long Island, Kings Park He started playing guitar at the age of 12 (After a brief fling at age 8 when he noticed his sister got to stay up late for her organ lessons. His little plan didn’t work out being that his guitar lesson was after school, and soon lost interest.) He quickly realized his influences and was determined to reach their level of ability. Some early influences include Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, Iron Maiden, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Yes, Rush etc. As the rise of thrash & metal hit John expanded his influences to include bands like Metallica & Queensryche.
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No 10. THE GREAT KAT

The Great Kat was born Katherine Thomas in Swindon, England (on a U.S. Air Force Base Military Hospital), moved to USA aged 3. After touring the world as a violinist, she realised that Classical music was dead, so she began updating Classical Music with Speed Metal and transcribed intricate violin solos to the guitar. The Great Kat is the only musician taking note-for-note authentic Classical Music scores (from Vivaldi, Beethoven, Bach, Wagner, Liszt, and Rossini) and re-orchestrating the entire scores with Shred Guitar virtuosity and mixing it with Speed Metal band and Classical orchestra.
(from:http://philbrodieband.com)

Jason Becker

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:35:00 +0000

Listen to Jaso Becker now :

Jason Becker, (born July 22, 1969) is an American neo-classical metal guitarist and composer. At the age of 16, he became part of the Mike Varney-produced duo Cacophony with his friend Marty Friedman. They released Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988.
At the age of 20, he joined David Lee Roth's band. While recording the A Little Ain't Enough album and preparing for the subsequent tour, Becker began to feel what he called a "lazy limp" on his left leg. He was soon diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and given three years to live. He could barely finish the recording, using low-gauge (thin) guitar strings and other techniques, which would make it easier to play with his weakening hands. Although he managed to finish the album he did not join the supporting tour due to his inability to perform on stage. He eventually lost the ability to speak and now communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Although his ALS gradually robbed him of his ability to play guitar, to walk, and eventually even to speak, he still remains mentally sharp and, with the aid of a computer, continues composing. In the back of the Perspective CD case, Becker states "I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind." Now in his 30s, his medical condition has remained stable since 1997.

Zakk Wylde

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:12:00 +0000

Listen to Zakk Wylde now :

Zakk Wylde (born Jeffrey Phillip Wiedlandt on January 14, 1967 in Bayonne, New Jersey) is an American musician, who is best known for his roles as a guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of Black Label Society. He was lead guitarist and vocalist in Pride & Glory, who released one self-titled album in 1994 before disbanding. As a solo artist he released Book of Shadows in 1996.

Wylde started playing the guitar at the age of 15 and worked at Silverton Music in Silverton, New Jersey. He grew up in Jackson, New Jersey, and went to Jackson Memorial High School there, where he graduated in 1985. Wylde has stated that he would practice playing the guitar as much as 12 hours per day and often would play the guitar almost non-stop between coming home from school and leaving for school the next morning, then sleeping through the school day. Growing up, Wylde played locally with his first band, "Stone Henge", then later with local Jersey band "Zyris". He was taught by neo classical guitarist Sean Roche. Years later, the then unknown 19 year-old Wylde landed the coveted role as lead guitarist and co-writer for Ozzy Osbourne. He sent Ozzy a demo tape in 1987 and was hired to replace Jake E. Lee. Jake E. Lee had replaced the deceased Randy Rhoads, an idol of Wylde's.

Randy Rhoads

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:15:00 +0000

Listen to Randy Rhoads now :

Randall William Rhoads was born on December 6, 1956. Randy started taking guitar lessons around the age of 6 or 7 at a music school in North Hollywood called Musonia, which was owned by his mother. His first guitar was a Gibson (acoustic) that belonged to Delores Rhoads father. Randy began teaching guitar in his mothers school during the day and playing with Quiet Riot at night. Originally called "Little Women", Quiet Riot got their "new" name from one of Kevins friends from the band Status Quo.

In the latter part of 1979, at the request of a friend (Dana Strum), Randy went to audition for a band being put together by former Black Sabbath lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne. As the story goes: Ozzy had auditioned just about every guitarist in Los Angeles and was about to go home to England, the hopes of a new band washed away. Randy Rhoads guitar playing, however, could not be silenced as "Tribute" was released in 1987. "Tribute", recorded live, much of it in Cleveland, OH on May 11, 1981 and Randys solo in Montreal in July of 1981, continued to earn him recognition as a guitar virtuoso.Ozzy Osbourne's first two solo albums featuring Randy Rhoads have sold over 6 million copies combined.

Dimebag Darrell

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:02:00 +0000

Listen to Dimebag Darrell now :

Dimebag Darrell (born Darrell Lance Abbott on August 20, 1966, Arlington, Texas – died on December 8, 2004, Columbus, Ohio), also known as Diamond Darrell until mid 1992, was an American lead guitarist. Best known as a founding member of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan, he was also active in country music, notably the project Rebel Meets Rebel. Remembered for his amiable nature and rapport with fans, critic Greg Prato describes Abbott as "one of the most influential stylists in modern metal." Abbott was shot dead while performing with Damageplan on December 8, 2004.

Cinderella

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:01:00 +0000

Listen Cinderella play now :

Cinderella is an American hard rock, glam metal, and blues-rock band. The band emerged from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the mid-1980s with a series of multi-platinum albums and hit singles whose videos received heavy MTV rotation. By the mid-1990s, the band's popularity waned due to personal setbacks and public changes in musical tastes. The band has sold over 18 million albums to date worldwide.

Bad English

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:54:00 +0000

Listen Bad English play now :

Bad English was an American rock band supergroup formed in 1988, reuniting keyboardist Jonathan Cain with singer John Waite and bassist Ricky Phillips, his former bandmates in The Babys.

The members decided on a name for the band while playing pool. John Waite missed a shot and Jonathan Cain made a comment on how bad his "english" was (referring to the spin a player puts on the cue ball) and the band decided to use the phrase.[1] This official story differs from the urban legend suggesting that "Bad English" was chosen to mock the name of some of the members' previous band, The Babys, a name which is obviously misspelled.

Jonathan Cain and guitarist Neal Schon, who had enjoyed enormous success in Journey, continued on to form Bad English with Waite after Journey disbanded. The first album, eponymously titled, was a big seller with two hit singles (including the number one hit When I See You Smile written by Diane Warren) and top 10 hit "Price of Love" , but the second album’s single "Straight To Your Heart" didn’t crack the Top 40.

The song "Best of What I Got" was featured in the soundtrack to 1989's Tango and Cash.

Ricky Phillips writes on his website that the group had parted company before the second album had been mixed.

The band had enjoyed a brief but rewarding experience of playing glam metal. The second album, Backlash, was released well after the group had disbanded and many members of the public failed to hear some high quality musicianship and sensitive songwriting.

In later interviews Waite revealed that although he loved playing to stadium sized audiences, he was uncomfortable with the corporate rock image that he felt the band had presented, and has been a solo artist ever since.

Bad English drummer Deen Castronovo later went on to join a reformed Journey with singer Steve Augeri, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Ross Valory. He also played on Ozzy Osbourne's album Ozzmosis in 1995.

Pink Floyd

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:29:00 +0000

Listen Pink Floyd play now :

Pink Floyd are an English rock band that initially earned recognition for their psychedelic rock music, and, as they evolved, for their progressive rock music. They are known for philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative cover art, and elaborate live shows. One of rock music's most successful acts, the group have sold over 200 million albums worldwide including 74.5 million albums in the United States alone.

Pink Floyd had moderate mainstream success and were one of the most popular bands in the London underground music scene in the late 1960s as a psychedelic band led by Syd Barrett; however, Barrett's erratic behaviour eventually forced his colleagues to replace him with guitarist and singer David Gilmour. After Barrett's departure, singer and bass player Roger Waters gradually became the dominant and driving force in the mid-1970s, until his eventual departure from the group in 1985. The band recorded several albums, achieving worldwide success with The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). In 1985, Waters declared Pink Floyd "A spent force", but the remaining members, led by Gilmour, continued recording and touring under the name Pink Floyd. Although they were unsuccessfully sued by Waters for rights to the name, they again enjoyed worldwide success with A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) and The Division Bell (1994). Eventually they reached a settlement out of court with Waters allowing them use of the name.

Waters performed with the band for the first time in 24 years on July 2, 2005 at the London Live 8 concert.

Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:19:00 +0000

Listen Journey play now :

Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1973.

The band has gone through several phases since its inception by former members of Santana. The band's greatest commercial success came in the late 1970s through the early 1980s with a series of power ballads and songs such as "Don't Stop Believing", "Any Way You Want It", "Faithfully", "Open Arms", "Separate Ways", and "Wheel in the Sky."

Journey has been eligible for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since 2000, but as of 2008, they have yet to be inducted. Gregg Rolie is currently the only member of Journey who has been inducted into the Hall of Fame, as a member of its parent band Santana. In 2009, Steve Perry, the band's best-known lead vocalist, will be eligibile for induction as a solo artist.

System of a Down

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:30:00 +0000

Listen System of Down play now :

System of a Down (commonly referred to as System or abbreviated as SOAD) is an American rock band, formed in 1995 in Glendale, California. All four members are of Armenian descent, grandsons of Armenian Genocide survivors, and are widely known for their outspoken views expressed in many of their songs.

System of a Down has achieved commercial success with over five albums, performing singles such as "Chop Suey!", "Aerials", "B.Y.O.B.", "Lonely Day", "Question!", "Toxicity", "Hypnotize", and "Sugar"'. Their works have earned them one Grammy Award amongst three nominations.

System of a Down is a part of the Axis of Justice, a non-profit organization formed by band member Serj Tankian (along with Tom Morello), dedicated to bringing together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.

Arch Enemy

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:27:00 +0000

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Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, formed in 1996 by Carcass guitarist Michael Amott along with Johan Liiva, both originally from influential death metal band, Carnage. The band has released seven studio albums, a live album, three EPs, and a DVD (Live Apocalypse). The band was originally fronted by Johan Liiva; frontwoman Angela Gossow joined as lead vocalist in 2001.

In Flames

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:17:00 +0000

Listen In Flames play now :

In Flames is a melodic death metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden founded in 1990. Along with Dark Tranquillity and At the Gates, they pioneered what is now known as melodic death metal. They have released nine albums since 1994.

In Flames' musical style is characterized by the constant use of harmonized lead guitar melodies. In early albums such as The Jester Race, In Flames would many times employ two harmonized lead guitars playing over a rhythm guitar. However, since the band only has two guitar players, they found it hard to reproduce those songs during live performances and ever since Reroute to Remain they have focused on writing songs with the intention of playing them live.

In Flames' vocal style is characterized by the use of growled vocals complemented at times by clean vocals. In more recent albums such as Come Clarity, the band makes more prominent use of clean vocals, especially during choruses. In Flames' lyrics have also varied during their career. In early albums such as The Jester Race and Whoracle, In Flames' lyrics focused on astrology, mankind, and other global themes. In later albums such as Soundtrack to Your Escape and Come Clarity, In Flames' lyrics focus more on personal issues, thoughts, and other introspective themes. In Flames have, since the release of Reroute to Remain, started to incorporate many influences from modern metal genres - the later albums have had a strong alternative metal, nu metal and metalcore influence on them.

Manowar

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:57:00 +0000

Listen Manowar play now :

Manowar is an American heavy metal band from Auburn, New York, which formed in 1980, known for writing lyrics with an emphasis on fantasy and mythological topics, particularly Norse mythology. Manowar's sound is loud and bombastic; in an interview for MTV in February 2007, bassist Joey DeMaio lamented that "these days, there's a real lack of big, epic metal that is drenched with crushing guitars and choirs and orchestras ... so it's nice to be one of the few bands that's actually doing that."[1] In 1984 the band was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for delivering the loudest performance, a record which they have tried to break several times since.

Although the band has never been a mainstream commercial success, it has a strong cult following - dedicated fans are known and referred to by the band as "Manowarriors" or "Immortals" - and is popular in Europe.

Stryper

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:29:00 +0000

Listen Stryper play now :

Stryper is a metal band from Orange County, California, USA. Formed in 1983, Stryper is recognized as the first openly heavy metal band to gain recognition in the mainstream music world. Their hit ballad "Honestly" is often ranked among the greatest ballads of the 1980s. Their message of salvation and religion has also made them popular with some elements of the media.

However, Stryper has not been free of controversy. Many legalistic religious groups criticized the group for being members of the heavy metal industry, which some of them saw as being close to Satanic music. Others saw the band's flashy dress as contradictory to the faith they claimed to represent. Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart led opposition to the group, likening their practice of distributing the New Testament at their shows to "casting pearls before swine". In 1990 Rolling Stone Magazine reported the band.

Brian May

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:24:00 +0000

Listen Brian May play now :

Brian Harold May CBE (born July 19, 1947) is an English musician and astrophysicist most widely known as the lead guitarist in the rock band Queen. With his father, he built his own guitar from a mantelpiece. He called it the "Red Special".He wrote some of Queen's most famous songs and biggest hits, including "We Will Rock You", "Fat Bottomed Girls", "Tie Your Mother Down", "Who Wants to Live Forever" and "I Want It All".

May has had a long-term interest in astrophysics, and has recently completed his doctoral thesis in the subject.

May was ranked as the 39th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Jennifer Batten

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra Hermawan) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:33:00 +0000

Listen Jennifer Batten plays now :

Jennifer Batten is a guitarist who first received word-of-mouth attention that eventually led guitar magazines to take notice of her highly original approach to the electric guitar. On Guitar Player Monthly's premier compilation CD, John Stix wrote, "It was Jennifer's version of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" that was considered by her peers the "scariest and most requested cut on the disc."

At one point Batten was in six different bands playing many genres including rock, metal, fusion and funk. She was selected from over 100 guitarists to play in Michael Jackson's band on his one and a half year world tour. She played for a total of 4.5 million people on Jackson's first solo tour, the Bad Tour. In the following years she joined Michael on his "Dangerous Tour" as well as 1997's "HIStory Tour", traveling to such countries as South Africa and India. She also joined him in Super Bowl XXVII's half time entertainment which aired to the largest audience in television history (1.5 billion).

Following 1989's "Bad Tour" grand finale, she started work on her debut album with renowned producer (ex-Stevie Wonder guitarist) Michael Sembello (Sembello also wrote and performed the hit song "Maniac", which was featured in the soundtrack for the film Flashdance). The results can be heard on "Above, Below, and Beyond". Her second solo record, "Jennifer Batten's Tribal Rage", was released in 1997 and is heavily influenced by world music. In 1998 Jeff Beck asked Jennifer to join his band. She spent three years recording and touring in support of his albums Who Else!, and You Had It Coming. Tour dates included many dates with Sting. Guest recordings include: Jeff Beck's "Who Else" and "You Had It Coming", Carmine Appice's "Guitar Zeus" (featuring Brian May), Michael Sembellos' "Heavy Weather" , Carl Anderson's "Sunlight Again", Cindy Cruz's debut, Public Image bassist Bret Helm's "Doc Tahri" and the debut of The Immigrants. Music video appearances include Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole and Sara Hickman. She was also featured in "Hot Guitarist's" video magazine.

Between 1994 and 1999 she also joined for a few eurobeat songs to Dave Rodgers and Domino; "Sun City", "Music For the People", "Fly" and "Woa Woa Woa" feature her guitars. However, though uncredited, her writing and performing skills appear in several other songs under the A-Beat C label. Live Eurobeat appearances are limited to playing at the Tokyo Dome with Dave Rodgers and Queen of Hearts.

She's also authored two music books. Her third solo album, Whatever., was released in Japan in September 2007 and will be available in the U.S. soon.