The Band - 'G' - Guitars

Question. When did you start playing the guitar?

Answer. I first started playing when I was about 5 or 6. My dad gave me an old acoustic he had, which I still own to this day.

Question. Who would you say are your main influences?

Answer. Obviously, Jimi Hendrix is one of my main influences, I believe the man was a genius. Other influences include Randy Rhodes, Kirk Hammett, Matthew Bellamy, Zakk Wylde, Eric Clapton, Billy Corgan to name a few.

Question. Who are your favorite bands/musicians?

Answer. I really like the heavy stuff, I have been a huge fan of Metallica for years, I have every album they have released. Other favorites are Faith no more , In Flames, Lamb of God, Muse, Feeder, Slipknot, Bullet for my valentine, Slayer, Megadeth, AFI, Funeral for a friend, Black Sabbath, Smashing Pumpkins, Motorhead and Nirvana, The Clash, Dead Kennedy’s and The Addicts,

Question. What does your rig include?

I mainly use ESP guitars. I have a Kirk Hammett signature with EMG pickups which I have used almost exclusively for many years. I love ESP guitars and will not use anything else. I also have a USA Fender Stratocaster with a Seymour Duncan pick up in the bridge, and a Gibson Les Paul standard. I like a nice heavy guitar. As for effects, I use a combination of BOSS and Jim Dunlop/MXR pedals, running through a Marshall Valve amp. For me Marshall is the best there is, and again, I wouldn’t use anything else!

Question. Any advice for any budding guitarists out there?

Answer. Yes, be persistent, yet patient at the same time, never give up, and if you can’t nail that note or riff, come back to it later. Like Rowbi said, play what you want to play. I to, never had any lessons and am self-taught. Who knows, lessons work for some people, but not all. Get you self to as many gigs as you can, and scan the internet and T.V. channels for advice, tips and some of the new bands that are coming through. Read about you favorite influences for some inspiration. Every body had to start somewhere…..