1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a shredding war!

 

I have a couple of Uli Jon Roth CDs that I turn to for some inspiration and another guitarist that makes me smile is Mattias IA Eklundh.  His CD "Freak Guitar The Road Less Traveled" is on Steve Vai's label 'Favored Nations" and has some impressive stuff.  I need to pick up some Buckethead, as I haven't really experienced anything from him. 

 

If I am in composing mode, I usually don't listen to anything because I want to keep my head clear from trying to borrow from anyone.  Usually when I hit one of those ruts where nothing comes out, I wil pop in a disc that someone has recommended or something that I enjoy listening to over and over.  Recently, I have enjoyed Vinnie Moore's collection on the Shrapnel label, Joe Stump, Uli Jon, and of course, some Yngwie and Ritchie.  I also enjoy some Hess, a great band from Chicago that I found on Guitar Nine.

 

Glad to hear everyone is getting fed in one way or another!

 

Flamenco could be classified as shredding.  Ok, so you're not slashing the strings with a plectrum per se, but your fingers are most certainly getting a healthly workout.  I always admire the folks who can play with speed and accuracy on the classical and playing it, it's just you and the instrument.  I started out learning classical guitar and flamenco, but after turning 15 and hearing Ritchie Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen and one Yngwie Malmsteen....well, I guess I needed a little electricity.  As I get older, I have been listening to a lot of prog and classical music, as well as some ambient thrown in.  I still pick up my faithful nylon string, as it's like an old friend that I remember from my past.  Kind of silly, but for me, by warming up on the classical, my fingers seem to be more limber on my electric.  Maybe it's all in my head....

 

This has been a good exercise, as I am been trying to improve my sweeping, mostly in the harmonic minor modes.  My down sweeps are getting good, but my upstrokes lack a few things.  I am also playing in the Hungarian Minor modes, which have that Egyption eerie quality, but certainly loads of fun.   I also do a 'cool down' period, much like runners do after a healthy jog.  I purposely try to slow my mind down, so I can keep everything in check.

 

I haven't been trying to learn any 'cover songs' yet, as I have been writing and composing music with my drummer, as my bassist has been recovering from a horrible car accident.  But, my drummer has suggested some Rush, so perhaps I will check it out.

 

At any rate, happy shredding to all involved in their 'need for speed'.

 

Tubey