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!

The ONLY thing I know about Children of Boden is from seeing an ad in a guitar magazine.  My drummer had a clinic with DT's drummer Mike Portnoy and yes, I have heard Mr. Petrucci, but not a lot.  So, call me slow and not up to date.   Perhaps my age happens to be a wall (over 40).  I heard Jimi Hendrix at 5 years old and that blew my mind.  I heard Deep Purple, then Rainbow and all the heavy bands of the 70's.  I studied classical guitar for 5 years and heard Van Halen, then this Swedish wiz kid.  So, my tastes tend to run that direction.  Rush was a big influence (I REALLY like "Caress Of Steel" and "Hemispheres", but that is for another thread.) as was....ok...I admit....some of the 80's shlock bands.  But, I am open to suggestions for listening and then I can draw my own conclusions.

 

So, if I am looking for inspiration and to generally feel good, I tend to lean towards Yngwie, Ritchie, Uli, Joe Stump, Satriani, Al Di, Jimi, and some Wes Montgomery.  For fingerstyle, I like Alex Di Grassi.  Classical is Julian Bream, Segovia and Alex Masi's renditions of Mozart.  Classical music is VERY inspiring, so by using those footholds and my studies and library of books, I get fed pretty good. 

 

So, perhaps some new listening is in store........

 

The heaviest Gibson pick. But in warm weather I could feel it flexing, so I made one out of  stainless steel plate  (around 1mm).  Had to be smoothed and highly polished. There is absolutely no flex, but it gives a different sound - less bass and more treble. Not so good for the finish of the guitar.......but at least I can say It's a true Heavy Metal pick ! 

 

I guess the growler search has fallen on its face?