Michael Angelo Batio: 'I Have Found A Unique Voice In My Guitar Playing'

Michael Angelo Batio has been given more than a few illustrious titles since making his presence known in the 80’s band Nitro. Guitar One Magazine once called him the “#1 Shredder Of All Time,” while Total Guitar dubbed him “practically a god.” It’s a lot to live up to, but Batio has proven that he’s much more than just the amazing shredder seen in his Speed Kills DVD series. Batio is responsible for inventing both the eye-catching Quad and Double guitars, creating the Over-Under Technique while onstage at a Nitro concert, and writing some pretty incredible compositions to top it all off.

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects about Batio is his ability as a guitar instructor. He continues to educate musicians, whether it’s through one of his many instructional DVDs or traveling across the globe to hold clinics. And maybe you’ve heard of a guitarist named Tom Morello? Batio actually taught Morello for a period of time, and the Rage Against The Machine shredder called his experience with the guitar phenomenon “a musical epiphany.”

Not surprisingly, 2008 has been yet another busy year for Batio. He introduced a new pickup through Dean guitars at January’s NAMM Convention, and he’s planning on releasing 2 new instructional DVDs and a CD in the coming months. Because he was in the studio at the time we contacted him, Batio kindly granted us an interview via email in which he discussed technique, teaching Tom Morello, and what it feels like to be “the most blazing guitarist on the planet.”

Ultimate-Guitar: I understand that you’re currently in the studio working on new material. Can you give us an idea of what we can expect musically?

MAB: Yes, I am in the process of not only working on a new CD, but 2 DVDs, a new Double-Guitar solo and new guitar clinic tracks. There is a lot going on at the moment. As far as the new CD, I am focusing on keeping the music progressive and heavy, experimenting with different arrangements, having great drum parts and grooves, getting great rhythm sounds, great production and performing to the best of my ability. I always try to do the best that I can. I never worry about anything other than making sure that I am truly satisfied with what goes on the CD.

This past year has been one of your most prolific ever, with one of the most recent events being the debut of your new MAB “HWS” Signature Guitar pickup at the NAMM Convention. What specifications went into making it?

I do things differently. I have virtually the exact opposite EQ settings as players like Dimebag or Zack Wylde. I love their sound but that is not my sound. Pickups are extremely important to me. I wanted a pickup that has a very “round,” pure tone, but also one that has expressiveness. In short, one that “sounds like Mikey.” I worked with Pat Baker at Dean Guitars and gave him samples of different pickups I liked. After several prototypes and a lot of tweaking and experimenting, we got it right. I love the new MAB “HWS” signature pickup. It is loud, has a really warm, yet cutting and articulate tone. On a side note, I use Dean Guitars exclusively and my signature MAB Over Drive pedal from T-Rex. Both contribute greatly to my tone as well.

You’ve received so many accolades from the guitar community, being called everything from the “#1 shredder of all time” to “the most blazing guitarist on the planet.” When you began your career, did you have any inkling that you would be considered the iconic guitarist that you are today?

Thank you. I never really thought about it when I was first starting out, but now, as I have gotten to this stage in my career, yes, I do think about my place in “guitar history”. I would like to be remembered as a musical innovator, not an emulator and as someone who contributed, in a positive way, to the advancement of the electric guitar and guitar technique in general.

I have always performed onstage, since I started playing the guitar at age 10. In addition to all of the projects I am involved in, I manage to perform at least 100 shows around the world every year. I feel that I have found a unique voice in my guitar playing, both in the studio and in my live performances. That is not an easy task considering there are millions of guitar players out there. In conclusion, I have had only 1 goal throughout my entire career. That is to be the best Michael Angelo Batio that I can be.

What were a few of the essential practice techniques that shaped the way you play?

Economy of motion. I always thought that the less I moved my fingers, that faster and more precise I would be able to play. This idea has served me well over the years. Also, I use my fourth finger much more than most guitarists. I vibrato with my fourth finger and use it when most guitarists would use their third. Also, I am known for my alternate picking ability. I am also very good at sweep picking, economy picking and tapping, but I love the sound of alternate picking when I play solos and melodies.

Another important thing is that I have never had a hand injury from playing the guitar. Ever. I work out religiously and have done so since I started recording demos for the second Nitro record. I believe that a healthy mind, body and spirit can go a long way to keeping one’s skill level extremely high for one’s entire life.

My typical practice session begins like this: I start with legato finger exercises. This IMHO is the best way to warm up one’s fingers. After that I will start working on alternate picking exercise, scales, modes, etc., then Economy picking sequences and arpeggios. After that, it varies. Sometimes I will work on a song, other times I will work on new riffs. It just depends on what I want to accomplish at that practice session. Hope this helps.

"I never worry about anything other than making sure that I am truly satisfied with what goes on the CD."

You’re left-handed, but you’ve essentially become an ambidextrous player. How challenging was it to accomplish that goal?

I started playing the piano at age 5 and studied to be a concert pianist in college. I consider keyboards my “second” main instrument so I was already used to playing counter point and contrapuntal lines. The hardest part was not playing the guitar, but inventing the Double-Guitar. Once I did that and had a left-handed guitar to work with, it took me about 6 months of constant practice to be able to perform live with it.

You’ve been an innovator in terms of technique and equipment over the years. When we talk about technique, one of the most memorable moves has been the “Over-Under Technique.” How and when did your originally create that technique?

I wanted to do things on the guitar that were uniquely my own both live and in the studio. Jimi Hendrix smashed and burned guitars on stage, Jimmy Page used a violin bow, Pete Townshend had the famous windmill move, etc. I looked at these greats and tried to be like them. In other words, be unique and original like they were. I invented the beginnings of the Over-Under technique when I was about 12 years old. It started again, because I have performed onstage so many times throughout my life. I would be performing on stage, the lead singer would be singing away and I would get bored just playing rhythm guitar for 95 percent of the show.

I stopped the boredom by playing bar chords over the neck, with my thumb, all sorts of things, almost looking like I was playing a keyboard, just to amuse myself! I didn’t worry about what the audience thought. I was having fun experimenting with different ways to play a guitar on stage. This eventually evolved and turned into playing solos using open strings where I could cross over and under the neck and still be in key.

What happened, though, is that the audience really liked it. I started to develop a unique guitar show and get noticed at the same time. I never practiced the Over-Under technique other than onstage. That is where I developed it and that is where I use it. I am very proud of the fact that I was able to come up with one of the most unique and original stage moves, the Over-Under Technique, since Hendrix, Page and all of the other greats of Rock and Metal Music.

When a lot of us get a mental image of Michael Angelo Batio, it’s hard not to see your famous Quad or Double guitars in the same picture. What originally inspired you to invent them and do you ever use those guitars in studio recordings?

I wanted to do something that no guitarist had ever done before and I did it. Not to be “better” or “cooler’ than other players, just to be different. I don’t use the Double-Guitar or the Quad Guitar in the studio. They are specifically for the stage and live performances. (For more info, check out this article)

It was very cool to see that Dean unveiled its new version of the Quad. Is that something that consumers will be ever able to get their hands on?

Unfortunately, no. The Dean Quad was really made for photo ops, music trade shows and more or less a conversational piece. It is not a “playable” guitar, but it looks amazing!

What originally drew you to Dean guitars?

Again, the desire to be different. Many guitarists, in my early development years of playing the instrument, were using the same brands, the same guitar shapes, all looking and sounding the same way. I wanted my own voice, to travel down a different musical path, even down to the brand of guitar that I used. The ML, known sometimes as the Dimebag shape, is a Dean guitars design and IMHO is the most significant guitar shape in Heavy Metal history. Dean Guitars built top end, high-quality USA guitars using unique shapes, colors, pickups and marketing. It was the perfect guitar for me and is what I really used growing up. It is not just an endorsement. It is a passion.

On your site forum there you posted a message addressing the recent problem with your new Armorflame being produced in the Japanese facilities. Have those issues all been worked out?

Yes they have. My signature guitar will be shipping worldwide very soon. Dean Guitars has had a lot of orders for it. I can’t wait!

"I have had only 1 goal throughout my entire career. That is to be the best Michael Angelo Batio that I can be."

What currently are your guitars of choice in the studio?

At the time of this interview I have 63 guitars. I AM ALWAYS IN “GUITAR ACCQUISITION” MODE. I love guitars and can never have too many! About 45 of them can be seen on my website. I have specific Dean Guitars that I use for rhythms and specific ones for leads. My main recording guitars are, first and foremost, my Dean signature guitar called the MAB 1 Armorflame, 2 Dean USA Hard Tails, a Dean USA Blue Burst ML and a Dean USA Spalted Maple Flying V. I sometimes use a 1986 Strat that I have for clean sounds, but I would say that 99 percent of the time I can find one of my Dean Guitars will get the tone and sound I am searching for.

Your website mentioned that you just worked with Mark Tremonti on a new DVD. Are you able to reveal any details about it?

Mark and I are very good friends. He is not only an amazing, number 1, hit songwriter, but a great lead guitarist and one of the most ferocious Death Metal rhythm guitarists I have ever heard or seen. He is incredibly fast using only a downstroke. He is just an amazing artist. In my guest appearance on his DVD, I demonstrated some intense alternate picking exercises and played a 5-minute unaccompanied guitar solo that they had asked me to perform when I got to the soundstage. I had no idea I was going to do that, but I was pleased with the way it turned out. I used Mark’s live, concert rig and it sounded great.

Some fans might be also interested to know that you once taught Tom Morello back when you were attending college. Can you recall what those sessions were like?

Tom told me that my guitar lessons to him were, and I quote, “a musical epiphany.” Guitar World Magazine did a cover story on Tom a few years ago and in the magazine he described what I taught him and how it helped his playing. Basically, he credited me with coordinating and getting both of his hands to play together. Tom personifies everything I have ever believed and taught about music and the guitar specifically. Be yourself. Be unique. Find your own voice. My lessons were NEVER about “play like Mikey.” They were about using techniques that make YOU a better guitarist and artist in whatever genre you choose to perform and record in.

Can we expect another instructional DVD to be released in the near future?

Yes. I have worked very closely with Doug Marks and Metal Method Productions in Los Angeles over the years. We are planning to film and release 2 instructional DVDs this year as well. I have also written a column for Guitar World Magazine for almost 2 years now called “Time to Burn”. I just filmed 6 more columns that will be featured in upcoming issues. My column, BTW, thank you to everyone for your support, has been so popular that GW is releasing a DVD this year featuring all of my columns. I am extremely fortunate and grateful for the opportunities I have in music and guitar education.

There are plenty of people who admire your work as a musician, but which guitarists inspire you?

Some of my favorites are: Yngwie, Alan Holdsworth, Jason Becker, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Gary Moore, John Petrucci. Then there is Gypsy Jazz – Jimmy Rosenberg, Django of course, and… I also love country “pickers” like Tony Rice, Brad Paisley, Johnny Highland and Brent Mason. There are just too many guitarists to mention. I could name at least 100 more!

I understand that you’ll be appearing in an upcoming documentary on Randy Rhoads. What effect did he have on you as a guitarist?

Yes, I performed my interpretation of Randy Rhoads songs in a medley on my Hands Without Shadows CD called “Tribute to Randy.” The director of the movie, Peter Margolis from Dakota Pictures, saw me perform the song live at a concert in Hollywood in August of last year and loved it. They asked me then to be in the movie. I was honored to be a part of it. Randy Rhoads is a huge influence on my guitar playing

"My lessons were never about "play like Mikey.""

You’ve created so much music over the years. Are there one or two songs that have made you the proudest?

I have been signed to 2 major labels in bands. The first major label band Holland released a great CD on Atlantic Records. We had a hit song in the USA called “Gotta Run.” All 4 band members contributed in writing the song and it is a great 3 1/2 minute hard rock classic. Another one of my favorites is the instrumental song “No Boundaries.” “No Boundaries” was written to help people learn. I wrote this song to be included on my Speed Kills instructional DVD. It does not follow the standard binary or ternary song format but goes from part to part just like an instructional program would go from exercise to exercise. I had no idea that it would become so popular that we would film a DVD dedicated to just teaching the song.

Again this follows my philosophy that I can’t worry about what other people say or think. I just do the very best that I can and let the public decide. The song “No Boundaries” employs virtually every modern guitar technique that exists. That was the intent, to show what I was going to teach in the program. I am, again, grateful that the song has helped and inspired so many guitarists around the world.

For those who might just be starting to play, do you have any advice to offer them?

Outside of practice, practice, practice, I would say to listen to a lot of different kinds of music, have a basic knowledge of the Piano and play comfortably. I would also like to say “thank you” for your continued support and I hope to see all of you at a show soon!

Interview by Amy Kelly
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2008

Comments

[Aziraphale]

Tons of chops, sure, but if he wants to be remembered as a musical innovator he needs to write some songs that are in some way innovative. I have never heard one song of his that sounded original in any way, just standard rock/metal played very fast. And in this interview it seems like the next album will be the exact same thing. Again.

[Thewolf_and_man]

I really dont like that guy..

[webbtje]

The guy is untouchable on a technical level, never mind how show-offy a lot of his music is.

He seems pretty humble, considering how direct the questions were.

[shakin'cakes]

He seems pretty humble, considering how direct the questions were.

You're joking right? When he says, " And I quote " About Morello's comment on his teaching that just threw all the humbleness he had away. Not that he had any to begin with. And he considers himself an innovator? No. He's just a fad from the 80's. True innovators change the way people think about music. This guy is just a simple magic trick. WHOAHHH I CAN PLAY FASTT WIT 4 GIItARS!1!! Yeah no one cares.

[john_latchem]

mark tremonti? death metal? whaaaa?

[Ragnorak6000]

shakin'cakes wrote:

He seems pretty humble, considering how direct the questions were.

You're joking right? When he says, " And I quote " About Morello's comment on his teaching that just threw all the humbleness he had away. Not that he had any to begin with. And he considers himself an innovator? No. He's just a fad from the 80's. True innovators change the way people think about music. This guy is just a simple magic trick. WHOAHHH I CAN PLAY FASTT WIT 4 GIItARS!1!! Yeah no one cares.

You wouldnt be saying that if you could play 4 guitars at once and getting paid for it.

[stelios-papadop]

easy

[stelios-papadop]

anyway, no one has more technical than matt bellamy, its just no one looks close enough at his guitar style!!!!!the mans a F*****G legend!!!

[Aaron_Yeo]

He's uber-technical, no argument there. Sure, some of his music is repetetive and boring, but at least he's not like Yngwie.

I'm not gonna bash the guy (becuase more than enough people will) nor am I going to praise him (because, again, more than enough people will) but he has his share of good grooves and very nice licks. And I would count some of his stuff as original, specifically his prog stuff, because it's almost hard to not be unique in prog.

But who cares what I say, right?

[dgme92]

Funny, cos I actually prefer Tom Morello's playing style to his. Huh. Go figure.

[shwilly]

stelios-papadop wrote:

anyway, no one has more technical than matt bellamy, its just no one looks close enough at his guitar style!!!!!the mans a F*****G legend!!!

Naw, he's not. He's just very very, skilled and exceptionally creative (although his influences ar pretty obvious). I don't think he's overlooked but (just like Morello) there ain't many people who'd want to emulate him because it's hard to do that without sounding like a complete ripoff.

I reckon Muse are starting to become pretty legendary 'cause their albums stuff have been around for quite a while now, but to single out Bellamy as the most technical player in the friggin' world is crazy. Look up some Paco De Lucía, Steve Vai or even Michael Angelo for that matter. I mean, I don't like his music at all but I've heard very few people who can shred as fast as him

[rancidryan]

skill yes but not talent most f the stuffs just constant shredding

[Mahoru]

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.

[littleleo88]

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.

probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.

[mstysakura]

I love Muse, but Bellamy? The most technical guitarist? Anyway, I credit Batio with innovation on the actual guitar, but I'm not a fan of his music.

[symba05]

littleleo88 wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.

probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.

This is why shred is overrated. It is not impressive. Music is suppose to be musical, not technical

[Badmotorfever]

you have to ask yourself - is he impressive, or just some arsehole showoff?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RLnOx4E-G1g

seriou sly, there is nothing humble about him. I'm not doubting his ability but he is just cold, and its as if he just plays this riffs all the time...you can't FEEL the improvisation like you can with other guitarists, speedy or not.

[rhcp_freak]

littleleo88 wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.


probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.

Impressive? He plays four guitars fast without making any sort of music whatsoever.

Listen to Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Frusciante, Hell, even Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Satch and Eddie Van Halen. Now they aren't just great guitarists, they're great musicians.

Michael Angelo Batty-ho isn't.

#1 Shredder Of All Time,

+1
checked!

[Reviewer Pete]

"one of the most ferocious Death Metal rhythm guitarists I have ever heard or seen."

Conclusion: He's never listened to death metal.
#1 Woodshedder of all time would be a more fitting description to MAB.

[wildchild6660]

stelios-papadop wrote:

anyway, no one has more technical than matt bellamy, its just no one looks close enough at his guitar style!!!!!the mans a F*****G legend!!!

Er... Matt is cool and all but hes not really on the same level as guys like MAB, Yngwie and Satriani in a technical sense. One hell of a song writer, though.

[samuwel]

incidentally, does MAB say IMHO out loud? why is it abbreviated in the article? seems a bit daft to me like.

i can't say i'm a fan, but to be fair to the guy, he's ****ing fast

[metallicafan616]

fake hair? thats his real hair..
and also, emotive music is too common, he wanted something different..

[slomoslam]

symba05 wrote:

littleleo88 wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.

probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.


This is why shred is overrated. It is not impressive. Music is suppose to be musical, not technical

That is why I think Buckethead is so FREAKING amazing! He can uber-shred, he's innovative, and he composes great melodies in so many different styles of music. AND HE WEARS A BUCKET ON HIS HEAD!! YES!!!

[MAKETHEMSUFFER!]

i was at a guitar clinic of his recently, it was cool. he played great and he was pretty funny too.
but mark tremonti, death metal?! he doesn't even play metal, although he is pretty good at guitar.

[Les Paul Ell]

Michael Angelo Batio wrote:
On a side note, I use Dean Guitars exclusively and my signature MAB Over Drive pedal from T-Rex. Both contribute greatly to my tone as well.

How much ARE they paying him?! He seems so out of it, thinking he's so amazingly unique and all. I don't think he's had any real effect on the evolution of the guitar, instead he's just taken something which has already been done and redoing it to death.

[PhantomNote]

He makes music, but it seems like he's more focused on technique. Wich can be heard iin his music.
It takes great amounts of practice to get as good as him technically, but he's more of a shredder/guitar player than a musician.

[Karvid]

I can only appreciate shredding in songs if it's not overdone. Listening to guitar players like John Petrucci and Joe Satriani is a lot more interesting than listening to MAB or Yngwie because they know how to incorporate extremely fast licks into solos that aren't necessarily "shred" solos. They have a better range, tempo- and speed-wise.

[Raijouta]

Batio is more classical in his thinking - as in classical music. Just because he writes "fast" songs does not make him soulless - look at Bach and Mozart, et cetera.

[Raijouta]

That said, I prefer Satch to Batio.

[Pingis_Or_Death]

Mark and I are very good friends. He is not only an amazing, number 1, hit songwriter, but a great lead guitarist and one of the most ferocious Death Metal rhythm guitarists I have ever heard or seen.
What??

[LD_Luke D]

funny how there is a lot of comments, coming from guitarists who dont like michael angelo batio. when non-guitarists rank him among the best in the world, that goes to show you how much people care about the way something looks (such as his double guitar). i mena he seems like a humble guy and is probably one of the best technical players, and a very good teacher, definetly, but unique, not as much as many.

[Garf72]

Ragnorak6000 wrote:

You wouldnt be saying that if you could play 4 guitars at once and getting paid for it.

shut up.

[ninocavalera]

yes

[Shread_6009]

samuwel :
incidentally, does MAB say IMHO out loud? why is it abbreviated in the article? seems a bit daft to me like.

i can't say i'm a fan, but to be fair to the guy, he's ****ing fast

he did this interview over e-mail, so IMHO is an abbrieviation in his message

[FretboardToAsh]

seems a good guy, funny music admire his skill.

[nutinpwnsgibson]

his stuff is pretty cool at first, but eventually you realize that its boring and pointless

[zalant]

samuwel wrote:

incidentally, does MAB say IMHO out loud? why is it abbreviated in the article? seems a bit daft to me like

Ultimate-Guitar wrote:

Batio kindly granted us an interview via email

Gotta read it all before ya comment, so as to avoid the such foot-in-mouth postings.

It's funny how much of a consensus it is here (among guitar folk at this site) that MAB can play his ass off, yet no one really cares, or can actually sit and listen to him for very long.

As inflated as his ego seems to be, he has to know that most people think that his playing is cold and lacking in emotion, or anything else which endears music to (most) listeners. Sort of makes me wonder why he doesn't shock everyone and come out with a really soulful blues album, peppered with bits of tasteful shredding here and there. Now that might actually get people to notice, but he'd first have to have that sort of thing in him, and my guess is that he doesn't. Oh well, there have been and always will be circus performers who make us say "ooh" and "ahh", but in the end, it really doesn't stay with us very long. That's MAB's legacy.

(Oh, and before anyone comes along and points out the painfully obvious, yes, I realize I can't play as fast as him. I know, I get it. OK. I'm not jealous. My ability, or lack thereof, has nothing to do with my above statement of opinion.)

[saucehead]

I like speedy players as much as the next person, but when I think about my all-time favorite guitar solos, none of them are insanely fast. They're all very emotionally drenched with great textures. If I drive my car faster than you does that make me a better driver? The truly great players are able to incorporate speedy passages in their playing to convey feeling, not as the focal point. If speed is all that matters then I guess BB and the great blues players suck ass.

[Tubyboulin]

I Like him, listening to his Music does make me feel different emotions. One of his acoustic songs (forget the title) I listen to to calm me down, something like No Boundaries i listen to when im Angry. he plays with as much emotion as any blues player imo. Cant wait to check out his new stuff.

[anty]

radiohead are the only innovators at the minute in music. if there are more post them and ill rate them

[Sonny_sam]

to be fair, I would much rather listen to something melodic and emotion driven than shred.

one of the most ferocious Death Metal rhythm guitarists I have ever heard or seen.

what???
just what????

if he thinks tremonti's playing comes anywhere near the death metal genre, he needs to listen to some napalm death or cannibal corpse!

[vantage4]

any musician as technically good as this guy is has probably put out at least one song with a real emotional core to it. if you hung out with the guy and listened to him widdle on a guitar or piano i'm sure something would come out that pulled one of your strings.

that being said, i am not ambitious enough to search through a discography of speed shredding to find such a song. but he does seem like a cool guy, he comes right out and says that he's really good, but he doesn't make claims about being the best, just that he's gotten good at some skills. and he gives props to every other guitar player mentioned in the interview. i don't get the arrogant yngwie vibe from him at all.

[Billy Picken]

MAB does his thing, his way and gets paid for it. Rock on.

[vantage4]

Sonny_sam wrote:

to be fair, I would much rather listen to something melodic and emotion driven than shred.

one of the most ferocious Death Metal rhythm guitarists I have ever heard or seen.
what???
just what????

if he thinks tremonti's playing comes anywhere near the death metal genre, he needs to listen to some napalm death or cannibal corpse!

i dunno, he could just be talking about his experiences playing and jamming with tremonti and not necessarily his recorded work.

[LegsOnEarth]

pfft

[Donkey Fly]

littleleo88 wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.


probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.

How do you know?

You know nothing about that guy...

[PissInMyShoeses]

Meh, he might be the fastest, but theres no emaotion to it.

[Black Hole Sun]

Not a fan of his music, but he seems like a cool guy. Yes, I find his music boring, but he has a cool message.

"Be yourself. Be unique. Find your own voice. My lessons were NEVER about “play like Mikey.” They were about using techniques that make YOU a better guitarist and artist in whatever genre you choose to perform and record in."

[Jondy]

shredders are a dime a dozen now adays. hell i went into the guitar center a few weeks ago there was this group of 4 kids, just kids like 10-14, they were ripping it up. yeah it was a little sloppy but the speed was there. but you know what? it didn't really matter because at the end of the day it wasn't even music.

i mean i felt like woah awesome kids shredding and I don't want to be hard on them because they are just kids and when they're older they may compose some awesome stuff.

but shredding itself isn't even special anymore.

quit hating on tremonti batio wasn't calling alter bridge death metal he was talking about stuff he's heard mark play out of band. mark is freakin amazing; too bad he got stuck with creed and it almost ruined his reputation forever as a guitar guy.

[Black Revolver]

honestly, i get none of the credit from teachin this guy everything i know. some people nowadays....

[screamsoftly]

This man is everything I hate about guitarists. And people really.

[Box_of_Spanners]

MAB has some severe technique but close your eyes and all the awe vanishes. MAB is a showman, he technically impresses but musically it's nothing out of the ordinary. Nowhere does it say that putting 64 notes where one was needed makes you a better musician. Give me some more complex music rather than complex fretrobatics and maybe you can starting calling people greatest of all time. Until then, stick to planning your pyrotechnics MAB.

[jumpmanhat]

john_latchem wrote:

mark tremonti? death metal? whaaaa?

haha, ya, i would love to see that.

MIKEY RULEZZ!!! my top 3 shreder for sure

[CapnKickass]

When he's on stage with the double guitar, not only is he an insane guitarist, he's also a circus performer. I like the No Boundaries, it pretty much rules

[restless_thrash]

To all the people who are saying that shredding is not an art...

It takes time and effort to be able to shred. It also takes time to be able to play with both hands. And, it takes time to write good music! To be honest, i love shredding. I like the speedy feel.

Why do you not call shredding music? Marty Friedman is godlike to me, not only for shredding, but his awesome compositional skills. The fact that his shred fits right in with the genre, AND we like it doesn't make it bad. Nobody ever discounts you guys as bad musicians.

While i do believe that there is a limit as to what music is, some shredders sound very good. There are some VERY godawful ones out there, but there are also very good ones.

In short, PLEASE get off your high horse, our music is just as much music as yours is.

[hinrix]

he´s god

[KSE69]

rancidryan wrote:

skill yes but not talent most f the stuffs just constant shredding

Tubyboulin wrote:how can that not be talent? lets see you shred for minutes on end and not miss a note

I Like him, listening to his Music does make me feel different emotions. One of his acoustic songs (forget the title) I listen to to calm me down, something like No Boundaries i listen to when im Angry. he plays with as much emotion as any blues player imo. Cant wait to check out his new stuff.

[mdawg24]

mstysakura wrote:

Anyway, I credit Batio with innovation on the actual guitar, but I'm not a fan of his music.

Exactly. He's fast, and he's cool and what not, but it's just not my thing.

[ordinary_story]

Cmon guys dont be so harsh on the guy...hes not that bad.. his music is pretty melodic... just learn to appreciate it.. dont bitch.

[blackorchidx]

ok guys, you are commenting mark tremonti on his music i guess so cant begin to comprehend that he can play or be described as a death metal guitars, you know morbid angel yeah? both MAB and mark have played with them so stick your theories up your ass.
accented offbeat sextuplet 16th passages all cleanly played with very little gain on the amp.
harmony implied by more that just minor 3rds and 5ths, you all think you are the shit and hide behind you computer screens, ok some of you arent being complete asses but for those of you just slating the guy and giving him no constructive criticism at all, you are the guys who are lucky to even play a major scale in 5 transpositional positions at the same pitch on one octave across the neck at at least 120bpm, until you are featured here, shut your mouth and stop whining at a guy who took time out to answer your questions for YOU GUYS!!

[xXChimairaXx]

I bet herman li dreams about this guy.

[sambargun]

I like him and his music(but my favourites are Shawn Lane, Satch and Allan Holdsworth). He's fast in a very economical way(and he's the king of economy picking) and I find its cool to listen to him once in a while. There will never be a mass market for people like him because not everyone can digest it.I have always loved people who play fast music and he's definitely one of the fastest(but IMHO, the fastest is Lane).....

[Aziraphale]

littleleo88 wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.


probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.

XD Seriously man, there's a whole lot of difference between being fast and being impressive. When I heard Stevie Ray's "Pride and Joy" for the first time, I had to sit down. When Richie Sambora cuts off the lead of "My Guitar Lies Bleeding in my Arms" to play a single, unaccompanied strat line, I stop breathing for a second.

When MAB has played for 30 seconds, I yawn and leave. I'm sure Mahoru could impress me just as much as MAB.

[williampatton]

Ok so you guys think he's cold. But you all wana play good gutar right? And you also wana look impressive doing it as well.

so you go out and you buy the "SPEED KILLS" DVD collection and you rock out.

But why is it that none of you think he has feeling? Ever heard a song called "Rain Forset"? It has some of the best melody that you will hear, some of the best high speed picking licks and some of the coolest sweeping licks that you will ever see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiT6qtM09tI

Check that out before you tell me that he can't write "FEELING".

Ever took one of MAB's songs and tryed to work out the compositon? Try it, It'll be real fun for you guys, being that the only chord types you play are bar-chords on the 5th and 6th strings (thats the two thickst for any of you wh dont actuall know notes yet. haha).

Here's one for you. Try playing a minor sweep from the 6th string to the 1st and add an extra tapped note in at the end there. If you can't even do that then what makes you think that you can mouth off about people who can play as good as MAB?

Another thing if you slate the people who play well, don't take drugs or drink all the time, love spending time with fans, will show you how to play like him and have the time to be loyal to their fans then what's the point in having fan loyalty? Cos it would never be repaid. I dont mind becoming unpopular with a lot of people here bacause I know that Mike will be thatnkfull for what I de even if it isn't expressed directly. Cos that's who the real Michael Angelo Batio is - a man who want's to be the best that he can, and show his thanks for the people who enjoy what he does. So if you dont enjoy what he does then dont expect your signed copy of one of the "speed kills" DVD's to arrive anytime soon.

William Patton
Proud member of the MAB Street Team

[chichong]

people say stupid things about MAB.Im sick of it.If you dont have nice thing to say about him then your dumb.The person developed his own style though different experience that he has gone thought.People are judgmental but the mere fact that he accomplished so many things makes him better than anyone else.

[Jawshuwa]

If it's not your thing, then that's cool. However, to say his compositions aren't "musical" and are just technical is asinine.

What, because you don't appreciate the playing, the notes, the song, it isn't music ? Get over yourselves. It's so easy to pick -- pun not intended -- apart this guy because he's shredding 99% of the time, and guess what, some of us enjoy shredding. Some of us think shredding is great music, while others would argue blues is great music. I can't stand jazz, but do I doubt it's musical ? No, not at all. MAB can play fast, because he learned to play slow; he may be the top shredder, but at the end of the day, he, like you and I, is a guitarist. Respect, you prissy little...guitarists.

"Shred is for those with a faster soul."

[sakura'sdarkest]

For such a technical guitarist he sure has alot in common with Johny Ramone when it comes to haircuts...

[poor_white_boy9]

when i listen to music, i dont necessarily go looking for technicality. i appreciate guitarists like paul waggoner for instance because when i hear a solo or a piece by him, no matter how technical it may be (which it is), i never think "wow, thats really fast!" or "wow thats extremely hard to play!"..i appreciate guitarists like paul waggoner because when i hear a piece by him, my first thought is always "wow..thats beautiful".

musicianship > technicality

[AlterTremonti]

vantage4 wrote:

Sonny_sam wrote:

to be fair, I would much rather listen to something melodic and emotion driven than shred.

one of the most ferocious Death Metal rhythm guitarists I have ever heard or seen.
what???
just what????

if he thinks tremonti's playing comes anywhere near the death metal genre, he needs to listen to some napalm death or cannibal corpse!
i dunno, he could just be talking about his experiences playing and jamming with tremonti and not necessarily his recorded work.

In all honesty, Tremonti is a great guitarist that can play anything from any genre. Go to an Alter Bridge show and try to get in during soundcheck while Tremonti is just jamming. And you will see that his playing isn't limited at all by what is on his albums. After all he was influenced by Celtic Frost, Metallica, etc... he can write some seriously sick metal riffs, but chooses to maintain melody is his recordings which I totally repspect.

[SG Man Forever]

williampatton wrote:

Ok so you guys think he's cold. But you all wana play good gutar right? And you also wana look impressive doing it as well.

so you go out and you buy the "SPEED KILLS" DVD collection and you rock out.

But why is it that none of you think he has feeling? Ever heard a song called "Rain Forset"? It has some of the best melody that you will hear, some of the best high speed picking licks and some of the coolest sweeping licks that you will ever see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiT6qtM09tI

Check that out before you tell me that he can't write "FEELING".

Ever took one of MAB's songs and tryed to work out the compositon? Try it, It'll be real fun for you guys, being that the only chord types you play are bar-chords on the 5th and 6th strings (thats the two thickst for any of you wh dont actuall know notes yet. haha).

Here's one for you. Try playing a minor sweep from the 6th string to the 1st and add an extra tapped note in at the end there. If you can't even do that then what makes you think that you can mouth off about people who can play as good as MAB?

Another thing if you slate the people who play well, don't take drugs or drink all the time, love spending time with fans, will show you how to play like him and have the time to be loyal to their fans then what's the point in having fan loyalty? Cos it would never be repaid. I dont mind becoming unpopular with a lot of people here bacause I know that Mike will be thatnkfull for what I de even if it isn't expressed directly. Cos that's who the real Michael Angelo Batio is - a man who want's to be the best that he can, and show his thanks for the people who enjoy what he does. So if you dont enjoy what he does then dont expect your signed copy of one of the "speed kills" DVD's to arrive anytime soon.

William Patton
Proud member of the MAB Street Team

NO U

MAB is very good, but he is NOT an innovator. He is simply one out of a sea of shredders. Yes, he is very good, and he can [ZOMG] play a quad guitar. That is not innovative, that is just showing off. MAB is really just an arrogant guitar player who happens to be very good.

[Jawshuwa]

poor_white_boy9 wrote:

when i listen to music, i dont necessarily go looking for technicality. i appreciate guitarists like paul waggoner for instance because when i hear a solo or a piece by him, no matter how technical it may be (which it is), i never think "wow, thats really fast!" or "wow thats extremely hard to play!"..i appreciate guitarists like paul waggoner because when i hear a piece by him, my first thought is always "wow..thats beautiful".

musicianship > technicality

A lot of technical players are great musicians. The technicality is what helps them become so great. This isn't about musicianship versus technicality, it's about the musicianship -- or as some would claim, lack-there-of -- in shred music. John Petrucci is a phenomenal musician, and he's just as technical; to say his compositions aren't musical would be down-right ignorant.

If people want to admire MAB because he can play fast and difficult licks, then is that so bad ? Some of us admire MAB for his dedication to guitar, not just because he can play fast.

[poor_white_boy9]

its just personal preference..some people dig this guy cause he plays fast, or for whatever other purpose..i just dont. its all just..too much, it just sounds like jumbled up notes to me being played at an unappealingly fast speed..but thats just me. im not bashing or discrediting anyone, i just voiced my own personal opinion on the subject matter...s'all.

ps. i have no idea how to quote

[Mahoru]

Aziraphale wrote:

littleleo88 wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.


probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.

XD Seriously man, there's a whole lot of difference between being fast and being impressive. When I heard Stevie Ray's "Pride and Joy" for the first time, I had to sit down. When Richie Sambora cuts off the lead of "My Guitar Lies Bleeding in my Arms" to play a single, unaccompanied strat line, I stop breathing for a second.

When MAB has played for 30 seconds, I yawn and leave. I'm sure Mahoru could impress me just as much as MAB.

Well, thanks I think the same; SRV, Hendrix, Sambora, Frusciante... while not being as technical as all those shredders, make me feel the music. I just don't get what's up with shredding nowadays. There are more and more shredders everyday, but nobody innovates! (I'm not bashing fast playing; I also enjoy some Satriani or Loomis from time to time)

[musicjunkie12]

he's hella good...but also extremely overrated by such names as "practicall a guitar god".....he's good but names like that i dissagree with....just because he can play fast doesn't mean that he writes innovative stuff or that his shredding techniques sound better than any other metal player

[chichong]

poor_white_boy9 wrote:

its just personal preference..some people dig this guy cause he plays fast, or for whatever other purpose..i just dont. its all just..too much, it just sounds like jumbled up notes to me being played at an unappealingly fast speed..but thats just me. im not bashing or discrediting anyone, i just voiced my own personal opinion on the subject matter...s'all.

ps. i have no idea how to quote

poor_white_boy9 wrote:

its just personal preference..some people dig this guy cause he plays fast, or for whatever other purpose..i just dont. its all just..too much, it just sounds like jumbled up notes to me being played at an unappealingly fast speed..but thats just me. im not bashing or discrediting anyone, i just voiced my own personal opinion on the subject matter...s'all.

ps. i have no idea how to quote

can you play guitar?...can you compose songs?
then you dont know what are you talking about..
jumbled up notes? what are you talking about?..

[blackorchidx]

25 jazz progressions dvd, no shred and caters for another style, MAB has no soul and no feeling?
the bashers here have no soul and no feeling for a succesful guitarist who shared his opinions with you all, Mike is a great jazz, prog, metal, classical (with a pick) guitarist.
for those of you who say he just shreds, mmm NO!! listen to " a new day "
kudos to people here who credit michael in some shape or form but just dont listen to it, thats constructive.
the watered down drivel of comments against mike doesnt make critics here intellectual about music or your opinion on a throne of its own, it just makes you an ass.

i am a fan but some of his music i dont like, hes not my favourite shredder either.
lane and holdsworth are more my thing but i'm guessing some people here would slam them too with their "musical insight" of lane was fat or holdsworth doesnt even like guitar and would much rather play saxaphone.

[NorfIrIon]

shakin'cakes wrote:

He seems pretty humble, considering how direct the questions were.

You're joking right? When he says, " And I quote " About Morello's comment on his teaching that just threw all the humbleness he had away. Not that he had any to begin with. And he considers himself an innovator? No. He's just a fad from the 80's. True innovators change the way people think about music. This guy is just a simple magic trick. WHOAHHH I CAN PLAY FASTT WIT 4 GIItARS!1!! Yeah no one cares.

You're a jealous dick. I don't even like MAB that much and I can tell you're just a jealous dick.

[linkrevolver]

he is simply the best
i cant understand how there are a ot of suckers who hate him ( and say his haircut suck), i bet they are just jealous and frustrated cause they havent great skills like him

stop say s*** and practice

[DeadIdentity81]

Jondy wrote:

shredders are a dime a dozen now adays. hell i went into the guitar center a few weeks ago there was this group of 4 kids, just kids like 10-14, they were ripping it up. yeah it was a little sloppy but the speed was there. but you know what? it didn't really matter because at the end of the day it wasn't even music.

i mean i felt like woah awesome kids shredding and I don't want to be hard on them because they are just kids and when they're older they may compose some awesome stuff.

but shredding itself isn't even special anymore.

quit hating on tremonti batio wasn't calling alter bridge death metal he was talking about stuff he's heard mark play out of band. mark is freakin amazing; too bad he got stuck with creed and it almost ruined his reputation forever as a guitar guy.

Hit it on the nail. What u hear on record doesnt mean thats the only thing Mark plays. Mark was brought up on metal and i heard Mark in sound check and the man completely blows away most metal guitarists in rhythm and lead abilities.

What Batio was saying is that being close with Mark allows him to see all his abilities on the guitar.

[sito]

MAB is just amazing. Even though he shreds, he's still mindblowing. I mean, I listen to his music for fun, even though his music isn't really serious. Still, he's been termed the Circus freak, the #1 shredder etc...

[ntchode]

its so retarded to dis somebody because they shred. when you write a song, just because it isn't shred doesn't mean it doesn't sound like shit. MAB is one of the few shredders I can listen to who actually has a unique shred voice.

his songs can be quite musical, but since he is so trained a lot of them are in real weird time signatures and lots of tempo changes, it is hard to get used to at first, but with listening and paying attention to the music MAB has some incredible melodies in his songs even if they do sound kind of classical, its just his style.

[F8iscruel]

what is that string mutter on his guitar ( its not a capo i know that much because its so he can single hand tap) but what it called and where can i buy it or make it

[waveningkan]

i think his techniques have been used by so many guitarists around d world.even parts in asia, guitarists r using the over-under technique during gigs or battles.to not credit wat he has done is trully ignorant.heck,i bet all of u have heard or seen him,hence resulting u guys to read n post here.u noe hes fast.no one has the rights to say wat music is good or not.if u can play fast,it doesnt mean u cud play the bass or guitar parts of an RnB song.stop bashing the guy.at least hes tryin to be innovative.

[ticklemeemo]

symba05 wrote:

littleleo88 wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

Well, he plays fast. But that's all the special about him. He has to be one of the few guitarists that, when I hear them playing, they leave me cold and say nothing with their music.

probably because you realise you'll never be that impressive.

This is why shred is overrated. It is not impressive. Music is suppose to be musical, not technical

Amen. Even reading this interview made me feel bad.

[jv_music]

Yngwie at least incorporated a symphonic, classical feel with shredding.

[Imperial]

I have a feeling that although he may have dictated these responses, some editor from Dean went in and changed some stuff. Some of it seems a bit random, not at all how it was at the clinic i saw him at.

[DarkfnTemplar]

Yep. Even Marty and Dragonforce to a point still sounds original and melodic. Batio makes it sound like he composes with a calculator.

[!normajean!]

all he does is play fast. it gets boring. very boring.
i like Yngwie more. his stuff actually has quality. even if he is stuck up.

[BTBAM_7]

jimmy page used a cello bow!!!!

[ss311]

His slight arrogance comes with his immense skill. He deserves a bit of show-off time.

[LPDave]

saw him at sam ash 2 days ago

[James_Het_Rules]

Bleh. I give the guy credit for speed, but truly i can't listen through a whole song.

and what the hell is the point of a guitar with 2 necks pointing in different directions?

Oh wait there is none.

The one in tenacious D's Pick of Destiny is waaaay cooler than his lol.

[saucehead]

If you have to try to be innovative, you're not. Innovation 90% of the time happens by accident, not by trying to be different for the sake of doing so. Creating a 4 neck guitar or any of the other gizmos MAB takes credit for isn't innovation. Besides, even if it is, how many other players do we see using it? Answer: none. His "innovations" are about as useful as Betamax and the minidisc.

[zekk]

Batio seems like a pretty decent guy with his head on straight. No huge ego or anything of the like. Very good interview

[Billy Picken]

F8iscruel wrote:

what is that string mutter on his guitar ( its not a capo i know that much because its so he can single hand tap) but what it called and where can i buy it or make it

It's called a string dampener and can be purchased here;

http://www.angelo.com/html/the_mab_string_dampener. html

[rwalby9]

john_latchem wrote:

mark tremonti? death metal? whaaaa?

Mark Tremonti + Death Metal = wtf?

[DemonofShadow]

you guys need to chill out he's just trying to reinvent him self

[mightmuffin]

shakin'cakes wrote:

He seems pretty humble, considering how direct the questions were.

You're joking right? When he says, " And I quote " About Morello's comment on his teaching that just threw all the humbleness he had away. Not that he had any to begin with. And he considers himself an innovator? No. He's just a fad from the 80's. True innovators change the way people think about music. This guy is just a simple magic trick. WHOAHHH I CAN PLAY FASTT WIT 4 GIItARS!1!! Yeah no one cares.

Er well quite a few of his videos have about a million to 2 million views on youtube so er you might be a bit wrong there

[metal Lover]

He looks so much like Nigel Tufnel it's not even funny.

[Sch1sM]

jv_music wrote:

Yngwie at least incorporated a symphonic, classical feel with shredding.

Some of us eventually get bored with the Eb scale, thanks.
I can't believe I'm posting here to add to the e-drama, ugh.

[Dimebag Dave]

People who bash on Mike and Yngwie, saying they play with no feeling, obviously haven't heard either discographies. There's an equal ammount of slow, melodic stuff with feeling to the shred. Neither can you say they're self absorbed an arrogant; as none of you know them personally.

Again, anyone who comments with "yah, they play with no talent or creativity just mindless shred!!1!!111!" is an ingorant twat, that probably listens to BS like Muse or RHCP.

[Gunpowder]

I feel as if a lot of the people saying "he has no feeling" are speaking more from jealousy than from reason. Truth is, MAB is a very technical, very practiced, and very skilled guitarist.

[psychokiller99]

Dimebag Dave wrote:

People who bash on Mike and Yngwie, saying they play with no feeling, obviously haven't heard either discographies. There's an equal ammount of slow, melodic stuff with feeling to the shred. Neither can you say they're self absorbed an arrogant; as none of you know them personally.

Again, anyone who comments with "yah, they play with no talent or creativity just mindless shred!!1!!111!" is an ingorant twat, that probably listens to BS like Muse or RHCP.

first of all muse and RHCP make great music. they are exceptionally creative. i won't comment much on the whole "emotion" issue, cuz i haven't heard all of mikes music. but from what i have heard...very boring. not my kind of music.

anyways, i've never heard of a guitarist that's more full of himself than this guy. any little question they ask him, he just goes on and on about himself and how much better he is than everyone else. the man hasn't innovated or influenced anything. he's just another shredder.

[psychokiller99]

saucehead wrote:

If you have to try to be innovative, you're not. Innovation 90% of the time happens by accident, not by trying to be different for the sake of doing so. Creating a 4 neck guitar or any of the other gizmos MAB takes credit for isn't innovation. Besides, even if it is, how many other players do we see using it? Answer: none. His "innovations" are about as useful as Betamax and the minidisc.

^+100000
i was trying to make this point in my last post, but this dude said it perfectly.

[frottage]

pretty cool, although i'm disappointed he likes country =P
my guitar teacher, who's 19, and his dad have played a few shows with Michael Angelo before, and have an autographed picture of all of them on stage jamming. it's pretty sweet.

[Billy Picken]

metal Lover wrote:

He looks so much like Nigel Tufnel it's not even funny.

ROTLMAO!!!

[foo_diddles]

i can name a bunch of souless blues players i know, 3 notes per song and boring as all hell. Shred isn't for those who cling to the 3 verse and three powerchord format of songwriting. and go watch any live show of some blues guy playing or getting an interview and tell me where they bash all the shredders for devoting their life to being an insanely great musician. with all that said my favorite guitarists are dave grohl and rusty cooley

[STorpedo]

Aaron_Yeo wrote:

He's uber-technical, no argument there. Sure, some of his music is repetetive and boring, but at least he's not like Yngwie.

I'm not gonna bash the guy (becuase more than enough people will) nor am I going to praise him (because, again, more than enough people will) but he has his share of good grooves and very nice licks. And I would count some of his stuff as original, specifically his prog stuff, because it's almost hard to not be unique in prog.

But who cares what I say, right?

Well said dude, well said, I cant put it better. To put my 2 cents in tho, he's a very interesting character, but i think he has to break down his, ahem, boundaries, and stretch the horizon of his playing, do something not necesarrily fast or in a style like metal, but something new, like fusion was for jazz or something. P.S. I wish he'd stop wearing those clothes tho, they look silly

[job153]

Deth Metal is gay anyways Bellamy is better hell i even like Petrucci Better than MAB

[Teufel]

This guy is a HUGE inspiration for me.

Freaking awesome player.

[FlyingVManiac]

Best on a technical level? Bullshit! Christopher Arp, Ben Weinman, Bobby Bray, Matthew Mills!!! Buckethead, Pin! Fucking amazing players! As for the death metal thing, this guy must think grindcore sounds like ****ing linkin park!

[Silky Smooth]

MAB is one if not the cleanest player I've ever heard especially at those tempos

He does have a lot of great songs too, check out "Rainforest" if you want to hear a great song with good melody's.

[pjpwnsu]

the only list that he should be on top of is who can play the same 4 notes the longest during a solo. all his stuff is fast sure...i wont argue that but its all the same and his acoustic stuff is lame. hes far from an innovator

[DP_SF_DTX_RATM]

OLP1 wrote:

Maybe off topic but does anyone else think his haircut makes him look like a muppet?

yes lol

But really, he is a cool sounding guy, and he doesn't let his ego get the best of him. He obviously has one, but I would call it more confidence, like where he says he sees himself as a man who will go down in guitar history. cause its the ****ing truth. like the man or not.

*checked*

*yawn* you guys are dullll :p:

[schecterboy3000]

well, i think that Batio is good, but does anybody listen to his actual music? Same thing with malmsteen, hees good and unique but i dont think very many people go to his concerts to hear his music, they just wanta see him shred the shit out of his guitar.
Ive also seen various comments about how technical he is. I dont see anything that technical. Just scales, arpeggios, sweeping, picking and tapping. can be mastered in 6 years. sure he plays fast, thats great but its overused now a days. What about phrasing, and making solos speak, and sound beautiful?
I really think that these guys could really take their music to a new level. they keep on saying it, but we keep on getting the same sh** over and over. theres so much more to music than just playing fast. it is just a treat in a good guitarists bag of tricks. Anyways, rock charts and modes, and minor arpeggios are pretty easy to play, try seventh, and the modes from the jazz melodic minor scale, then it gets reall fun.
Does anybody agree that these rock guitar gods like Batio, malmsteen, and gilbert should get in bands that will make music people will enjoy, and use their so called-technique, and extreme skill in a more inspiring way rather than just standing there and playing at light speed?
I have to acknowledge zakk wylde for doing that. He plays in a good band, and he has fking good solos.

[bass0wnage94]

i saw him live at a litttle music store up the road from me in south carolina, i didnt think he was gunna be that good i just went cause i had nothign to do but when i was there OMG hes like the best ever

[bass0wnage94]

!normajean! wrote:

all he does is play fast. it gets boring. very boring.
i like Yngwie more. his stuff actually has quality. even if he is stuck up.

no he