And of course the great Frank Zappa
This guy know what is up in the world of guitarists.
My three biggest inspirations and influences to my guitar playing style are and always will be
1) Chuck Schuldiner of Death and Control Denied
Chuck is in my opinion the all time greatest guitarist in the world of rock music. The man is a legend who gave birth to Death Metal. A singer/songwriter who's skills on the guitar are extraordinary. Had the ability to play with aggression and soul all at the same time. Brain cancer took the friendliest, nicest and down to earth person when Chuck died December 13th of 2001 at the age of 34. He would have been 50 today
2) David Gilmour Of Pink Floyd and solo work
Is there anything that could be said about David Gilmour that already hasn't been said? He is the most soulful guitarist I've ever heard. While he may not be the most technical player like I said he plays with the most soul and passion. His guitar playing is an extension of himself and he gave us arguably the greatest solo in rock history in that of Comfortably Numb
3) Frank Zappa Of The Mothers Of Invention and solo work
Frank Zappa recorded some of the most unique music on the planet and his guitar style was solely his own. I never heard another guitarist sound like him. Many have imitated and duplicated him but nobody has been able to play like he has. Not to mention he also was an accomplished composer, singer and songwriter. Just like Chuck Frank died way too young on December 4th of 1993 of prostate cancer at the age of 52.
Those three are my biggest influences on my playing style
Below is a list of other guitarists I'm a big fan of
Devin Towsend of Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend Project, Devin Townsend Band, Casualties of Cool, and all other side projects
I didn't get into Devin Townsend until 2008 and boy am I glad he did. His playing style is all over the place which is a good thing. Gives us psychedelic country rock with Casualties of Cool, extreme metal with Strapping Young Lad,. ambient rock with the Ghost album under the Devin Townsend Project and a whole slew of other styles and genres. Also his vocal range is amazing. As well the vast majority of his solos are technical masterpieces full of soul and power.
Brent Hinds of Mastodon
Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy
Josh Homme of Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal
James Hetfield Of Metallica
Matt Pike of Sleep and High On Fire
Jus Oborn Of Electric Wizard
Adam Jones Of Tool
