The Oral History of Speed Guitar

Speed guitar is a style of guitar playing that emphasizes fast, intricate picking and legato techniques. It is often associated with heavy metal and rock music, but it has also been used in other genres, such as jazz and blues.

Shredders!: The Oral History Of Speed Guitar (And More)

by Greg Prato

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3512 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	453 pages

FREE

The origins of speed guitar can be traced back to the early 20th century, when guitarists such as Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian began experimenting with new ways to play the instrument. In the 1960s and 1970s, speed guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Yngwie Malmsteen further developed the technique, and it became a staple of heavy metal music.

Today, speed guitar is one of the most popular and challenging styles of guitar playing. It requires a high level of skill and dexterity, and it can be used to create some of the most exciting and memorable music ever recorded.

The Early Years

The first guitarist to truly master the art of speed guitar was Django Reinhardt. Reinhardt was a Belgian-born Gypsy jazz guitarist who was active in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his lightning-fast picking and his ability to play complex melodies at high speeds.

Reinhardt's playing was influenced by both jazz and classical music. He often used Gypsy jazz scales and rhythms, but he also incorporated elements of classical guitar technique into his playing. His unique style of playing was hugely influential on later guitarists, and he is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Another early pioneer of speed guitar was Charlie Christian. Christian was an American jazz guitarist who was active in the 1940s. He was known for his bebop style of playing, which was characterized by its fast tempos and complex harmonies.

Christian's playing was also influential on later guitarists, and he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time.

The 1960s and 1970s

In the 1960s and 1970s, speed guitar became increasingly popular in rock music. Jimi Hendrix was one of the first rock guitarists to use speed guitar techniques, and his playing was hugely influential on later guitarists.

Hendrix was known for his use of feedback and distortion, and he often played at very high speeds. His playing was characterized by its intensity and emotion, and he is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Another influential speed guitarist of the 1960s and 1970s was Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen was known for his tapping technique, which allowed him to play complex melodies at very high speeds.

Van Halen's playing was hugely influential on later guitarists, and he is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

The 1980s and 1990s

In the 1980s and 1990s, speed guitar became even more popular in rock and metal music. Yngwie Malmsteen was one of the most influential speed guitarists of this era. Malmsteen was known for his neoclassical style of playing, which was characterized by its use of classical music techniques and scales.

Malmsteen's playing was hugely influential on later guitarists, and he is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

The 21st Century

In the 21st century, speed guitar continues to be a popular style of playing. Many modern guitarists have been influenced by the pioneers of speed guitar, and they continue to push the boundaries of the technique.

Some of the most influential speed guitarists of the 21st century include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Michael Angelo Batio. These guitarists are known for their incredible technical skills and their ability to play at very high speeds.

Speed guitar is one of the most exciting and challenging styles of guitar playing. It requires a high level of skill and dexterity, and it can be used to create some of the most memorable music ever recorded.

The oral history of speed guitar is a fascinating one, and it is a testament to the creativity and innovation of guitarists throughout history.

Shredders!: The Oral History Of Speed Guitar (And More)

by Greg Prato

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3512 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	453 pages

FREE