Brian May
OK, there is absolutely no mystery about it : Brian May is my master & my main influence. There’s just a magic to Brian’s tone – that layered, harmonically rich sound that he gets from his unique handcrafted guitar, the Red Special. This guitar, that he designed and made with his father, has deeply influenced my main one, Lady Blue. He’s a master of dynamics and phrasing, he masters many different techniques of the guitar playing (tapping, slide, fingerpicking, funk patterns, harmonies) and his guitar work is intrinsically woven to Queen's sound. It’s both powerful and incredibly melodic. Iconic solo : Killer Queen.
The Edge
The Edge is my first influence, before I discovered Brian May. I dropped classical music and the violin because of him and his mastering of the echo sound like in Where The Streets Have No Name. The Edge’s precision and atmospheric textures are captivating. He created a whole sonic landscape for U2, and his use of effects is always inventive and adds a huge sense of space and depth. Iconic solo : Silver & Gold.
David Gilmour
David Gilmour has a unique airy and light touch. Every single note has a voice in his solos. David’s tone – with this beautiful sustain – is instantly recognizable. He's a master of emotion in his playing, and his solos are heartbreakingly expressive. Iconic solo : Comfortably Numb (of course!)
Tom Morello
Tom is revolutionary. In every sense of the word. His innovative use of effects, unconventional techniques, and social commentary through his music make him a true original. He’s constantly pushing boundaries and has taught everyone of us what a guitar can do. Iconic solo : Killing In The Name.
Steve Vai & Joe Satriani
Joe the teacher and Steve the student. Though their style, voicing and sound may differ, they both tell a part of the electric guitar's story: the rise of shredding. Joe his a genius to make his guitar sing. He created the first instrumental album that topped the charts. He knows what a tune is. Steve is an explorer, a tireless researcher who created, with Ibanez, an incredible and unplayable multi-neck instrument: the Hydra. His bold use of weird scales and modes his a kind of signature. Iconic track for Joe : Summer Song. Iconic track for Steve : Teeth Of The Hydra.
Nuno Bettencourt
Nuno is influenced by Brian May. This is a good start. He is a super-skilled shredder who knows where to stop and keep things simple. He’s a powerhouse of rhythmic and melodic creativity. Iconic solo : Rest In Peace (a perfect example of his craft).