The roots of shred-style playing.

[Endrik]

Tal Farlow tapped too durning the 40's and 50's

I think the first electric shredder who used distortion was McLaughlin. Jazz guys were always fast but McLaughlin was the first jazz-fusion guitarist, Miles Davis Band and Mahavishnu Orchestra started using electric instruments after Hendrix, McLaughlin played in both groups.

I really like Al Dimeola because unlike 99% of super fast and precise pickers he has a really heavy attack.

[tanpsi]

This is interesting, I was not aware of of alot of these guys

[khabibissell]

I saw Dimeola a few months ago. If he comes to your town, go!

Its not only Al... his whole band is outstanding.

[shadowcat]

I saw Dimeola a few months ago. If he comes to your town, go!

Its not only Al... his whole band is outstanding.

+1

Seeing him live was an awesome experience and made me buy his live DVD (One Of These Nights) and several albums of his shortly afterwards.

[surfreak]

+1 definitely on Django, THE one and only original guitar genius. There are a few b+w videos of him on youtube, his technique and sense of melody were out of this planet in the '40s, as they are today!

[fullmetalguitar]

I didn't know who Al Dimeola was until Vinnie Moore came out. He said a lot of stuff about him in interviews. Then I bought one of his albums (Casino ?) and I immediately could hear how he influenced Vinnie's playing.

[soc_monki]

Yeah, forgot Al Dimeola.

How about John Mclaughlin? Django was insane. listen to the stuff he played... with two fingers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9JEI...related&search=

Of course, you'll have to sit through some jazz to get to it.

ive never actually SEEN a video of him playing...but my god. just goes to show you that even if youve been dealt a bad hand (no pun intended...) in life, you can STILL persevere and do much with your abilities

IMO that wasnt only great playing, great jazz, great music...that was the most metal thing ive seen EVER!!!

[LastInLine]

I think Al Dimeola may still be the fastest alternate picker in the universe..I think his picking hand may exceed the speed of sound when he gets it wound up....

Mike

I don't know if you've ever heard/seen Michael Angelo Batio play, but his alternate picking is so fast and precise it's almost ridiculous.

[MBreinin]

I don't know if you've ever heard/seen Michael Angelo Batio play, but his alternate picking is so fast and precise it's almost ridiculous.

Oh, I've seen it. However, DiMeola is a bit more musical than Michael "The Drill" Angelo.

Plus, DiMeola was doing this shit in the '70s. I honestly do not know if Michael Angelo can out pick DiMeola.

Mike

[LastInLine]

DiMeola is a bit more musical than Michael "The Drill" Angelo.

"Friday Night in San Francisco" is one of my all-time fav's. Talk about shredding.......and on acoustics no less !!

[Snoogans]

While we're talkin' bout acoustic shredders and Django, you may want to check this guy out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_pfmrj0rxc

[VitaminG]

awesome, Snoogs. I could listen to this stuff all day. Which is why I have a bunch of Django albums