Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the guitar luthier Paul Reed Smith. Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show. Use code Tyler10 for a great deal: https://bit.ly/ShopAMERICANMUSICALdotCOMSign up for the PRS Music SchoolPart of ticket proceeds go to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Guitars given away to random students 8/9, international included.0:00 - Introduction4:15 - Paul’s supervillain alter-ego11:20 - Burning Questions14:30 - The YouTube effect16:25 - “Guitars are the violins of our day”18:06 - Paul’s thoughts on THE FORBIDDEN RIFF24:17 - The Paul Reed Smith Music School32:07 - Unfiltered Q&A33:50 - Single cut or Double cut?38:35 - How to build a truly beautiful guitar41:01 - Paul’s opinion on other popular guitar brands46:21 - The PRS Artist roster51:20 - Paul screamed at Eric Johnson52:23 - Paul’s supervillain adviceJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the St. Vincent guitar sorceress, Annie Clark.Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show. Use code Tyler9 for a great deal.https://bit.ly/SaveOnGear0:00 - Introduction1:40 - Annie's opinion about Berklee and music college in general4:15 - The REAL origin of the name ‘St. Vincent’7:10 - Annie’s supervillain alter-ego11:18 - Burning Questions17”07 - Name Those Notes17:40 - Perfect pitch versus relative pitch19:50 - Annie’s manual whammy bar effect21:00 - Led Zeppelin’s influence on St. Vincent23:36 - Annie’s favorite guitar riff she wrote27:10 - Annie talks about the brilliance of Metallica rhythm guitar parts30:38 - The new St. Vincent guitar approach35:08 - “I don’t love it when the guitar sounds like a guitar”38:36 - St. Vincent’s influence on my guitar playing39:30 - The MusicMan St. Vincent signature guitar45:18 - The art of improvisation on guitar47:53 - Songwriting tips from a Grammy-winning songwriter51:50 - Annie’s supervillain adviceCheck out St. Vincent on YouTubeFollow St. Vincent on InstagramJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the Tenacious D 6-string maestro, Kyle Gass.Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show.Use code Tyler8 for a great deal.http://bit.ly/PickOfSavingsHere0:00 - Introduction2:55 - Kyle’s supervillain alter-ego4:25 - Burning Questions8:50 - Kyle’s thoughts on Tom Morello13:20 - Name Those Notes14:16 - Kyle’s recorder-playing prowess15:45 - The beauty of 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures17:30 - Kyle’s best songwriting tip18:35 - The truth about Tenacious D’s “Tribute”21:44 - Is rock dead?25:49 - The best Tenacious D song27:57 - Jack Black’s songwriting style28: 58 - Kyle Gass is going solo32:34 - Kyle was a child prodigy… or… he wasn’t34:44 - Kyle’s guitar approach36:52 - Jack Black is a vocal savant39:55 - The knifing at a Tenacious D show42:12 - Kyle’s supervillain adviceKyle's brand new song, 'Vaccinated'Follow Kyle on social mediaJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the instantly recognizable Lari Basilio.Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show.Use code Tyler7 for a great deal on your next purchase!http://bit.ly/GearSavingsStartHereLari's guest solo on "Reverie"Follow Lari on YouTubeFollow Lari on Instagram0:00 - Introduction3:40 - Lari’s supervillain alter-ego6:40 - Burning Questions8:34 - Name Those Notes9:35 - What does it take to be successful in the studio?13:04 - How does phrasing work?17:30 - JamTrack Central is the Shrapnel Records of the YouTube era20:59 - Lari’s unique G bending technique24:52 - The Ibanez LB1 and its origin32:50 - The future of social media for guitar players35:30 - Lari quit being a lawyer to play guitar37:10 - Lari’s Brazilian roots39:38 - The effect of the Ibanez generation44:20 - Lari’s supervillain adviceCheck out Guitar Super System: http://guitarsupersystem.com

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the funk master Mark Lettieri.Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show.Use code Tyler6 for a great deal.http://bit.ly/SaveOnGearNow0:00 - Introduction3:15 - Collecting lanyards is an addiction4:20 - Mark’s guitar villain alter-ego8:27 - Burning Questions10:30 - Name Those Notes11:43 - Gospel moves on guitar14:20 - Chord solos with melodic development16:45 - When you know a guitarist by one note18:45 - The art of baritone guitar26:29 - Mark’s songwriting approach27:50 - The PRS Fiore33:15 - Tonewood is real35:30 - The strangest tour moment of Mark’s life37:49 - Mark likes beer41:30 - Mark raises monarch butterflies44:32 - The hardest and easiest thing about guitar48:50 - Mark’s supervillain adviceMark and my video on FUNKCheck out Mark LettieriJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the almighty Zakk Wylde. Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show.Use code Tyler5 to save on your next purchase!http://bit.ly/SaveOnGearHere0:00 - Introduction3:00 - Who is the best guitarist?5:31 - Zakk’s supervillain alter-ego7:35 - Burning Questions14:45 - How Zakk developed his guitar tone22:00 - Name Those Notes22:45 - The sacred history of the No More Tears guitar solo24:10 - The two schools of guitar soloing26:55 - Zakk’s approach to the recording studio32:28 - Zakk’s use of music theory38:25 - The future of Wylde Audio44:50 - The feeling of playing live music48:58 - Zakk’s supervillain adviceSubscribe to Zakk on YouTubeCheck out Wylde AudioCheck out Black Label SocietyJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the guitar monster himself, Paul Gilbert. Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show.Use code Tyler4 to save on your next purchase!http://bit.ly/AMSdeals​0:00 - Introduction4:40 - Vocal melodies on guitar7:55 - Paul Gilbert’s supervillain alter-ego13:20 - Burning Questions14:50 - Paul’s DIY Ibanez Roadstar RS-52521:54 - Name Those Notes23:17 - The history of Technical Difficulties by Racer X27:55 - The “Paul Gilbert Lick”38:44 - When Paul finally ‘got’ Hendrix41:10 - Paul’s guitar tone evolution1:00:31 - Paul played all the instruments on his new album1:07:44 - Paul’s online guitar school 1:11:45 - Paul’s supervillain advice (rant)Paul's WebsiteJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the unmistakable Andy Timmons. Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show.Use code Tyler3 to save on your next purchase!http://bit.ly/DealsAtAMSAndy's guitar lessonsFollow Andy on InstagramJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com00:00 - Introduction1:45 - Andy grabbed Steve Vai’s guitar from him?!6:25 - Advice for nerves playing in front of crowds or family and friends13:34 - The epiphany of blending jazz with rock 18:02 - Andy’s supervillain alter-ego19:55 - Burning Questions21:57 - Name Those Notes25:00 - Andy’s perfect guitar tone28:05 - A bending lesson from the best bender in the business40:50 - Andy live streams gigs every Saturday47:03 - What makes a great guitar teacher?57:25 - Andy’s supervillain advice

Welcome to Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the phenomenal Yvette Young. Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show. Use code Tyler2 to save on your next purchase!http://bit.ly/ShopatAmericanMusicalSubscribe to Yvette Young on YouTubeFollow Yvette Young on InstagramJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com0:00 - Introduction2:54 - The weirdest tour experience ever11:01 - Yvette’s supervillain alter-ego14:53 - Burning Questions17:20 - Name Those Notes19:20 - Yvette’s many alternate tunings27:05 - Yvette loves Emo30:45 - A big conversation about the term “Instagram Guitarist”38:50 - The “FACADE” of the music industry and the importance of management44:37 - Yvette’s dream songwriting camp47:22 - Yvette’s post-it note songwriting strategy52:35 - “Guitar is a horrible instrument to start on”

Welcome to Season 2 of Guitar Villains! Today's guest is the incomparable Steve Vai.Thanks to American Musical Supply for sponsoring the show: Use code Tyler1 to save on your next purchase: http://bit.ly/ShopatAmericanMusicalCheck out everything going on with Steve Vai at https://www.vai.comJoin Guitar Super System today: http://guitarsupersystem.com0:00 - Introduction2:37 - Settling the score on Steve’s “Joint-Shifting” technique12:36 - Steve’s greatest guitar solo17:30 - Steve’s supervillain alter-ego19:55 - Burning Questions21:21 - Name Those Notes22:56 - The importance of finger tone27:00 - Steve’s most technically difficult song to play31:42 - Music theory versus following your ear40:24 - Steve made me a very special promise44:06 - Playing Bohemian Rhapsody perfectly with Generation Axe49:17 - Steve is teaching music on a giant ship52:34 - The most important advice I took from Steve1:03:55 - Steve wrote a song with one hand1:06:40 - Steve had hand surgery because of a crazy guitar chord1:10:42 - Steve’s supervillain advice

Today’s guitar villain is Herman Li. A blistering shred god heading up the Grammy-nomninated metal band Dragonforce, Herman is so good he sometimes sounds like a video game with his extremely creative and acrobatic licks, which makes sense, because THROUGH THE FIRE AND FLAMES might be the most famous video game song in the world thanks to its Guitar Hero lore. Herman has also become a major figure in the online guitar community, with his Twitch streams amassing millions of views for their fun and unique segments and guests. This one is extremely fun, so prepare to have an absolute blast on this season finale of Guitar Villains.Intro and Herman’s supervillain alter-ego: 0:00Burning Questions: 11:05Name Those Notes: 12:52S***- talking fans: 29:17Underwater guitar playing: 34:05Looking back on Herman’s instructional stage: 36:20Crying Women over DragonForce: 41:49The easiest and hardest thing about guitar: 44:02Learning to play guitar on a livestream: 49:46Herman’s favorite airplane album: 49:14Herman’s dream band: 51:20Herman’s supervillain advice: 54:08Subscribe to Herman on YouTubeHerman on TwitchSubscribe to Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar-learning platform on the internet: https://bit.ly/GVHL010

Today’s guitar villain is Rick Graham. Rick is easily one of the most humble guitar players on the planet, and you know what that means when the word humble is used to describe a guitarist: that’s right, they’re an absolute monster player. Rick can play things most people would think is impossible to do on a guitar, and yet his musicality is what stands out most–he’s a true maestro and an even better person, and throughout this episode you’ll understand time and again why Rick is one of the most respected guitarists on the planet, on today’s episode of Guitar Villains.Intro and Rick’s supervillain alter-ego: 00:00Burning Questions: 07:40How to play guitar as fast as humanly possible: 09:38Name Those Notes: 13:57The competitive edge of guitar players: 27:32Rick’s music school experience: 29:48How ‘regular jobs’ will us to unlock our destiny: 31:48The greatest teachers all do this: 34:10Two-note per string scale design: 36:30The hardest and easiest thing about guitar: 41:20Rick’s favorite airplane album: 43:05Rick’s dream band: 45:25Rick’s supervillain advice: 47:39Lessons with RickFollow Rick on YouTubeFollow Rick on InstagramSubscribe to Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar-learning platform on the internet: https://bit.ly/GVRG009

Today’s guitar villain is Cory Wong. A groove master with a pocket deeper than Warren Buffet’s, Cory is one of the leading forces in the world of funk and is an equally competent arranger, producer, and tone aficionado. From his awesome playing in the cult band that is Vulfpeck to his solo music which just featured friend of the podcast Joe Satriani, Cory has made a name for himself through his rhythmic artistry and attention to detail as a musician. Cory also has his own podcast, called Wong Notes, so you know the two of us are gonna be right at home, on this episode of Guitar villains.Intro and Cory's supervillain alter-ego: 0:00Burning Questions: 7:35Name Those Notes: 10:50The first Metallica solo Cory HAD to learn: 24:12The transition from jazz cat to funk freak: 25:57The importance of movement and energy as a guitarist: 26:53What most musicians overlook: 30:20How to be an entrepreneur disguised as a guitar player: 34:45The Cory Wong Archetype plug-in is awesome: 38:30How life-threatening events can inspire you: 40:15Cory was in high school drumline–it all makes sense now: 46:25The trope of 'less is more': 48:25Cory's supervillain advice: 50:40Follow Cory on YouTubeCheck out Cory's website Subscribe to Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar-learning platform on the internet: http://bit.ly/GVCW008

Today’s guitar villain is Bumblefoot. The unmistakeable wall of sound behind the bands Asia, and Sons of Apollo, Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal is one of the most creative and staggeringly good guitar players you’ll find. With his trusty double neck Vigier, containing both a standard and fretless six string neck, Bumblefoot crafts riffs and licks that will make you wonder if what you’re hearing can actually come from human fingers. With an obsession for hot sauce and a powerful braided beard that would make even John Petrucci do a double take, you’re in for a real treat on this episode of Guitar Villains.Intro and Bumblefoot's supervillain alter-ego: 0:00Burning Questions: 9:30Name Those Notes: 12:20The best guitar teachers all do this: 33:00The power of the bebop scale: 37:00The melody is not for itself: 39:40The hardest and easiest thing about guitar: 41:13A fretless guitar mini-lesson: 44:15 The weirdest tour stories you’ll ever hear: 47:26The spooky tale of the haunted stage and ghostly guitar pick: 49:15Bumblefoot’s favorite airplane album: 52:48Bumblefoot’s dream band: 54:04Bumblefoot’s supervillain advice: 55:03Bumblefoot's WebsiteBumblefoot's Hot SaucesSign up for Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar learning platform on the internet: https://bit.ly/GVBF007

Today’s guitar villain is Misha Mansoor, a key founder of the beguiling genre of Djent and an overall machine of a guitar player. Misha is the mastermind behind the wall of sound that is the band Periphery, a signature artist of Jackson guitars and BareKnuckle pickups, the founder of the excellent Get Good Drums software, and an avid sports car enthusiast. Misha is also the founder of Horizon Devices, a company featuring some truly spectacular guitar pedals like the Apex PreAmp and Flux Echo, and now, most recently, they’re making guitar strings. With that resume, you better prepare yourself, because it’s time for this episode of Guitar Villains.Intro and Misha’s supervillain alter-ego: 0:00Burning Questions: 6:14Misha’s backward sense of harmony: 11:10Problem-solving in songwriting: 15:10Name Those Notes: 16:44The re-release and return of Bulb: 27:35Guitar playing from the producer perspective: 30:14The hardest and easiest thing about playing guitar: 32:22The most important skill guitar players ignore: 34:34Writing music starting with a drum groove: 37:02The problem with drum loops: 40:29The difference between delay and echo: 42:00Misha’s dream band: 45:59Misha’s favorite airplane album: 48:56Misha’s supervillain advice: 49:39Check out Horizon DevicesCheck out GetGood DrumsFollow Periphery on YouTube Sign up for Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar learning platform on the internet: https://bit.ly/GVMM006

Today’s guitar villain is Jason Richardson, a technical master of guitar playing and an equally adept composer of complex and interesting music. If you tabbed out his guitar solos, they’d look like barcodes. If someone asks Jason, "Hey Jason, how fast?" Jason simply responds "YES". We’re gonna break the speed limit and have a great time doing it on this episode of Guitar Villains.Intro and Jason Richardson's supervillain alter-ego: Burning Questions: 7:50The best $1,730 ever spent: 11:50How to play as fast as humanly possible: 13:40Name Those Notes: 16:55Blending cinematic and classical genres with metal: 26:05Jason's new signature EBMM Rorschach Red Cutlass: 31:17Almost dying in Austria: 41:28Jason's favorite airplane album: 46:16Jason's dream band: 48:25Jason's supervillain advice: 51:30Jason's new signature Ernie Ball Music Man CutlassFollow Jason on YouTubeSign up for Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar learning platform on the internet: http://bit.ly/GVJR005

Today’s guitar villain is Tommy Emmanuel. One of the most musical guitar players you’ll ever hear, Tommy has been dropping the jaws of audiences for decades with this impeccable acoustic guitar playing that sounds more like an entire band than just one person. With flawless rhythm, unreal technique and a way of playing that just makes you laugh, Tommy’s musicianship is captivating in a way that will inspire you to pick up your guitar, or, maybe, just set it down and watch. Tommy’s way of explaining things is another testament to his world class talent, so you may yourself coming back to this one over and over, on this episode of Guitar Villains.Intro and Tommy Emmanuel's supervillain alter-ego: 0:00Burning Questions: 7:14The sound of tuning perfection: 11:12Name Those Notes: 15:19Dress up, show up, and do your best: 29:09The difficulty of instrumental songwriting: 31:10Tommy's unique approach to guitar playing: 33:35The hardest and easiest thing about guitar: 37:49Tommy Hollywood is working on a movie, The Tiger Rising: 38:42Tommy's favorite airplane album: 42:10Tommy's dream band: 42:46Tommy's supervillain advice: 43:35Tommy Emmanuel on YouTubeTommy's websiteSign up for Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar learning platform on the internet: http://bit.ly/GVTE004

Today’s guitar villain is Tim Henson. An innovator of the guitar and a no-nonsense straight-shooter, Tim has cemented himself in the guitar world as a cutting edge riff-writer, combining elements of tapping, slapping, harmonics, and rhythmic displays second to none. Fronting his instrumental prog outfit Polyphia, Tim has produced some of the most unique and fun guitar moments to fill your eardrums with, and the only thing more refreshing than his music is his no-bullshit demeanor. You’re gonna enjoy this one, so let’s kick off this episode of Guitar Villains.  WARNING: Explicit content.Intro and Tim Henson's supervillain alter-ego: 0:00Burning Questions: 17:03Tim's Guitar Approach – Hooks and Flexes: 19:35Blending rap and instrumental music: 23:50A bad acid trip yields a great music video: 26:20Name Those Notes: 30:00Tim's love of Jimi Hendrix: 37:27New Polyphia music: 41:06Tim's unique guitar technique: 44:46The hardest and easiest thing about guitar: 49:29Tim's favorite airplane album: 54:34Tim's dream band: 55:20Tim's supervillain advice: 1:00:05Follow Polyphia on YouTube: http://bit.ly/Polyphia_GVFollow Tim on YouTube: http://bit.ly/Tim_GVSign up for Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar learning platform on the internet: http://bit.ly/GVTH003

Today’s Guitar Villain is Joe Satriani. Known in his truest form as a literal alien, Satriani’s music can certainly transport you to various places in the universe, and after paving the way for so many guitar players after him, Satch is still the master of the six-string sonic highway we’re all driving down. With dozens of Grammy nominations and what seems like an endless catalogue of music, Joe is constantly innovating and always inspiring in the realm of guitar, and if you know me, you know how pumped I am for this episode of Guitar Villains.Intro and Joe Satriani's supervillain alter-ego: 0:00Burning Questions: 13:45Name Those Notes: 29:33Joe's latest album, Shapeshifting and his studio recording tips: 44:45Joe's Shapeshifting gear choices: 48:35Joe's favorite airplane album: 53:15The Satriani title-track phenomenon: 55:03Joe Satriani's dream band: 57:35Joe's supervillain advice: 59:40The brilliance of Eddie Van Halen (this podcast was recorded just hours prior to the news of Eddie's passing–I thought I'd timestamp this comment Joe made): 1:01:45Check out Joe's latest album, Shapeshifting, streaming everywhere now: http://bit.ly/JS_GuitarVillainsSign up for Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar learning platform on the internet: http://bit.ly/GVJS002

Today’s guitar villain is John Petrucci. A legendary riff-writer, almighty shred-lord, dedicated gym-rat. purveyor of fine bourbon, and all-around nice guy, this bearded phenom who some believe to be a wizard or even God himself is here to spill his guitar secrets. John has recently dropped on us his second solo album entitled Terminal Velocity, which we’ll dive deep inside. I’ll also be challenging the prog prince in ways he’s never been challenged before, and I am honored to have him as the inaugural guest of the very first episode of Guitar Villains.Intro and John Petrucci's supervillain alter-ego: 00:00Burning Questions: 9:10Name Those Notes: 18:20 John's new album, Terminal Velocity: 33:34John's craziest G3 story and reuniting with Mike Portnoy: 47:25The evolution of John's guitar tone and his secret 8-string signature guitar: 55:35John's favorite airplane album: 1:03:10John's dream band: 1:04:231:05:40: John's supervillain adviceCheck out John's brand new solo album, Terminal Velocity, streaming everywhere now: http://bit.ly/JP_GuitarVillainsSign up for Guitar Super System, the most popular independent guitar learning platform on the internet: http://bit.ly/GVJP001