Let's Not Forget Those Who Give "Shred" a Good Name

I recently came across a blog written by the great guitarist, Alex Skolnick (Testament, Alex Skolnick Trio), in which he makes a case against the latest "shred" epidemic.  It is a very well written piece and you can read it here:

http://www.guitarplayer.com/default.aspx?tabid=63&EntryId=5

< Side Note:  Check out Alex Skolnick's jazz trio here:  http://www.alexskolnick.com/store/.  They are an amazing group. >

While I do agree with the timeless adage of "speed/technique is nothing without taste and musicality" (...my paraphrased version of the timeless adage anyway), maybe it's fun to tear it up just because you can.  If anything, I think I'm more harsh on the "shredding", triggered double bass drumming which runs rampant in modern metal than on guitar wankery.  At least there is some tonal variety with the six-string. 

Anyway, the following gentleman are very, very far from relying purely on soulless musical skullduggery: 

Tommy T. Baron
Guitarist of the mighty Swiss metal trio, Coroner, Tommy has a great melodic and compositional sense (in addition to some serious chops).  I was introduced to the group and Tommy's soloing ability through Coroner's "Mental Vortex" (which is a killer album through and through).
 
This is the tune "Semtex Revolution". Dig Tommy's solo at 2:37

Marty Friedman
This choice is a no-brainer, but the man is incredible and deserves to be mentioned.  Marty has an extremely identifiable sound and style.  His unique incorporation of "exotic" scales and phrasing was on full display during his tenure with metal titans, Megadeth.  Prior to joining Megadeth, Marty released the incredible "Dragon's Kiss" on Shrapnel Records (with an all time favorite, Deen Castronovo, on drums) which is highly recommended. 

Perhaps the most famous solo Marty ever threw down.

Andy LaRocque/Pete Blakk/Mike Denner
Andy AND Pete's (Pete usually, and unfairly, gets left out...hence the emphasis on AND) solo and duel guitar playing with King Diamond, to this day, remains peerless for its ability to conjure pure Gothic atmosphere.  The harmonic invention is what strikes me the most about these three (and their penchant for using pinch harmonics at exactly the right time).  The best examples of their talent can be found on the King Diamond albums "Abigail" (featuring Andy LaRocque and Mike Denner) and "Them" (featuring Andy LaRocque and Pete Blakk). 

"Welcome Home"...a perfect sampling of what Andy and Pete have to offer.

Sure to put a smile on your face...dig the guitar at 2:15.

Chris Poland
More Megadeth alumni!  Chris Poland is kind of the odd man out here in the sense that he is more of a (self-professed) jazz-fusion guitarist (the New Yorkers with Gar Samuelson before Megadeth, OHM), but his ability to play aggressive, extremely original leads is undeniable.  After his stint with Megadeth, Poland released the excellent instrumental album "Return to Metalopolis" with his brother, Mark Poland, on drums.  Chris is currently raging with his jazz-metal-fusion group, OHM, as well as collaborating with members of Umphrey's McGee in OHMphrey.

"Club Ded".