Shredding is a subjective term, but has more or less come to describe a style of lead electric guitar playing that is characterized by speed, technical precision, flamboyancy and aggressive yet creative virtuosity. At times it has been applied to numerous genres including jazz fusion, but is predominantly used in reference to instrumental rock and heavy metal. Shredding is associated with sweep-picking arpeggios, tapping, diminished and harmonic minor scales, inverted scales (modes) and advanced electric guitar techniques such as pinch harmonics and whammy bar use. The origins and influences of shredding are many and varied, but it is essentially the evolution of distorted electric rock lead guitar taken to its extreme.
Prior to the 1970′s, rock lead guitar was predominantly a blues-inspired beast. Led by guitarists such as Eric Clapton, pre-Zeppelin Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Duanne Alman, there was not a great emphasis on speed. Jimmy Hendrix, although definitely not a shredder, did introduce the concept of the guitar as more of an incendiary instrument through his use of feedback, effects and whammy bar theatrics. The electric guitar became a weapon, and there slowly crept in the notion that it could be taken to more extreme levels.
Jazz Fusion was a style of music that developed in the late 60′s that combined jazz elements with R&B grooves and the distorted guitars used in rock. It was instrumental as an influence on shredding as it was characterized by virtuoso musicianship, improvisation, complex compositions and heavy use of modes. Exponents of this style include John McLaughlin of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Al Di Meola and Allan Holdsworth. British progressive rock (or Prog-rock as it is known) to some extent overlapped with Fusion during this time but didn’t have as heavy an influence on shredding as Fusion.
Rock guitarists started to progress during the 70′s. The playing of Ulich Roth on the Scorpions albums ‘Fly to the Rainbow’ and ‘In Trance’ showcased a template for classical-inspired lead playing that would go on to be a feature of shredding. Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple was also an important figure during this period, combining blues based lead work with minor scales and ideas from European classical music. The guitar world was turned on it’s head in 1976 when Eddie Van Halen’s playing was unleashed on the multi-platinum ‘Van Halen I’. A new standard in speed, precision and killer tone was set. Van Halen popularized two-handed tapping, pinch harmonics and intense whammy bar abuse with the help of early Floyd Rose bridges.
During the late 70′s and early 80′s things started to speed up. British heavy metal bands featured faster and more technically difficult solos. Judas Priest’s KK Downing and Glen Tipton along with Adrian Smith and Dave Murray of Iron Maiden are examples of this. Randy Rhoads who played on Ozzy Osbournes first two studio albums was instrumental in pioneering the neo-classical lead style associated with shredding.
The milestone moment when shredding finally came of age was the release of Yngwie Malmsteen ‘s debut album ‘Rising Force’ in 1984. Influenced by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore and classical violinist Niccolo Paganini , Yngwie is a controversial figure. He is lauded by some as a musical genius, dismissed by others as a pretentious poseur. Never-the-less it is accepted that ‘Rising Force’ popularized the use of sweep arpeggios and set the standard for speed, compositional flair and precision. It was an extremely influential album.
The mid to late 80′s was the golden age of shred. Artists such as Tony McAlpine, Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, Richie Kotzen and Racer X (featuring Paul Gilbert), released mainly instrumental albums that left fans of rock guitar both dumbfounded and excited. Not to mention inspiring endless arguments as to who was the fastest guitarist. Guitar magazines were filled with ads for learn-to-shred courses. Thrash metal which was starting to gain popularity emphasized speed and precision and was a great vehicle for shredders. Some amazing players were found in this genre, including Alex Skolnik of Testament, Dave Mustaine, Jeff Young, Chris Poland and Marty Friedman of Megadeth (at different times), and Jeff Waters of Annihilator.
Shredding went mainstream with the release of Joe Satriani’s ‘Surfing with the Alien’ in 1987. An all instrumental album, it combined flawless guitar chops with intelligent songwriting and accessible melodic appeal. It was a huge commercial success and also made inroads into FM radio. Steve Vai who had been a guitar gun for hire with artists such as Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake became a critically acclaimed solo artist with the release of ‘Passion and Warfare’ in 1990. It established him as one of the most highly technically advanced guitarists ever.
Shredding went underground to an extent in the 1990′s. With the popularity of Grunge, punk and later Nu Metal, extended guitar solos were seen as self-indulgent and expendable. Even some larger metal bands such as Metallica and Megadeth took their foot off the accelerator for a while (although Pantera and Slayer didn’t let up). Many exponents carried on shredding regardless of the alternative friendly musical atmosphere. The style was also carried on by the burgeoning extreme metal scenes. Death and Black Metal bands continued incorporating technical solos in their music. John Petrucci of progressive rock band Dream Theatre also carried the flag, including intense technical and sometimes classically inspired pieces in his playing.
The introduction of the internet has led to a renewed interest in virtuoso electric rock lead playing. With digital video, artists have a great opportunity for exposure to new fans, and forums and social media sites are invaluable sources of information. And the You Tube comments section is an ideal vehicle for fans to re-ignite the old arguments of who is the fastest, who sucks the most etc…
Guitar World’s top 10 list of greatest shred albums
Present day exponents of this style of music include Jeff Loomis of Nevermore, Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom and Herman Li & Sam Totman of DragonForce.
