Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Malmsteen Shred

Part of the whole blog thing (for me) is to post stuff that interests... me! Computer hacks, guitar related stuff, etc. I found this one tonight. I don't know what it is about Yngwie Malmsteen, but people either love him or hate him--most of the time. I fall in somewhere in the middle I suppose: I respect his ability and talent. This video is interesting because it demonstrates a crucial aspect of shredding--economy of motion. He's barely moving his hands yet still playing the fastest runs alive! Check it out...



Arpeggios From Hell

PS I have to wonder if you can really play this stuff without a scalloped neck (not that I could afford one, mind you, still... I wouldn't mind seeing Kirk Hammett studying this piece and going up head-to-head with Mr. M. on this one--on Hammett's own custom (non-scalloped) ESP of course (why else do you have a custom with your name on it, huh?) That would be interesting. G3 kinda interesting, you know? I wouldn't mind springing for a ticket to that...

PPS OK... I am watching Malmsteen at the Denver G3 show (linked above)... I have to admit, as far as pure shred goes, this guy is it... Straight out of the '80s baby and right in your face!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The song in question, "Arpeggios from Hell" can be played on a non-scalloped neck. My friend, who has a crappy Yamaha Pacifica can play the song perfectly. I somehow doubt that a guitar's neck would make that much of a difference if you've been playing as long as someone like Malmsteen has.

chronicon said...

The song in question, "Arpeggios from Hell" can be played on a non-scalloped neck. My friend, who has a crappy Yamaha Pacifica can play the song perfectly. I somehow doubt that a guitar's neck would make that much of a difference if you've been playing as long as someone like Malmsteen has.

I got the tabs for the piece from OLGA. Memorizing the parts doesn't appear too difficult. Playing them at Malmsteen speed is another story. It will be a good practice piece for sure.

I guess my theory on the scalloped neck is that "you play the frets, not the wood". If you have a deft touch I think the runs would be easier on it, like playing a guitar with ultra-low action and super-jumbo frets. Don't know though. I just know Malmsteen has modified a lot of vintage guitar necks and his Fender signature guitar comes with a scalloped neck. I guess there's something there for him. But yeah, I suppose he could shred on just about anything at this point...