Metal guitar is a virtuosic genre characterized by lightning-fast solos, intricate instrumental arrangements, and technically demanding playing styles. Emerging in the 1980s, it evolved from the fusion of neoclassical music, hard rock, and heavy metal, with guitarists pushing the boundaries of speed, technique, and expressiveness. This era saw a proliferation of shred guitarists, who emphasized advanced techniques like legato playing, tapping, and sweep picking. Metal guitar's cultural significance lies in its celebration of instrumental mastery and innovation, inspiring a generation of musicians to explore new sonic possibilities. Rooted in the excess and showmanship of 80s hard rock, metal guitar drew from classical music's complexity and jazz's improvisational spirit, setting it apart from other metal subgenres with its emphasis on musicality and technicality.

G3: 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour

Joe Satriani•

Eric Johnson•

Steve Vai

Album - 27 Tracks - Released January 31, 2025