Joshua Travis is the guitarist in Emmure, previously in Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, and a founding member of Glass Cloud. On this episode, Joshua Travis and Eyal Levi discuss: Knowing how to play drums and how it helps with guitar Why most people can’t master downpicking How Joshua ultimately joined Emmure And more! Follow Joshua Travis on Instagram, Twitter, and Twitch. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When you sign up, you'll get access to: Over 100 video tutorials ...
Jul 19, 2021•2 hr 24 min
Stevie D is a guitarist and songwriter for Buckcherry. On this episode, Stevie D and Eyal Levi discuss: The difference between touring life and quarantine life Shifting from spending on radio to focusing on social media Why Buckcherry signed to a label And more! Follow Stevie D on Instagram. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When you sign up, you'll get access to: Over 100 video tutorials with tabs A chance to enter our monthly King Of The Riff contest Livestream Q&As an...
Jul 12, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Ryan “Fluff” Bruce is a guitarist in Dragged Under and a YouTuber who reviews gear on his channel Riffs, Beards, and Gear. On this episode, Fluff and Eyal Levi dive into: Why guitarists should learn video basics Dealing with gear elitists Handling imposter syndrome And more! Follow Riffs, Beards, and Gear on YouTube. Follow Fluff on Instagram and Twitter. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When you sign up, you'll get access to: Over 100 video tutorials with tabs A chance to ...
Jul 05, 2021•1 hr 19 min
Nick Rossi plays guitar in Born Of Osiris. On this episode, Nick Rossi and Eyal Levi discuss: The toxic mentality of comparing guitar players Soundtracks vs. orchestral music Integrating into an established band And more! Follow Nick Rossi on Instagram. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When you sign up, you'll get access to: Over 100 video tutorials with tabs A chance to enter our monthly King Of The Riff contest Livestream Q&As and other events Our private community Be...
Jun 28, 2021•1 hr 53 min
Ol Drake is a guitar player, vocalist, songwriter and most recently a Twitch streamer from the UK best known for his work with thrash legends Evile. On this episode: Playing guitar without a pick Streaming on Twitch Ol’s fretboard visualization Learning intervals And more! Follow Ol Drake on Twitch, Instagram, and Twitter. Listen to Evile on Spotify. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When you sign up, you'll get access to: Over 100 video tutorials with tabs A chance to enter...
Jun 21, 2021•1 hr 51 min
Dean Lamb and Tobi Morelli are the guitar players and songwriters for the technical death metal band Archspire. On this episode, the guys discuss the following with Eyal Levi: Writing extremely technical music in the same room Endurance building Using the right pick for the job How local bands torpedo their careers And more! Follow Dean on Instagram and YouTube. Follow Tobi on Instagram. Listen to Archspire on Spotify. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When you sign up, you'...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 12 min
JB Brubaker is a guitarist and one of the main songwriters in August Burns Red. The Grammy Award-winning band is one of the most revered in metal. On this episode: ABR deciding to become self-managed Keeping busy during COVID times You can’t account for adrenaline when practicing guitar Why the band re-recorded Leveler And much more! Follow JB Brubaker on Instagram and Twitter. Listen to August Burns Red on Spotify. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When you sign up, you'll ...
Jun 07, 2021•1 hr 23 min
Nita Strauss is a guitar player, songwriter, and business owner who is currently the touring guitarist for Alice Cooper. She also releases her own solo music. She previously played guitar in the house band for Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons’ arena football team LA KISS and worked with the WWE. On this episode: How the definition of being a professional musician has changed Having discipline and doing things even when you don’t want to Life as a hired gun vs. working on solo projects And more! Che...
May 31, 2021•1 hr 59 min
Myles Kennedy is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in Alter Bridge and the lead singer in Slash’s backing band, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. On this episode: Knowing how to spot opportunities is crucial You’re never too old to pursue your passion Focus is a determining factor in what you do long-term Why healthy narcissism is necessary as a creator Check out Myles Kennedy on YouTube. Follow Myles Kennedy on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out ...
May 24, 2021•56 min
Francesco Artusato is the guitarist in Light the Torch and formerly for All Shall Perish. He’s also a freelance 3D animator and concept artist with an impressive list of corporate and television credits. On this episode: How injury led Francesco to guitar Becoming as good as you can, not as good as someone else The willingness to go all-in on new skills How to approach a new instrument And more! Follow Francesco on Instagram. Check out the track visualizer video for "More Than Dreaming" by Light...
May 17, 2021•1 hr 48 min
Charles Caswell is a guitarist who is currently working on his solo project, Berried Alive. On this episode: Work ethic and how some people are just born with more of it The best way to learn a new technique Why thought experiments are important for creating Leaving a band to go out on his own The reason bands don’t need labels as much as they once did Check out Berried Alive on YouTube. Follow Charles Caswell on Instagram and Twitter. Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. When ...
May 10, 2021•2 hr 23 min
Devin Townsend is a legendary musician, songwriter, and producer who is best known for his bands Strapping Young Lad and The Devin Townsend Project, as well as work with Lamb Of God, Misery Signals, Gwar, and many others. What should your priorities be as a musician or producer? Why failing isn’t failure The art of pivoting quickly is crucial for survival Follow Devin Townsend on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Listen to the Devin Townsend Project on Spotify. Want to level up your gui...
May 03, 2021•52 min
Dan Sugarman is a guitarist in Ice Nine Kills. He is also a solo guitarist, the owner of Sugarman's Lesson Lounge, and was formerly a member of As Blood Runs Black. 1:48 - Carrot and stick method of learning 17:49 - The education business is not easy money 37:06 - Artists need to be emotional, but also educated on the business 50:31 - Knowing your role within a band 1:06:05 - How the mind connects to the body 1:20:11 - How to go about learning new techniques 1:37:37 - Dan’s five stages of learni...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 46 min
Bart Hennephof is a solo guitarist and producer and was formerly the guitarist in Textures. 1:45 - Important things that are hard to teach 11:26 - Bart doesn’t use a noise gate in front of his amp 25:41 - Stretching while on tour 35:56 - Start a band in 8 weeks 55:46 - Music comes first 1:08:09 - Don’t just blindly trust people 1:19:12 - How much time does Bart spend practicing guitar? Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 34 min
Mark Holcomb, Misha Mansoor, and Jake Bowen are guitarists in Periphery. 1:33 - Working on new music and the impact of COVID 12:10 - What makes the band avoid a specific tour market 21:00 - The role that Periphery’s manager plays 46:24 - How the band focuses on the music 1:06:20 - Figuring out how to turn high risk into success 1:25:24 - Deciding who plays what, especially in the studio 1:39:49 - The band’s latest writing session 1:57:41 - Periphery gets priority when writing 2:11:11 - Does Mark...
Apr 12, 2021•2 hr 21 min
Jack Gardiner is a guitarist with a very active and growing YouTube channel who also plays for Stu Hamm and China Crisis in addition to working on a solo project. 1:46 - Jack’s MasterClass and visualization 12:32 - 3 note per string scales can hold some people back 30:06 - Play with people who are better than you 49:53 - The typical trajectory in music 1:05:25 - Developing your own voice 1:17:51 - Plagiarism in music 1:43:43 - Vanity metrics exist to make you feel good Want to level up your guit...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 56 min
Matt Halpern is the drummer in Periphery and the co-owner of GetGoodDrums. 1:47 - Matt, Browne, and Eyal’s tour adventures 22:28 - Band chemistry and communication are crucial 40:40 - Deprivation work and putting other people first 49:31 - How drummers communicate with guitarists 1:14:20 - Can you develop pocket and rhythm? 1:23:37 - The relationship between the kick and riffs 1:29:18 - Choosing cymbals for a specific part Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about y...
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 40 min
Chris Kelly is the guitarist in Alustrium and was the lead guitarist (Darth Vader) in Galactic Empire. 2:14 - The most annoying interview questions 18:06 - Spending too long on songs 35:54 - Confidence is required as a musician 51:32 - Handling the extra time during COVID 1:13:50 - Metal was more violent in the 90s 1:24:12 - Terrible tour bus stories 1:37:50 - Working on rhythm guitar playing 1:47:45 - Getting a better technique down 2:07:29 - Everyone goes back to the basics Want to level up yo...
Mar 22, 2021•2 hr 14 min
Josh Middleton is a guitarist in Architects and has his own band, Sylosis. 4:18 - Time management during COVID 15:06 - How engineering comes into play for Josh 32:15 - Finding time to practice guitar 44:04 - Recording yourself is a great tool 59:49 - You can’t judge gear based on spec sheets 1:05:02 - Knowing when a song is good enough 1:16:47 - What’s the job of a producer? 1:24:55 - Architects’ guitar tone Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices....
Mar 15, 2021•55 min
Mark Vollelunga is the guitarist for Nothing More. 3:53 - Vegetable oil vans 11:55 - Standing out as a band without it feeling contrived 21:44 - Fighting for an idea that is right 42:06 - Some of Mark’s biggest failures 52:01 - The sex, drugs, and rock n roll lifestyle is not the whole story 1:07:41 - Mark’s musical priorities 1:32:19 - Christian rock and metal bands 1:47:31 - Being a musician and entrepreneur Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 09, 2021•2 hr 14 min
Pat Sheridan is a guitarist in Fit For An Autopsy and a tattoo artist. 1:17 - Why musicians suck with time management 8:19 - Opening bands and tour managers 29:05 - Misconceptions about successful bands 36:38 - How long Pat was in local bands 54:37 - Running a band as a business 1:15:32 - The right hand is the most important thing 1:44:29 - Being a successful band and working with Will Putney 1:58:30 - Backing companies without endorsement deals Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffh...
Mar 01, 2021•2 hr 21 min
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal is a legendary guitarist. To call him an innovator would be to sell him short. He is currently the guitarist for Sons of Apollo and previously played in Guns N’ Roses, but his full credits are way too long to list here. Sponsored by: Sheet Happens Publishing (use code RIFFHARD for 15% off) 2:12 - Bumblefoot’s prolific childhood 17:48 - You shouldn’t need to be motivated to do something you love 25:57 - Time management strategy 53:10 - Creation vs. playing someone else’s son...
Feb 22, 2021•2 hr 47 min
James Monteith is a guitarist in TesseracT and a founder at Hold Tight where he is a publicist for many amazing guitarists. Sponsored by: Sheet Happens Publishing (use code RIFFHARD for 15% off) 3:47 - Livestreams during the pandemic 16:11 - Working in PR 40:44 - How James fits in guitar playing 58:49 - The future of marketing guitar players 1:21:09 - The terror of being in a band 1:42:16 - Knowing your limits Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choice...
Feb 15, 2021•1 hr 55 min
Jeff Loomis plays guitar in Arch Enemy and is best known for his legendary work in Nevermore. 1:40 - How Jeff has spent his time during the pandemic 12:33 Grunge bands and the Seattle scene 21:11 - Not knowing theory doesn’t mean you can’t be good 28:35 - Pre-production is done differently today 41:55 - Jeff’s rhythm guitar playing 54:58 - The bands that blow up have a certain energy about them 1:06:17 - Endorsements and how they work 1:12:57 - Hands vs. gear 1:36:33 - How bands operate internal...
Feb 08, 2021•1 hr 32 min
Plini is a guitarist and songwriter who was called “the future of exceptional guitar playing” by Steve Vai. Sponsored by: Sheet Happens Publishing (use code RIFFHARD for 15% off) 1:31 - Waking up early and having a routine 12:22 - Defining artistic validity 29:19 - You favorite songs vs fan favorites 42:04 - The price of success 1:00:15 - Does Plini practice on a regular basis? 1:16:36 - Balancing a competitive nature while keeping a low stress level 1:38:36 - There’s no set timeline for a caree...
Feb 01, 2021•1 hr 33 min
Trey Xavier is a guitarist and the Editor-in-Chief of Gear Gods. 2:10 - Gear will not make you better 19:10 - Outcome based playing vs just for enjoyment 32:08 - Interacting with comments on the internet 42:04 - The base skill set level for musicians 1:01:28 - What to look out for when buying new gear 1:11:00 - The future of recording 1:36:26 - Outsourcing Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 25, 2021•1 hr 59 min
Chris Wiseman is the guitarist for Currents and Shadow of Intent. 3:46 - How Chris is using his entrepreneurial mind during quarantine 19:38 - The loss of touring and using the internet to get big 54:28 - Does Chris practice guitar? 1:09:09 - Most people are well-intentioned and nice 1:16:13 - Having a routine and focus 1:28:30 - Writing for two bands without them sounding the same Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...
Jan 18, 2021•1 hr 42 min
Mike Stringer is the guitarist for Spiritbox. 1:44 - Stupid riffs 22:00 - The importance of image 36:15 - Spending time on music vs. everything else 54:56 - Creating the ethereal elements in Spiritbox 1:13:30 - The role of a producer 1:26:32 - Wearing many hats as a professional musician 1:42:37 - Are people too obsessed with genre? 1:51:10 - How Mike approaches dynamic writing Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 11, 2021•2 hr 8 min
Zach Johnson and Chris Davis are the guitarists for The Ghost Inside. 1:37 - Practicing while standing 14:33 - Recalling the correct breakdown 27:22 - Not touring due to injury vs. not touring due to COVID 35:11 - How Zack and Chris create riffs 58:42 - Work ethic is key 1:32:34 - Working with someone who is different and how to get out of the way 1:43:04 - Everyone having a say can be dangerous 1:52:30 - What is a producer’s role? Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn mor...
Jan 04, 2021•2 hr 7 min
Jen Majura is the guitarist for Evanescence. 2:16 - Live streams are tiring 12:24 - Artists and craftsmen are both necessary 25:14 - Replacing a band member is hard 39:28 - Adapting in 2020 54:08 - Jen’s guitar habits during quarantine 1:28:45 - Designing tones Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 14, 2020•1 hr 43 min
