alex once took the time to answer an email i sent him. he wrote me back 3 pages. one of my favorite guitarists. awesome guy. thanks alex!

@MegaBeefcake666

6 жыл бұрын

FingerblastSkoldude@yahoo.ca

@OmniscientVirtuosity

4 жыл бұрын

Ииан Маккензии he’s still never responded to my email. And I’m a top fan. Facts smh

@nathangaspar4989

4 жыл бұрын

What did you ask him if you don’t mind me asking.

@michaelmusic7784

2 жыл бұрын

i had lunch with Alex skolnick at a small jazz club about 22 years ago

@MoranisToboggan

Жыл бұрын

He handed me a white guitar pic in 2010 after he played over the wall in BB kings in NYC that was my best musical moment ever.

That silver streak is a badass

@SharleeAviles

7 жыл бұрын

I got that silver streak too, but less cooler than his :(

@Jordo246

7 жыл бұрын

+Carlos G. “Sharlee Aviles” Avilés Gutierrez I got one too, silver streaks unite

@Vichaangamikraho

6 жыл бұрын

me too

@evildetrution5426

5 жыл бұрын

wish i had one

@David-yj4tr

4 жыл бұрын

I had special tickets for a Testament show years ago. Thought I was allowed to got backstage and talk with the band. Their manager said that wasn't in the package but Alex was ok with talking to me. That was great.

It is incredible that Alex Skolnick has no ego what so ever . He is a very humble and respectful guy. There are guitar players that are amazing ,but they are arrogant and have huge egos. Alex Skolnick in my opinion is one of the greatest lead guitar players ever. It is so awesome that he is a really laid back kind of guy. The grey hair streak looks very cool on Alex. He has always had it ever since I can remember. He had so so much wisdom for guitar playing already in his early 20's that his hair turned grey.

@imvandenh

9 ай бұрын

Read his book Geek to Guitar Hero, one of my faves. He tells his story from child hood on through leaving Testament in the 90s and gives a clear reason why he is so down to earth.

If you really pay attention many metal musicians are super smart and intellectually inclined. Makes me appreciate metal even more.

@tyleranthonybeauvais4999

4 жыл бұрын

Definitely

@tyleranthonybeauvais4999

4 жыл бұрын

mje19Dmetal musicians and.people that like it get a bad rap and have been for years. Fuck the people that think that stuff though... they just dont get it

@vonMohl

4 жыл бұрын

he is rather an exception in the business, by the way he is far too clever to play thrash metal

@KingKull1971

4 жыл бұрын

Most thrash metal guitarist are accomplished jazz musicians. If you strip the distortion from Alex's playing, he'd give Wes Montgomery a run for his money. Alex is a great jazz player.

@vonMohl

4 жыл бұрын

@@KingKull1971 Are you sure ? Can you just name me a few of those accomplished guitarists ?

Alex has such a chill, cool guy vibe

13:53 That is the best damn handshake i've ever seen.

@tonykratos

7 жыл бұрын

+Zim Babwe lololol

@Benno828282

7 жыл бұрын

0:15 is even better lmao

@mdnblues

6 жыл бұрын

Ben S I fucking felt that slap. Jesus Christ.

@dyllan1195

6 жыл бұрын

Totally!

@shreyasshukla8128

5 жыл бұрын

That's pawn star handshake hermano

I'm glad Skolnick is with Testament where he belongs, and not with Ozzy.

What Alex doesn't realize is that the grey streak is indicative of his ability to adapt other mutants' powers. Or drain the life out of normal folks.

@CodamATW

7 жыл бұрын

He would lose pretty much all his powers if they did a movie about him though

@robsongremio

5 жыл бұрын

Children. Cool band

@ermguitar2052

3 жыл бұрын

That streak is actually a really rare mutation - it's like a birthmark but in your hair, and instead of extra pigment, there's no pigment. My middle school algebra teacher had it.

One of the greatest guitarists to ever live. Listen to his leads on The New Order immediately.

@dkyelak

7 жыл бұрын

The legacy and New Order are crushing!

@alienrefugee51

5 жыл бұрын

Practice... has some sick leads and a bunch he did live recording with the band in the studio. Sins of Omission is killer.

@Walamonga1313

5 жыл бұрын

I think Souls Of Black has his best leads. Face In The Sky, The Legacy, Seven Days Of May...every damned solo is amazing!

@alexsaucedo8032

4 жыл бұрын

@@Walamonga1313 . Souls of black is my second favorite album. Souls of black is a great guitar album. Kick ass guitar solos by Alex skolnick. Saw that tour twice. They opened for slayer Both bands killed it. Especially TESTAMENT... alex skolnick is a guitar God. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

@OmniscientVirtuosity

4 жыл бұрын

Walamonga 1313 yes!!!! Malpractice.

I got to meet Alex after a show in October 2008 on a small club tour. He hung out with us, played pool at a local pub and openly talked with us.Really sweet, down to earth guy. One of the nicest human beings you'll meet anywhere.

Some of the best guitar solos of all time were on practice what you preach and souls of black. Alex has a unique mix of phrasing feel and technique that only a handful of guitarists can accomplish.

@shawnofeons

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I think his best solos are on Souls of Black, although I don't think it's their best album, I really like Alex's solos on that album the most.

@silvermatiisen3528

9 ай бұрын

@@shawnofeons yeah Souls Of Black solo is definetly my favourite metal solo of all time

His hair streak is so badass. And he looks like the most genuine dude in life.

How can you not like this guy!? Sounds like he a came from a very good, intelligent, almost "proper" family (if that makes sense) but he followed his passion which was thrash metal and guitar playing haha! Then he grows up to be a world class musician who crosses over from metal to jazz and everything in between and does it in a super humble down to earth manner! Definitely a great musician to model not only as a player but how he handles himself! Big fan!

But does he practice what he preaches?

@harryrub7221

7 жыл бұрын

Dude u got the best user name and profile pic😂😂👍👍

@mjgutzmann1681

7 жыл бұрын

If he didn't, that would be "Low".

@DeathMetalDingbat

7 жыл бұрын

Harry Rub Oh hell yeah

@carbajal8283

7 жыл бұрын

Of course he does. It's part of his "Legacy."

@mjgutzmann1681

7 жыл бұрын

And his daily "Ritual"..

i remember a FEW years back when in the space of 1 year i saw Alex at a festival with Testament, with TSO, and with his jazz trio in a tiny bar, where we had the honor of having a post gig beer with him and chat for about 10-20 min (time just kinda passed as i remember) but the point is...3 completely different gigs and he held his own in each, plus he is a really nice guy

Its awesome to see how genuinely into the convo Alex is. He seems like such a lively and fun dude to chill with. He's also definitely up there with the top shredders

talented gem, sadly underrated, one of the best guitarists even Beyond Metal genre

@austindenotter19

4 жыл бұрын

I dont think he is underrated at all. He is a legend in the metal genre.

Thought his silver streak was dyed, didn't realise they happened naturally

@Ensid1993

5 жыл бұрын

it is, he had it even on his 20s

@guyinpajamapants6892

5 жыл бұрын

Bride of Frankenstein.

@davekiddie4467

4 жыл бұрын

Dyed

@ermguitar2052

4 жыл бұрын

It's like one of those big facial birthmarks, but in your hair, and instead of extra pigment, there's no pigment. My middle school algebra teacher had that.

@nirvhannahgarden

2 жыл бұрын

my mom has one right at the crown of her head like he does: hers is more at the center rather than over to the right like him. i can't remember if it's a birthmark or a mutation, though. very interesting and striking - it was honest to god the first thing about him that caught my attention

One of the fastest metal guitarists out there right now. His riffs in Testament are killer.

Alex Skolnick is one of the best guitarists in metal. He is amazing to see playing live. Has to be seen to be believed.

Alex Skolnick looks like he could be Adam Jones's father

@slimymclord8165

7 жыл бұрын

they both play les paul aswell

@litos_mendes

7 жыл бұрын

and both are silverburst

@aldoluissi8765

7 жыл бұрын

And the weird thing is that Adam Jones is three years older but looks younger! Haha

@mgonzalez8880

4 жыл бұрын

@@aldoluissi8765 wow! Hahah

not only is he one of the greatest guitarists in metal, the grip on that handshake was immaculate

This guy proves that metalheads Are the best people

He's my idol since I was 12. He's a great guy we met through a student of mine & he talked a lot to me about playing,performing and all kinds of music. I'll always love and admire him.

Many people don't know this, but Alex is one of the fastest guitar players in the world as i heard, but instead of being a show off he is focused on making an playing good music which makes me appreciate him even more.

this guy is like the ray romano of metal here....great people great interview \m/

"I looked like I was in Motley Crue..." LOL, love it!

Seeing them live with him rocking guitar was one of the best shows I have ever witnessed

dude, please do one with eric patterson? its such a shame, most folks doesn't even recognized his work & contribution..

@HunterRouth

6 жыл бұрын

Maddoxx x Agreed.

@guyinpajamapants6892

5 жыл бұрын

Petersen?

@ludvigtheholyblade259

5 жыл бұрын

@@guyinpajamapants6892 Peterson

@69Curtdog

4 жыл бұрын

I do !

@iamgribs

3 жыл бұрын

Superb rhythm guitarist

such a nice guy. one of many reasons hes my role model

One of the best thrash guitarists ever and all around guitar players period.

One of my fave of all times,i am lucky that he played after Criss Oliva.I was already a fan of him before he joined.Handful of Rain is an underrated masterpiece.Note that he had a car accident while listening to Sirens loudly in early 80s.A decade later he replaced the composer of that song after a fatal car accident.RIP Criss Oliva,long live Alex🤘🏻

What a nice guy, one of the guys that you'd want to just listen to tell road stories.

@AlixRendell

7 жыл бұрын

Check out his book. Great stories.

No doubt about it Alex is one of the best guitarist out there & i have never met him but would love too because i am hearing lot of people say that he is really a nice guy, he is one of my favorite guitarists. Alex just has that original sound.

Metalheads are the most laid back people

@jajajajajaja9110

7 жыл бұрын

A ton aren't, lol?

@grimlockthe1823

5 жыл бұрын

I mean most black metalheads aren't expect a few

@bodenlosedosenhose1590

3 жыл бұрын

@@grimlockthe1823 As a black metal enthusiast I can sadly confirm your statement.

@i_was_in_the_can_for_20_years

2 жыл бұрын

Except if you’re Ghaal or any church burning enthusiast

YES YOU'RE BACK!! Now for Jason Newsted?? Geezer Butler??

@H3llboundHero

7 жыл бұрын

Jason is doubtful. When he disbanded Newsted after only putting out an EP and a full album, he kinda dropped off the earth. Last thing I've seen from him is when he was on Scuzz meets which I highly recommend watching

@gordonduncan

7 жыл бұрын

yeah ive seen the scuzz one, one of my fav interviews. He does open up about a lot but this would be cool too

@qdaveq6597

7 жыл бұрын

Look up Forbassplayersonly.com for a recent and very interesting interview.

While working for an arena in South Carolina Trans Siberian came through several times. Alex was very cool and when i mentioned to him that he had given me a guitar pick the year before...he said "here have some more" and gave me a handful of picks. Very nice guy.

anyone else ever notice that killer bands like Testament who have some of the best musicians usually go thru band members quite often...its because when you have that much talent under one roof heads and egos are bound to clash

@arvindshastry1178

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah but I think the current lineup is going to stay till the end of the band.

One of my favorite guitarist, I've met him a couple times and been to a jazz show of his, holy fkn shit he is truly a brilliant guitarist. And one of the nicest guys around and such a class act.

I was a drum tech at a show Testament played in Chicago area many years ago and early in the day when everyone was getting things rolling (literally) there was Alex just getting his stuff together and I approached him and had the coolest chill conversation. Such a class act!

The silver streak question was totally Spinal Tap.

Do fact or fiction with Annihilator!!

@nextlevelgamer6936

7 жыл бұрын

Or just Jeff Waters!

@Walamonga1313

6 жыл бұрын

Jeff is Annihilator lol

@guyinpajamapants6892

5 жыл бұрын

Why

@franbabic5682

5 жыл бұрын

@@guyinpajamapants6892 He is main founder of the band, he is the only original member of the band and main songwriter on every album, he recorded all lead/rhytm guitar and bass parts on almost every album, he is currently also a lead singer and he sang and wrote lyrics on, if i am correctly, four of their albums... He even programmed drums on one album.

Alex is one of my top 5 favorite guitar players of all time, right up there with Steve Howe and Ritchie Blackmore.

These rock greats for the most part are very humble and self effacing. I always find that amazing.

Brotherhood of the Snake....another great Testament thrash album they are always on a roll!

@aaronbayley6083

4 жыл бұрын

I agree. And Dark Roots of Earth is one of their best.

@TheCrimsonIdol987

3 жыл бұрын

@@aaronbayley6083 Dark Roots of Earth slaps so hard, dude. My personal favorite Testament record.

I've met Alex once in the Netherlands. Very cool humble guy!

Alex looks like if Chuck Schuldiner would reach that age. Very down to earth guy though, and an excellent guitar player.

@clssicful

6 жыл бұрын

Carlos G. Avilés Gutierrez yeah. The resemblance to Chuck is weird.

@cyjazz

6 жыл бұрын

He also reminds me of Blackie Lawless for some reason...

@kevinrodriguez9701

5 жыл бұрын

Alex in the electric crown music video looks so identical to chuck.

@mylovesongs2429

5 жыл бұрын

Both Alex and Chuck are Jewish. They could be brothers of another mother.

@ruleroftheundersky570

4 жыл бұрын

I've noticed this as well quite some time ago.

Skolnick is a beast.

one of the best shredder in rock n roll

Great interview with a great guy/great musician/great guitarist/heavily influential player.

Apart from his musicianship, he's an extraordinary gentleman.

I had an Ampeg guitar amp!! Stereo, twin chorus and reverb! Fairly rare amp !

The solos on Souls Of Black are absolutely amazing!!!

@jeremyswalley8625

Жыл бұрын

Electric Crown is killer too!

God I'm so glad to see Alex do this hopefully we can get the rest of the Testament guys in this.

Alex is amazing! Great guitar player and great human being! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

Love Alex, great player.

i got lucky enough to meet him when i was in high school many times as he was at the time playing locally with his jazz trio and living in the city at the time. he actually had a great price at the time actually an unbelievable $50 an hour or half hour for private lessons at his apartment. my friend Vinny and several others of us would make it an almost weekly event to go see him at this local venue/ restaurant in Belleville NJ called the Grapevine bistro. of course being teenage metalheads and completely obsessed with his solos we'd always try to discuss metal and if hed teach us and in true jazz master form he'd say he didnt do that stuff anymore and "didnt remember even the technique behind it. regardless Alex must be the most laid back humble and friendly m usician I've ever met and at the time Testament was about to play at Birch Hill night club in Old Bridge NJ. After alot of pleading on many peoples part He decided to come to the show and during the show enough yelling at Chuck and Eric got the band to realize it was Alex in the crowd and they called him up to join the show and we quickly realized all that stuff about "not having the technique anymore etcwas an exaggeration. soon after i took my younger sister to see him play at Izod center with Trans-siberian Orchestra and he recognized us and was cool enough to come down off the stage and put one leg up on the arm of the chair and started and started playing one of his solos from the track they were playing and said hi. Years later some contact mustve grown from that night at the Birch Hill as He's now several albums back and as amazing as ever although I'd love to see him with TSO again. the way he is able to shift the use of Mixolydian mode away from clasic rock and give it such an incredible amount of creativity in thrash and heavy metal as well as his amazing jazz and improv skills overall schoarly mastery of theory and the guitar in general as well as a love for teaching is beautiful. Alex Skolnick is a gift to music in general but for me especially to metal where his knowledge and creativity is up there with a select few like Marty Friedman. Alex is just an overall great personable and friendly guy

More humble than many in the thrash community even despite his upbringing. Awesome.

He wrote return to serenity.. he's the best guitarist in the world

-Graham: *delicately presents the show and extends hand to Alex* -Alex: *slaps Graham's hand* My pleasure!!!

Good work Gruhamed, your interviewing has come a long way 👍🏼👍🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

Fantastic guitarist and he's so humble! What a legend!

I thought his silver streak was fake, but I guess not.

@sivasubban4560

6 жыл бұрын

Adem Ferati yes same until now.

@ermguitar2052

3 жыл бұрын

That streak is actually a really rare mutation - it's like a birthmark but in your hair, and instead of extra pigment, there's no pigment. My middle school algebra teacher had it.

I love this guy. When I was a teenager, Alex thought me greatness, what it means to invest quality in things and find your own way. Testament was at the peak of their creativity on Souls of Black and Ritual which are my fav albums. It's a shame what fallowed it's actually way behind them. Even after Skolnick's return, I have to say.

alex and graham having a good laugh warms my heart aw

She wanted me to be Zakk Wydle more or less lol such a classy dude didnt mention her name but we all know who it was ;) skolnick is 1 of the last guitar gods left

You think Jeff Loomis is a nice genuine guy until you hear Alex start talking and realize He's the kid of guy that would not only give you a ride to the airport but also help you buy the ticket too.. good for him being such a nice human being.

Wow... Alex is Easily one of the coolest and most interesting Wikipedia fact or fiction guest

Just an amazing guitarist. I already loved him for his testament shit but after listening to Alex skolnick trio, I was able to really appreciate his ability. Such an underrated player. Very excited to see him play in person this October

Alex Skolnick RULES!!!!!!! ROCK ON!!!!!!!

1988, The New Order, "Alex When are you going to law school". Shreds then bails to study jazz guitar. Dog show ? Compositionally, an achievement. Great interview.

Alex is a great guitar player and a nice guy!!!!

Finally, the one thing that i've been waiting for.

Met him back in 2013 really great guy!

One of my favorite guitarist been listening to testament since new order days. Alex inspired me to play guitar for now 30 some years of playing. Testament was way underrated metallica to me was second class to these guys.

Alex Skolnick - one of my favourite guitarists of all time. Top bloke and a top player!

Skolnick and Friedman are now my best guitar players

Skolnick is awesome

Great interview...nice to see someone call out Sharon when it's due...

'been waiting for that one in a long time :D

I like how he's both cool and nerdy at the same time.

Alex is so talented, it is unbelievable that he is as good playing both metal and jazz, sort of Steve Lukather

He's my biggest influence to play guitar

Great player. Great humble guy.

I didn’t know much about Alex but the more I learn the more I like and respect him. Dude is a badass

I love seeing Alex go crazy when he shreds and taps because it looks like he's tying the strings like a shoelace

Hell of a cool guy.

Lol that fuckin' handshake man! *SSSSSSSSSMACK!* lol talk about nerve damage.

@deadpool102192

7 жыл бұрын

LOL dude he's done the samething to me it was a great handshake. it's like his signature handshake xD.

💕❤️Alex❤️💕 an amazing guitarist and sweet humble guy:)

I jsut fucking loved how neither one of the two dared to say Sharon's name!! XD

Alex, did you forget you were in Savatage in 1994?

@white_wolf2112

5 жыл бұрын

jasper426 Indeed it is...

@HTYM

5 жыл бұрын

@@white_wolf2112 I try to forget about it often. Savatage was a great band, but that album was... not my favorite.

@naturadventur7425

4 жыл бұрын

Gutter ballet was such a great album

@davecooper8207

4 жыл бұрын

YEAH! ANOTHER SAVATAGE FAN!

guess what ? i am turkish, and once i heard Alex skolnick solos, i felt the metal music and melody at same time.and let my friends listen even they knew nothng about metal music, they really loved his solos. he really gives the meaning,story to song with his solos. if he could do that to me and my friends, he can do anyone anywhere.

Alex is such a phenomenal player! ...and he's a fan or Saint Rhoads too!

I could listen to Alex for hours.

So I think imma start learning some Testament riffs they sounds like fire

Alex looks like such a fun dude! and he is a great guitarist

How have I not heard of this guy?!

Gotta get one of the guys from Metallica on this. James would be the best to get on here!

His voice is so warm and round

@nirvhannahgarden

2 жыл бұрын

recently, over on instagram, i told him i love his voice (it's not often i hear someone's voice and i'm like "oh my god, i could hear them talk for hours.") and he kind of took it to heart, too, because i mentioned it to him again out in the open and he liked it. absolute sweetheart of a man 💜

Such a great guy!