Andy Wood, a Nashville based session guitarist, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:04:33 - Amp Tone and Effects for Lead Lines

00:08:50 - The Halo Pedal and Creating Delays

00:18:11 - The Hero in Guitar Composition

00:31:33 - The Rise of Instrumental Bands in Modern Platforms

00:44:33 - The Magic of Technique and Expression

00:53:43 - Find Your Voice, Explore Different Genres

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WEBSITES:

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Manuel Gagneux, vocalist and guitarist for Zeal & Ardor, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:14:48 - The Time Capsule Element of Music

00:23:42 - The Balance of Power in a Band

00:42:11 - Perspective on Audience Reception

00:55:35 - Mixing with a Non-Metal Guy

01:09:10 - The Balancing Act of Being an Artist and Offering a Service

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WEBSITES:

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Trev Lukather, guitarist of The Effect, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:02:18 - Musical Upbringing

00:10:31 - The Importance of Taking Music Seriously

00:14:52 - The Psychological Impact of Being the Child of Famous Artists

00:23:22 - The Myths and Stories of Record Deals

00:32:18 - The Challenges of Signing a Record Deal

00:44:36 - The Importance of Attention to Detail in Music Production

00:51:20 - Collaboration and Respect in the Recording Process

00:55:54 - The Influence of Trev's Father

00:59:44 - Reflecting on Past Mistakes

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WEBSITES:

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Dino Cazares is the guitarist, co-founder and primary mind behind Fear Factory, Divine Heresy, Brujeria, and Asesino. On this episode: Applying sports methodologies to guitar playing How picking affects tone Getting endorsed by Line 6 Using amp sims on the new Fear Factory record And more! Follow Dino Cazares on Instagram and Twitter. Fear Factory’s website 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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 with tabs A chance to enter our monthly King Of The Riff contest Livestream Q&As and other events Our private community Be sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and other events Our private community Be sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 enter our monthly King Of The Riff contest Livestream Q&As and other events Our private community Be sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 our monthly King Of The Riff contest Livestream Q&As and other events Our private community Be sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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'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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Check out Nita’s website. Follow Nita on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Tägtgren, guitarist of Hypocrisy and Pain, Joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Love for Hypocrisy

00:05:59 - Balancing Guitar Playing and Other Responsibilities

00:10:11 - Muscle Cramps and Preventing Injuries on Tour

00:14:29 - The Energy and Impact of Rhythmic Music

00:16:32 - The Evolution of Pain and Hypocrisy

00:20:39 - Starting Another Band

00:24:57 - The Power of the Baritone Guitar

00:33:05 - The Disconnect between Theory and Execution

00:43:11 - Creative Process: Fantasy vs Reality

00:49:39 - The dilemma of choosing bonus songs for albums

00:58:06 - The Personal Nature of Music

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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 the Torch. 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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 sure to follow Riffhard on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Eyal Levi on Instagram. Like this show? Please leave us a 5-star review - even one sentence helps! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 learning 2:01:50 - Your own voice will come from you, not others Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/adchoices

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 use a metronome? 2:22:57 - What an average day is like for the guys Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Harvey, guitarist of Exhumed, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

Chapters:

00:01:29 - A Songwriter's Perspective on Music and Guitar

00:06:08 - Avoiding Traps in Composition

00:07:38 - ACDC Records: Style or Parody?

00:09:10 - The Evolution of Band Branding and the Social Media Age

00:15:04 - The Myth of Creativity

00:21:30 - The Delusion of "I Have Arrived"

00:27:45 - Balancing Act and Emotional Maturity

00:34:09 - The Process of Creating an Album

00:44:57 - Excitement in Writing Music

00:46:29 - Pursuing Opportunities and Maximizing Your Craft

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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

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 Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 song 1:09:27 - Being self-aware 1:21:32 - Getting his music licensed and playing huge gigs 1:50:13 - You can’t expect 100% return all of the time 1:58:25 - Bumblefoot’s hot sauce 2:19:18 - Using a fretless guitar Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 internally is everything 1:42:06 - Jeff’s plug-in 1:50:11 - Overcoming injuries Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 career 1:57:00 - How Plini approaches meter 2:06:12 - How often is the final product different than imagined? Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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/adchoices

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

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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finn Mckenty (Punk Rock MBA), Jesse Cannon (Musformation Growth), and Logan Young join Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Challenges of Releasing Music in the Streaming Era

00:02:03 - Breaking into the Music Industry on a Budget

00:06:15 - The Importance of Consistency and Growth in Content Creation

00:10:30 - The Importance of Small Tweaks for Algorithmic Success

00:18:51 - The Desperation for Attention in the Music Industry

00:22:47 - Embracing Criticism and Ignoring Reddit Hate

00:26:44 - The Importance of Trying and Listening to Feedback

00:28:44 - Fear of Judgment in the Metal Community

00:32:43 - Metallica's Fearlessness and Risk-Taking

00:34:29 - The Revival of Love for Limp Bizkit

00:38:19 - Three Tips for Content Creation Success

00:51:34 - The Impact of Playlist Placement on Music Streams

00:55:47 - The Benefits of Collaborations and Artist Page Marketing

01:02:34 - Making a Name for Yourself

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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

Jake Bowen is a guitarist in Periphery. 3:02 - Eating high-calorie meals 9:21 - Jake’s problem with airports and authority figures 29:16 - Humans are still animals even though society has modernized 43:51 - How the band is handling staying home 57:18 - Anxiety and being a people pleaser 1:05:03 - Playing guitar live 1:21:00 - A day in the life of Jake 1:32:13 - Battling depression 1:44:02 - Being influenced by his uncle, John Petrucci 1:55:36 - Jake’s riff style Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eugene and Roman are the bassist and guitarist, respectively, in Jinjer. 1:59 - Working with Max Morton and writing songs 12:07 - Throwing ideas and riffs away 25:44 - The band’s communication 37:16 - Eugene’s bass lines 50:21 - Writing during lockdown and writing rigs 1:02:51 - Being able to travel with your own console 1:12:06 - Staying grounded 1:34:36 - Writing a song in 5 hours Roman Ibramkhalilov (@kazyolli) • Instagram photos and videos Eugene Abdukhanov (@jinjerbass) • Instagram photos and videos Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruud Jolie is the lead guitarist of Within Temptation. 12:22 - How European culture treats metal music 23:19 - You can make music work without a band 37:15 - Ruud’s job as a guitarist in Within Temptation 56:48 - Guide for refining riffs 1:21:20 - Defining personal style 1:43:36 - Longevity is a rare thing 1:52:07 - Rehearsing before tour Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Sampson is a producer, engineer, and guitar player for I Am Abomination. 3:14 - Handling COVID 11:11 - Gaining trust and respect 17:03 - How guitar players can prepare 36:47 - Scheduling and time management 57:51 - Making your guitar as playable as possible 1:17:50 - Building and patenting a guitar 1:38:57 - Buying weed used to be difficult 1:57:39 - There’s no liposuction for guitar Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angel Vivaldi is a virtuoso guitarist as well as a songwriter and producer. 5:07 - Angel doesn’t miss being on the road 18:07 - Eddie Van Halen 28:10 - Finding what works best for your health 45:46 - Does Angel’s discipline with health and fitness transfer to guitar playing? 59:48 - Getting away from drugs and abuse 1:11:51 - How Angel recorded his first demo 1:33:00 - Working with Will Putney 1:53:40 - Angel’s writing process 1:58:42 - Angel’s practice regimen Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angus Clark is a lead guitarist best known for his 20 year stint with Trans Siberian Orchestra as well as playing for artists such as Cher and Kitaro among others. 2:21 - The hired gun life 16:11 - Self-awareness is crucial 31:38 - Getting the TSO gig 49:42 - Tone is in your ears 1:08:24 - You don’t have to choose between writing and playing 1:19:21 - Knowing who you are 1:30:03 - The entrepreneur’s curse 1:37:49 - Working with Cher 1:49:15 - What Angus tells people who aspire to do what he does Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Holcomb is a guitarist in Periphery and Haunted Shores. 2:05 - How Browne and Mark know each other 11:09 - The X factor and social media 21:51 - Adapting to touring life 29:18 - Day-to-day lifestyle 50:54 - Making ideas cohesive 1:22:45 - Coming up with open chords 1:35:26 - Using PRS guitars 1:42:14 - Gear and black metal Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Spreitzer and Neal Tiemann are guitarists for DevilDriver. 2:42 - How the guys are handling COVID 15:05 - How Mike and Neal know each other 29:19 - Dark times and lineup changes 53:13 - Working with Steve Evetts 1:09:01 - How Mike got into recording 1:22:56 - Pocket is different for everyone 1:34:44 - Tracking guitars and trusting producers 1:51:57 - Writing riffs 1:57:10 - Finding inspiration Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carter Arrington is a guitarist who has played with Progger, Peter Rowan, Eric Johnson, and many others. 3:25 - Carter’s rhythm playing 16:47 - Carter’s definition of pocket 40:42 - Adjusting to the pocket of a drummer 54:22 - Ego and finding what you want to do 1:03:14 - Obsession 1:28:49 - Carter’s course and writing 1:51:28 - Sixteenth notes Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grant Truesdell, guitarist for Unleash The Archers, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

CHAPTERS:

00:03:09 - Power Metal Influences

00:05:15 - Translating Story and Concept into Emotionally Resonant Music

00:07:02 - The Two Camps of Songwriting

00:15:27 - Writing with Vocals in Mind

00:19:03 - Trust and Reliability in Band Members

00:22:42 - The Myth of the Lone Wolf Artist

00:26:13 - The Importance of Being a Good Person

00:29:31 - Making Guitar Practice a Priority

00:31:21 - Don't Wait, Just Start

00:36:14 - The Power of a Morning Routine

00:44:42 - Techniques and Practice Tips

00:47:49 - Three Approaches to Songwriting

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Kiko Loureiro is the lead guitarist for Megadeth. 3:08 - Getting stuck in Finland 12:32 - Touring and routine 24:19 - Playing guitar for work vs. not for work 54:28 - Music in Brazil 1:10:56 - Practicing and figuring out how you learn 1:33:47 - Should modern musicians record themselves? 1:52:38 - Adapting to modern technology 2:08:50 - Why Kiko learned to record audio and video 2:26:10 - What Kiko learned from Dave Mustaine 2:34:27 - Composing with 7 and 8 strings Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Christianson is a guitarist in Architects. 1:57 - Being a Canadian in a British band 13:44 - Big vs. small shows 27:14 - Advancement of online education 41:22 - What does Adam focus on with the guitar? 49:22 - Perform as soon as you can 57:24 - Don’t discount anyone 1:05:29 - Being disciplined 1:21:21 - Does Adam write riffs with intention in mind? 1:29:49 - What elevated Adam’s playing the most? Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Misha Mansoor, aka Bulb is one of the guitarists of Periphery as well as one of the founding partners behind ventures such as Horizon Devices and Getgood Drums. 1:32 - Keeping busy during quarantine 14:23 - Building a career online 35:41 - Time management and avoiding burnout 47:58 - Taking a vacation 1:01:03 - Getting worn out 1:14:59 - Avoiding getting stale 1:38:52 - Communication is key - singing at someone instead of yelling 1:53:42 - Where does Periphery go next? 2:02:18 - Will there be another summer camp? 2:14:56 - Low vs. high gain Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices