Zakk Wylde, the legendary hard-rock guitarist, has made an indelible mark on the music world, from his work with Ozzy Osbourne to his own band Black Label Society, his tribute group Zakk Sabbath, and even his recent role filling in for the late “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott in Pantera. Following his performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” at a Cleveland Browns game in October and his tribute to Ozzy at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Wylde sits down on Shred With Shifty to reflect on his career and share some of his signature rock wisdom.
Wylde’s musical influences include a diverse mix of iconic players, from Frank Marino and Al Di Meola to John McLaughlin, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, and Eddie Van Halen. However, it was Osbourne’s original guitarist, Randy Rhoads, who stood out most to Wylde. Little did Wylde know that he would eventually replace Rhoads after his tragic death, following in the footsteps of Brad Gillis and Jake E. Lee. “The bar that Randy set was lights out,” Wylde recalls, noting the immense expectations of filling such legendary shoes.
In a tutorial on Shred With Shifty, Wylde breaks down one of his signature techniques: alternate picking. Using a Marshall JCM800 and a Boss SD-1 pedal with his beloved bullseye Gibson Les Paul Custom, Wylde demonstrates the intensity of the picking on “Miracle Man,” a track that blends influences from his favorite players. He also emphasizes a key point for aspiring guitarists: “Pick every note!” Wylde warns against relying on shortcuts like hammer-ons and pull-offs, stressing the importance of committing to each note for maximum impact.
Throughout the conversation, Wylde reflects on his time with Osbourne, including his role as the longest-tenured guitarist in Osbourne’s band. He likens his experience to “working at the deli,” highlighting the grind and dedication required. Wylde also shares stories about his relationship with Sharon Osbourne, whom he affectionately calls “mom,” especially recalling a time when she caught him at a nightclub while he was underage.
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