The debate between “shredders vs. melodic guitarists” likely began in the 1970s when guitarists like Al Di Meola and Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the music scene with their fast-playing techniques. Now, in 2025, it remains an ongoing conversation.
In a recent interview, Rik Emmett, guitarist of Triumph, shared his perspective on this debate. While he tends to favor a more melodic approach to soloing, he acknowledges that there is room for different styles in the world of guitar playing.
“I’ve always told guitar players that they should breathe more like singers do, or saxophone and trumpet players,” Emmett explained (via Ultimate Guitar). “Sometimes, to make the music more expressive, the phrasing has to come from a different place.”
He added, “Guitarists can get caught up in endless runs—hammer-ons, pull-offs, scales—and after a while, it just becomes noise. It’s like monkeys typing away on typewriters—so many notes that they no longer feel musical.”
Although Emmett has expressed admiration for more melodically focused guitarists such as Jimmy Page and Brian May in the past, he understands that there is still a demand for fast, technical players. However, he emphasized that it simply isn’t his preferred style.
“There are people who enjoy when heavy metal guitarists play endless runs, like it’s a stream of consciousness. I respect that, but for me, I prefer when the guitar ‘sings,'” he said. “I like phrasing that allows room to think and breathe. It’s a matter of personal taste, and my musical preferences are shaped by what I’ve been exposed to.”
Emmett also discussed Eddie Van Halen’s unique style, noting how Van Halen’s background as a keyboardist might have influenced his approach to guitar soloing.
“With Eddie, you can hear he’s thinking about using lots of notes, which comes from the keyboard mentality. On a keyboard, you have ten fingers to work with. On the guitar, it’s a little different—you’re limited to 3, 4, or 5 notes, or maybe 6 if you use a big barre chord,” Emmett explained. “So, the two instruments are just played differently.”
Related Topics
- Gibson Triumphs in Legal Battle, Safeguarding the Flying V and Other Iconic Guitar Designs
- Kirk Hammett Reveals 767 Guitar Riffs for Metallica’s Next Album and Plans for Solo Record
- Adeniyi Drumz: From Humble Beginnings to Global Drumming Sensation
