Monday, December 2, 2024

Strumming Through Time: Guitarists with Birthdays This Week Dec. 2-8

This week, we celebrate the birthdays of legendary guitarists who have revolutionized music with their exceptional talent and creativity.

Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8


These icons have delivered unforgettable riffs, solos, and melodies that have become the cornerstone of their genres. Join us as we honor these musical giants, revisiting their most iconic works and exploring the impact they’ve had on generations of musicians and fans alike. From rock and blues to metal and jazz, their influence resonates across the world. Let’s pay tribute to their enduring legacies and celebrate their contributions to the art of guitar playing.


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Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8

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1. Mick Thomson

Mick Thomson is an American guitarist best known as the rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band Slipknot. Born on November 3, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa, Thomson developed an interest in guitar at a young age, influenced by bands like Slayer and Metallica. Known for his aggressive playing style and signature masks, he joined Slipknot in 1996, contributing to the band's dark, intense sound.


Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Chords for Beginners: Mick Thomson


Thomson’s complex, heavy riffs helped define Slipknot's iconic style on albums like Iowa and Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). Often recognized by his “#7” band member designation, Thomson has become an influential figure in metal guitar, inspiring fans with his technical skill, custom Ibanez MTM guitars, and contributions to Slipknot’s worldwide success.

2. Peter Buck

Peter Buck is an American guitarist best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the influential alternative rock band R.E.M. Born on December 6, 1956, in Berkeley, California, Buck developed his signature jangly, arpeggiated guitar style, heavily inspired by bands like The Byrds. In 1980, he formed R.E.M. with Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry in Athens, Georgia, and they quickly gained a following with their debut album, Murmur (1983).

Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Chords for beginners: Peter Buck


Buck’s innovative style helped shape the sound of the 1980s alternative rock scene and earned R.E.M. critical and commercial success with hits like "Losing My Religion" and "Man on the Moon." Known for his understated, melodic approach, Buck has remained an influential figure in rock music, admired for his unique playing and contributions to R.E.M.’s enduring legacy.


3. Randy Rhoads

Randy Rhoads was an American guitarist celebrated for his groundbreaking work with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. Born on December 6, 1956, in Santa Monica, California, Rhoads began studying guitar at a young age and combined classical influences with heavy metal, creating a unique, virtuosic style. After co-founding Quiet Riot, Rhoads joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1979, contributing iconic guitar work to albums like Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981).

Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Chords for beginners: Randy Rhoads


His solos on tracks like "Crazy Train" showcased his technical skill and innovative use of scales, modes, and harmonics. Tragically, Rhoads' career was cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1982, but his influence on metal guitar endures, inspiring countless musicians worldwide.

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4. Greg Howe

Greg Howe is an American guitarist renowned for his technical skill, innovative style, and fusion of rock, jazz, and funk. Born on December 8, 1963, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Howe gained prominence in the late 1980s with his self-titled debut album on Shrapnel Records, showcasing his virtuosic technique and unique blend of genres.

Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Chords for beginners: Greg Howe


Known for his fluid legato lines, intricate tapping, and expressive phrasing, he has worked both as a solo artist and a sought-after session guitarist, collaborating with artists like Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Enrique Iglesias. Howe's ability to fuse rock intensity with jazz and funk sophistication has made him a respected figure in the guitar world, influencing generations of guitarists and solidifying his reputation as a versatile, genre-defying musician.


5. Marty Friedman

Marty Friedman is an American guitarist known for his influential work in heavy metal, particularly as the lead guitarist for Megadeth. Born on December 8, 1962, in Washington, D.C., Friedman began his career in the 1980s with the band Cacophony alongside fellow guitarist Jason Becker. His unique style blends exotic scales, Eastern musical influences, and expressive bends.

Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Chords for beginners: Marty Friedman


In 1990, Friedman joined Megadeth, contributing to their most successful albums, including Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction, where his intricate solos became iconic. After leaving Megadeth in 2000, he relocated to Japan, immersing himself in Japanese music and media. Known for his technical prowess and distinctive phrasing, Friedman continues to inspire guitarists worldwide, bridging cultural and musical genres with his innovative approach.


6. Phil Collen

Phil Collen is an English guitarist best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard. Born on December 8, 1957, in Hackney, London, Collen joined Def Leppard in 1982 during the recording of their landmark album Pyromania. His high-energy playing style, powerful riffs, and melodic solos contributed significantly to the band’s signature sound and their multi-platinum success.

Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Chords for beginners: Phil Collen


Collen was pivotal in crafting the layered guitar harmonies and precise techniques that defined albums like Hysteria and Adrenalize. Known for his impressive technical skills and commitment to fitness, he has become a respected figure in rock and metal, continuing to tour and record with Def Leppard. Collen’s influence remains strong, inspiring guitarists with his tone, precision, and stage presence.


Chords for Beginners: Guitarists with Birthdays - Dec. 2-8
Guitar book for beginners: Magic Chords - Learn to play the guitar in 50 days!


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