Loudness - Soldier Of Fortune

Soldier of Fortune was the first Loudness album to be made without Minoru. In his place was Mike Vescera, an American vocalist. It's the third Loudness album produced by Max Norman0 after Thunder in The East in 1985 and Lightning Strikes in 1986.

Line-Up:

# Guitars: TAKASAKI Akira
# Vocals: Mike Vescera
# Bass: YAMASHITA Masayoshi
# Drums: HIGUCHI Munetaka 
 
Track Listing

   1. Soldier of Fortune (3'55")
   2. You Shook Me (4'42")
   3. Danger of Love (5'02")
   4. 25 Days from Home (4'22")
   5. Red Light Shooter (4'50")
   6. Running for Cover (4'21")
   7. Lost Without Your Love (4'56")
   8. Faces in the Fire (4'08")
   9. Long After Midnight (4'38")
  10. Demon Disease (4'34") 
 

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Marty Friedman to Auction His Guitars, Donate Proceeds to Japan

Through a series of posts on his Facebook page, Marty Friedman has announced that he'll be auctioning all of his Megadeth-era guitars and donating all the proceeds to fund the tsunami relief efforts in Japan. Friedman was a member of Megadeth from 1990 to 2000, and recorded five studio albums with the band, including the classic Rust in Peace.

Friedman currently lives in Tokyo, where he continues to write music. He also frequently contributes to Japanese magazines, and appears as a personality on TV shows.

Here's an excerpt of Friedman's Facebook posting:

"Thank you all for your support and prayers. I am 100% fine, 100% healthy and in better shape than ever. However, there are many, many people here in Japan that are facing an unbelievable tragedy. Its`s time to go to the next step. I will be auctioning ALL of my guitars from the Megadeth era and will donate 100% of the proceeds to the earthquake relief.

"I am going to LA right NOW to the climate controlled lockup where all the guitars have been in their cases since January 2000. All guitars I used on all the Megadeth recordings, tours, videos, everything WILL be auctioned off. When I get to the lockup I will do my best to sort out which was used for what ( I suck at that...I`m sure many of you guys know better than I do) and notate as many details as possible.

"Pictures, descriptions and how to bid will all be up on my US website as well as my Japanese website within 2-3 days. I have NEVER sold ANY of my guitars before, this is the only way these guitars will leave my possession. I urge you to please spread the word and most of all BID HIGH. You will be putting a huge deposit in the `karma bank` as and have some pretty cool guitars to show for it. DO IT!"

source: http://www.guitarworld.com/article/marty-friedman-auction-guitars-donate-proceeds-japan

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Top 15 Guitar Apps

Guitar World's Lick of the Day App

Guitar World picks 15 guitar apps all guitarists should check out.
 
LICK OF THE DAY
Sure, there are plenty of apps out there dedicated to teaching guitar, but how many of them boast ferocious players like Zakk Wylde, Joe Satriani and Gus G. as instructors? Guitar World’s flagship application, created in conjunction with Agile Partners, delivers a new and challenging lick to users every day, along with an array of features that will make even the most finger-twisting lines seem within reach. Video lessons are conducted by rock-guitar gods as well as GW’s esteemed stable of instructors, and run the gamut from rock, metal and blues to country, bluegrass and jazz styles. Each video lick is paired with scrolling notation in standard and tab formats, a dynamic fretboard that shows finger positions synchronized with the tab, and GW-penned performance notes. Furthermore, a practice mode o…ffers controls for tempo, looping, audio synthesis, a metronome and more. This app will keep your fingers moving seven days a week, 365 days a year. Agile Partners, Free (additional licks available on a subscription basis)
 
GUITARTOOLKIT
Agile’s GuitarToolKit packs in a chromatic tuner, a chord library with over half a million chords, a scale reference guide, and a metronome with tap-tempo pad, among other features. Plus, it accommodates everything from six- and 12-string guitars to basses, banjos, ukes, mandolins—even lefty players. The chord finder is particularly cool—touch various frets on the interactive fretboard and the app instantly IDs the resulting chord, making those exotic diminished and augmented grips seem as easy to finger as everyday cowboy chords. Agile Partners, $9.99
 
GUITARIST
This app, one of the first and most popular of its kind for the iOS, is essentially a simulator that o…ffers four ways to “play” guitar: Manual Fret (fret notes and strum the screen), Hammer On (touch individual frets to hear the tone), Tab (program note sequences into the app) and Scale Guitar (choose a key and corresponding scale). Choose from acoustic and electric sound patches as well as various e…ffects, including wah, which is manipulated by tilting your iPhone much in the same manner that you would rock a foot pedal. MooCowMusic, $3.99
 
GIBSON LEARN & MASTER GUITAR APPLICATION
Provides all the essentials: a pro-level chromatic tuner, alternate tuning settings, a standard mode tuner, metronome and an extensive chord reference library. The app also comes preloaded with video lessons covering everything from beginner and intermediate concepts to advanced rock, jazz and blues techniques. In addition, there’s a quick link to Gibson’s web site, where you can keep up to date on industry news or simply ogle all those beautiful Les Pauls, SGs and 335s. Legacy Learning Systems, Free
 
GUITAR JAM TRACKS
Provides an hour’s worth of professionally recorded backing tracks in a particular style, with five versions currently available: Acoustic Blues, Humbucker Blues (guitar and bass) and Reggae (guitar and bass). Simply pick a key, choose between playing over a major or minor progression, and solo away. Each key also includes a list of chords used in the progression, as well as scale charts that demonstrate fretboard fingerings. With Guitar Jam Tracks, you’ll always have a “friend” to jam with—and he’ll always let you play lead. NineBuzz Software, $1.99 (each)
 
STEEL GUITAR
Presents the titular instrument in four iterations: lap steel, eight-string console, and “Nashville” and “Texas” setups. Choose from various presets (including Clean, Tolex and Tweed), play as a normal slide guitar or pedal steel, adjust pickup height and string spacing, add reverb and chorus e…ffects, and activate the virtual volume pedal for awesome, weepy swells. Particularly cool is pedal-steel mode, whereby you dip your phone back, forward, left and right to bend individual stings. Yonac, Free
 
ULTIMATE GUITAR TABS
With more than 300,000 Ultimate-Guitar.com tabs available at the ready, UG’s mobile application is the largest tablature bank in the app world. Access your favorites by either artist or song title; narrow your search by type (guitar, bass, drum, chords), part of the song (intro, solo, chorus), diffculty level, tuning and rating; or merely dive into one of UG’s Tab Packs. And if the sheer size of the database proves overwhelming, just hit the Random Tab button on the homepage and shred wherever the app takes you. Ultimate Guitar USA, LLC, $2.99
 
GUITAR TOOLS
Guitar Tools packages together several of Planet Waves’ popular offerings, including Chordmaster and Scale Wizard—learning methods and libraries for chords and scales, respectively. You also get a tuner and metronome, making this an easy-to-use and full-featured pocket guitar resource. And if you seek additional tips, teachings and tools, the app provides access to instructors in your area as well as the location of nearby music stores—a nice resource when you’re out on the road and break your last string. Planet Waves, $8.99
 
ESP GUITAR EXPERIENCE
Guitar Experience offers exclusive content from ESP and its roster of artists, including free music downloads, ESP event coverage, tech tips from ESP’s head of guitar/bass design, and interviews and video lessons with ESP players like Gus G., Jeff  Hanneman, Alexi Laiho and others. It also includes a full catalog of ESP Signature Series guitars and basses, a dealer locator, and a built-in chromatic tuner to help you tune all those axes you’ll find yourself desiring. Brainmask, LLC, $1.99
 
GUITARIST'S REFERENCE
A chord and scale primer, with a 3,000-plus chord encyclopedia and information on more than 40 scale types—from major to diminished to harmonic minor, in every key. The chord/scale reference guide is especially cool: pick a chord and the app recommends corresponding scales; choose a scale and it will suggest chords to play underneath. Maj9.com, $4.99
 
iSHRED
A virtual guitar that lets you feed high-quality guitar samples through eight effect units—including fuzz, treble boost, wah and distortion—and an overdriven amp simulator, and do it with realistic results. Record your jams and share them via AirPlay. Or, like that dude in Atomic Tom, use the app to rock out on a New York City subway train with your bandmates. Frontier Design Group, $4.99
 
POCKETGUITAR
There are loads of apps on the market that turn your mobile handheld into a virtual guitar, but few are as easy to use as PocketGuitar. Simply press your fingers on the “strings,” strum your hand across the screen, and the notes come plinking out. Change up your sound and approach by selecting acoustic-electric, classical, bass and ukulele models, as well as various effects. Bonnet Inc., $0.99
 
7 CHORDS
This comprehensive guitar-chord library is best suited to players looking to add a little chord theory knowledge to their repertoire. Choose a tone or chord, and the app displays the name as well as what frets to play and fingers to use. A quick tap of the screen plays the chord. 7 Chords is a nicely laid-out app that will have you differentiating your sus2s from your maj9s in no time at all. Handplant Studios, $1.99
 
FRETSURFER GUITAR TRAINER
Learning can be fun! This basic app helps users master the fretboard though two game setups. In the first, note and string information are employed to find the corresponding fret; in the second, fret information is used to find the correct note. Post-game stats key you in to your fretboard strengths—and weaknesses. Simple, fun and addicting. Jason Neufeld, $2.99
 
TABTOOLKIT
TabToolKit displays standard and tab notation and, even cooler, a virtual fretboard that shows where to put your fingers for each beat in a guitar line. A built-in audio synthesis engine enables users to hear and control audio for all instrument tracks individually as well as speed up and slow down the tempo. TabToolKit supports a variety of tab formats, including Guitar Pro, Power Tab, PDF and text tab, and files can be uploaded directly from your home computer or through a built-in web browser. It’s easily the most intuitive and interactive tab app currently on the market. Agile Partners, $9.99

Source: http://www.guitarworld.com/article/top-15-guitar-apps 

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Top Guitar Shredders

No 1 OF ALL TIME
MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO

Michael invented the Dean Double-Guitar and was the first person in the world to successfully play it. AWESOME!! Michael started playing piano and composing at age 5, started playing guitar at age 10. Michael has performed over 1100 shows in 31 different countries since 1993. He tours the world performing guitar workshops, also records, tours and plays with various bands and solo. He also invented and successfully played the very first 'quad' guitar. However, the instrument was stolen during a Nitro show in El Paso, Texas, and only two of the four parts required for its assembly have ever been recovered. However, Dean Guitars recently finished production on a new quad guitar for Michael.
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No 2 
CHRIS IMPELLITTERI

Chris Impellitteri is one of the most unique, intense, and dynamic guitarists in heavy rock today. His influences range from Al Di Meola to Uli John Roth to Edward Van Halen. Chris has been releasing some of the best progressive, neo-classical guitar work around since the mid-'80's, inspiring countless musicians.

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No 3
YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN

When he was young, Yngwie didn't want much to do with music. Music was soft, a thing for wimps, and Yngwie was into all things destructive. An unruly child, Yngwie took delight in anything that went against the grain. But, one night while watching television, 7-year-old Yngwie saw guitar maestro Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar. Jimi's death had spurred the birth of a new guitar hero: Yngwie J. Malmsteen. He cites Jimi Hendrix, Uli Jon Roth, Brian May, Steve Hackett and Ritchie Blackmore as his influences.
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No 4
PAUL GILBERT

 

Guitarist Paul Gilbert has sold over three million records in the United States stemming from his brilliant work with Racer X, Mr. Big and as a solo artist. Long known as one of the top shredders in the business, Gilbert sometimes returns to his blues rock roots as on his Raw Blues Power album
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No 5
SHAWN LANE

Lane began his musical interests very young, studying piano and cello from the age of four. He took up the guitar at eight, and it remained his principal instrument from then on. He quickly became a legend in Memphis' music scene as the feisty young kid, began his professional playing and recording career when he was 12. The teen wonder shocked and amazed audiences at stadium shows across the USA. Before becoming a world renown guitarist. Tragically Shawn died of a lung disease Sept 26th 2003 at the age of 40.

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No 6 JOE STUMP

Joe Stump is one of the leading guitarists of the shred genre. Having released numerous solo albums and four with his band project Reign Of Terror, Stump has a reputation of for combining guitar virtuosity with strong hooks and killer riffs. Joe is also Berklee School Of Music's head authority on shred guitar. His main influeneces in his career are Ritchie Blackmore, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Uli- Jon Roth, David Chastain, classical music too - Bach, Paganini, Vivaldi, Mendelson etc.
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No 7
RUSTY COOLEY

Rusty’s early influences included: Rhoads, Malmsteen, Becker, Gilbert, Holdsworth, Paganini, Bach, Vai, Gambale, Moore, MacAlpine, Taffolla, Friedman. He was also influenced by many styles including: Jazz, Classical, Funk, Blues and even Country. There where times when Rusty was pulled in so many different directions by music, he didn’t know if he wanted to be a Classical Conductor or a Jazz guitarist. “Remember play from your heart and never be swayed by the current trends.” Rusty Cooley
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No 8 BUCKETHEAD

Buckethead is one of the most bizarre and enigmatic figures in American underground. Real name Brian Carroll says he was raised by hens in a henhouse!. He got the idea of a bucket and mask one day when he was eating fried chicken. He stands about 7 Feet tall with his bucket on. He has robotic movements. Not much is known about Buckethead, but one things for sure, this greased lightin' is finger lickin' fast. Well the Colonel hasn't caught him yet! His bands include: Deli Creeps, Cornbugs, Praxis, Cobra Strike, Buckethead (Solo), Primus (Ozzfest 1999), Guns N' Roses.
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No 9 JOHN PETRUCCI

John Petrucci grew up on Long Island, Kings Park He started playing guitar at the age of 12 (After a brief fling at age 8 when he noticed his sister got to stay up late for her organ lessons. His little plan didn’t work out being that his guitar lesson was after school, and soon lost interest.) He quickly realized his influences and was determined to reach their level of ability. Some early influences include Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, Iron Maiden, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Yes, Rush etc. As the rise of thrash & metal hit John expanded his influences to include bands like Metallica & Queensryche.
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No 10 THE GREAT KAT
 

The Great Kat was born Katherine Thomas in Swindon, England (on a U.S. Air Force Base Military Hospital), moved to USA aged 3. After touring the world as a violinist, she realised that Classical music was dead, so she began updating Classical Music with Speed Metal and transcribed intricate violin solos to the guitar. The Great Kat is the only musician taking note-for-note authentic Classical Music scores (from Vivaldi, Beethoven, Bach, Wagner, Liszt, and Rossini) and re-orchestrating the entire scores with Shred Guitar virtuosity and mixing it with Speed Metal band and Classical orchestra.

source: http://www.philbrodieband.com/muso-shredders.htm

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Jason Becker

Here is a guitarist who's actual guitar playing career was very short, so he may get passed over by the younger generations and the media; but in many peoples minds .. he should have been in that top 10 list
A VERY SPECIAL MENTION
~ to one of the greatest ~
JASON BECKER

Jason Becker started playing guitar at the age of 5, by sixth grade he was playing local gigs and at 16 was in his first professional band "Cacophony", a neoclassical speed metal/shred band, which he formed with fellow guitarist Marty Friedman. Their debute album 'Speed Metal Symphony' features some of the most incredible, fast, complex and melodic guitar playing ever recorded. Some of Jason's influences have been his father, his uncle, Jimi Hendrix, Niccolò Paganini, Bob Dylan, Django Reinhart, Yngwie Malmsteen & Jeff Beck. 1988 see's his first solo album, 'Perpetual Burn'. At the age of 20 he joined David Lee Roth's legendary band. 1990, he won a readers' poll for best new guitarist in "Guitar Magazine". But tragidy struck whilst recording the album 'A Little Ain't Enough' he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and given only five years to live. This did not deter this true virtuoso, he managed to complete the album. Robbed of his speech, crippled in body, breathing via a machine, Jason has never given up his love of music. He communicates via eye movements and composes many magnificent works with his computer. His medical condition has remained stable since 1997. Jason's life as an artist and person should be inspirational not only to fellow guitarists but every musician. In his own words "If you have control over your mind, you can do anything."

source: http://www.philbrodieband.com/muso-shredders.htm

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