Zakk Wylde reveals the most important thing a guitarist need to be good

Zakk Wylde interview

Guitarist Zakk Wylde talked about the most importante thing a guitarist need to have to be good.

Read what he said:

“Vibrato plays a huge part in this – if you have great technique but terrible vibrato, it ruins the whole thing. Whenever you listen to any of the great players, from Neal Schon to George Lynch, Warren DiMartini, Vivian Campbell, Angus Young, Paul Kossoff, John Sykes, Eddie Van Halen or any of those cats… they all had great vibrato.

“Whether it was faster or wider or whatever, it was always ear-pleasing. Ask any of those players I mentioned and they’ll all tell you that vibrato can’t really be taught – it’s an element that’s just innately inside you and everyone will naturally have a different feel.

“Mine is more of a smashing into the song than a slowly creeping-in approach. Even if I play on something mellow, like on ‘Mama I’m Coming Home,’ the vibrato might not as silly as it would be on ‘Miracle Man,’ but it still sounds like me. That’s how vibrato plays a huge part in your phrasing.

“On the Generation Axe tour with Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tosin Abasi and Steve Vai… I’d hear the soundcheck and know within three notes who was plugged in. It’s all in the vibrato, each of them had their own signature take on it.”

Rafael Polcaro: I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG