Music: Michael Angelo Batio

A legend who is barely known outside of the hard-core rock guitar ecosystem might be the best player you've never heard of. Let your hair down and enjoy these two vids

Continuing with the guitarists with unique techniques that will just amaze, today I bring to my adoring fans¹, Michael Angelo Batio.

In the mid to late 1980’s there was a speed race that was worthy of the Bonneville Salt Flats. No, not motor-powered conveyances, but more of the burning of the fretboards.

Inaugurated by the nuclear bomb that was Yngwie Malmsteen landing in the early 80’s, there was a generation of shredders to be that hit the woodsheds with ardor and crafted their own unique take. Some went more baroque and neo-classical. In this vein are your Vinnie Moore’s and Tony MacAlpine’s who went hard at the neo-classical side.

Then there were speed demons such as Chris Impelliteri, and players like him who just wanted to set land-speed records.

One that stands out is the subject of today’s post, Michael Angelo Batio. He never achieved great commercial success, but his legacy is a series of educational videos that explain his techniques, and how his economy of motion works to increase the clarity and speed of the notes emanating from the instruments.

He has done a series of tribute videos where he plays a medley of an iconic artist’s material, with his interpretation, always keeping it tasteful and respectful to the original.

The video I will share first is his tribute to the late, great Randy Rhoads. You will hear many familiar motifs and themes in this that are sure to get your head banging.

But this video lacks one of his most mind-blowing techniques. He is famous for his double necked guitar, and no, not like Jimmy Page’s 6/12 string that he lugged on stage for Stairway to Heaven, no, this is in a V formation, and he plays both necks simultaneously, and — frankly — shredding. In this video you will see some just killer techniques, and many familiar riffs masterfully played.

Alas, Michael hasn’t achieved huge commercial success, clearly he has to save money on haircuts, because those bangs are criminal²!

1. No lies, the comments from yesterday’s “Editorial Notes” post confirmed that many of you either are deaf or blind enough to be fans!

2. Michael, if you read this, please note that it is a joke about your bangs.