Strumming Success: Rick Graham Talks Nuno's Influence and His New Charvel Guitar!
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7 months ago
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Rick Graham: The Harmonious Balance of Technique and Emotion
In the world of guitar playing, the debate between feel and theory often arises, yet the most skilled musicians seamlessly blend both elements. Rick Graham exemplifies this mastery.
A virtuoso known for his technical prowess and emotive playing, Graham’s name resonates with some of the most innovative guitarists today, including Nuno bettencourt, Guthrie Govan, Andy James, Jason Richardson, Plini, and the members of Polyphia, all of whom regard him with admiration.
This admiration is evident in his extensive collaborations and guest appearances, such as on Plini’s Selenium Forest, Polyphia’s Envision, and Richardson’s Hos Down. When Extreme performed in Birmingham, UK, in August, Bettencourt publicly acknowledged Graham from the stage before diving into Midnight Express. Quietly yet significantly, Graham has emerged as a pivotal figure in progressive music circles.
Despite his rising fame,Graham remains humble. His journey as a guitarist was significantly influenced by his brother, who passed away in 2015, leaving Graham with a profound legacy and an unwavering drive. While he is dedicated to creating original music, he is perhaps best recognized for his educational content, sharing insights and lessons through his online platforms, tho he shies away from the label of ‘influencer.’
Now, with the release of his latest signature model from Charvel in a striking Shell Pink, it seems the time has come for Graham to receive the recognition he deserves.
Guitar World‘s Amit Sharma recently sat down with Graham to discuss his musical journey, from his early days as an indie enthusiast strumming a worn acoustic to his change into one of the most dynamic and emotive players in progressive guitar.
From Humble Beginnings: The First Guitar
“The first guitar I learned on was an old, poorly made acoustic with action so high it was almost unplayable.My first electric was a Vox, though I can’t recall the exact model. I was incredibly proud of that guitar; it was where I learned most of my riffs and pentatonic scales that I still use today,” Graham reminisces.
Musical Influences: The Spark of Inspiration
“Johnny Marr from The Smiths was my initial inspiration to pick up the guitar. I was also heavily influenced by The Cure, especially Robert Smith. My brother introduced me to heavier rock, especially Master of Puppets, which fully changed my musical direction. From that moment, I was all in on rock music,” he explains.
“Nirvana emerged around that time, and I still cherish tracks like In Bloom for its iconic riff. Growing up in the ’80s, I also embraced the grunge movement of the early ’90s, which shaped my musical identity,” he adds.
“I consider myself self-taught, but I owe a lot to the amazing musicians I listened to. Music is about feeling; you don’t always need to grasp the theory behind it. For some, a term like ‘Lydian mode’ might not resonate, but the emotional impact of the music can be profound,” Graham reflects.
Exploring New Horizons: The Fusion Journey
“I ventured into the fusion genre around 1994 when I started playing in a band. We immersed ourselves in the works of Frank Zappa and Parliament Funkadelic, which opened my ears to rhythmic funk,” he shares.
“Live recordings of Chick Corea with Scott Henderson, especially tracks like King Cockroach, left me in awe.I found myself trying to decipher the scales he used, like melodic minor modes, which led me to delve deeper into music theory. Understanding functional and non-functional harmony became essential for my self-expression,” he elaborates.
Learning from the Legends: The Impact of Instructional Videos
“Hot Licks lesson tapes were instrumental in my progress as a guitarist. I particularly enjoyed vinnie Moore’s videos, which I watched repeatedly. The first one, where he wore that Prairie Sun Studios T-shirt, was unforgettable,” Graham recalls.
“I also loved the Malmsteen video, and my brother had the Chris Impellitteri tape, which was too fast for us to grasp at the time. I waited months to borrow the Eric johnson video from a friend, and when I finally did, it was magical. Those were the golden days of guitar playing, filled with inspiration,” he reminisces.
Strength and Technique: The Art of Hammer-Ons
“My left-hand strength, particularly my hammer-ons, is something I take pride in.It’s all about relaxation and technique. I had the opportunity to open for Reb Beach in 2010, and he was not only an incredible player but also a genuinely nice person,” Graham shares.
A Memorable Moment: Nuno Bettencourt’s Shout-Out
“Recently, during a concert in Birmingham, Nuno Bettencourt gave me a shout-out from the stage. It was an emotional experience, especially as my brother introduced me to Extreme’s music. I wished he could have been there to witness it, but I felt his presence in spirit,” Graham reflects.
“Nuno’s shout-out, along with a playful jab, was a testament to our friendship. After the show, we hung out backstage, and it was surreal yet fulfilling.Music is about creating connections and memories, not just about fame or success,” he emphasizes.
Collaborating with the New Generation
“The modern rock and fusion scene is thriving with young talent, and I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with artists like Plini and the members of Polyphia. I first met Plini on the Petrucci forum before he gained recognition. When he asked me to contribute to his EP, I was thrilled,” graham explains.
“I recorded a scratch track for him, and even though I struggled with a fast section, the original take ended up on the final recording. Sometimes, capturing a moment is more valuable than trying to recreate it,” he adds.
“The polyphia guys reached out for a guest solo,and I was in a great place with my playing at that time.Collaborating with Jason Richardson and Andy James also marked significant milestones in my career. Each collaboration represents a snapshot of my life and artistic expression,” he concludes.
Rick Graham: The art of Guitar Mastery and His New Signature Model
Rick Graham is often celebrated for his remarkable blend of technical skill and musicality, drawing comparisons to guitar legends like Guthrie Govan. His journey in the music world is as inspiring as it is indeed extraordinary.
Meeting the Masters: A Memorable Encounter with Guthrie Govan
Graham recalls his first encounter with Guthrie Govan during a performance in Coventry, UK. “I had returned from living in France and was eager to see him play. that night, he faced some challenges, breaking a string early on, which can throw any musician off thier game. Despite this, he delivered an incredible performance, showcasing his talent,” Graham reflects.
“Later, I ran into him at NAMM before a gig with Tone Merchants. I felt nervous for him, as the venue was packed with eager fans. But he stepped onto that small stage and absolutely crushed it. In my eyes, he’s one of the greatest guitarists to ever live, and I still find myself in awe of his work,” he adds.
Polyphia | ENVISION feat. Rick Graham (playthrough) – YouTube
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Unveiling the New Charvel Signature Model
Graham’s latest signature guitar from Charvel is a dream come true. “I’ve always had a fascination with Shell Pink; it’s simply stunning to me. My first model was Celeste Blue, but this new one features a reverse headstock, a nod to one of my favorite guitarists,” he explains.
“Every time I look at it, I think, ’Wow, this is gorgeous!’ It’s not just visually appealing; it plays exceptionally well too. The Charvel pickups on this model are fantastic, a step up from the Bare Knuckle pickups I previously used,” he adds.
“The compound radius fretboard is perfect for my playing style, allowing for comfortable chord work and effortless shredding. The tuning stability is impressive; I can bend notes significantly, and it stays in tune,” Graham emphasizes.
(Image credit: Charvel / Fender)
Pedal Preferences: The Gear That Shapes his Sound
Graham’s journey with pedals began with Boss units, influenced by his brother’s enthusiasm for various effects. “He would always bring home different pedals for me to try out, which sparked my interest in experimenting with sound,” he recalls.
“A few years back, I invested in a 100-watt head from Splawn Amplifiers, a powerhouse of an amp that has been central to many of my instructional videos. I also discovered a pedal from Karl Martin called the plexitone, which elevated my amp’s performance significantly,” he explains.
“While I’m not a pedal enthusiast per se, I did enjoy using a Marshall 1974x amp with built-in tremolo. It became my go-to when I was feeling down, providing a comforting sound. I recorded a track titled I Can Feel You Breathe with that amp, and even now, people ask about the tone, thinking it’s from an Axe-Fx. In reality, it was just a real amp mic’d up in my bedroom,” he shares.
New Tune ‘I Can Feel You Breathe’ – Rick Graham Guitar – YouTube
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Rick Graham: The Essence of Guitar Artistry and His Latest Signature Model
Recently, I recorded a piece titled Yoru Eyes just two days after experimenting with the Axe-Fx.Both tracks are fingerstyle compositions, and while many might not notice the subtle differences, I certainly can-after all, I composed and recorded them. If I couldn’t discern the nuances, that would be concerning! It’s challenging to articulate exactly what feels off, but there’s an undeniable quality to the modeling that still impresses me.
Ultimately, the player’s skill is paramount. We must remember that our ears play a crucial role in shaping our sound. You can have the most advanced equipment available, but without the right auditory perception, it won’t make much difference.
(Image credit: Charvel / Fender)
The Soul of Vibrato: A personal Journey
Vibrato serves as a window into a guitarist’s essence. Each player has their unique interpretation; as an example, Zakk Wylde’s vibrato is expansive and energetic, while mine tends to be more controlled and deliberate, reminiscent of John Petrucci’s style.
I’m grateful you brought this up, as it was a significant aspect of my development. My brother was always there, encouraging me to improve. One day, he pulled me aside and said, ”Rick, your vibrato needs work.” That moment was pivotal.
I approached vibrato as a vocalist would, focusing on the nuances of pitch and control. It took years to refine my technique, often struggling with tuning and precision. I dedicated myself to ensuring that my musical delivery was compelling, even if the notes in between weren’t perfect. A well-executed vibrato carries far more weight than simply playing complex passages without intention.
Rick Graham’s Charvel Signature Pro Mod DK24 PT is now available for $1,799. For further details, visit Charvel.
Strumming Success: Rick Graham Talks Nuno’s Influence and His New Charvel Guitar!
Strumming Success: rick Graham Talks Nuno’s Influence and His New Charvel Guitar!
Rick graham: A Guitar Virtuoso
Rick Graham is a name that resonates deeply within the guitar community. Known for his technical prowess and emotive playing style,Graham has carved out a niche for himself as one of the leading guitarists in the progressive rock and fusion genres. His recent collaboration with Charvel has resulted in a stunning new signature model that reflects his unique style and influences.
Nuno Bettencourt: A Lasting Influence
One of the most notable influences on Rick Graham’s playing is none other than Nuno Bettencourt, the legendary guitarist of the band Extreme. Bettencourt’s innovative techniques and expressive playing have inspired countless musicians, including Graham. In a recent interview, Graham shared how Bettencourt’s work has shaped his approach to guitar playing.
Key Influences from Nuno Bettencourt
Technical Mastery: Bettencourt’s ability to blend technical skill with musicality has encouraged Graham to push his own boundaries.
Emotional expression: The emotive quality of Bettencourt’s playing has taught Graham the importance of conveying feelings through music.
innovative Techniques: Bettencourt’s use of harmonics and intricate fingerings has inspired Graham to incorporate similar techniques into his own style.
Introducing the charvel Signature Model
Graham’s latest signature guitar from Charvel is a testament to his evolution as a musician. The Charvel Signature Pro-Mod DK24 2PT is designed to meet the needs of modern guitarists while paying homage to classic aesthetics.
Features of the Charvel Signature pro-Mod DK24 2PT
Feature
Description
Body Material
Lightweight Basswood for enhanced resonance
Neck
Maple neck with a cozy profile for easy playability
Fretboard
Compound radius for versatile playing styles
Pickups
Charvel pickups designed for powerful sound
Finish
Stunning Shell Pink finish that stands out on stage
Benefits of the Charvel Signature Model
Investing in the Charvel Signature Pro-Mod DK24 2PT offers several advantages for guitarists:
Versatility: the compound radius fretboard allows for both chordal playing and intricate solos,making it suitable for various genres.
Comfort: The lightweight body and smooth neck profile ensure that players can perform for extended periods without discomfort.
Sound quality: The specially designed pickups deliver a rich, dynamic tone that can adapt to different playing styles.
Visual Appeal: The eye-catching Shell Pink finish not only looks grate but also adds a personal touch to the player’s gear.
Practical Tips for Guitarists
For those looking to enhance their guitar skills, Rick Graham offers some practical advice:
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Set aside time each day to practice different techniques and styles.
Focus on Technique: Pay attention to your vibrato and phrasing.These elements can significantly impact your overall sound.
Listen Actively: Analyze the playing styles of your favorite guitarists, like Nuno Bettencourt, to understand their techniques and incorporate them into your own playing.
Experiment with Gear: Don’t hesitate to try different guitars and pedals to find the sound that resonates with you.
First-Hand Experience: Rick Graham’s Journey
Graham’s journey as a guitarist has been filled with challenges and triumphs. He recalls a pivotal moment when his brother encouraged him to refine his vibrato technique. “Vibrato is like a window into a guitar player’s soul,” Graham explains. “It took years of practice to develop a controlled vibrato that conveys emotion.”
He emphasizes the importance of delivering notes with intention, stating, “A good vibrato means a lot more than just playing something elaborate without purpose.” This dedication to his craft has helped Graham become a respected figure in the guitar community.
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