Spotlight Shredders

Putting aside obvious spotlight guitarists like Trey and Warren (who clearly contend with a broader “all-time top” group), I wanted to look at some of the under-appreciated shed heads who deserve a little more of the limelight (in no particular order).

JAKE CINNINGER: Umphrey’s McGee, Ali Baba’s Tahini

Jake uses primarily G & L guitars modified with his own tremelo hardware, called “Jakes Blade”.  Works by using pressure with the bottom of the palm of the hand; helps to create his signature sound.  Also uses a variety of pedals and effects from an array of different companies including but not limited to Morley, Dunlop, Source Audio, and BBE.

Studied at Berklee for some time and also under Gerry Zubko in Indiana. After helping to found the band Ali Baba’s Tahini, he began to extensively play with Umphrey’s McGee, becoming a full-time member in 2000 and now is a major contributing songwriter for the band.

Shred Tell:  The nose waggle

Derek Trucks: Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks Band

Growing up traveling with the Allman Brothers Band, a true legacy in his back pocket, certainly had no effect on this guitarist… naaahhht!  Playing with eerily similar styling as Duane Allman, and also eerily similar in appearance, Derek has been hailed as “the most awe-inspiring electric slide guitar player performing today.”

Derek favors a Gibson SG coupled with a factory Vibrola and avoids using processing and effects in his sound, preferring to use the tone control knobs on the guitar to perfect and change his tone throughout his performances.

Shred Tell: You tell me! the man is stoic

Robert Randolph: R. R. & the Family Band

An unusual guitarist to say the least, Randolph is a Lap-Pedal-Steel guitar player who has revolutionized the sound and versatility of this instrument. He plays a custom thirteen string guitar and uses his influences from gospel, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the vast array of other notable blues musicians including Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, the Allman Brothers, and Earth Wind and Fire.

Randolph has appeared as a guest with several other bands and musicians including O.A.R., Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews Band, John Medeski, and the North Mississippi All-stars.  He continues to push the limits of his instrument, constantly challenging the perceived constraints of an instrument designed to back up other more “versatile” instruments.

Shred Tell: The heavy body rock

Keller Williams: Keller Williams, Keller and the Keels, Keller McGee

Draws from a variety of genres including Folk, Rock, Blues, Electronica, Funk, and Jazz.  Most notable for playing complex solo performances with acoustic, double necked acoustic, and electric guitars, he also plays keyboards, bass, percussion, etc.

Coming out of Virginia, Williams began performing in 1990 and has played with the likes of Umphrey’s McGee, String Cheese Incident, and the Rhythm Devils. He is a virtuoso of music in general and a master of the guitar. He uses a variety of effects including delay, looping, and more to make the one-man-band feel during is solo performances, often using several guitars and different looping vocal and guitar tracks to create complex melodies and equally complex harmonies.

Shred Tell: The Head-down Body Bobble