2011 Guitarist Of The Year

Guitarist Of The Year

Asking Alexandria's Ben Bruce

“Because he's so insane live. He never stops moving, and he gets creative.” – Anthony Carrillo, Colton, CA

(Photo by: Adam Elmakias)

Bruce's tips on being a successful guitarist:

“Three tips on how to be an awesome guitarist: First, be British; second, be really, really, ridiculously good-looking; and third, be a huge Zoolander fan. If you combine all three of these key elements to your playing, then you will be an unstoppable God of riffage!

I suppose if you can't achieve these goals then hard work, passion and dedication might come in handy, too! I spend a lot of time really trying to listen to different guitarists from different musical backgrounds and utilize different styles of playing when I'm writing a song or just jamming. Keep an open mind. Listen to blues, jazz, rock, flamenco, etc. Don't just limit yourself by listening to one genre of music, such as metal, just because you wanna shred like Kerry King. Take it all in and genuinely want to learn and improve new and old techniques all the time.”

Runners-up:

Jake Pitts (Black Veil Brides)

“Without [Jinxx and Jake] working together, there would be no amazing guitar melodies in the band's songs. And Jake's guitar solos are always very imaginative. They have inspired many musicians.” – Little Stranger

Jinxx (Black Veil Brides)

“He can shred.” – Pierce Pine, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Jack Barakat (All Time Low)

“How he manages to dance around and everything while playing the parts perfect? We will never know.” – Brody Coronelli, Louisville, CO

Jacky Vincent (Falling In Reverse)

“This dude is almost Eddie Van Halen.” – Colton Harding, Lehi, UT