Who Should win the APMA for Best Guitarist?

With the second annual AP Music Awards taking place July 22 (get your tickets now), at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, we thought we would use the weeks leading up to this epic event to give you a category-by-category breakdown of the nominees, so you can be an informed voter. Read on to learn about the Best Guitarist nominees, and cast your vote at altpress.com/apmas!

Arun Bali, Saves The Day

Saves The Day have long adopted a sound that separates themselves from the scene, and their guitarist is no different. Arun Bali’s whimsical, yet heavy-hitting guitar playing can improve any listener’s mood with just one note. Bali is most definitely tough competition for the other nominees.

Jordan Buckley, Every Time I Die

Every Time I Die’s newest release, From Parts Unknown (2014), is pure aggression, characterized best by the cutting riffs of Jordan Buckley’s guitar. He busts through each chorus and never fails to get audience members off of their feet. Buckley is a guitar god, and it’s about time he received recognition for his insane talent.

Tony Perry, Pierce The Veil

In 2012, Pierce The Veil crushed the scene with Collide With The Sky, an album that showcased the best of Tony Perry’s unbeatable technical talent. His riffs hit hard, and each note is stronger than the last. It’s undeniable that Perry is an excellent guitarist, and he’s going to be hard to beat.

Kevin Skaff, A Day To Remember

Although Kevin Skaff is not an original member of ADTR, he’s found his place in the band, shredding his way through each heavy song and surely, “disrespecting his surroundings.” Not only can he crush ADTR’s heavier songs like a tidal wave, he can also perform slower ones with the appropriate technique. There’s no denying that Skaff has proven his skill on ADTR’s Common Courtesy, and has shown his worthiness for this award.

Will Swan, Dance Gavin Dance

It’s no doubt that Swan is a guitar powerhouse, and Dance Gavin Dance’s newest installment, Instant Gratification, shows off his skills with every track. Swan sweeps from light and quick picking, then pummels through heavy choruses, perfecting every note. He is not simply versatile—he has truly mastered all tricks of the trade.

Jacky Vincent, Falling In Reverse

On Falling In Reverse’s newest album, Just Like You, Vincent annoints each song with groundbreaking riffs, playing each note more passionately than the last. His playing mixes a familiar old school 80s hair metal style with new verve, producing a sound entirely his own. Falling In Reverse have found their place in the music scene, with Vincent leading the charge.

Feel educated yet? Good—now go cast your vote at altpress.com/apmas! Tickets for the award show are on sale now.