Ernie Ball String Theory ft. Stephen Carpenter of Deftones

“I do believe it’s the simplicity of what I do that is the inspiration. I believe that when people actually pick up a guitar for the first time, the feeling and that attraction they have - I think is what I had originally with the power chord. When I discovered the power chord, I already knew at that moment, I could write the music I like.” The latest String Theory ft. Steph Carpenter is here! Watch as we speak with him about his relationship with the power chord and the simplicity that helped influence the diverse sound of Deftones.
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players.
Steph Carpenter relies on Ernie Ball custom Paradigm electric guitar strings. You can find them here: www.ernieball.com/paradigm
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
#Deftones #StringTheory #ErnieBall

[@flips220]

Steph learned power chords at 16, called it good, and was set for the rest of his career. 😂

[@andres4721]

Me

[@einnaoeilifu2648]

Simple is the most effective

[@BigKeit]

@Wavy_Beats225I think he uses Fishman Fluence pickups instead of EMG

[@ted__ryan]

He said it himself. He said he's no professional guitar player, he just loves to have fun. 😂

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

@@einnaoeilifu2648Amazing isn’t it? How a guy who plays with feel and fun on top of everything else… they are more memorable and captivating that some overly technical modern metal Djenter that thrives of over-complicated and contrived wankery.

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Steph wrote the soundtrack to my early adult life.

[@eareaves]

Same. ATF came out fall of freshman year and White Pony the summer before senior year. Still one of my all-time favorite bands.

[@MRPERFECT_79]

Ive never heard of that movie. Ill have to check it out

[@raydowns6725]

Man, same here.

[@babyenzo.]

Stfu you FR ranked Adrenaline to have a “shitty” guitar tone when in reality Adrenaline is just raw at its finest and super heavy

[@codysroom6303]

Me to huge deftones fan for 20 yrs.

[@roosterrugburn]

He's so soft spoken and down to earth. He could totally be the Bob Ross of metal guitar.

[@alexv417]

Bob Ross knew the earth was round tho

[@ash_aiden]

@@alexv417 Is this a joke or does he actually belive that?

[@davids2629]

@@ash_aiden yeah Stephen thinks the world is flat

[@3amwafflehouse]

@@davids2629 probably what makes me like him more because of hysterical that is

[@Annavslv]

@@davids2629probably thats because of weed as Chino said so idk

[@NicuMihai]

This is the only time you'll hear his guitar playing fully isolated, straight from his rig. Thank you so much for all you work, Steph. Huge inspiration for me and my band, You Arrive. Time to study some tones 🤓

[@aohall]

shit i didn’t think of that. facts!

[@dariusdarabant6232]

Salut

[@omariopuntocom]

“…in my dreams, beside me every night “

[@tb80038]

I love me some Deftones but his tone really isn't that great sounding. Sounds like a "heavy metal" preset from a late 90s digital multi fx pedal. IMO of course.

[@fullmetalfunk]

​@@tb80038 that's because it's supposed to fit in to the band mix. a lot of isolated guitar tracks on albums or live sound a lot different rom what you'd you dial in playing by yourself or just jamming with friends. also since he's playing 8 strings, especially when he's dropping down to E on them, he's getting into the bass register, so it's important to sculpt the tone so it doesn't compete too much with the bass by emphasizing those highs and high-mids.

[@philisaacs224]

Hell to the yeah... he may not be the most flashiest of players, but he knows how to throw down a heavy riff. Stephen Carpenter and Deftones are awesome !

[@fatboydashredder9877]

Tones are like groove metal

[@ShredmasterScott]

the more complicated the music, the less ass shaking....so true muhahaha

[@parkerwilson123]

Wassup shred

[@DapperHesher]

I dunno. I feel like Devin Townsend is a PHENOMENAL songwriter just like the 'Tones, with tons of knuckle-draggingly simple riffs and straightforward rhythms under his discography at this point, but really no bigger acclaim than being utterly niche. It's ironically far more complicated than, "just keep it simple".

[@belikemusic4225]

Yooo its Shred!!

[@blahzay_]

@@DapperHesher that’s a really bizarre comparison to make….Devin makes a lot of amazing, hooky music but some of it is extremely technical too. Plus that ridiculous Ziltoid coffee stuff is just pure nerd shit that isn’t going to appeal across the board.

[@tmw4138]

Yeah, because James Browns shit is like, some standing still music. Lolll

[@terunagagah]

That intro riff for You've Seen the Butcher is the most beautiful thing ive ever heard

[@morganhayes1589]

And if you add Abe's drums. Brilliance

[@KickflipGnasty]

Brilliant groove 🤘🏼

[@leedanielisla2440]

that song is sexy AF

[@user-kg5ko9rw4w]

Meh.

[@DAVIDJNUNO]

"I've always been late, not tremendously late, but, late is late" lol!! Epic.

[@mark7166]

One thing I've always loved about Stephen is his parts are pretty simple when you break them down, but they are EFFECTIVE.

[@zachkent2575]

I feel like he, as well as all the other guys, have really excellent skill at their particular role. Listening to them always feels like I'm being taught a crash course on how to properly write a song.

[@mark7166]

@@zachkent2575 Yeah, for sure. Something I find interesting, though, is how when you hear Stephen and Chino talk about writing music together, it sounds like they absolutely hate working together. It always sounds like they can't agree on anything, and they both just do what they want, and then somehow end up writing kick ass music anyway, haha!

[@onewhitepony]

I don’t play music just a big Deftones fan but for me he is the best hybrid lead rhythm guitar player. His sound doesnt stand out but does at the same time if that makes sense

[@mark7166]

@@onewhitepony I totally get you. He is present but not overbearing.

[@zachkent2575]

@@mark7166 i think they've probably mentioned how the output is a result of their creative relationship exactly as it is, so if there's tension between them in their creative process we can probably thank that for all the wonderful stuff they've put out before. I think I've read that they enjoy just hanging out together (since they've been friends for a long time anyways) more than dedicatedly writing music together.

[@rondroider8904]

This is the truest interview that i've ever heard from a musician. You can see Steph's eyes filled with excitement everytime he says "power chord"..

[@antsilva92]

This man is the reason I kept playing without knowing how to shred like Van Halen. Thank you stephen

[@calinbaciu1846]

if you could you would've

[@scottperrin9655]

In early 96 I "accidentally" saw Deftones in Lafayette when they were touring the Adrenaline album. I was at a bar next door to where they were playing but sadly, I didn't know who they were yet. When I heard them start next door, I could hear them where I was so, I walked over to check to see who was playing. There were maybe, MAYBE, 20 people watching them. Obviously, I was blown away by what I saw watching from the door. I asked the door guy who they were, and he said "The fuckin DEFTONES MAN". I paid my $20, which was a lot to get into a bar/club in 96, and basically got to watch Deftones like it was a private party or something. About 4 months later they came back to Lafayette to play the same bar and it was a MUCH different story. Sold out show with hundreds of people hanging out in the street around the place. The big thing that impressed me about them was that they were literally playing for 20-25 people including bar staff, but they were THROWING DOWN like they were playing for 20,000 people. Mark of a great band. At that first show, they had promo posters hanging everywhere of the Adrenaline album, but instead of the ear squeezy thing, it was kitten screaming. I took one off of the wall but lost it somewhere throughout the years. Really wish I still had it!

[@_abstractlarissa3429]

That is amazing and im jealous

[@nurk_barry]

That’s an awesome story!

[@jackiej2761]

Thanks for that cool story!

[@aohall]

sick story dude! wow

[@MonstrosGhost]

Badass story! I was born in 93 so I wasn’t around to catch their early shows. They’re local to me though, about a 40 minute drive from Sac. Started listening to them in 2008 ish when I was a bit older & I’ve loved them ever since.

[@cameronsexton7759]

Everything he said about playing rhythm is mindset down to the point. I’ve always had 0 desire to play solos and be flashy. I wanted to get people goin nuts by laying down a heavy rhythm.

[@slavojdyrdek]

That's where I'm at. I wanna get heads banging and asses shaking.

[@brandonproctor3639]

💯💯

[@vincentforest4074]

Right with you brother!

[@trendkill3333]

Solos are very fun to play but really to be a guitar player you need to dial in your rhythm playing first

[@jadenhancock]

Same, I just want to make riffs that will make people go crazy in myself go crazy on stage

[@NobodyNewsNetwork]

You can actually hear him play. I wish they would do the same on the Deftones youtube channel. He plays along to the songs with the backing track loud as hell.

[@CFChristian]

His live playing audio mix is cut out, unless it's used otherwise. Eg towards the end of the songs.

[@MK-oz2lf]

how the hell is Brandon a communist? lol Someone is repeating shit but they never read about for themselves

[@CFChristian]

@@MK-oz2lf lolwut

[@leedanielisla2440]

​@@MK-oz2lftf u say

[@mrjekyll6]

I love the fact that Ernie Ball allowed the edit to literally have only one small section dedicated to their brand and instead allowed Stephen to speak about his path as a musician. Respect is shown, respect is deserved. Thank you for this, it's beautiful to see Stephen so openly share.

[@InterSev]

Love all the riffs that Steph writes. They seem straight forward and accessible, and yet are incredibly effective and catchy. It's such a perfect balance. Deftones fan for life.

[@GGMattt]

"When the asses are shakin'... YOU'RE IN! Period!" :') I've loved Deftones for years, such a great band!

[@matthewbailey8588]

That shit had me cracking up.

[@ricardogeneral2441]

One of the best episodes of string theory.

[@blueberrydenim4807]

Steph is a master in minimalist yet complex riffs & the simplicity is what makes them so catchy

[@MrThememeking]

Got into deftones recently and just discovered that they're from my city and went to the same high school as me! How I've never heard of them in my teen years is baffling. These dudes rock 🤘

[@joaov_ds]

Welcome to the club. It'll be hard to get out.

[@aohall]

i just experienced them this year. sad i did not grow up with them but i just turned 18, they are still a part of my teen years thankfully. such a perfect band

[@deadwood21plus]

Same as me. As a metal guy who listening from Metallica to Lorna Shore, listening Deftones is like comeback to basic. Never try to compare with other subgenres in metal, but it's feel different. How a simple thing can feel heavy. What a legendary band.

[@user-wv5gv3dw5u]

Deftones and Thrice will forever be the greatest of all time. I'd love for him and Teppei to sit down and talk guitars/songs sometime

[@baroz11]

I agree completely

[@Azul_blue1923]

They’ve toured together so I’m sure this has already happened

[@DanteLikesRock]

& Glassjaw.

[@Colin.W]

His guitars are like skittles, man. I want them all. Always love an interview with Steph.

[@howardfangWD]

Steph is literally the most wholesome dude

[@magusking9215]

As a guitar player, Stephen is the paragon of the expression "If you gotta shoot, make it count" - aka - if you gotta make the riff a sonic monolith, go for it. From the first chords of "Bored" to "Ohms" Stephen and Deftones make it count with every record. 30 years going strong

[@ChasingSoundGuitar]

Always been a huge fan of the Deftones. I remember seeing them a couple times live, but the best was the White Pony tour with Incubus. Steph's playing has always been so simple, but so damn effective.

[@mark7166]

That would've been a great show! That would've been when Make Yourself was the current Incubus album, right? Those are my favorite albums for both bands.

[@ChasingSoundGuitar]

@@mark7166 yeah that’s exactly the tour where they were supporting Make Yourself. Really great times.

[@DavidTheCastle]

Dude what an amazing time to go be a part of. Incubus and Deftones are my two favorite bands. And touring from the 97-01 time frame would’ve been legendary. Jealous.

[@FuckFeminists]

Yes., so true. But you were at the White Pony tour? I might just have to print out an enlarged picture of your profile pic and throw darts at it out of sheer jealousy

[@ChasingSoundGuitar]

@@FuckFeminists That was the tour! The coolest thing is that Stef and Chino were hanging outside after the gig. It was an awesome show. Looking forward to seeing them again maybe this summer.

[@somewhereinbetween2769]

steph is the man. it’s not about how technical you are, it’s about how good of a song you can write. and steph wrote some fucking great songs/riffs.

[@nurk_barry]

He’s such a chill, down-to-earth dude. I love his story about getting fired from the taco stand and that being the moment that he knew that failure wasn’t an option. I also love his take on simplicity of songwriting and music being a spectrum where the more complicated and convoluted, your fan base and appeal dwindles but those who do follow are super-rabid loyal disciples. Love Deftones, love their music and I’m glad that I’ve finally started really digging in to their library of music, even though they were around throughout my youth and formative years of playing guitar and learning music, I always heard them in my peripheral and never really investigated them like I did for 311, it’s a shame but at least I have a new band with riff-heavy tracks to get inspired from. On a side note, this was a killer interview by Ernie Ball ST series, his pedalboard looks fantastic with all that strymon stuff on the back, and those sound city cabs look super bad ass!

[@gokhan9395]

Down to flat earth

[@justinnielsen9319]

Alexi From COB once said, who cares if your music is technical if it sounds like shit. Sure, I can appreciate the talent, but the sound is trash

[@whatthesnell]

The taco stand was called Pescados (I actually worked there and this is where I met the guys). He broke the glass on the storage room door after being fired.

[@lustforlow-end6022]

@Justin Nielsen “who cares if your music is technical if it sounds like shit” dude I love that. Jazz is technical as hell but I can’t stand it!

[@justinnielsen9319]

@ lust for low end. I’m not against it, but I haven’t heard a jazz song I liked 😂

[@Aaron_Gentry]

Stephen Carpenter seems like one of the coolest dudes around. Damn good guitar player too. It doesn't have to be complicated to be awesome

[@se7en5es]

His music is the definition of heavy and enjoyable

[@CaloyGenX]

Such a humble guy! Loved deftones ever since..

[@ioneil1808]

This guy is an absolute legend.

[@RMTP5]

"I just wanna crunch it up!" -Steph (8:01)

[@billyhughes9776]

I like what Stephen talked about regarding the songwriting process -- how Chi would always come up with his part and play it the way he wanted. I do believe that can make for more rich sounding, textual experience musically as long as you're in the same space key-wise and on-time rhythmically.

[@RIK_JAMES420_POV]

When nu metal fell away the gods of the genre remained. To still be relevant after so many years and still put out amazing albums every single release, you can’t help but be humbled by the no bullshit approach. These guys still have so much more to give and that makes me so grateful to the band as a whole. Keep it crunchy Steph, the fans aren’t going anywhere. Big love big dawg ❤️

[@smoker-ku1er]

Yeah, Korn and Deftones are legends.

[@sagewallace1]

I like to think of deftones as a entire musical composition just like classical. Stephen might not be a solo shredding EVH but what he does is very smart and extremely effective. Their songs are masterpieces when you look at all of the small details put into it that stephen does, such as the weird ethereal noises he makes with the tone knobs etc.

[@hoju6796]

The part talking about Chi and their playing together really hit me. Miss that guy. RIP Chi

[@archangelsailo6925]

Steph is the g.o.a.t of heavy riff.. he is the most underrated guitarist but influenced lots of guitarist today. His playing is so unique yet so heavy.. All his riff sound so huge..

[@miguel-db9xf]

Underrated The Story Of Deftones. I Know Thier Quit Popular But Not Appreciated. It's Awesome That Thier Being Discovered By Younger People (Check Y Deftones So Popular Again Clip) But Personally Love Being A Fan Since 90's. Y Underrated IMO Y The F R&R Hall Of Fame Haven't Given Deftones Thier Respect.

[@ceelos4504]

A literal musical genius talking about how much he loves the powerchord. I love it.

[@emanuelrayvillaflores7759]

Deftones was and still is one of the most important bands in music especially in Nu Metal and their music has inspired countless musicians, me being one of them

[@rTwoJ]

deftones always have been and always will be beyond the "nu metal" label

[@thetalentedmrfitz]

@@rTwoJ facts

[@DanteLikesRock]

people that listened only to their first 3 albums will call them "nu metal". They became so much more after that.

[@emanuelrayvillaflores7759]

not gonna lie, I really like Koi No Yokan, Saturday Night Wrist and Diamond Eyes better than the older albums

[@andrewbrewer3050]

I used to listen to the first 4 albums and just play along note for note. I owe any skill I have as a player to this man right here. Thank you Steph!!!

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Sacto native here and Deftones fan since the beginning. I’ve seen them several times in venues big and small. My favorite show was on the White Pony Tour when they came back home and were presented with the key to the city. That was fricking cool.

[@davidanderson1639]

I’ve a fan of Deftones since Adrenaline & seen them countless times. Stef; along with Robin Fink from NIN, is a hugely underrated guitarist…..& so so humble. Can’t wait to catch Deftones live this summer!!

[@techdeathhippie6319]

And Robins guitar solo on Chinese Democracy is sweet af

[@davidanderson1639]

@@techdeathhippie6319 I caught GNR live when Robin & Buckethead were in the line up….& despite Axl being in ultra dickhead mode during that time, they were awesome.

[@techdeathhippie6319]

@@davidanderson1639 hell ya ! I loved that line up . Huge fan of all of Chinese democracy

[@metallixro]

This interview is simply amazing!

[@sonicbluespivey6769]

This was just incredible. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@trueshadowlover63]

i love that he got that insight on what to play through a dream. that’s so beautiful to me!

[@theshapeexists]

Very cool hearing the man talk for more than 30 seconds. Been listening to Deftones since the beginning. Owned 2 of his signature guitars and learned all the songs as a teenager. These guys were one of my biggest musical influences. Thanks Ernie Ball

[@sralairt]

The immediacy and simplicity in his playing, on top of the contrast of styles between each member, makes his riffs sound bigger than it should. A huge inspiration for a generation of players

[@underscoreisnotvalid]

Everything he says is so relatable. He nails it perfectly when he talks about the dynamic of being in a band and all the fun times etc.

[@idocoolthings6102]

Man you were so high in this video and it’s so cool.

[@DanielECarroll]

Such an awesome video! Love Steph! He has been such an influence on me.

[@Clown321321]

One of my favorite people in the business. Thanks for this great material!

[@heyshwa5102]

I love his explanation of simple vs complicated music, because it's too true!

[@theblazingkai]

Stephen this is priceless, thanks for the inspiration. I grew up with your band and it's an honor to be a part of that generation.

[@xerian5734]

Thank you so much for this 💙 you're the best

[@Hello-dy1gh]

👍 thank you for telling it like it really is! You guy’s have been an inspiration for so many individuals and bands.

[@AMS.Aviator]

One of my first songs I learned on guitar over 20 years ago was My Own Summer. Thank you Steph

[@Keepmelevel]

Much respect bro!! Love DEFTONES! Your band was a huge influence in my guitar players writing.

[@thelowlifex9437]

Totally love this series of artists talking about wverything what made them who they are ! Keep going with it ernie ball!

[@MrDacnonfire]

you guys were one of my fav herobands since my childhood. love you and thank you so much❤️

[@CRAZYCANUCKTV]

Deftones were the soundtrack to my life throughout the 90s! Thanks Stephen and the rest of the boys for sharing your awesome music!!

[@user-zs1gx8ke8g]

There goes my hero. The genuine article, guitarist for the people. My life is better because Deftones. Thanks!

[@josephromero4989]

100% my favorite all time band. For so many reasons. Thank you Deftones for everything you have created and will continue to create!!

[@Kandieswing]

YOU are my inspiration Stephen - THANK YOU !!!

[@vonclod123]

Awesome!! I have always loved the Deftones, I even picked up a SC-607B back when they first came out.

[@ngaugeblading9690]

What an amazing interview. I loved that you just him playing some riffs with no backing track. Stephen is probably the biggest influence to me guitar wise. I am forever creating Deftones-esq riffs

[@dadoboogins7833]

With Daron, Robin, and now Stephen...my collection is almost complete...I love you guys. Thanks for all the music and emotion over all these years.

[@addamtate1230]

Deftones. All time favorite band. Bought Adrenaline the summer between middle and high school. Loved them ever since.

[@jaetguz]

God I love Stephen's simplicity in every way. So cool how they started the band. Stephen is a one of a kind guitarist. An amazing songwriter and rhythm guitarist.

[@kelliecastillo2671]

This is gold 🥰 Perfectly explains why we love Deftones. Stephen is amazing!

[@jaysylver]

Stephen has always been a tremendous inspiration to me.

[@slappy0079]

The Deftones is my favorite band I’ve never heard a song or album I did not love. I’ve been listening to you guys since the concrete corner demo CDs I listened to on my Discman, I didn’t connect with white pony in the beginning but it has grown on me. and I heard “battle axe” , then I started searching for everything I could find. I listen to the deftones almost every time I listen to music. Thanks! Your my favorite guitarist ever, Stephen.

[@lukeklober]

Stephen and Deftones never disappoint when it comes to build simple (or not that simple) loud and heavy rock/metal music. I love it. Thank you!

[@py16667]

Love this style of interview, about to binge a bunch of these videos lol

[@xiwiwix]

It's crazy to see Steph the age my dad was when he past. Thank you for a life time of music, brother.

[@thedankriffs]

The absolute king!! There's something about the power and simplicity and Deftones that has always resonated with me. Rhythm guitars make the song!! And let's get some copies of those helix patches!!

[@senorhedvoycez6017]

Love this guy. Some of the best riffs ever written.

[@flatgroundtv7097]

Each band members go into their own direction musically but sounds amazing collectively. That's a miracle. This is the real music. They keep it honest to themselves. Enjoyable moment together. ✊🏽

[@clist9406]

Bro your never late , it’s just being over early ! Huge Deftones fan . Jamming Deftones is like flying supersonic while chilling in the Matrix . Much respect , just keep doing what you do !

[@vinceenrique3616]

thankful for The deft ones. love you guys thank you for being a part of my life.

[@SeanBennettGuitar]

Steph hugely impacted the soundtrack of my teenage years. Every time I think of Steph, it always reminds me of what's most important: to make music that resonates with everyone, not just fellow musicians. Listening to Deftones always reminds me that rhythm is king on guitar - that music is not about technical ability, but about 'vibe'.

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Omg this is AWESOME! I’m inspired! Thank you EB and Stefdodoubleg!

[@stephengoulet6781]

Thank you Stephen for always keeping me intrigued. And forever inspired. ✌️

[@escherpainting8622]

I'm very glad that he's clearly happy about his new smile. It's going to take a while to re-understand this man's face that i've been seeing and voice i've been hearing for so long, but he seems very content. Rad.

[@itz_premium]

Loved watching Carpenter slowly step up his playing over the albums from -6 to -7 to -8 string guitars.

[@tryssrt]

9 string in ceremony

[@lixn.headless]

​@@tryssrt he doesn't use the 9 string on that song. he does on the spell of mathematics

[@tryssrt]

@@lixn.headless damn

[@meatball707]

He embodies everything I believe in. The connection he talks about having is real. Motivational to say the least and just real, the world needs more of this. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life🤘🏻

[@toneskiadam4068]

Steph is the man really enjoy interviews like this

[@ruination775]

Yes. About time. Thank you Ernie Ball..

[@michaellandrumguitar]

what a awesome interview love deftones

[@babyenzo.]

This man right here is the reason why I play guitar, he is such a big inspiration to my playing and why I’m so eager to chase the passion of playing guitar. Many people just don’t understand the dynamics and his ear for riffs, that’s what makes his work so unique and special to the ear. I’ll never quit playing guitar no matter what. Thank you Steph, see you in April

[@dmarty3696]

This was awesome. Not always easy to be simplistic, and not over analyze what's good for the song. As simple as it may appear, there is actually a lot going on at times in their songs. The combination of influences in the group and what each other brings is what makes Deftones so unique. Each of their songs has a way of creating moments and taking you on a journey. Deftones Rule!

[@onemoresound]

I heard Deftones in 2006 for the first time and the songs were Bored and Be Quiet & Drive (Far Away). Now, I am fan for life knowing the whole catalog. Love you guys! One love for Chi. I am glad I had a chance to enjoy original band line-up.

[@gwemula]

As humble and simple as can be. What a guy!

[@myksbox]

man, this is the best.... Steph is so awesome as a precision rhythm player, I'm always blown away. Those ingredients he contributes to Deftones are not replaceable. Seeing the self narrative in this way.... total respect. Deftones one of the most iconic and individual sounding bands I know.

[@ccbox23]

This is a master class in advertising, and I mean that in a good way. You have a spokesperson in Steph who is well spoken and exudes sincerity and uses your product (well first he did, then he didn't, but now he does again, and that's what matters! ). When the video is over I still remember that Steph uses Ernie Ball strings, so maybe I'll give them a try, and maybe give Deftones another listen as well. Awesome. By the way Steph, greetings from that now shuttered music studio across from Torrance Airport (owner: Jeri, manager: Jerry!) and from my hometown, San Pedro)

[@milinda9921]

Omggg, I needed this. I love Stef so far.

[@alexxgarcia963]

I wanted for this for a long time. He's the best ; I love Deftones

[@justcal__]

i got into deftones recently through a good friend. one of the things that really set them apart for me was the fact that their songs have such personality. every piece sounds like they know exactly what they’re doing and they all shine through. to hear it confirmed by stephen is so fkng cool

[@MrRja333]

Stef is a Legend!!🤘🏻

[@jamesg7883]

You’re a bloody legend Steph - you make beautiful, brutal music. The juxtaposition of the different deftones members taste is what makes it great - I totally agree

[@billplisssken5153]

Great interview! Steph's guitar journey is so similar to mine, and he is a huge inspiration to me.