Is This a NEW LEVEL of SHRED?!

[@BenEller]

Thanks for learning Spiro Dussias’ insane string skipping secrets with me! Now snag the TAB, practice tracks, PLUS my top-secret metronome hack for MAXIMUM SPEED here: www.patreon.com/posts/85984092?

[@raybergstrom]

This dude, baxty, and Stephen Taranto are the evolution of Gilbert-style shred. Amazing

[@stellaspoochpitfeaturingro3522]

Steven Taranto is amazing

[@francho123]

Anton Oparin claims he is better!

[@infinitesimotel]

@@francho123 Where does he make this claim?

[@francho123]

@@infinitesimotel he even claims that he is better than Guthrie, Yngwie and others

[@infinitesimotel]

@@francho123 Yea OK, but WHERE does he make these claims? Ive not witnessed him make any of those claims in any form.

[@pkweon]

Uncle Ben is the best step dad I've never had!

[@redfurydubstep]

Agreed!

[@billyarsenault1970]

Most are saying the free personal lessons are really worth listening to him banging your mom. Is the deal really a Win/Win like he says it is???

[@paulm6341]

😂

[@DaveThomson]

Who's your step daddy?!?!?

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Shred Dad

[@RicardoDiazHimself]

You can find SS patterns like those, with that speed and clarity, in a lot of Jani Liimatainen solos from SA albums 20-years-old : )

[@TheCyberMantis]

Michael Romeo was doing this kinda stuff 30 years ago.

[@HeroS_DionysuS]

The ending solo of Racer X's Scarified really got me prepared for string skipping. Also much of Michael Romeo's material. Ben give Morning Star solo by Angra a go. Man that's a workout for string skipping/alternate picking.

[@HeroS_DionysuS]

The other tune worth mentioning is In the dragons den solo by Michael Romeo. It skips two strings and goes backwards for the octave section. I've NEVER seen anyone do that. Very unique (not counting Paul Gilbert's skip 3 octave moves that he quit doing on 6 strings)

[@JesseMichel]

Spiro is mind blowing man. Great approach to this technique man!

[@ironskater121]

I watch him on instagram all the time, I just simply don't understand how his right hand is so robotic and perfect. Definitely keeps me inspired.

[@BenEller]

he's a MACHINE! Incredible technique.

[@alexanderresnanskyjunior.4065]

He along with Michael Angelo B, Michael Romeo, Max Ostrow, and others had their picking hand neuromuscular efficiency and precision supplemented with Borg nano probes. It virtually makes your picking hand into a Hard Drive Actuator Arm. But the proceedure, although not as painful as assimilation, has some side effects...

[@Sm0kn]

The launch pick technique is the secret knowledge this player sure does love. What a hook up.🤩

[@jasonstallworth]

Great exercise man! And I need to borrow that Jackson from you dude. I’ve always admired how Eric Johnson integrates string skipping. He’s one of those guitarists that has developed his own signature style

[@bestboy897]

You've added a jackson to your collection sheeeesh

[@BenEller]

I’ve had it a while! Love it.

[@23dvs]

Another example of why this is my favorite guitar content channel. Ben, you’re a great teacher…. always great tips to help improve our chops - sensible and efficient!! Thanx 🤘

[@spunkybrewster1972]

That Spiro clip was crazy. Not the speed, not the string skipping, but the damn clarity! The muting was immaculate. Also, has Uncle Ben done a complete break down of Top Jimmy? It's such a underrated guitar centric tune for us old EVH nuts.

[@Sixxiron]

Uncle Ben bringing the knowledge heat again! I can also say that his Patreon is the most RIDICULOUS value in all of guitar education. Best subscription service I have, and I have a ton… Go getcha some now!

[@2x2gaming]

Ты знаешь об Антоне Опарине?

[@kevinneace9008]

I first saw Spiro when I was 16 when he was featured on Insaneintherainmusic's video game covers when they were roommates at Berklee. Even back then, I thought he was an awesome player, but I'm absolutely amazed at the growth he has had as a player. He has become one of the most incredible guitarists the world has seen, and I can't wait for him to release his solo music!

[@yeserguitar]

That's a really good one uncle Ben, thank you! Somehow I manage to do it Spiro's way, with downpicking. I guess I got used to that one. As long as I don't lock my forearm for the movement, I can easily do it to a certain point. I guess I'll adapt to play faster in time

[@stellaspoochpitfeaturingro3522]

Yeah and this goes hand in hand with outlining a chord shape using string skipping, and I like it, thanks Uncle Ben!!!

[@klauswigsmith]

What a timely lesson upload from Uncle Ben! During practice last night I was lamenting the absolute suckage of my string skipping ability and 6 minutes into the video I already see a mild (MILD) improvement!

[@gnrslash1987]

We appreciate you uncle Ben!

[@Henelund]

Asolutely, Ben your´e great with all the turorials and tips you put out, and lots fun stuff too:-)...:-)

[@mojodojo5533]

Sick. Just plain sick.

[@brendanshervington3560]

Thanks Uncle Ben, really luv your string skipping prowess, great lesson, muck luv❤

[@brendanshervington3560]

Oops much Luv

[@PawpawJamz]

Great lesson, Dude. I love how you're always able to come up with something to put a difficult concept or technique into examples everyone can understand. Killer guitar, BTW🤘

[@Nasosdag]

Spiro(s) is a new level of scary... fantastically mind boggling stuff! Big thanks for your insights, Uncle Ben!

[@XxGDUBxX7]

Idk if the band Wintersun string skips but this is reminding me of their tone and sound on the song Death and the Healing. Pretty sick. Thank you Uncle Ben for the free lessons!

[@sole__doubt]

Whoa! I need to practice more.

[@KOFguitarsGearOutlet]

Awesome 😁best money spent on patreon and online guitar learning so far. LAUNCHERS!!!

[@RizoftheDead]

I think you may have created one of those "I play this all the time while practicing AND it sounds awesome so I can show off with it" riffs that are so fun, much appreciated!

[@pickboy7]

Excellent practice etude! Thanks Uncle Ben!

[@satchrules101]

Finally a lesson that I could never explain! Thanks Ben for an absolutely Important lesson!

[@JamesMurphyProducer]

great etude, i’ll add it to my practice tonight

[@ohpotatoesandmolasses]

That Jackson is perfect.

[@TylerUSA]

Wow! So much cooler than my stepdad's shred practice; I can't wait to run this one! Thanks Uncle Ben!

[@LaCajaDeSnake]

It's like a casual Monday in the life of Shawn Lane, once you explore Shawn's world nothing can surprise you anymore

[@BriBeast8566]

Nice ...something to work on when i get home

[@Douglas_I]

Wow! This is an epic little exercise! I love it!

[@Mechanobi]

I love it. See's a good shredder, let's show the pattern! Instantly grabs the Jackson. It's safe to say folks we all know what the best shred guitars are:)

[@MrTroyBettis]

Awesome sauces Uncle Ben!

[@travislee9662]

Cue up Barry White’s voice: "Oh yeah it’s all about getting it up to get down stroking on that g string.” 😂

[@eddiejr540]

Jeez Uncle Ben…I’m still working on the “Tell Me” solo…those position shifts at the start are killing me…I got it at about 75% speed…gotta keep pushing…thanks for this one…rock on bro😎

[@MARK-r6c3k]

Your the Man! 👊😎

[@botplaysguitar]

When you thought that Uncle Ben finally boarded the react train but he's right back at you with another lesson!

[@ianguest2011]

As soon as I'm back off holiday I'm going to give my stepdad a run for his money with this one. I've always been a fan of string skipping as it offers way more options than stepdad sweeps.

[@josuastangl7140]

I see that starting with an upstroke would make it more efficient, but my right hand wants wants to make another upstroke for the second note so bad, I eventually after a few repeats end up starting with a downstroke again. Great excercise and Spiro is a beast non the less!

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

Ohh maaaaann 👍👍🤘💪

[@schmoofadoop]

Thank you Uncle Ben and Spiro for getting me to just pick up my axe randomly to give this a go which turned into another hour of spontaneous practice time because I was having so much fun with it 🤘

[@bluewater3783]

"Congratulations!" Ben! 😊 Your "A Minor Etude!" both Looks and Sounds Great! :) Also: All of Your Many--And Quality!--Contributions to The Guitar 🎸 and Wider Music Communities are Most Certainly Appreciated! Take good care, Ben! And: Thank You, So Much! 😊

[@Nickshreds890]

Sounds killer :) ! Thank you Ben! Always stoked to learn new things from you :)

[@MrMetalhorse]

Very cool stuff. Similar to Stephen Taranto, who's also my sleep paralysis demon when it comes to picking.

[@bestboy897]

Its such a great lesson

[@kevins.3825]

I will be incorporating this pattern into my practice playing. Thanks!

[@jakemertz2660]

You rawk Uncle B!!!

[@chucksaeger7500]

Fabulous as usual! Just love your style dude. There’s got to be more out there who are saying; “We’re not worthy “.

[@marks8437]

Damn Sam, great technique analysis. I love your brain, thanks letting us borrow it.

[@RationalGaze216]

Can you do more lessons on Spiro stuff? Some of his clips on instagram are just unreal and way too fast & complicated for me to figure out on my own. You did a great job breaking this down to make it both digestible and playable, like a nice bran-based cereal.

[@martinwray7001]

Sounds a bit racer X scit scat wah esque. PG and Bruce Bouillet play all that with in-between, starting on a downstroke, awkwardness. I've never been able to play it at their breakneck pace, but that was the magic that was racer X.

[@x9uij3rWD]

Yeah nah he's literally that guy rn it's pretty unreal

[@erichartwell6792]

Love that guitar and awesome lesson as usual thanks for all you do!🎉

[@taLLdavid33]

It sounds good too!!

[@ryanschindler923]

i actually just discovered Spiro from his time on the Riff Hard podcast. Guys a killer player for sure.

[@vladx3539]

thx a lot for sharing

[@woodfireguitar]

I know Ying-Yang Milkshake... but who's Francis Bubbletrousers?? Uncle Ben, do I hear a bit of Santana's "Smooth" in there??

[@leeturner9142]

dear Uncle Ben. I must meet this Frances bubble trousers I hear he's in a band with 88 fingers Louie

[@ryanreed380]

Spiro Agnew is a great guitarist

[@TheCyberMantis]

LoL!

[@BenevolentBees]

🤯🤯 Not everyday you find a guy that unique

[@felipegomabrockmann2740]

Love this lesson. I am not doing any progress learning the solo of Extreme's Warheads Solo. Maybe Uncle Ben could do a lesson for that solo :)

[@doyouluvit]

so damn fun!!!!!! thanks Ben

[@Zharf]

great practice that also sounds great too, nice

[@dougbenton8101]

Francis Bubble-trousers is one helluva a player. I hear him talked about all the time.

[@erichartwell6792]

Love that soloist Jackson kicks ass💯🤘🏻🔥

[@guitarz]

Francis F'n Bubbletrousers strikes again... Damn you!!!!

[@K.V.H.]

That lesson exploded my brain compartments. I don't think I can get that learnt... 🤔 All hail Uncle Ben!!

[@chrisburzenski2317]

What about how to play Nuno's Rise solo? Lol. This is much much better! Thanks Ben!

[@ErikAnders]

Perfect lessons

[@malan43]

It not only works “More Better” It’s “More Gooder” for my picking.

[@BuffHotWell88]

That Shining shirt is absolutely amazing!!😊

[@GizzyDillespee]

Haha I'll have to try this next year. Meantimes, I'll play these jumps on keyboard instead🤣. Problem is, will I bother to set up different zones and velocity crossfades, and then learn how to hit the right velocity ranges, to simulate the timbre changes of playing on different strings? No, I'll probably just put key-tracking to filter partway, and mess with the fx, and keep trying to improve at guitar, too.

[@metalheadpunk]

Sort of reminds me of one of the Erotomania solos

[@randallhaney7909]

Aww Gee Wizz Uncle Ben, Really another exercise .. I'll never be able to play?? But dang man; is it ever a Blast trying to ..Yup Yup, Thanks Boss, For another cool lesson .. (as always) You and your work are appreciated muchly

[@vinvin1909]

That’s an awesome lesson. Thx for sharing. Hope you can teach us any of Slayer’s or Iron Maiden riffs in the future. By the way, you did a very good lesson on Collective Soul’s Shine. Of course, that’s an extremely difficult one, but at least we’ve been to get at at least sth our of it, thanks to you.

[@bigfishyonbass9961]

Great shirt!

[@guitar9310]

Great vid as always. It's got kind of a paul gilbert kinda vibe to it!

[@skybluemarshall]

How to tell if you're a Boomer/Classic Rocker-stepdad: Uncle Ben's initial slowed down pattern at 0:40 sounded perfect to you. 😂

[@ClintoniusMaximusEnns]

Steve Morse is a great example of string skipping 😎

[@tomanderson6140]

"At stepdad speed." Years later, still makes me laugh every time.

[@BuckJoFiden]

Nice pattern Ben, I’ll be shredding this through my Howard Roberts and 5E3, love your work 👍🫡🇦🇺

[@sheldonwright8770]

Sometimes I treat certain strings just like I did school… skip the mongrel…Great lesson too

[@bradleyclarkson8701]

ok ive been looking all over the music gear sites... The Verby sounding one, that one that is pretty Sweet. through all my travels not one of the metronomes i looked at had "stepdad" speed. im not sure im a buyer into this whole digital revolution thing. I also considered this may be a specialtiy item like my lefty guitars, so i go and ask a rep, These friends have to know, they directed me twords the left handed patch cables where i finaly found stpdad speed, well they told me given my potential, Largo means stepdad in bora boran.. 😂 Thanks again Ben.

[@ErikAnders]

Hell yes

[@nathancloud6344]

The Mighty Vulva lick!!!

[@WarmasterMoloch]

I seriously need to find out where to get one of those The Shining T-shirts.

[@atomichaser]

dear ben...i love ur vids...is it possible for u to have matteo mancuso on here or examine his technique....i find it insane crazy awesome

[@deadadam666]

Spiros exercise reminds me a lot of mercenary - everblack

[@cfaibah]

hey dad do one on Stephen Taranto

[@johnscott2076]

He’s not the stepdad we get, but he’s the stepdad we deserve

[@ROOKTABULA]

It's an odd thing. I got into VH in 81. Ed's the reason I got eventually got into playing guitar but it was his rhythm playing and songs that hooked me and made me want to play. I loved his solo's because they were so musical and you could hum many of them, no feckin' question, but on my 2 1/2 albums, I was always conscious of not playing the same parts the same each time going thru the track - just like Ed. I was so _NOT_ into lead, that quite literally the very first time I tried playing up at "the dusty end of the neck", (as Malcolm Y called it), was a "lead" break on the intro to the 4th song I ever wrote. Had I known it would be my first to get nat'l radio play here and still get (shitty little) royalty cheques every so often, (last year for play in Canaduh, U$A and Vietnam), 27 years later? Maybe I would have put more effort into that intro lead break and the song's solo!.... Nah. I wouldn't have. >:D I can't imagine how many eons you've put into getting sofa king good, young Ben Canown-mi

[@BaMBlazr]

@BenEller hey man mind sharing what pick you are using?

[@Leopaulall6996]

I love your rice Uncle Ben and this cool sting skipping exercise, thanks dude nasty!

[@patrickethington16]

Steve Morse is my personal favorite string skipper. As far as insane shred is concerned, have you heard Roy Marchbank?

[@Yusufmasron]

very nice

[@johnnylayton1672]

Fredrik Åkesson & Marty Friedman are two more string skippers maybe worth listening to for additional inspiration

[@DizzyKrissi]

Is it by purpose that you start with an upstroke?