THE Chris Impellitteri Interview, PART 1 (how he built his chops, melody, songwriting, longevity...)

[@samizdat113]

I was listening to this guy back in the late 80's.

[@Sphereal]

He is so humble and charismatic. It's insane that he isn't more popular.

[@rodanone4895]

i was thinking the same. loved his playing since the first album. never realized he was salt of the earth people too!

[@chriskeiser303]

I bought it in 88stand in line in fl everybody wanted it when a radio station played over the rainbow

[@chriskeiser303]

He should be big in usa he's one of my favorite..have all his music

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

I wish he was more well known, he impressed me quite a bit more than Yngwie. But I think he’s probably quite happy where he is at the moment.

[@brunoromagnoli3463]

This band needs more recognition.

[@stevemora7845]

The guy has incredible chops and melodicism. He deserves way more recognition. 🔥🎸

[@zungle6626]

Chris is the man, an artistic savage...love his music!!

[@AlejandroRasmussen7]

An underrated riff master and songcrafter

[@chuckp342]

Chris is such a sharp-minded, humble individual. I could listen to him talk for hours. Great interview!

[@mr.armitage2933]

Love this guy! Total shredder who has stayed authentic over all these years.

[@christhiancastillo1607]

First interview I see of him. What a likeable guy, and a master of his craft. Awesome. It doesn't get much better.

[@irmasil3]

Chris is legend. And thats a really good interview.That "Screaming symphony" instrumental live track is outstanding and flawless....crazy flawless!!!

[@davidkiefer9875]

Such a great guy - so humble and real - and as he said, there's a reason the band bears his sur name. His wonderful parents were tragically killed in an incredibly horrible auto accident - may they rest in peace forever. I am from the same area of Connecticut as Chris and I will never forget that... Chris is a great person who is honest, humble real and straight up guy and the music business needs many .more like him. I am proud to be a fan of Chris and I always will be... God bless you my friend...

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

Yeah, he had a rough start in life. But man he’s an incredible musician.

[@Michael-h5e2k]

My hero

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

Chris is so underrated, I never thought someone who plays faster and better than Yngwie could be so humble. What a gem

[@heavyjoechipman3594]

I love Chris Impellitteri! I have several old copies of "Guitar For The Practicing Musician" with him either featured on the cover or with his song tabs/music in the back pages. The very fact this interview took place at his kitchen table Max, makes this even more badd ass! 🎸❤☺👍

[@xLSDxUCSB]

This is the interview I'd always hoped for with Chris. Thank you for taking the time to discuss technique.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks! There's a Part 2 out and I also have Part 3 releasing soon!

[@xLSDxUCSB]

@@GuitarMAXMusic Great, I'm looking forward to it. I appreciate your thoughtful and serious approach. Great work 👍

[@iseeu-fp9po]

Seems like such a lovely guy.

[@donhoughjr4388]

Chris is one of my all time favorite Guitarists Stand in Line is one of my absolute favorite guitar driven albums i bought the album on cassette just from a interview in a magazine back in the day bought it and from the opening track i was hooked with Chris

[@chocolatecookie8571]

Thank you so much for inviting Chris Impelliteri. 🙏 He is one of my favorites. I will watch it later 👌🏻

[@stomach-turningthrush9432]

One of my favorite guitarists of all time. Thanks for this interview!

[@heavyjoechipman3594]

Mine too!🎸❤👍

[@thebaldshredder]

Great interview. I watched the whole thing. Chris is a great guy. I met him back in 1989 at my very first NAMM show. Very nice guy and amazing player. It's a shame these interviews don't get more views.

[@wmvaux]

Thanks for doing the interview with Chris, he's someone we never really hear a lot from, and it's fascinating hearing about him and his band and the albums.

[@bp7152]

Dude giving his harshest critics their due, what a humble self aware man. Def gonna get more acquainted w his music.

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

It’s really worth it, I’d recommend Grin And Bear It. The riffs are absolutely brilliant and the songs in general are just really strong.

[@ScryFouL]

When is part 2??!!!!😅😅 I really enjoyed this interview. Chris impelliteri is such an underrated guitarist..

[@thereaper7682]

Chris is a legend and underrated

[@SteveBelong72]

Even after all of these decades Chris is still one of my favorite guitarists. Absolutely amazing player!

[@Cobbath]

Awesome interview, should be more of them. Its pathetic how underrated Impellitteri is! Chris is a genuine guy and his playing is amazing. Ridiculous, how people claim he's a Yngwie clone when I heard Stand In Line I instantly heard his Brian May and Gary Moore influences. His high pitch bends and vibrato screams Brain May.

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

He’s got loads of influences and heroes, and they showed him more Yngwie ever could have. Besides, his music style is different from Yngwie’s; Impelliteri’s is bluesier, the harmonies are better and the vocals have a kind of gospel feel to them (especially on the songs on Grin And Bear It). Yngwie’s mostly classical and stuff. But regarding Impelliteri’s fame, I think they’re quite happy where they are at the moment. Wish they were more well known, but it doesn’t really matter; lots of people like their music.

[@dannywilliams3516]

What an awesome interview max. Chris seems like such a fantastic guy. Definitely love these interviews you're doing now. With some great guitarists. Can't wait to see the second and third part.

[@JawedKarim763]

THANK YOU for doing this!! Chris is the KING!!

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

Max, you’re so knowledgeable & perceptive! Your conversations produce great interviews! 💖 so well done!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you!

[@Star_Sn1per]

Most underrated shredder of all time

[@olirossow3179]

As a big Impellitteri fan, I already look forward to the second part! Great stuff!

[@chrismccoy7555]

🎁🌟A MANDALORIAN AN A COMPOSER AT HEART ONE OF THE GREATS🌟🌟

[@sofarsogod]

Vai, Friedman, Becker, and this guy know how to use fast melodic lines like no other.

[@raymondmagdallon9033]

I had never encountered this guy before. What a fantastic interview.

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Awesome interview Max🤘🏻🤘🏻Chris has always been a favorite of mine. I think he is underrated and deserves more!!!

[@thought1212]

my favorite guitarist by far. thanks for having chris on. i still have an email from him saved from like 20 years ago.

[@MaxSalada]

Chris is one of my favorites. System X is my favorite album followed by screaming symphony...

[@8tonsemi]

Great job Max! Spread the word Chris is an incredible player and Impellitteri is an awesome band. I have all of the Japanese tab books of his albums and they have helped my own playing a great deal. We all seem to love the same great players….Chris, Akira Takasaki, G Moore, M Schenker, Uli, Yngwie, Greg Howe, and my favorite Allan Holdsworth! I missed the boat on Chris until a few years ago and now I’m hooked. Keep ‘em comin Max! Cheers Mike

[@JohnnyBargeldBoom]

Awesome! Hope this interview never ends!🎸👌

[@hmoen]

Thanks Max, he has been one of my guitar heros sine he released his first album.

[@The_Rob_Squad_Reactions..]

⬆️

[@stratluvr]

Great interview with Chris , I have always liked his playing since the first time I had heard his version of " Somewhere Over The Rainbow" I am honored that we are now label mates

[@damonstewart70]

What are you artist title and album so I can check em out

[@nicholasthill7151]

Wow! I came to watch this and found Jack Starr. There is a time (a very long time ago) I think I was the only person I knew who owned a few Jack Starr recordings. What a wonderful blast from the past!

[@stratluvr]

@@nicholasthill7151 Thanks Nicholas , you have good taste in guitar playing, I like Chris too

[@MercutioUK2006]

I had heard of Impellitteri years ago when "Stand in Line" arrived and completely by chance, found the LP in a record shop, out of the way in Huntingdon, UK. Been a fan ever since!

[@owenedwardsguitar7094]

Wasn’t it Barney’s in St Neots?!

[@MercutioUK2006]

@@owenedwardsguitar7094 Definitely not.

[@bluematrix5001]

I never liked his solo Style and music in his early record and in general, besides with Graham Bonnet, his speed never talked to me (not my coup of tea) , but I have to recognize his commitment to Music and that also his Records specially the newer ones sound so aggressive , intense and Metal (like only very few), plus they are very technical and precise. - respect to him.... plus seems like e real and genuine person.

[@robbpaulguitar]

Thanks for this Maxxxwell… I knew you’d be the man to get an interview with Chris!

[@andrewshell788]

Max: thank you for providing content that cuts against the grain.

[@andrewshell788]

Now I need to go pull out my Impelliterri, Narnia, and Angelica albums

[@seanvanblaricom9619]

I discovered Impelliteri through MTV of all places! It was back in the late 80's when I heard 'Stand in Line' on some late night show in the wee hours. From there, I sought out and bought the cassete of all things! From that point, it became a soundtrack to our lives for a summer. In Helena,Mt no less! Grant you, My friends and I were already into guitar music but, somehow, it was just more intense. Since then I've fell into other things and life goes on...but, I will revisit very soon.

[@jasonericksen4545]

I was really into Impelliteri in the early 90's. Such an amazing band. Wonderful interview. Thank you for doing this.

[@JM-54321]

A great insight to one of the greatest that ever was. Art is something you do, even if you would never earn a single cent for it, its something that you have to do, something you have to express, no matter what. That being said, Impellitteri is pure heavy metal art. That is why they are not so famous i guess, although they do deserve it.

[@eddiejr540]

Agreed….we are light beings that create art and give it freely to the world…anyone who shits on it, is definitely not of the light…they’re from a dark, dark place…hope this doesn’t sound too new agey or crazy…but, you know what I mean!!!!!

[@joerectifier]

great interview and interview manners...you listen and absorb

[@NickLaytonGuitar]

Love this dude! Thanks for the interview, looking forward to part2!

[@zoomzoom3950]

"There are, how shall one say, too many notes." - Some king to Mozart. Many listeners can't handle complexity in music. 😁

[@ianmcevoy9936]

Awesome,cheers.

[@MrDgAndre]

Chris! Come to Brazil! Please! vamos!

[@shredrick25]

Chris Impellitteri is one of my Guitar God! ❤️❤️❤️🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🎸🎸🎸

[@bc454irocz89]

Man I love Impelliteri and jmetal

[@michaelsavage752]

Awesome interview--thank you!

[@vintagetubeamplifiers]

I still have his original EP on cassette when it came out. Always one of my favorite guitarists of the era. I hope he tours soon, Chicago would love to have him here.

[@12floz67]

I still have it as well. I was hooked immediately.🍻

[@jimbeam-ru1my]

bad ass guitar players were already badasses in their teens. Learning to play guitar is like learning to speak and we pick up languages quicker when we're young.

[@elvisrios756]

Thanks for this interview! There was nothing of this style of Chris and I always wanted to know more¡

[@ShadeViking7]

Thanks Max Fantastic Interview. I uploaded Screaming Symphony 12 years ago🤘

[@twy6280]

I'm amazed Chris doesnt rate Stand in Line - it's one of my all time favourites. It's a stunning album. Still sounds great today

[@runningfree4606]

What a great interview, Max!

[@markeggins890]

Gotta admit I don't know his work but what a humble, down to earth and entertaining guy he is...could listen to him for hours.

[@J24777]

Awesome!!! Been listening to Impellitteri since. Stand in Line!!!!

[@robg8784]

Amazing Guitarist /Musician! Thanks for a Great Interview!

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

WOW! Impellitteri! Awesome! I own every Impellitteri CD and every CD where he or Rob Rock has visited. Thank you for this great video!

[@The_Rob_Squad_Reactions..]

⬆️

[@Red-mp3to]

Great interview....yap, yap...yap.... Chris seems to be....yap, yap...yap....yap...yap, yap...a really down to earth nice....yap, yap...guy. Looking forward....yap....yap, yap....to the....yap, yap...next.....yap, yap....interview!

[@johnsurreal]

Thanks Max for bringing him out! Very deserved. Actually you two should rip out a session at some point, being shredders as you are. Have a great day!

[@CrushingAxes]

Cool! Impelliiteri is awesome! Really love his work! Watching now, but already gave a like!

[@fernandes5986]

What a humble guy and great player, I wish that swedish neo classical guitar guy would be this humble.

[@highwaystar3780]

This Guy actually progressed Musically. Swedish idiot still playing Same Scale and Arpeggios...

[@BRUCETENTHOUSAND]

This is excellent. I love Chris and it's great to hear all this from him in detail.

[@nathansavage541]

Thank you

[@MetalProfessor65]

Outstanding interview, man. The guy seems so humble and regular. I absolutely love that. Can't wait for the next part!

[@chriskeiser303]

Stand in line was amazing

[@ronaldfernandez.8586]

Great interview! 🤘💯🎸

[@guskalogeros9021]

Amazing. Can’t wait to see this. Great work Max.

[@BlackpitfatherLech]

Great done interview, with just great guitarist, he deserve what he is standing on the top of shredding altar!!! Thanx Max!!!

[@BlackpitfatherLech]

I remember a time when Chris was totally unobtainable on cassettes and CDs in Europe , he deserve much much more recognize even now!!!

[@fooser77]

Interesting that Jeff Loomis also credits Brian May as one of his early influences .. So Max, when do we get the Loomis interview?

[@darrenmurray3369]

Max this was a very cool interview … you asked a lot of good questions …great interview and looking forward to part 2… Thanks

[@shredguitarob]

awesome interview, can't wait for part2!! id like to hear about the time between Stand In Line and Grin and Bear It and the Pedal to the Metal, I like Curtis Skelton's singing!

[@silviadelgado5597]

genius.. I love your music

[@darrinthompson2514]

Stand in Line is an incredible album!

[@Addicted2Guitar]

Oh man great score on the interview.

[@MeTuLHeD]

Too cool! Chris is one of my favorite guitarists!!!

[@The_Rob_Squad_Reactions..]

⬆️

[@damonstewart70]

I remember listening to stand in line on walkman back in the day in new York city.When that chunk came in CHUG,CHUG,CHUG,CHUGGA I looked up and seen the wtc building one that I worked in and thought...FUCKING EPIC

[@TheSnakelies]

Tremendous interview, he does have his feet on the ground and is versatile. With him you can't predict what he's going to do like others I'm not going to mention. The only thing that makes me desperate is the dog barking on the background 😂 . very good video

[@damonsdeliberatedetour492]

Chris is amazing!!

[@dannyhood7433]

Impellitteri was advertised very little back in the 80s. I had to order his 4 song ep, gram bonnet sang on it I think?.The song writing was basic from what I remember. Nothing special (I liked riffs still do) but his tone and lead guitar playing was great.

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

The Black EP was better written than Stand In Line. Grin And Bear It has their best writing on it; “When The Well Runs Dry” and “Ball And Chain” are the best written songs.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

G.M very cool interview looking forward to the next video

[@The_Rob_Squad_Reactions..]

⬆️

[@JRLesPaul]

Chris is a great guy. Fellow New London, CT guy.

[@villekoskinen]

Just wrote a tab for Screaming Symphony and planning to cover it 😃

[@jesseparrish9198]

Wicked Maiden is a badass album 🤘

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

Garden Of Eden is my favourite track on that album; so cool. Grin And Bear It is my favourite Impellitteri album ever.

[@matthewbrist2382]

Great interview…He should do Alex Masi as well!

[@largeuselessness]

this is epic

[@julleboy90]

Nice video👍 never heard of him, but i am a noobi. he is the fastest guitar player i have ever heard😮

[@jesseparrish9198]

Love the pedal to the metal album even though it gets a lot of hate.

[@green461]

Superman telling us he still lifts weights and tries to become stronger and we just sit there looking like....

[@REDCORVETTEMUSIC]

Love the song 17th century chicken pickin'

[@joelsmith4816]

Who stopped the video at some time and went and watched videos of him?

[@mikegayda715]

Chris is much more than a shredder, Gary Moore was a ripper who influenced so many players