Michael Angelo Batio – The King of Alternate Picking

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the one, the only, the legendary guitar virtuoso and undisputed champion of alternate picking: Michael Angelo Batio! Often referred to as MAB by his dedicated global audience, Batio has been a driving force in the Shred Guitar world since the 1980’s, shaping and making major contributions to a wide variety of genres including Heavy Metal, Progressive and Neoclassical.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, MAB began began his musical journey early on, picking up the guitar when he was just 9 years old. He quickly rose through the ranks, honing his skills and becoming a true master of the instrument.

But it wasn’t just his technical prowess that set MAB apart from his peers. No, sir. MAB also had a natural showmanship and stage presence that left audiences in awe. His musicianship and his larger-than-life stage presence commanded the attention of every person in the room.

 

In a career spanning over four decades, MAB has released numerous albums, toured the world, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of guitar, receiving numerous accolades.

He’s also known for his willingness to share his knowledge with aspiring Shred Masters.  Michael Angelo Batio regularly offers clinics around the world and it has become a standard badge of honor for guitarists who have taken his clinics to get their picture taken with him.  His “Speed Kills” series of guitar lessons through Doug Marks’ Metal Method have helped shape the direction of Shred guitar.

 

Batio invented the ambidextrous double guitar, a twin-necked beast of a guitar that can be played with either hand, much to the amazement of all who lay their eyes on it. Now, the first version of this contraption was actually just two separate guitars played together, but as time went on, Batio fine-tuned and perfected the design, eventually creating one unified instrument that has already made its way into the collective unconscious of the Shred world.

So if you’re a fan of guitar virtuosity and high-energy performances, do yourself a favor and catch a Michael Angelo Batio concert or clinic. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Shred on!

-Anton