Lamb of God guitarist Mark Morton shared insights about his early guitar learning experiences in a recent interview with Guitar Interactive Magazine.
“Oh man, the hardest? There were so many, you know. That’s the beauty of what we do as players — there’s always another one waiting for you,” Morton said when asked about challenging guitar parts. “I used to try to learn ‘Scarified’ by Racer X. I could get through the first couple of measures, but I never got past that.”
“There’s that Yngwie song ‘Trilogy Suite’ — all the metal stuff. I used to try to learn ‘Disciples of Hell’ by Yngwie too,” he continued. “I can’t now, you know what I mean? But there was a time when I could, and those songs were ripping. ‘Holy Wars’ by Megadeth — that’s a great song. A great metal song.”
The guitarist’s admission reveals the technical demands of metal guitar playing and his musical evolution.
Morton’s guitar-playing approach has transformed over time. Guitar World noted his shift toward emphasizing feeling and groove rather than speed. His playing style draws inspiration from legendary guitarists like Zakk Wylde and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
His learning philosophy has evolved throughout his career. Music Radar highlighted Morton’s belief in collaborative playing. He considers jamming with other musicians essential for developing practical guitar skills.
This perspective shapes his current role in Lamb of God. His riff-focused playing style has become a defining element of the band’s sound. His emphasis on groove and feel over technical complexity has helped create the band’s distinctive place in modern metal.
His journey from mastering complex neo-classical metal pieces to developing a unique style mirrors the path many guitarists take as they mature musically.
