Many guitar players of the 1970s, including Randy Rhoads, were known for their ability to play fast and intricate solos. The decade was a time of experimentation and innovation in music, and guitar players constantly pushed the limits. So, many virtuoso guitarists, who could play at high speeds and with great precision, appeared in the scene. According to his recent interview with Metal Edge, it is precisely this speed that Joey Santiago was jealous of.
“All metal players at that time were what I like to call ‘stuck’ guitar players,” the musician said before sharing his thoughts on Rhoads. “They play really, really fast. It’s clean the way they do it, and it’s awesome. The way he played, it was enough for me to say, ‘Um, that I can’t do that.’”
Randy Rhoads was influenced by classical music, so he incorporated elements of classical guitar playing into his heavy metal solos, creating a unique and powerful sound. He was a master of alternate and hybrid picking, allowing him to play fast, intricate runs and riffs with great precision. He was also known for his use of arpeggios, sweep picking, and fast legato playing, which added to the fluidity and speed of his solos.
While the playing styles of Rhoads and Santiago are quite different, it is likely that Rhoads’ innovative approach to the guitar and technical proficiency may have served as an inspiration for Santiago, as he himself made a lot of experimentations with the instrument and found the perfect tune for Pixies. Santiago is known for his quirky, unconventional playing style and his use of dissonant chords and notes, which is a signature characteristic of the band’s sound.
