In May 2000, SLASH agreed to answer some questions from his internet
fans. He was asked to answer five, but he made time to answer fifteen.
There were many, many more; and so, over time he's been anwering more.
The questions will appear one or two at a time in the
News section, and as
we go through them, they will be added to this archival list. The
questions are the fans'; the answers are from SLASH. Read on and see
what each had to say. At this time, 2004, SLASH is on tour with Velvet Revolver
and is not taking any more questions. You might have a chance to see him on tour
and can ask him yourself. Whenever he can find to answer more, we'll put a note
here. Please don't submit anymore till we give you the word on this. By reading
through these archival ones, you might find that yours is already here! Thanks for
your interest.
Question 1: How was it working with Lenny Kravitz and would
you ever tour/work with Lenny again?
SLASH: Working with Lenny was great; & if the opportunity
again presented itself, we could come up with some more great music.
Question 2 from Alex (Paris, France): During the last past years, you've
played in a lot of TV shows, movies, and with lots of "non-rock & roll"
artists. Does the fact of being one of the most popular guitarists influence
you or your music a lot, considering that the "rock n' roll star cliche"
is more dealing with antisocial and anticonformist issues?
SLASH: Alex, I love playing guitar, & I also love
playing in occasional situations that are different than what I normally
do which is hard rock & roll but in no way a cliche.
Question 3 from Gary Fuller in New Jersey: Slash, if you could create a
"dream band", (a band consisting of five or so guys, none from the same
band), who would be in your band?
SLASH: Gary, my ultimate dream band would be the band I'm playing in now.
Snakepit is a hell of a lot of fun!
Question 4 from Tiffany Piland: My question is: what do you think of today's
music with all of the different styles and types that have risen in the past
few years including everything from boy bands to rap-metal bands? Do you
agree with many people that say that music is no longer based on a talent
but a style that will sell albums?
SLASH: Tiffany, today's music is in some way, shape or form, the same (in essence)
to music culture throughout its history - cool, weird, good, bad, etc., not
to mention all the new labels for each different syle people come up with.
There will always be talent, I think, as well as there will always be
mediocre music driven solely by record sales. It's only human nature.
Question #5 from Pam Gonzalez: When you get an idea for music, what do
you do most of the time? Do you sit down and write the whole thing or
do you record a little bit at a time and then put it all together?
Thanks!
SLASH: Pam, I wish it was that predictable. Sometimes it comes so easy.
Other times you feel you'll never play again. You sit down and make a
conscious effort to write and nothing happens, or you'll be squeezing
vegetables at the market and suddenly you're inspired. Putting it all
together is the same type of thing. It can pour out in one fluid motion,
or it can be like assembling a Rubik's cube!
Question #6 from Ashish Joseph in Texas: My question is that since
you decided on new musicians for Snakepit 99,
why didn't you go with your former GNR partners (ie. Duff on bass, Izzy
on rhythm guitar, Matt Sorum on drums and yourself on lead guitar)? All you
would have needed is a singer. Surely such a venture would have helped
the public embrace Snakepit to a greater extent.
SLASH: Ashish, the new lineup in Snakepit 99 is the result of wanting to
start fresh, put together a permanent band, and record and tour as a new
band. Ex-Guns guys and ex-Snakepit guys in the group wouldn't feel as new
for any of us.
Question #7 from Diana in New Jersey:
1-Growing up in England, did you have a British accent as a child?
2-You look so gorgeous in your many bracelets, do you have a favorite
one or a favorite place to shop for them?
3-A few years ago, I saw a beautiful photograph of you in People magazine
where you were bungee jumping! What was that like?
SLASH: Diana, yeah, I did have a pretty thick accent when I was really
young, but it wore off in L.A. And, no, I don't really have any favorite
bracelets; but I love wearing them. And, finally, bungee jumping is
something to do when you feel crazy enough.
The eighth fan question
for SLASH is from Eric:
I read on this page that you use Seymore Duncan Alnico II Pro pickups
when playing live. Now, when I went to my local music store to buy a
pair of these, the salesman said that they are the same pickups that
come stock in a Les Paul. I really don't think the guy was right. Can
you please tell me a little more about your choice of pickups and the
difference between the two? Thanks a lot!
SLASH: Eric, the pickups I use are "Seymour Duncan" Anico II's not
stock Les Pauls! Trust me, I have them in almost all my Les Pauls
except for my vintage Pauls which I keep stock. I use the Alnico IIs
because I really like them.
SLASH did a second set of questions just before leaving on tour in July 2000.
This was when Snakepit opened for AC/DC; and despite all the pressures, SLASH
looked over 100 fan questions and chose the following to answer:
To Return to the SLASH Official Fan Site's Main Menu, Click
on a SLASH video interview below:
Question: David asked if SLASH would ever consider doing a guest guitarist spot on
Chinese Democracy (the new GNR album) in much the same way that Jimmy Page and
Brian May have.
SLASH Replies: I doubt it. (tension and not having a clear picture of the overall
kind of music the band is working in. Snakepit is busy right now.)
Question: I've been wanting to go to one of your concerts, but most that have been in
my area, (southern California), seem to be in 21 or over places when I call about
tickets. Will you be playing in any 18 and over or all ages places this next time you
start touring?
SLASH Replies: The AC/DC shows are All Ages. When Snakepit tours again after the international
tour, the shows will be in all kinds of venues. We aim for All Ages but often those venues
are taken or the promotor has things set up in another club with admission restrictions.
Question: Do you have a schedule for the tour and if not will Columbia SC be on there?
SLASH Replies: The tour schedule for Snakepit opening for AC/DC is available. It can
be found on this site in the Snakepit 1999-2000 Section off the Main Menu. You can also
check www.ticketmaster.com and AC/DC's official site. Georgia and Virginia are the only
states on AC/DC's tour that are in the South. The Snakepit tour later in the year has not
yet been completely set up so the tour schedule is not yet available.
Question: Paul Modaley or Merseyside, England writes, "I am a very big fan of your playing;
you play with passion, and you are a very proficient player. When I write music for my
band, I am often left confused about how I should do it. I am an isolationist at heart. Do
you think it is better to play with the others straight away? Can you read music?"
SLASH replies: No, I can't read music. I play by ear. I try to make what I hear (sometimes
just in my head) come out my hands into the guitar. When I write music, I usually write
on my own at least to start. Then, I bring it to one or more of the band depending on
what I need to hear...percussion, more guitars, bass. Then we jam on it. When we have
something that's good, we take it to the whole band, and we just jam on it and jam on
it until it's either great or put aside. This is what works for me. Everyone has his
own style, though.
Question from Minnesotoa: SLASH, which do you prefer - playing in
a large stadium back in the Guns days or playing int the club
circuit with the Snakepit?
SLASH replies: Both playing stadiums and playing clubs and everything
in between! It makes touring fun when you do different kinds of
venues. You can reach more people that way, too, since people will
sometimes never go to a club or will never go to a stadium.
Question from William Kim: What's up, SLASH? I was wondering what is your
opinion about the whole Napster vs. Metallica situation. As an artist, do
you feel that the public is stealing music from the artists or is music
finally brought back to the people?
SLASH replies: Napster is what everyone is asking about. First, bootlegging
shows is cool. With Napster, some controls are needed or the artist and
the record label lose all control of the music. The technology is new and
to an extent it is good. Artists and labels have to make sure that what
happened with MTV doesn't happen again. When MTV started showing music
videos, artists and labels didn't really understand what would happen in
the future. There were no negotiations. As a result, the artists get
nothing when their videos are shown. Radio has to pay for its use of
the music, but MTV pays nothing. I think we have to be careful that this
situation does not happen again.
Question: Rumor has it that Suns is re-uniting with the original
lineup that was on the Appetite for Destruction album. Is this
true? And if so, are we going to have official reports of this, a new
album, and all of you back on stage together again?
SLASH replies: Guns N'Roses has ended. The rumors you hear about the
band getting back together are just rumors. There is no official truth
to a new GNR album being made. While some of us are willing to get
back together for a show or short tour, not all of us are. So it won't
happen without all of us. Even a show does not look very likely right
now.
Question 8 from Antony Symonds: I am in a rock band that's been going
for a year and a half. Currently, we are having an argument about how
important vocals are in a song. Do you think vocals are important or
should vocals be secondary to the guitar? I always try to put really good
lyrics over the top of it to add extra dimensions. The other guitarist
disagrees. He writes his songs but puts hardly any lyrics over the song
which is consequently very flat.
SLASH replies: Each guitarist has to do what works for himself
as an individual. I write mostly music. Othertimes, I put in lyrics.
It's a very individual and individual song process.
Question from Christina: Have you ever considered a girl in your band
whether as a vocalist or on an instrument? If you didn't have the
Snakepit band now, and you met a girl who played great, would you have
her in your band?
SLASH replies: No, I wouldn't. I've been in bands with female artists,
and there can be so many problems. The band should bond as a unit; but
inevitably someone in the band starts going out with the girl, and
someone else is jealous. The band starts to split apart. Examples
are Fleetwood Mac and No Doubt. It makes everything more cohesive if
the band is all guys.
Question from Alex Silady of Australia: I read in an interview awhile
back that SLASH put down solos for a couple of Axl's new songs before
he left the band. Is this true?
SLASH replies: No, that isn't true. There were some rehearsals of new
material that I was there for, but I didn't contribute
any solos.
Thanks, Alex and SLASH!
Question from Josh of Alberta, CA: I noticed back in GNR when you did
a solo you would hit an open string every now and then for a split
second that makes a really cool sound you have to really listen for. I
have never seen any other guitar player do this, and I was wondering
how you came up with it and why you do it.
SLASH's Reply: I don't really recall this. It might have been something
spontaneous I used because it sounded cool. Or it just might have been
a mistake here and there. Thanks Josh and SLASH!
Let's catch up on a couple more SLASH/fan questions:
Question from Michael Alkire in Portland, Oregon: SLASH, for a guitar
player who has been influenced greatly by your playing style, what tips
do you have on getting better at the guitar? How much time do you spend
a day writing? How long did it take you to feel like you were good? How
do you play so fast? What one thing helped you the most in becoming a
better guitar player?
SLASH replies: I work all the time at the guitar. I play a lot not just
when I am out working onstage or in the studio, but I also play a lot at
home. I always have a guitar nearby. Sometimes I play while I am watching
tv. I go out and jam with a band whenever I can. I'm always working, always
writing music. I play while I'm writing. I play when I'm not. You get
better and faster.
Thanks, Michael and SLASH!
Question from Nathan: Hello, SLASH! When touring with GNR on the big
Illusions tour, was there any one gig that really stood out in your mind
as being "the ultimate gig" where all the band members were feeding off
each other especially well? Also, what part of the tour did you favor
the most? I know you probably dug them all but there was the 1993 leg
where you toured arenas and had the acoustic set and also in 1992 with
Metallica and stadiums, then there was 1991 with openers Skid Row. Thanks,
SLASH.
SLASH replies: I couldn't pick out the best gig. Rock in Rio and
Madison Square Garden (for the first time) were among the best gigs we
did. The audiences were amazing! And the band feeds off the audience
reactions. The shows where we did the acoustic set were my least favorite
ones. They slowed down the show so much and were too choreographed with
the sofa and pizza. I like the show to just build and build, not to
slow down for long periods of time.
Thanks, SLASH and Nathan!
Question from Roberto Haddad of Brazil : Have you (SLASH's Snakepit) received any
invitations to come to Rock in Rio III? Would you come if invited?
And finally, would you come for a reunion of GNR?
SLASH replies: We have not been invited, but we would come if asked.
Rock in Rio was one of the best gigs I ever played with Guns. I would
come for a reunion of GNR if it were the original band.
Question from Ashish of Austin, Texas: I read an interview with you in
the April edition of Guitar One magazine. In it you mentioned
that Zakk Wylde had tried out for GNR but it just didn't work out.
Are the two of you still good friends? Do you possibly see some sort
of collaboration in the future with him? Both of you are awesome
guitarists, and it would be a pleasure to hear you jam together.
Thanks very much!
SLASH replies: We were good friends once. I haven't seen or talked to
Zakk in a long time. I don't really see a collaboration because it would
just be too much guitar. Both of us play strong lead guitar, and we
could overwhelm anyone else in the band.
Thanks, SLASH, Roberto and Ashish!
Here are a couple of SLASH questions from fans:
Question from Brian: What is the most memorable moment of your career?
What games do you like to play in Las Vegas?
SLASH replies: I like to have memorable moments every day. As for Vegas,
I like play pinball and shoot pool. Once in a while I play the slots.
Question from Robb: Who now owns the rights to Uzi Suicide? If you still
have something to do with it, would you ever release a Snakepit album on
it? Have you ever thought of doing your own label?
SLASH replies: Uzi Suicide is a dead issue. It no longer exists. It never
was a real record label. Before I found Koch, I thought of doing my own
label, but it is a lot of work putting a management and distribution and
publicity team yourself. Koch has great people in those positions already
which allows me to concentrate more on music.
Thanks, Brian, Robb and SLASH
Some SLASH/fan questions:
Question from Jeff of Portland OR: My question is regarding the GNR
pinball machine. There are several GNR songs on there; however, there
are other songs on there that are not on any GNR album. For example,
the "SLASH solo guitar feature" or the song played on the "extra ball
feature". Did you actually record these songs for the pinball machine?
I've also heard that there are other unreleased tracks on the machine.
Is this true?
SLASH replies: There are eight different original GNR recordings which
were taken off the masters. An unreleased song is "Ain't Goin' Down"
with no lyrics. If you see the Viper pinball game which I also did the
music for, you'll find "Speed Parade" there. It's the sound the car
makes.
Thanks, SLASH and Jeff!
Question: I think there's a dispute over which ernie balls you use.
A book, Legends of Guitar says you use 10s standard gauge
strings. On this site it says you use 11s ernie balls. When I ask
my music store what is standard gauge, they say there is no standard
gauge. Could you please specify what gauge strings you really use?
I use 11-46 ernie ball strings. (webmaster will correct the site).
Thanks, SLASH!
Question from Zou in China: When you are in the recording studio and
ready to record, how can you keep the feeling as usual or do you just
have a new feeling? When you are first in the studio, how do you feel?
SLASH replies: When you first walk in, it takes awhile to get in the
mood and get comfortable with the other players. So you talk or fool
around, but at a certain time, you get it and just start playing.
Thanks, SLASH and Zou!
Uros from Slovenia asks: How many GNR and Snakepit pinball machines
were made and are they all over the world or in other countries?
SLASH replies: There were 550 GNR pinball machines made. As for
Snakepit, I am not sure of that number, but it was also a limited
amount. The machines were sold to distributors who then sold them
to individuals or companies. By now many have been sold again, so
they could be anywhere in the world.
Thanks, SLASH and Uros!
We just have two SLASH/fan questions left. We'll see if SLASH can do
some more while on tour.
Question from Jordan: What goes through your
head right before you walk on stage in front of thousands of people?
SLASH replies: I am not conscious of thinking anything in particular. I
am full of nervous energy.
Question from Ray: What was the first gig
you ever played where you got paid...real money? Do you remember any of
the songs?
SLASH replies: I was with Hollywood Rose, and we played at Madame Wong's
in L.A.
Empact29 sent in a question to SLASH on playing for different performers.
The question is, "What is it like to work with Rod and his singing style
as opposed to Axl or Lenny Kravitz or Michael Jackson? Does it make a
difference in your guitar playing when you work with a different singer,
or do you just come up with the riffs and have him sing over them without
your altering them?
SLASH replies, "Playing with Rod, Axl, Iggy Pop or Lenny Kravitz to
Lemmy, etc. changes my approach to my playing so that my style of
playing just compliments the musical goal we are trying to achieve.
Why is there no publicity of Snakepit? Is that a personal thing? I know
that publicity depends on management and the record company, but here
in Europe....it they'd had more publicity, they would have sold more
records. There's lots of people without a clue about SLASH's Snakepit
here. I've talked to some friends about it, and they all have bought the
album. They think Rod is fantastic, and they are waiting to see the band
rockin'. Thankx ---J. Levi, Spain
SLASH replies, "If there is a lack of publicity, it is the record company's
fault. But I will remind them for sure."
Thanks, SLASH and J. Levi! We have heard similar complaints from other
countries. Come on, Koch Records! J. Levi, if you would send your mailing
address to webmaster@snakepit.org,
we have a gift for you from SLASH and Koch. Next time, a fan asks about
playing for singers with different styles.
Here's another question in
our "Ask SLASH" series. The questions will be moved into the SLASH Answers
Your Questions section off the Main Menu. We'll move them when we finish
this first set of five. This question comes from Clint Roberts. Clint,
if you're out there, please send your mailing address to
webmaster@snakepit.org so that
we can send you a gift from SLASH and Koch Records. It's not too late to
send questions in!
Clint asks, "I have always wondered out of all the songs you have written,
past and present, which one (or ones) are you most proud of?
SLASH replies, "I'm really proud of almost everything that I have recorded,
in some way, shape or form - whether I wrote or made a guest appearance -
if it is cool enough to immortalize the song, you have to be proud of it.
The first question is made up of 3 questions that had to do with
beginning guitarists. The questions came from Jim Woods, CTIS Student
and Laura in Memphis. Here it is:
SLASH, what is the best advice you can give to beginning guitarists?
Do you recommend playing by ear or trying to learn all the scales and
other beginner's techniques? How do you learn to improvise? What advice
would you give to young aspiring musicians with regard to the business
side of the music industry?
SLASH replies: The only real advice I can give to a beginning guitarist
is pick up on everything: reading, writing, learning from records.
Watching other guitarists play live is also a good way to learn. Whatever
catches your ear and everything in between... Establish an idea of what
you would like to hear yourself playing, and follow that concept. Try to
learn bits and pieces of music you like amidst compositions that you
don't necessarily like in their whole form. In short, be yourself.
Do everything you can to establish that while digesting everything
else around you.
Speaking of questions, SLASH answered a question from Rob in NYC:
Would you ever do a straight up blues album? (Rob's aside, which
SLASH saw was - if you can, let SLASH know how much we appreciate
his blues playing, and how it has influenced a lot of us to pursue
"Blues in the Key of SLASH")
SLASH replied, "One of these days I will do a blues record of some
kind but it will happen when I least expect it. You know, right at
the right kind of time."
The first question is made up of 3 questions that had to do with
beginning guitarists. The questions came from Jim Woods, CTIS Student
and Laura in Memphis. Here it is:
SLASH, what is the best advice you can give to beginning guitarists?
Do you recommend playing by ear or trying to learn all the scales and
other beginner's techniques? How do you learn to improvise? What advice
would you give to young aspiring musicians with regard to the business
side of the music industry?
SLASH replies: The only real advice I can give to a beginning guitarist
is pick up on everything: reading, writing, learning from records.
Watching other guitarists play live is also a good way to learn. Whatever
catches your ear and everything in between... Establish an idea of what
you would like to hear yourself playing, and follow that concept. Try to
learn bits and pieces of music you like amidst compositions that you
don't necessarily like in their whole form. In short, be yourself.
Do everything you can to establish that while digesting everything
else around you.
Connan in France asks, "There are thousands of people who have learned to play the
guitar thanks to you and who now dream of playing a song with you. Do you remember and
how did you feel when you first played with Joe Perry? Were you totally flipped out and
were you proud of yourself? Do you realize today that a lot of young but good guitarists
would like to jam with you? Do you realize their dream sometimes?"
SLASH replies, "The first time I got to jam with Joe
Perry was surreal. We played "Train Kept-A-Rollin'
". It was hard for me to believe that I was jamming
with the same guy (and Steven Tyler, Brad, Tom and
Joey) that I'd been listening to on record and in
concert for years. Aerosmith has always been one of
my favorite bands. The feeling was incomparable!
To answer the other half of your question, I don't
think I've played with anyone who is as big a fan of mine as I am of Joe Perry yet. But it's
cool to know that there are lots of fans out there who might like to jam with me!"
Here's the guitar history question we promised last time. This comes
from Nick in Buffalo, NY - direct to SLASH:
Nick asks, "I'm a Gibson Les Paul fanatic, and one of my favorite guitars
in your collection is the tobacco 'burst Les Paul you used in the "November
Rain" video. I was wondering if you could give me a brief history on this
guitar. I've heard from one source that it's a '59, and from another that
it's a '60. I've heard that it used to belong to Duane Allman and Joe
Perry. I've also heard that you plan on giving this guitar back to Joe
Perry. Are any of these rumors true?
SLASH replies, "The '59 Tobacco Sunburst Les Paul was brought to my
attention in '88 or '89. Apparently it had been stolen from Joe Perry
and sold a few times before someone called me and asked if I was interested
in buying it. Once I found out it was the real thing, I bought it. Anyway,
I kept it for a long time; but I knew that Joe really loved that guitar
probably as much as I did. So I gave it to him for his birthday earlier
this year.
Empact29 sent in a question to SLASH on playing for different performers.
The question is, "What is it like to work with Rod and his singing style
as opposed to Axl or Lenny Kravitz or Michael Jackson? Does it make a
difference in your guitar playing when you work with a different singer,
or do you just come up with the riffs and have him sing over them without
your altering them?
SLASH replies, "Playing with Rod, Axl, Iggy Pop or Lenny Kravitz to
Lemmy, etc. changes my approach to my playing so that my style of
playing just compliments the musical goal we are trying to achieve.
Now, some fan questions for SLASH! This next question comes from
a frustrated fan, J. Levi, in Spain.
Why is there no publicity of Snakepit? Is that a personal thing? I know
that publicity depends on management and the record company, but here
in Europe....it they'd had more publicity, they would have sold more
records. There's lots of people without a clue about SLASH's Snakepit
here. I've talked to some friends about it, and they all have bought the
album. They think Rod is fantastic, and they are waiting to see the band
rockin'. Thankx ---J. Levi, Spain
SLASH replies, "If there is a lack of publicity, it is the record company's
fault. But I will remind them for sure."
Clint asks, "I have always wondered out of all the songs you have written,
past and present, which one (or ones) are you most proud of?
SLASH replies, "I'm really proud of almost everything that I have recorded,
in some way, shape or form - whether I wrote or made a guest appearance -
if it is cool enough to immortalize the song, you have to be proud of it.
Thanks SLASH and Clint! Next time: a question from a frustrated fan.
Speaking of questions, SLASH answered a question from Rob in NYC:
Would you ever do a straight up blues album? (Rob's aside, which
SLASH saw was - if you can, let SLASH know how much we appreciate
his blues playing, and how it has influenced a lot of us to pursue
"Blues in the Key of SLASH")
SLASH replied, "One of these days I will do a blues record of some
kind but it will happen when I least expect it. You know right at
the right kind of time."
Thanks to SLASH and Rob! Rob, SLASH and Koch Records have a gift for
you for sending in that good question. Please get in touch with
webmaster@snakepit.org with
your address.
Billy sent in a good question for SLASH. He asks, "Would you ever
do an album like Carlos Santana did with guest singers on each song
and you playing your Les Paul on each song?"
SLASH answers, "If the opportunity arose to do an all-star solo
record like Carlos', I would definitely do it. But it would have to be
the right move at the right time.
Let's take an interesting question from Daniel. He
asks, "If Snakepit (God f*ckin' forbid) does not
become a success, where would you go from here,
SLASH"?
Billy Sweeney asked this question, "Which of your songs do you
consider to be the hardest to play?"
SLASH replies, "The hardest Snakepit song to play is 'Life's
Sweet Drug'. That song is tricky and fast. Plus, it is the first song in
the set which makes it twice as foreboding".
Here's a brief question from the webmaster. "SLASH, Joey
Ramone passed away today. Did you know Joey? Would
you comment on his contribution to music"?
SLASH replies, "No, I didn't really know Joey Ramone.
We hung out a few times, and he was always quiet and cool.
The entire rock & roll community is forever changed".
SLASH replies, "If Snakepit does or does not become a great success, doesn't much
matter. What matters is how much fun you're having at the moment. That you totally 100%
enjoy what you're doing. Playing, touring, the music, the fans, etc. If all that is working,
then you're successful and THAT you DON'T want to get away from".
This is
from Olivier in Canada
who writes, "Do you remember that demo song you
did with GNR called "Sentimental Movie"? Any
chance of seeing SLASH's Snakepit playing that
song one day, live or in the studio? I think the solos
on it were just incredible.
I didn't have anything to do with "Sentimental Movie". Axl and West Arkeen plus maybe
Izzy recorded that one night when we were all hanging out at "Hell House". That's a house
we all used to squat at. I can't remember if I put a solo on it or not. But, no, Snakepit will
never play that song. I don't even remember how it went it was so long ago.
This one
is from Daniel who asks, "How does it feel being such a large
icon of rock"?
SLASH replies, "I didn't know I was an icon of rock! It that is
true, I feel pretty humble".
Todd was thinking along those same
lines, and here is his question. "I found a song called "Crash
Diet" which apparently is an unreleased GNR tune. It sounds
like Axl singing, but the guitar doesn't sound like your style. I
don't think it is the 'new' GNR, so could you tell me what's
the deal with this song? Thanks, man, you rock!"
SLASH replies, " 'Crash Diet' is a REALLY old song that
was kicked around back in the old days. I don't know who
wrote that, but it is definitely old".
Here's a question from Sam to SLASH: "SLASH, I know you use the
Cry Baby Wah Wah pedal, but during your live Use Your Illusion
concert performances, what did you use to get that distortion at the
start of 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and during the solo to 'Estranged' "?
SLASH replies, "The 'distortion' on the beginning of 'Sweet Child O'
Mine' is just a Les Paul with the rhythm pickup at full - through a 100
watt Marshall, and that's it. 'Estranged' is the same except the tone on the Les Paul is
turned down to taste".
"Hello
SLASH! I've noticed that you have a cool fast riff that
you sometimes play in different solos. You played it in
the guitar solo in Paris 93 (in the beginning of the solo)
and in the solo in "Double Talkin' Jive" in Tokyo (the
times I've heard it anyway). I have tried to find out how
you play it but no luck so far. You must have thousands
of riffs like this; but if you know which one I'm talking
about, could you give me a hint?
SLASH replies, "Daniel, I have no idea which riff or lick you are referring to. I am sure I
probably play it a lot without realizing it, but then again, that's usually improv."
This
question comes from Matt in Australia. Matt asks, "I'm thinking about
a Les Paul Studio Gothic, but I am left handed. Would it be wise to
have one custom made at enormous cost? Or would I be better off
having it re-strung"?
SLASH replies, "Matt, I don't know what a Les Paul Studio Gothic is.
So my best advice is, if you are left handed, and it has a single cutaway,
don't re-string it. For a left hander, it would be a little awkward, but if
it's not then use it as is. Whatever you do, find what is more
comfortable for you".
This question is from Janet who asks, "When you are
creating your fabulous music, which comes first - the lyrics, the
melody or the instrumentals?"
SLASH replies, "Janet, music is written in so many different
situations I can't begin to start to explain how. Sometimes just
music and melodies, sometimes lyrically, sometimes by mistake.
The end result is, more often than not, collaborative."
"Greg from
NY here! SLASH, do you use just an EQ boost for
live solos? Also, do you ever use your delay effect on
any live solos? Do you strictly use the Les Paul's
volume knob for increasing/decreasing gain? Or do
you have another amp setup for clean tones and use
an A/B switch?
SLASH replies, "Greg, I use a Boss EQ for a boost
during solos in live situations and my guitar's volume
knob to control certain subtitles. Also, I have a Boss
delay for solos as well. Plus I switch between two
Marshall heads, one for dirty and one for clean".
Paulo
Jose asks, "How do I know if I'm better suited to be a lead or a
rhythm guitar player"?
SLASH replies, "I think, in my humble opinion, one should learn to
play rhythm and lead. But if an individual wants only to play
rhythm, that's personal choice and maybe only learn rhythm. But if
an individual wants to play lead, it comes in handy to learn rhythm
as well".
This one comes from Antti in
Finland who asks, "I just wanted to know, what is your favorite
species of snakes? Keep on rockin, SLASH!"
SLASH replies, "Antti, all snakes are my favorite, but I have a
special affinity for Anacondas".
The first question is made up of 3 questions that had to do with
beginning guitarists. The questions came from Jim Woods, CTIS Student
and Laura in Memphis. Here it is:
SLASH, what is the best advice you can give to beginning guitarists?
Do you recommend playing by ear or trying to learn all the scales and
other beginner's techniques? How do you learn to improvise? What advice
would you give to young aspiring musicians with regard to the business
side of the music industry?
SLASH replies: The only real advice I can give to a beginning guitarist
is pick up on everything: reading, writing, learning from records.
Watching other guitarists play live is also a good way to learn. Whatever
catches your ear and everything in between... Establish an idea of what
you would like to hear yourself playing, and follow that concept. Try to
learn bits and pieces of music you like amidst compositions that you
don't necessarily like in their whole form. In short, be yourself.
Do everything you can to establish that while digesting everything
else around you.
This one comes from Antti in Finland who asks, "I just wanted to
know, what is your favorite species of snakes? Keep on rockin, SLASH!"
SLASH replies, "Antti, all snakes are my favorite, but I have a special
affinity for Anacondas".
Paulo Jose
asks, "How do I know if I'm better suited to be a lead or a rhythm
guitar player"?
SLASH replies, "I think, in my humble opinion, one should learn to play
rhythm and lead. But if an individual wants only to play rhythm, that's
personal choice and maybe only learn rhythm. But if an individual wants
to play lead, it comes in handy to learn rhythm as well".
Here's a question for SLASH from Greg, "Greg from NY here! SLASH, do you
use just an EQ boost for live solos? Also, do you ever use your delay
effect on any live solos? Do you strictly use the Les Paul's volume knob
for increasing/decreasing gain? Or do you have another amp setup for clean
tones and use an A/B switch?
SLASH replies, "Greg, I use a Boss EQ for a boost during solos in live
situations and my guitar's volume knob to control certain subtitles. Also,
I have a Boss delay for solos as well. Plus I switch between two Marshall
heads, one for dirty and one for clean".
This question is from Janet who asks, "When you are
creating your fabulous music, which comes first - the lyrics, the
melody or the instrumentals?"
SLASH replies, "Janet, music is written in so many different situations
I can't begin to start to explain how. Sometimes just music and melodies,
sometimes lyrically, sometimes by mistake. The end result is, more often
than not, collaborative."
Matt asks, "I'm thinking about
a Les Paul Studio Gothic, but I am left handed. Would it be wise to
have one custom made at enormous cost? Or would I be better off having
it re-strung"?
SLASH replies, "Matt, I don't know what a Les Paul Studio Gothic is.
So my best advice is, if you are left handed, and it has a single
cutaway, don't re-string it. For a left hander, it would be a little
awkward, but if it's not then use it as is. Whatever you do, find
what isThis question is from Daniel who
asks, "Hello SLASH! I've noticed that you have a cool fast riff that
you sometimes play in different solos. You played it in the guitar solo
in Paris 93 (in the beginning of the solo) and in the solo in "Double
Talkin' Jive" in Tokyo (the times I've heard it anyway). I have tried to
find out how you play it but no luck so far. You must have thousands of
riffs like this; but if you know which one I'm talking about, could you
give me a hint?
SLASH replies, "Daniel, I have no idea which riff or lick you are
referring to. I am sure I probably play it a lot without realizing it,
but then again, that's usually improv."
more comfortable for you".
Here's a question from Sam to SLASH: "SLASH, I know you use the Cry Baby
Wah Wah pedal, but during your live Use Your Illusion concert performances,
what did you use to get that distortion at the start of 'Sweet Child O'
Mine' and during the solo to 'Estranged' "?
SLASH replies, "The 'distortion' on the beginning of 'Sweet Child O'
Mine' is just a Les Paul with the rhythm pickup at full - through a
100 watt Marshall, and that's it. 'Estranged' is the same except the
tone on the Les Paul is turned down to taste".
"I found a song called "Crash Diet" which apparently is an
unreleased GNR tune. It sounds like Axl singing, but the guitar doesn't
sound like your style. I don't think it is the 'new' GNR, so could you
tell me what's the deal with this song? Thanks, man, you rock!"
SLASH replies, " 'Crash Diet' is a REALLY old song that was kicked
around back in the old days. I don't know who wrote that, but it is
definitely old".
This is from Olivier in
Canada who writes, "Do you remember that demo song you did with GNR called
"Sentimental Movie"? Any chance of seeing SLASH's Snakepit playing that
song one day, live or in the studio? I think the solos on it were just
incredible.
I didn't have anything to do with "Sentimental Movie". Axl and West
Arkeen plus maybe Izzy recorded that one night when we were all
hanging out at "Hell House". That's a house we all used to squat at.
I can't remember if I put a solo on it or not. But, no, Snakepit will
never play that song. I don't even remember how it went it was so long
ago.
Let's take an interesting question from Daniel. He asks, "If Snakepit
(God f*ckin' forbid) does not become a success, where would you go
from here, SLASH"?
SLASH replies, "If Snakepit does or does not become a great success,
doesn't much matter. What matters is how much fun you're having at the
moment. That you totally 100% enjoy what you're doing. Playing, touring,
the music, the fans, etc. If all that is working, then you're successful
and THAT you DON'T want to get away from".
Billy Sweeney asked this question, "Which of your songs do you
consider to be the hardest to play?"
SLASH replies, "The hardest Snakepit song to play is 'Life's Sweet Drug'.
That song is tricky and fast. Plus, it is the first song in the set which
makes it twice as foreboding".
Billy sent in a good question for SLASH. He asks, "Would you ever do an
album like Carlos Santana did with guest singers on each song and you
playing your Les Paul on each song?"
SLASH answers, "If the opportunity arose to do an all-star solo record
like Carlos', I would definitely do it. But it would have to be the right
people at the right time. So we'll see what happens".
This one is also from Nick
in Buffalo. He asks SLASH, "What's your practice schedule when
you're at home? Do you practice every day? How long do you play
for each day, and what do you usually do when you practice? (Do you work
on theoretical stuff such as scales and chords, or do you more or less
just write new stuff and work out songs?) Do you practice with a
metronome?
Slash replies, "I don't really have a practice schedule at home. I just
try to play as much as possible. I play more than I practice. I work on
riffs and licks, song ideas or whatever interesting solo exercises come
up with. It is usually different every day. I have a metronome, but I
hardly use it.
Connan in France asks, "There are thousands of people who have learned to
play the guitar thanks to you and who now dream of playing a song with you.
Do you remember and how did you feel when you first played with Joe Perry?
Were you totally flipped out and were you proud of yourself? Do you realize
today that a lot of young but good guitarists would like to jam with you?
Do you realize their dream sometimes?"
SLASH replies, "The first time I got to jam with Joe Perry was surreal. We
played "Train Kept-A-Rollin' ". It was hard for me to believe that I was
jamming with the same guy (and Steven Tyler, Brad, Tom and Joey) that I'd
been listening to on record and in concert for years. Aerosmith has always
been one of my favorite bands. The feeling was incomparable! To answer the
other half of your question, I don't think I've played with anyone who is
as big a fan of mine as I am of Joe Perry yet. But it's cool to know that
there are lots of fans out there who might like to jam with me!"
Here's another Q and A with SLASH. This question is from Simone in Italy,
and several others submitted a similar one. Simone asks, "Hi there. Why
in many songs do you tune 1/2 step down (as Jimi Hendrix did)"?
SLASH replies, "Simone, sometimes we tune down a half step for vocals.
For some singers (especially rock & roll singers), it's easier [for them]
to reach the notes. Sometimes it makes the tension on the string and drum
heads a little bit looser. Mostly bands tune down to sound heavier. The
lower the lowest note (within reason), the heavier, e.g. Black Sabbath,
Soundgarden, Metallica".
Craig asks, "Besides other musicians is there anyone else that you looked
up to during your childhood? Anyone that made an impression that perhaps
helped you with your music abilities even though they didn't play any
musical instruments?
SLASH replies, "Great movie directors who used great music for their films
was and is a huge influence on me. There's too many to name all of them
but here's a few: Steven Spielberg, Stanley Kubrick, John Carpenter,
David Lynch, Sam Peckinpaw, Francis Ford Coppola and the list goes on and
on...".
This SLASH question is from Diana who asks, "One of the most memorable
moments in rock videos was when you left the church in "November Rain"
and played your brilliant guitar solo. I understand the actual photography
was done from a helicopter. The results were spectacular, with many cuts
of you from amazing angles. What are your recollections from the making of
that remarkable scene"?
SLASH replies, "Diana, the most memorable moments during the shooting of
"The Church" scene were the helicopter "dive bombing" toward me at full
speed almost knocking me off my feet. But the hard part was doing it take
after take after take from all different angles. The propeller blades
were so close I figured one more pass and "November Rain" would have been
my last video. Thankfully, "no harm, no foul"!
LuAnn asks SLASH, "Which guitar would you
recommend to a 15 year old aspiring guitarist"?
SLASH replies, "LuAnn, I recommend any guitar that you feel comfortable
with. What I mean is: the one that sounds good, feels good, looks good, etc.
Sometimes the right guitar can take a long time to find. Sometimes it's
easy, but it's magic when it happens. Most important - be patient!"
This is from Serrin, "Of all the crowds
you've played for, which crowd was most favorable to you? And have
you ever thought of doing vocals on one song? Because I've heard you
sing and I think you have a great voice."
SLASH replies, "South America so far is the going favorite audience to
play live for. Why? Because they are insanely passionate about their
music!" As for Serrin's second question, "Anyway, thanks for the
compliment about my voice, but I don't really enjoy singing very much.
I don't have the personality for it."
Alejandro asks, "SLASH in the 'Rocket Queen' solo you do on the 'Live
Era' CD, you use like a mouth piece distortioner, could you tell me
what it's called, and how does it work...do you blow into it or what?"
SLASH replies, "Alejandro, the effect I use on 'Rocket Queen' live is
called a voicebox. The guitar sound travels through the amp, then into
the voicebox, then through a rubber tube into my mouth and is picked up
by a vocal microphone, then the sound comes out direct via the PA.
The question comes from
Santiago in Argentina. "I started playing a Spanish guitar until my dad
bought an epiphone made in Korea (it has the shape that Chuck Berry used
in "Lucille")with the strings not precisely near the fretboard so it
makes it hard for me to play some stuff. It also happens that when I put
the gain of my Marshall Valvestate VS 30R all the way up and put the volume
at 4 or 5 (of course the guitar is also at the max), it starts to make an
increasing horrible and annoying feedback. This feedback is like the sound
when you point a voice mic at the speaker. I was wondering if you had any
problems playing in your first years due to an instrument and if someone can
improve his playing no matter what instrument he's got."
SLASH replies, "Santiago, your problem is the guitar pickups are probably
too close to the amp at such high volume. Also, a hollow body always
resonates with a high pitch feedback at such a gain level because it is
hollow. The guitar resonates much more than a solid body. Also, the
pickups could be wound single coil which causes high frequency as well.
You have to be patient and try different combinations of volume and amp
distance, etc. Difficult but not impossible."
THis one is from Aaron in West Des Moines, Iowa.
"SLASH, I play guitar, and I am having a little
trouble deciding when to use the bridge pickup on my Les Paul. I have
a Duncan Pearly Gates in the bridge, but when I play stuff you wrote, I
always keep it in the neck position. I assume for some solos you would
switch to the bridge pickup, e.g. Mr. Brownstone, for some more treble?
Thanks, SLASH and please come to Iowa".
SLASH replies, "Switching pickups positions on a Les Paul is totally
personal style and taste. Always experiment!"
Thanks, SLASH, and Aaron!
J. Ray asks SLASH, "The title song from Ain't Life Grand
is one of my favorites on the album as it shows your great range in style.
I particularly like the orchestration. Did you have the horn and sax parts
in mind when you wrote the song or add them in later? Who did the
arrangements? They really make the song".
SLASH replies, "J. Ray, I wrote the music for "Ain't Life Grand" on guitar
and bass first. Then I had the idea for the horns afterward. When we
recorded it, I had Jack Douglas (Producer) bring in some great session
guys to play the horn bits. The arrangements came naturally in my head,
and the session guys interpreted Jack's and my direction and wrote them
down and played them great".
Here's a question from Gregg who writes, "SLASH, I noticed that you played
the banjo in Use Your Illusion II, and I know that you have played bass
on a track or two. How many instruments can you play? Was the banjo hard
to learn? Can you play drums"?
SLASH replies, "Gregg, I can play most stringed instruments that don't
require a bow. I cheated with the banjo and tuned it like a guitar to make
it sound like I really knew what I was doing in one take".
The question comes
from Simrin who asks, "SLASH, your guitar is tuned half a step
down from "standard settings", in other words, it's tuned to
sound 1 fret lower. How does this affect the bass and rhythm
guitarists? Do they also have to tune their guitars down half a
step so the music fits well, or do they just tune to the standard
settings as normal? Wouldn't it be hard for the others if your
guitar is tuned down half a step?
SLASH replies, "Simrin, we (the band) tune down a 1/2 step
because it is easier on the vocals. That's really the whole
reason, but for rock and roll it sounds a little fatter, heavier."
"Are you ever bored with fans that always ask for photos
and autographs, even if it's another side of your work?"
SLASH replies, "I like to sign autographs for fans.
Sometimes it is work depending on the situation, but still, to
be appreciated is worth the effort."
Ambra in Milan who asks, "Of course you usually receive a lot
of compliments from fans, and in some way they are the ones that allow you
to do what you've been doing since 1987. What do you feel when you see the happiness in
their eyes because they are meeting you?"
SLASH replies, "Ambra, I love to play guitar, but I love to play the guitar for people who
want to hear. It's the people's positive reaction that makes everything magical."
"Is it hard to travel to other countries
where they are so different than you are used to? Do they act
different?"
BR>
SLASH replies, "I love to travel to different countries and play
for different peoples, cultures and environments. That is why
touring is so much fun!
Alex in Australia who asks, "SLASH, I read a
while back in an interview that you did some jamming and/or writing
with another guitarist you seem to admire and respect - Jerry Cantrell.
Is this true? If so, what came of that?"
BR>
SLASH replies, "Alex, I have never really jammed with Jerry Cantrell; but I do ad
Michel, "When I listen to your great album
(SLASH's Snakepit's Ain't Life Grand) with my headphones, I can
hear two different guitars - one at the left and one at the right 'phone.
Can you please tell me which side you play? Thanks!"
SLASH replies, "Michel, I should come out of the right headphone
speaker. The lead guitar in stereo (left, middle, right) comes out the
right headphone.
July in LA, who
asks, "Hey SLASH my name is July. I'm from Los Angeles and am
currently playing lead in a metal band playing local venues, Whisky,
Coconut Teaser, etc. My question is, I am currently in a disagreement
with the band. I want to incorporate a more melodic sound and get out of
the rut of playing the same licks over an E5 for a hundred measures, but
each time I venture out of the typical 'shred' I get called on it. I am
learning all these cool things in theory class and no one else gets it.
What should I do?"
SLASH replies with some advice you know he's given himself, "All you
can do is play from the heart and hope it sounds good. Don't listen to what everybody else
says."
Poo asks, "About
'Knockin' on Heaven's Door', I need to know about guitar effect tuning in this
song. Please tell me what guitar effect you used in this song. Thank you very
much for your help."
No effects, just a Les Paul and a 1958 Gibson Flying V through a Marshall and a little
delay."
Thanks, SLASH and Poo! The next question is from Greg
who asks, "Other than your own albums, would you ever
produce someone else's work? Have you ever been asked
to do so?"
SLASH replies, "I might produce someone else's record
way down the line, but right now it's enough to get my own
records done."
Andrew in the UK. He asks SLASH, "Coming from
England, do you visit England often; and do you miss living there?"
SLASH replies, "Andrew, I visit England rarely just to visit. If I'm in
England, I'm usually playing and touring".
Tatiana in Brazil. She
asks, "A friend of mine told me once that you and Richie Sambora have played together
once, is that true!!? He said that you played "Father Time" which is a song of the first solo
album of Richie, Stranger In This Town".
BR>
SLASH replies, "Your friend might be right, but I'm not really sure. It would have had to
have been a long time ago."
Chaz asks,
"SLASH, why did you pick a Gibson over a Fender? Have you
ever played a Fender? What do you think of Fenders?"
SLASH replies, "Chaz, I own a couple of Fenders, i.e. strats,
teles, acoustics. I use Fenders in the studio on occasion. I think
Fenders are looking and sounding hot, but I feel the most at
home with a Les Paul.
Jeff from Oregon asks,
"This is a question for SLASH. I know he used to have an
'old' Corvette, like a '63-'67. Does he still have it? What
year is it? And does he want to sell it? (I'm thinking of
buying one.)
SLASH replies, "I have a black '66 vette which is currently
in the shop, but it's not for sale.
J. Lopez of
Amsterdam. He asks, "I have a question. Have you ever flirted with
other guitar styles? I mean, like flamenco, or is that like a no-go area
for rock guitarists? What's your opinion on flamenco? Are you
interested in it or just admire it or doesn't it do much for you at all?"
SLASH replies, "J. Lopez, I like a lot of different guitar styles.
Flamenco, some jazz, blues, funk, classical, etc. I subconsciously
incorporate them into my style a lot. I played flamenco style for a while
when I was first learning how to play guitar."
Sam asks, "SLASH, I am a massive fan of your
style and tone and I know you use the cry baby Wah Wah
pedal, but during your live Use Your Illusion concert
performances, what did you use to get the distortion at the
start of 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and during the solo to
'Estranged'?
SLASH replies, "Sam, the distortion in my sound is always there, but sometimes I use the
rhythm pickup and turn the tone down for certain intros and solos, i.e. 'Sweet Child O'
Mine' or 'Estranged'.
Sarah asks,
"SLASH, we all know who your musical influences are, but
what CD or tape do you have in your player right now?"
SLASH replies, "Sarah, Jimi Hendrix and the Band of
Gypsies".
Marcos who writes, "I'm writing from Portugal (ya
know, small country on the edge of Europe... :) ), and my
name is Marcos. I need your help because of the chords in Guns N'Roses song "Shotgun
Blues". The problem is that, for example, I don't know how to fret the A/E (just to name
one...). Could you explain to me how it works? I really wanted to play the song but because
of this I simply can't. I would be very pleased if you could help me. Thanks for any help
attempts".
SLASH replies, "If memory serves, "Shotgun Blues" frets on #10 to #7 to #5. Also, the
whole record is tuned to E(flat)440".
This funny question comes from Pierre in
France. (Remember that SLASH did not tour France with Snakepit much
to the dismay of our French fans). Pierre asks, "I'm a fan since 1988. I
was at the 'Elyssee Montmartre' on June 29, 1995. I've got 1 question for
SLASH. 'Do you remember where is France?' (Go get him, Pierre!)
SLASH replies (a funny reply), "Yeah, I remember where is France! (Is
that a trick question? I might have to come there and find out!) Uh-oh,
Pierre, you're in trouble with the Big Guy!
Ravi who writes, "I heard
that with GNR you guys jammed with the Stones on several
songs. This was at some shows in LA where you opened for
them. During their show (we think), you and ??? came out
and jammed with them. Can you tell me which ones in their
set that members of Guns guested on?"
SLASH replies, "GNR never actually jammed with the Stones. Izzy and Axl jammed a
couple of songs with them in Atlantic City in 90-something. Ron Wood came on stage with
GNR a couple years later."
This is from Krishna who says that Adam was the source on
"custom made" and asks, "Where do you get your guitar
straps? I checked the equipment part of your site and it says
"custom made". Where are they custom made from? Any
information regarding the straps would be totally
appreciated...as specific as possible."
SLASH replies, "I forget who makes my straps. Adam Day
would be the guy to ask."
Odge
who asks, "SLASH, I have
bought one of your signature Marshall JCM 2555SL and
have had great fun cranking it up and tearing through
"Appetite..." tunes, but I've noticed that I can't get the sound on "Don't Damn Me" and
"Locomotive". They seem to have more gain. Did you use anything different on those
tracks"?
SLASH replies, "Odge, the only main difference is on "Don't Damn Me" I used my Les
Paul's rhythm pickup for the solos and on "Locomotive" I used a Gibson Explorer (1958)".
This one is from Nick, and is something we've wondered about, too. Nick
asks, "SLASH, I just started playing guitar about 2 years ago. Your
guitar playing amazes me. What I find even more astonishing is how you play while
running around on stage and while holding your guitar way up in the air
in front of you. Is this something that cam naturally to you when you first
hit the stage or through practice and experience playing live shows?"
SLASH replies, "Playing while running around, etc. comes from energy and
enthusiasm while playing in front of an audience. It does come pretty
naturally.