Biography: Shredder Jim
Jim Mattrazzo, or "Shredder Jim" has been playing and teaching guitar for the past 20 years. Jim is recognized by his peers as a highly accomplished guitarist and musician. Jim has performed as a soloist (classical guitar) and in several bands ranging in style from heavy metal/shred like Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen and Metallica, to top 40 bands. Jim has awards for both guitar playing ( guitar solo contest sponsored by Marshall Amplification ) and Billboards song writing contest. Jim also received two honorable mentions in the 2001 John Lennon song writing contest. Besides teaching private guitar lessons and performing, Jim has also appeared as a guest soloist on Frank Crocco’s debut CD “Wake up Heart” and has taught adult continuing education at Shenendehowa Central Schools.
Jim is always striving to make himself better as a musician and guitar player. He has studied with Guitarist and Composer Rick Bruno, contemporary music and Jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Classical Guitar with Ray Andrews ( SCCC ) and Joel Brown ( Skidmore College ) and Flamenco Spanish guitar with virtuoso Dennis Koster at American Institute of Guitar in Manhattan.
Here's is a list of some of my favorite players and influences:
Shred / Classical Fusion
“My goal is to never stop learning and improve myself as a musician, composer, guitar instructor and keep myself open to new ideas.”
Jim Mattrazzo, or "Shredder Jim" has been playing and teaching guitar for the past 20 years. Jim is recognized by his peers as a highly accomplished guitarist and musician. Jim has performed as a soloist (classical guitar) and in several bands ranging in style from heavy metal/shred like Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen and Metallica, to top 40 bands. Jim has awards for both guitar playing ( guitar solo contest sponsored by Marshall Amplification ) and Billboards song writing contest. Jim also received two honorable mentions in the 2001 John Lennon song writing contest. Besides teaching private guitar lessons and performing, Jim has also appeared as a guest soloist on Frank Crocco’s debut CD “Wake up Heart” and has taught adult continuing education at Shenendehowa Central Schools.
Jim is always striving to make himself better as a musician and guitar player. He has studied with Guitarist and Composer Rick Bruno, contemporary music and Jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Classical Guitar with Ray Andrews ( SCCC ) and Joel Brown ( Skidmore College ) and Flamenco Spanish guitar with virtuoso Dennis Koster at American Institute of Guitar in Manhattan.
Here's is a list of some of my favorite players and influences:
Shred / Classical Fusion
- Yngwie Malmsteen
- Tony MacAlpine
- Vinnie Moore
- Paul Gilbert
- Michael Angelo Batio
- Chris Impellitteri
- Jason Becker
- Greg Howe
- Joey Tafolla
- John Petrucci
- Eddie Van Halen
- George Lynch
- Blues Saraceno
- Jake E Lee
- Randy Rhodes
- Warren DeMartini
- Stevie Ray Vaughn
- Nuno Bettencourt
- Al DiMeola
- Frank Gambale
- Allan Holdsworth
- Joe Pass
- Don Mock
- Al Martino
- Shawn Lane
- Scott Tennant
- William Kanengiser
- Dennis Koster
- Sabicas
- Juan Martin
- Carlos Montoya
- Andres Segovia
- John Williams
- Pepe Romero
- Paco DeLucia
“My goal is to never stop learning and improve myself as a musician, composer, guitar instructor and keep myself open to new ideas.”