Testament guitarist describes his musical origins, studying with Joe Satriani and his love of pure, classic jazz

September 27, 2016

A native of Berkeley, CA, Alex Skolnick discovered his musical calling at a very early age. Since he first began playing the guitar at age 9, Alex’s influences included Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads, as well as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Metheny and Joe Pass.

Perhaps best known as a member of the thrash metal band Testament, Alex is equally at home playing and recording straight-ahead jazz in intimate club settings.

FGPO founder Jon Liebman sat down with Alex at the 2016 Warwick Bass Camp in Markneukirchen, Germany, where Skolnick served as one of the professors.

Watch our interview with Alex!

Alex jams on Billy Cobham’s “Red Baron” with Steve Bailey,
Dennis Chambers, Jonas Hellborg and Joe Hubbard