When it comes to shred guitar, there’s only one name that matters: Michael Angelo Batio. His speed and technical ability are legendary, and he’s considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Batio began recording with Holland in 1985, and his career took off from there. He’s recorded over 60 albums and performed in over 50 countries. He’s toured with legends like Ted Nugent, and he’s played with some of the biggest names in heavy metal, including Megadeth, Anthrax, and Motorhead.
In this article, I’ll look at everything Batio has done for the music world.
The Musical Journey of Mike Batio
Early Years
Mike Batio was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to a multicultural family. He started tinkering around with music at the age of five, and by the time he was ten he was already playing the guitar. By twelve he was already playing in bands and performing for hours on the weekends. His guitar teacher even said he was faster than him at 22!
Education and Professional Career
Batio went on to attend Northeastern Illinois University and achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Theory and Composition. After he graduated, he looked to become a session guitarist in his hometown. He was given a piece of music and asked to play it, and he managed to do it with his own improvisations and fills, making him the studio’s primary call-out guitarist. He has since recorded music for companies such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC, United Airlines, United Way, McDonald’s, Beatrice Corp. and the Chicago Wolves hockey team.
Holland, the Michael Angelo Band and Nitro (1984–1993)
Batio started his recording career in 1984 when he joined the heavy metal band Holland. The band released their debut album in 1985 and split up soon after. He then started his own eponymous band with singer Michael Cordet, bassist Allen Hearn and drummer Paul Cammarata. In 1987, he joined Jim Gillette on his solo album “Proud to Be Loud” and then founded the band Nitro with bassist T.J. Racer and drummer Bobby Rock. They released two albums and a music video for their single “Freight Train”, which featured Batio playing his famous ‘Quad Guitar’.
Instructions Videos and Solo Career
In 1987, Batio released his first instructional video with “Star Licks Productions”. He then started his own record label, M.A.C.E. Music, and released his first album “No Boundaries” in 1995. He followed this up with “Planet Gemini” in 1997, “Tradition” in 1999, and “Lucid Intervals and Moments of Clarity” in 2000. In 2001, he released a CD with his band “C4”.
The Medieval-Inspired Guitar Mastery of Michael Angelo Batio
A Master of Alternate Picking
Michael Angelo Batio is a master of alternate picking, a technique that involves rapidly picking strings with alternating upstrokes and downstrokes. He credits this skill to his use of anchoring, or planting his unused fingers on the body of the guitar while picking. He’s also a pro at sweep-picking arpeggios and tapping. His favorite keys to play in are F-sharp minor and F-sharp phrygian dominant, which he describes as “demonic” and giving a dark, evil sound.
The Reach-Around Technique
Batio is also known for inventing and often demonstrating the “reach-around” technique. This involves flipping his fretting hand over and under the neck rapidly, playing the guitar both regularly and like a piano. He’s even ambidextrous, which allows him to play two guitars at the same time in synchronization or using separate harmonies.
Teaching the Greats
Batio has taught some of the greats, such as Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave fame) and Mark Tremonti (of Creed fame).
A Medieval-Inspired Look
Batio has a deep interest in European medieval history, castles and architecture. He often wears an all-black outfit with chains and other designs related to the medieval period. His guitars also feature chainmail and flames in the artwork.
So if you’re looking for a guitar master who looks like he just stepped out of a castle in the Middle Ages, then Michael Angelo Batio is your guy! He’s a master of alternate picking, sweep-picking arpeggios, tapping, and even the reach-around technique. Plus, he’s taught some of the greats, like Tom Morello and Mark Tremonti. And if you’re looking for a unique look, he’s got that too!
Michael Angelo Batio’s Unique Collection of Guitars
A Look at the Legendary Musician’s Gear
Michael Angelo Batio is a legendary musician, and his impressive collection of guitars is a testament to his skill. From vintage Fender Mustangs to custom-built aluminum guitars, Batio’s collection has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the gear that has made him a household name:
- Guitars: Batio has an impressive collection of around 170 guitars, which he has been collecting since the 1980s. His collection includes a Dave Bunker “Touch Guitar” (double neck with both bass and guitar, similar to the Chapman Stick), a mint-condition 1968 Fender Mustang, a 1986 Fender Stratocaster 1962 re-issue and several other vintage and custom-built guitars. He also has a 29-fret guitar made of military-grade aluminum, which makes the guitar very light. For live performances, Batio exclusively uses Dean Guitars, both electric and acoustic.
- Double Guitar: Batio is the inventor of the Double Guitar, a V-shaped, twin-neck guitar which can be played both right- and left-handed. The first version of this instrument was two separate guitars simply played together, and the next version was designed by Batio and guitar technician Kenny Breit. His most famous Double Guitar is the USA Dean Mach 7 Jet Double Guitar along with its custom Anvil flight case.
- Quad Guitar: As well as the Double Guitar, Michael Angelo also invented the Quad Guitar, a four-necked guitar with four sets of strings. This guitar is designed to be played both right- and left-handed and is a truly unique instrument.
Batio’s impressive collection of guitars is a testament to his skill as a musician and his commitment to creating unique instruments. Whether you’re a fan of vintage guitars or custom-built instruments, there’s something for everyone in Batio’s collection.
Michael Angelo Batio’s Music Career
A Look at the Discography
Michael Angelo Batio has been shredding on the guitar for decades, and his discography is a testament to his amazing talent. Here’s a look at the albums he’s released over the years:
- No Boundaries (1995): This album was the beginning of Michael’s journey to becoming a guitar legend. It was the first time he showed the world what he was capable of.
- Planet Gemini (1997): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
- Lucid Intervals and Moments of Clarity (2000): This album was a return to form for Michael, and it was full of amazing guitar solos and shredding.
- Holiday Strings (2001): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
- Lucid Intervals and Moments of Clarity Part 2 (2004): This album was a continuation of the first Lucid Intervals album, and it was full of amazing guitar solos and shredding.
- Hands Without Shadows (2005): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
- Hands Without Shadows 2 – Voices (2009): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
- Backing Tracks (2010): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
- Intermezzo (2013): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
- Shred Force 1: The Essential MAB (2015): This album was a compilation of Michael’s best work, and it was full of amazing guitar solos and shredding.
- Soul in Sight (2016): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
- More Machine Than Man (2020): This album was a bit of a departure from his usual style, but it still had plenty of shredding and guitar solos.
Michael Angelo Batio has been shredding up a storm for decades, and his discography is a testament to his amazing talent. From his debut album, No Boundaries, to his latest release, More Machine Than Man, Michael has been consistently delivering amazing guitar solos and shredding. So if you’re looking for some awesome guitar music, you can’t go wrong with Michael Angelo Batio!
The Legendary Guitar Virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio
Michael Angelo Batio is a legendary guitar virtuoso, born on February 23, 1956 in Chicago, IL. He’s known for his work in a variety of genres, including Pop/Rock, Heavy Metal, Instrumental Rock, Progressive Metal, Speed/Thrash Metal, and Hard Rock. He’s also gone by the names Michael Angelo and Mike Batio, and has been a member of the band Holland Nitro Shout.
The Man Behind the Music
Michael Angelo Batio is a living legend in the music world. He’s been playing guitar since he was a kid, and his passion for the instrument has only grown with time. His unique style has earned him a loyal fanbase, and he’s been able to make a name for himself in a variety of genres.
The Genres He’s Known For
Michael Angelo Batio is known for his work in a variety of genres, including:
- Pop/Rock
- Heavy Metal
- Instrumental Rock
- Progressive Metal
- Speed/Thrash Metal
- Hard Rock
His Band and Other Projects
Michael Angelo Batio is a member of the band Holland Nitro Shout, and has also worked on a number of solo projects. He’s released several albums and singles, and has toured extensively throughout the US and Europe. He’s also been featured in a number of music videos, and has made appearances on various television shows.
Guitar Legend Michael Angelo Batio Shares His Secrets
Mistakes to Avoid as a Guitarist
So you want to be a guitar hero like Michael Angelo Batio? Well, you better be prepared to put in the work. According to MAB, the key to success is to practice vibrato over and over. That’s right, no shortcuts! Here are some other tips from the man himself:
- Don’t rely on effects to make you sound good. You need to be able to play with feeling and emotion.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques. You never know what you might discover.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does, and it’s part of the learning process.
Recording and Touring with Manowar
Michael Angelo Batio has had the privilege of recording and touring with the legendary heavy metal band Manowar. He’s seen it all, from the highs of playing in front of thousands of people to the lows of dealing with technical difficulties. Here’s what he has to say about the experience:
- It’s an incredible feeling to be able to share your music with so many people.
- Touring can be exhausting, but it’s also a great way to connect with fans.
- Always be prepared for the unexpected. Technical issues can happen at any time.
Upcoming Acoustic Record
Michael Angelo Batio is currently working on an acoustic record, and he’s excited to share it with the world. Here’s what he has to say about the project:
- Acoustic music is a great way to showcase your skills as a guitarist.
- It’s a great way to explore different musical styles and sounds.
- It’s a chance to show a different side of your playing.
The Absolutely Staggering Number of Guitars in His Collection
Michael Angelo Batio is a true guitar aficionado, and his collection of guitars is nothing short of staggering. He’s got everything from classic Fenders to modern shred machines. Here’s what he has to say about his collection:
- Having a variety of guitars is essential for any guitarist.
- Each guitar has its own unique sound and feel.
- Collecting guitars is a great way to explore different styles and sounds.
Guitar Legend Michael Angelo Batio—Still Shredding After All These Years
Guitar legend Michael Angelo Batio has been shredding for decades and shows no signs of slowing down. His pick speed alone is enough to make your jaw drop, and when you add in his ability to play two necks at the same time with both hands, it’s almost too much to comprehend.
If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video, chances are you’ve seen Batio in action. He’s the guy who can make a guitar do things you never thought were possible. But what’s the story behind this incredible musician?
The Early Years
Batio’s guitar journey began in the early 70s when he was just a kid. He was already a proficient player by the time he was in high school, and he soon started to make a name for himself in the local music scene.
Batio’s big break came in the late 80s when he was signed to a major label. His first album, “No Boundaries,” was a huge success and established him as one of the top guitarists in the world.
The Evolution of His Style
Batio’s style has evolved over the years, but he’s still known for his incredible speed and technical proficiency. He’s also become a master of the two-handed tapping technique, which he uses to create intricate melodies and solos.
Batio has also become a master of the “shredding” style of playing, which is characterized by fast, aggressive licks and solos. He’s also developed a unique style of playing two guitars at once, which he calls “double-guitar.”
The Future of Shredding
Batio is still going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s currently working on a new album and is also teaching guitar lessons to aspiring shredders. He’s also a regular on the music festival circuit and continues to inspire guitarists around the world.
So if you’re looking for some serious shredding inspiration, look no further than Michael Angelo Batio. He’s the master of the guitar and shows no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
Michael Angelo Batio has had an incredible career in music, from playing in bands in his youth to becoming a session guitarist and founding his own label. He’s even been credited with inventing the Quad Guitar! His story is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. So, if you’re looking for inspiration, take a page from Batio’s book and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. And don’t forget to ROCK ON!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
