Tony MacAlpine not only plays guitar, but is a stunning classical piano player, so he can show how that influence molded his guitar playing.

I prefer playing in songs where I have a tempo, groove and harmonic map to hang on to.

A rock band with vocals is what I always wanted to be a part of; in fact, it feels very natural for me.

Being in a band is hard. Even if you like somebody, you start to argue over silly things.

When I look back at the span that Mr. Big lasted, we had some unbelievable times. But there were grueling times, too.

There's nothing like sitting down and playing music with somebody. It breaks down all the barriers in life.

Teaching is just something that has come naturally to me. I didn't set out to be a teacher. I wanted to be a Beatle! But there were only four of them, so the job openings were really limited.

Everyone has to start somewhere! I certainly didn't sound great when I first started playing, and I remember all my guitar teachers, both good and bad, and what it felt like to struggle with even the simplest of things.

At the time, it all seemed pretty normal. It was okay to have a pink guitar and glow-in-the-dark pants, and play with a drill. 1987, that was the worst year. I think that was the worst year for capes and for hair!

With Racer X, whenever we have time, we try to put a record together. And that's always fun because the guys in the band are great friends and I don't think I ever laugh as hard as I do when I'm with the Racer X guys.

I grew up in the '70s, so I even love the music that I didn't like from that era.

The first song on my first album is not a song - it's a guitar solo! It's called 'Frenzy,' and it's pretty much nonstop maniacal guitar playing. I had just turned 19, and I had some serious muscle then.

From the start, I held the pick in an unusual way. I used to bend my thumb way back in order to get a good angle for fast playing. I played that way for 10 years.

I love all my guitar solos.

Being a fan of pop music and rock bands, I am a reluctant convert into the art of instrumental rock music.

Philosophically, I think riffs that start with E repeating itself are almost guaranteed to be great.

Andy Timmons is someone I've jammed with many times over the years, and we always have a great chemistry when playing together.

I worked out the keyboard parts on the progressive rock classic 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' and somehow managed to play it all on acoustic guitar.

There is a basic language of music that I think is important for communicating with other musicians - just the kind of terminology that might make it easier to describe your ideas to the other guys in your band.

I was driving home and thinking about what rock and roll should be about. 'Adventure and Trouble!' I thought. I sang the song first and then added the chords later.

I lived in Los Angeles for around 20 years. I love the place, but the driving can wear thin.

In the morning, I know everyone has two things: an empty stomach and a fresh brain.

Mimi Fox is one of the most exciting contemporary jazz guitarists I've heard.

Writing is a chore.