THE AXEMEN GUITAR SERIES : Graham Stirret - Phear

1.Tell us your name and the band you play for
-Graham Stirret - Phear

2.Who made you want to pick up the guitar

-I think in very early childhood, my uncles and cousin on my mom’s side of the family probably had a big impact. I remember strumming my first powerchord on my cousins electric guitar through an amp, not knowing how to play guitar at all and just thinking, wow...that sounds awesome. As far as artists that may have helped the trajectory to continue was probably Daniel Johns from Silverchair. I think “tomorrow” was the first song I learnt on guitar.

3.Are you self taught or did you take lessons? 

 

-If by “lessons” we’re talking about a formal 1 on 1 lesson, then mostly self taught. Nowadays, if I’m looking to expand on technique or something like that, I’ll seek out lessons/exercises on YouTube or just create my own.

4. Can you read music, Can you read tab? 

-I’m probably rusty on reading music at this point. Yes, I can read tab but I usually only use them as a rough guide if i’m trying to learn a song. I’d much rather learn a riff or lick watching it being played slow first. Then gradually work it up to speed. 

5.Do you feel like you have your own sound / tone ? 

 

-Sure. I think everyone has “their own sound” when it comes to how each individual touches and strikes the instrument. The biggest thing that affects your tone is how you attack and fret your guitar. There’s a lot of nuances when comes to feel and all kinds of articulations you can do. Muting strings you don’t want to make noise is a big help. The amp, pickups and gear all come after that but enhance what you put in. Fundamentally, the biggest thing for me is a strong foundation coupled with a great vibe. Oh and playing accurately. 

6.Tell us about your guitar ( brand ,model . year , color ) 
  

-My Esp Eii - Horizon 7 is the main guitar I use.
-other 7 strings I use are Esp Eii - Arrow 7, Esp/Ltd H-1007.
-6 strings are esp/Ltd h-1001 and mh-1000.

7.What about pickups? Passive or active ? 

-EMG 57/66-7 Active pickups

8.Lets get into amplification

-Currently running a Line 6 Relay G90 wireless into an ENGL Invader 100 Amplifier. Using a Digitech GSP1101 with a control 2 midi foot controller for channel/effects switching


9.Do you have a pedal board? 

-Control 2 Midi foot controller.

10.Now tell us your Dream Rig in detail
  

-Kemper Profiling Amp

11.What guitarist can you not stand? 

-Pat Rogers.

12. Is tone more important or is technique? 
E=mc2

13. Name your top 5 guitarist 

-Usually prefer not to answer questions like this...I couldn’t even tell you my top 5 bands hahaha! Just way too many great players and artists out there. 

14.Who is the most overrated guitarist?

-Pat Rogers.
  

15.Who would you like a one hour private sit down lessons with anyone dead or alive? 

-Andy James 
-Jeff Loomis
-Steve Vai 
-Dimebag 

-and maybe Pat Rogers because he’s super overrated and I can’t stand him.