For the readers who may be unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your music? Who are your main influences?

My main influences, as far as guitar playing goes, are Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, and David Gilmour. Paul Gilbert, perhaps, has the most influence on my playing style; whereas, Steve Vai was the one that really got me interested in the instrument. One thing that I would argue is true in all of these players’ unique styles is that they let emotion guide their guitar playing. While I do love technicality and speed, emotion goes a lot farther in music. Through emotion, a musician can connect with others that are not actually partaking in the making of the music. For example, David Gilmour clearly is not the “fastest” guitarist; however, every note he plays seems to be perfect—which, for me, gives a sense of closure, completeness, and just satisfaction. Some bands that I enjoy are Alice in Chains, Symphony X, Rush, Nirvana, Queensryche, Pink Floyd, Shiny Toy Guns, Smashing Pumpkins, Liquid Tension Experiment to name a few. My music is a culmination of my favorite music/artists, geography/socio/economic influences that shape every individual, and, I’m sure, popular media. I fuse progressive metal influences with 90’s alternative rock, with electronic sounds, and classic hard-rock.

Check out Tino’s Song, Crawl (To Me) and keep reading to find out more about this talented guitarist!

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So how did you get started playing the guitar?

I was around 8 years old and my older cousin played guitar (as well as many other instruments); I began taking lessons from him, but then decided to quit. About 5 years later, I decided I wanted to pick the instrument back up again, so eventually I spent all my time playing the guitar and learning as much as I could about music.

What is one influential event that helped shape your playing style, or take it to the next level?

When I first heard Steve Vai’s “Ultra Zone” that was the moment that, musically, changed my life forever. The way he played things, the sounds were like nothing I had ever heard before. From that day on I devoted every free moment I could find to practice guitar and studying music in hopes of becoming a creative, virtuosic soul such as Vai. I spent hours in the summer practicing to a 13 hour schedule I had prepared for myself; sweating over my guitar just to get in more time to expand my abilities. And Paul Gilbert’s REH instructional videos were what pushed my playing to a whole new level.

What kind of gear are you using?

My main guitar is a Gibson SG Special with custom upgrades. Also, for live applications I use a Gibson V. I have a custom pedal board with products from Electro Harmonix, Digitech, Boss, Dunlop, Voodoo Lab, and more. Amp wise, I use a B-52 AT-100 Triple Rectifier. Granted, everyone now uses these due to the great value and wonderful sound. And honestly, after playing it, I was very pleased with the sounds this amp produced. Even though it will definitely be a hot amp, it still allows enough control to define your own sound.

Describe a normal day for you. How much time do you spend practicing and playing, talking to fans, networking, etc.

I spend about 3 hours a day practicing. Really, any time that I can find, I use to keep my skills at a high level and to work on new material. I spend a lot of time using online media, as well as phone and pamphlets, to meet new musicians in my area—to potentially meet colleagues to collaborate with. I love fans so anytime that I can visit with them I do. I make my contact info readily available to my fans because they are fantastic and I want to know them well.
What are you most proud of musically?

Other than some songs that me and a friend used to play that switched meters about every measure—19/16 to 13/8 to 5/4 : )—which were satisfying due to the length and difficulty, I would say I am most proud of getting to where I used to only dream of. The things I can do on guitar currently would have never seemed possible when I first started playing. I’m proud that I dedicated my time to my art and will always have something to show for it.

Any other thoughts or words of inspiration?

Success isn’t handed to you (in any facet of life really); you must work extremely hard, never giving up, to realize your dreams in life. You must put in the time and dedication to watch whatever your dreams and goals may be come to fruition. Anything is conquerable if you work at it as much as you can. Good luck and be yourself.

Please visit my myspace page and friend me/chat at www.myspace.com/synthesisreaction or www.myspace.com/tinoforneris.

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