Influences

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Me and buddy Ron Bumblefoot Thal
Talking about influences, for me, is an interesting topic. First of all, it provides a good insight and understanding about a guitarist's playing style by knowing his influences. I have learned a lot by understanding who some of my favorite players' influences are. All the music we get exposed to in our lives forms who we are as musicians by taking bits and pieces here and there. For me, my style of music and playing style is a wide mix of many styles of music and not only necessary guitar music. Secondly, learning about your favorite players' influences may open your eyes to new musical discoveries. 

For me it is impossible to rank my influences in any way, since I can't really say that I have a favorite. Hence the list below is not in any consecutive or specific order, but rather a presentation of guitar players who's music I enjoy.  So let's begin (get ready for a lot of reading):
Allan Holdsworth - Allan is for me one of the most unique (if not the most unique) players out there. He has an original voice as a guitar player and his chord and solo playing is really inspiring. During my young formative years I had a quest to understand everything he was doing. Now many years later, I understand more about his thought process but he still is (and will always) be a bit of a mystery.
Ron Bumblefoot Thal - Ron is not only one of my biggest influences, but also a good friend. He has done a lot for my playing and he has helped me in so many ways. As a guitar player, Ron has a very original style and he has complete control of his instrument. I have spent countless of hours trying to figure out his licks and playing style and trying to adapt it to my personal style of playing. There's really not enough positive things to say about this man, so I'll just stop here...
Brett Garsed - Since I first discovered Brett he has been one of my all time favorite player. He was without doubt the one who inspired me to work on my legato technique in a more rhythmic way, as opposed to the traditional rock-legato style. He also opened up my eyes to the benefits of hybrid picking. His playing is always extremely musical and tasteful. 
Christian Johansson - Christian is without doubt my best friend and an amazing person. He also happens to play the guitar very well and he is very musical and tasteful in his playing. We have known each other for almost 15 years now and it feels like our journey has only begun. During these years we have discovered music together, learned from each other and developed an unbreakable friendship. Christian has inspired me in so many ways!
Yngwie Malmsteen - Not mentioning Yngwie as one of my all time favorites would be a great insult to the man. Yngwie was without doubt the player that made me started practicing my technique and vibrato. Before I discovered Yngwie I wasn't very interested in all the guitar-hero music. But after an old guitar teacher played me some of Yngwie's music I was hooked. 
Guthrie Govan - Well, what is there to say about Guthrie that hasn't been said 1000 times already? Guthrie is probably the most versatile player I know. He can play about almost everything flawlessly, but still with his personal flavor and style.  Guthrie simply keeps getting better and scarier on the guitar for every year. Listening to this man play is always very inspirational. 
Mattias IA Eklundh - Mattias is another old friend of mine that has done so much for my playing, mainly making me think more creative and outside the box. Over the years I have heard a lot of clones but there still is only one IA. He truly has his own freaky style and he is always pushing new boundaries. Over the years I have taken many hours of lesson with Mattias, that has helped me take my playing to the next level. In addition he has always been helpful and supportive and I am grateful to have such a nice human being as my friend. 
Tim Miller - Tim is one of my latest discoveries and I was blown away when I first heard him play. Jazz/Fusion at its finest. He seem to have total control over his instrument and he is also a good teacher (check out his online guitar courses). He also has one of the nicest tone I have heard. 
Lalle Larsson - Although Lalle is not a guitar player, but a piano/keyboard player I have to mention him as a personal musical favorite. Lalle also happens to be one of my best friends. Even though we don't play the same instruments, I have learned a lot from him in so many ways. He is a very inspiring person to be around and he always has exciting musical projects going on. You simply need to check this man out!
Wayne Krantz - The first word I associate with guitar player Wayne Krantz is rhythmic timing. He is a fantastic player and is rhythmical sense and phrasing is beyond this world! He has grown to be one of my favorite players over the years, and the more I listen to him the more his music grows. 
Marty Friedman - When I was about 15 or 16 my father bought me Marty's album True Obsessions, and I have loved his playing since then. His phrasing and exotic bends are very inspiring to me, and his note choice is always spot on! I also enjoy his work in Megadeth and with the legendary Jason Becker in Cacophony. Thanks dad for giving me the album!!
Magnus Olsson - Magnus is also an old friend of mine and one of my old guitar teachers and mentors. Magnus was the one who introduced me to Brett Garsed and the possibilities of the legato technique. He plays with great phrasing and with a very fluid legato 
Shawn Lane - I remember purchasing Shawn's REH video Power licks after a recommendation by a music store owner. I had no idea who he was but I bought the video (on VHS), and I was totally blown away. A couple of years later I got ahold of his album Powers of ten and he instantly became one of my absolute favorite players (he still is): Not only was Shawn one of the most technical players known to man, but also a full blooded musician. His intonation and phrasing and melodic sense has made a huge impact on my playing. Unfortunately he left this world way to early...
Eric Johnson - Eric for me is the master of beautiful chord voicings (along with Allan Holdsworth). His album Venus Isle is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. I love his tone and sound overall and his way of spreading the intervalls out in his playing. Not only is he a great player but also a very gifted composer.
Alex Hutchings - Alex is one of my recent discoveries and I really like his style of playing. Interesting lines and nice phrasing combined with a good improvisation skills. What else do you need in the world of guitar? 
Greg Koch - Chicken picking master and crazy person extraordinaire. I heard about Greg many years ago, but I wasn't completely hooked until I saw him perform at a guitar convention in Copenhagen in 2014. His playing is really dynamic and versatile, almost like a mix of blues/country and some overall crazy stuff. He is also a really nice and down to earth guy. 
Tom Quayle - 
John Petrucci - 
Allen Hinds
Greg Howe - 
Dave Martone - 
Joe Satriani - 
Michael Dolce - 
Steve Vai - 
Rick Graham -
Derryl Gabel  -