Trey Azagthoth, the visionary guitarist known for his groundbreaking work with the death metal band Morbid Angel, has long been recognized for his technical prowess and distinctive sound. His deep connection with the guitar isn’t just about shredding complex solos or playing intricate riffs. For him, the guitar is an extension of his thoughts, emotions, and his exploration of music as an art form. Reflecting on his lifelong passion for the instrument, Azagthoth shared his personal journey, the artistry behind his playing, and his perspective on what makes a truly great guitarist. But the conversation took an interesting turn when he was asked to judge the skills of others, offering a unique and introspective perspective on the artistry of guitar playing.
### The Journey to Mastery
Azagthoth’s journey with the guitar began at a young age. As a teenager, he found himself captivated by the instrument’s potential for creative expression. Early influences came from a variety of genres, but it was heavy metal, particularly thrash and death metal, that would leave a lasting imprint on him. “The guitar was always a tool for me to express myself in a way that nothing else could,” Azagthoth reflects. He didn’t just play notes — he used the guitar to communicate something deeper, a language of chaos, beauty, and transcendence.
His commitment to mastering the instrument was both relentless and intuitive. Like many great musicians, Azagthoth didn’t just practice with a goal of technical skill alone. He practiced with the intention of creating something unique, something that would stand out from the many guitarists that came before him. This intense dedication paid off, eventually leading to his signature style — a fusion of complex time signatures, rapid tremolo picking, and a sense of dissonance that became a hallmark of Morbid Angel’s sound.
The artistry of Azagthoth’s playing is rooted in his ability to weave complexity and melody together in a way that feels effortless. “I don’t think about the technique so much anymore,” he admits. “It becomes second nature. It’s all about finding that space where you can feel the music, where the instrument becomes a part of you.” His approach to guitar playing is fluid, and his focus is on capturing a moment, rather than simply executing a series of notes. This reflects his belief that the soul of a great guitarist lies not in their technical ability, but in their ability to connect with the music on a deeper level.
### What Makes a Great Guitarist?
When asked about what makes a guitarist truly great, Azagthoth was quick to offer his insights. “A great guitarist isn’t someone who can play fast or hit all the right notes. It’s about feeling and individuality,” he states. “It’s about being able to communicate emotion through the instrument, to make the listener feel something that words can’t express.”
For Azagthoth, it’s not enough to just play well. The best guitarists, in his eyes, are those who can push the boundaries of what’s possible, who dare to experiment and break new ground. Technical proficiency is certainly important, but it’s the ability to take that proficiency and use it in creative, expressive ways that separates a great guitarist from a good one. “A guitarist can be a virtuoso, but if there’s no soul in their playing, it doesn’t matter how fast or clean they are. It’s all about the spirit behind the notes,” he reflects.
Furthermore, Azagthoth believes that a great guitarist must possess an innate sense of musicality. It’s not just about knowing how to execute a scale or arpeggio perfectly. It’s about understanding the dynamics of the music, the ebb and flow, and knowing when to hold back or when to unleash a burst of energy. A truly great guitarist, he argues, can make an impact with a single note, using the silence between notes to speak just as loudly as the sound itself.
### Judging Others: A Reflection on Musicality
The conversation took a more intriguing turn when Azagthoth was asked about judging the playing of others. As someone who has reached the pinnacle of his craft, his thoughts on evaluating other musicians come from a place of experience, but also of empathy. “It’s a tough thing to judge someone else’s playing because music is so subjective,” he begins. “Every guitarist has their own journey, their own voice, and it’s important to recognize that.”
Azagthoth admits that when he judges other guitarists, his focus is not solely on technical ability. “I try to listen for the soul of the playing,” he explains. “Is there a sense of originality? Is there something in their playing that feels fresh or unique? Because at the end of the day, that’s what makes a guitarist stand out.”
However, he also emphasizes that being too focused on uniqueness can sometimes be limiting. “Sometimes, a great guitarist doesn’t have to be radically different,” he explains. “They can play something that’s been done before, but they do it in such a way that it resonates with you. It’s all about execution, about how you make the familiar feel new and exciting.”
When asked about specific qualities he looks for, Azagthoth points out the importance of phrasing. “Phrasing is key. The way a guitarist shapes their lines, the dynamics they use, it can make a world of difference. It’s like speaking in sentences — the way you construct a line of music can convey so much meaning.” He believes that a guitarist’s ability to communicate with their instrument is perhaps the most important factor when evaluating their playing.
### Conclusion: The Art of the Guitar
Trey Azagthoth’s thoughts on guitar playing reflect a deep understanding of the instrument as an art form. His journey has been one of constant exploration, pushing boundaries, and honing his craft. For him, the true essence of being a great guitarist lies not in flawless technique or speed, but in the ability to express something meaningful and unique through the instrument. When he judges the playing of others, it’s with an eye for originality, musicality, and emotional depth. In the end, Azagthoth’s perspective on guitar playing reminds us that the instrument, at its core, is a vehicle for expression — one that transcends technicality and speaks directly to the soul.