Guitarists To Know: Scott Mishoe
Written by Walter Bryant
As many of us know, Larry Graham is the pioneer of the “slapping” technique, so it isn’t unusual for us to see this style of playing from other bass players
. However, this technique isn’t something we ordinarily associate with the electric-guitar. Well, no-one told that to Scott Mishoe, a player who has pushed the boundaries of the electric-guitar ever since he was handed one at the ripe old age of 5. Inspired by the musical talents of his father and brother, Scott sunk deeper into his guitar-obsession with every passing year. Scott would eventually, and somewhat inevitably, find his way to the musical stylings of Eddie Van Halen, opening an entirely new window for his style to expand upon. He would also latch on to the style of players such as Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, and Yngwie Malmsteen, who
he claims taught him the importance of developing his own voice on the guitar; a quality Scott values the most in guitar playing. Scott later landed his first live performance at the age of 8, and landed his first major gig at 13 with Pat Travers; a popular Canadian guitarist of the 80’s and 90’s. At 18 he got an endorsement with Fender. He was featured in Mike Varneys “Spotlight” column in the August 1990 issue and a number of other magazine features soon followed.
In 1992 his mind-blowing two-handed arpeggio techniques caught the eye of shred-purveyor Mike Varney, landing him a place on the Shrapnel “Ominous Guitarist from the Unknown” release. He was also featured on Mark Varney’s “Guitar On The Edge” series.
Scott began writing and recording his first instrumental 
album with Ray Riendeau on bass, who along with Victor Wooten, inspired Scott to apply the infamous slap-technique to the guitar. Scott began creating a variety of licks around the slap-technique, developing an even more refreshing style. With the addition of this new technique, Scott developed what we think to be one of the most creative playing styles we’ve heard. Using a technique that can now be seen from players of late like Tosin Abasi, Scott can make a 5 second lick the most interesting 5 seconds of your life. But amidst all of the powerful slaps, Scott still manages to slip in some legato runs, chords, sweeps, with some fries on the side. But don’t get us wrong, Scott Mishoe ain’t no one-trick-pony. Scott’s impeccable tapping runs, alternate picking, and arpeggios give any modern day shredder a run for their money. Scott attests this seemingly flawless playing style to hours and hours of practicing during his free-time, claiming he also became “hooked” to the slap-technique, inspiring him to push even more boundaries with his expert-level guitar chops.
Unfortunately, the guitar community didn’t hear much from Scott Mishoe after his first album, leaving us guitar-nerds with very little to tide us over after 1995. Nonetheless, Scott hasn’t put down the guitar. As far as we can see and hear, the man has somehow managed to improve on his already amazing skills. Video surfacing on YouTube featuring Scott in recent years proved the super-tight and funky slap technique that Mr. Mishoe was known for is still alive and well. Recent interviews reveal that Scott is in the process of writing another album, and hopes to work with players like Ray Riendeau, Keith Horne, and Victor Wooten in the near future. We don’t know about you, but this is reason enough for us to keep an eye out. You can keep up with Scott’s playing by subscribe to his YouTube channel. Scott is also actively giving lessons via Skype for those who are interested. In addition, he offers lesson packets, illustrating his approach to legato, tapping and sweep picking. In the meantime, watch Scott tear things up with a few slapping and tapping runs! The guy is insane!
You can purchase Scott Mishoe’s lesson packets, CD’s, and inquire about Skype lessons by emailing him directly at scottymishoe@gmail.com!
Sources:
http://www.theinstrumentalguitarist.com/Interviews/Interview/20
http://www.truthinshredding.com/2006/04/scott-mishoe-beyond-omnidirectional.html
