Geek to Guitar Hero

Well written, provides great insight into the challenges and insecurities that Skolnick overcame to become the versatile and confident musician he is today. Having obsessed over Skolnick's playing throughout his career (since '87) I was surprised to read that his musical education was as challenging as he described it.Having read a lot of the reviews, I actually expected his stance on metal to be more opinionated than it was. There was very little that a metal-head should find offensive about Skolnick's impressions and almost nothing seamed condescending. He does seem to have an identity-politics-victim-complex but he is who he is. I never walked in his shoes, so perhaps my opinion should be ignored in that regard.If you like Skolnick and appreciate what you know about his journey, you'll probably appreciate this book. If you are a metal-purist/hater this book will probably make you like him even less.

I bought this book primarily as a lifelong Testament fan. There is very little written about this band (as opposed to Metallica, on which there are dozens of books available, most of which I own!) SO, I was excited to finally get an inside scoop on Testament and learn more about their story. Also, like Alex, I was a rather alienated and uncool kid who struggled to "fit in", then and now, so I was interested to see how HE rose above those struggles to "make it". Alex writes with great intelligence, extreme attention to detail and a dry humor and wit that is very refreshing---this is NOT your ordinary rock star biography! You feel like you are right in the room (or tour bus) with him as he recounts many crazy situations, fascinating people, and his feelings about living through it all. (I would love to meet him just to shake his hand and give him a hug!) The ONLY thing missing is that toward the end when he rejoins Testament...would have liked to know much more about the back story that went into those negotiations and why he decided to return (their last 2 records are so awesome, I'm just glad he did!) Other than that, it it a great story and a must read for any Rock Music fan, or Misunderstood Metal head like me! You will be inspired to be true to yourself, and enjoy the ride!

The title could have been "The Wrath of Alex". I enjoyed reading it from someone who I feel is similar to me that actually has been successful in the music business. I am a fan of the band Testament and have enjoyed their music since the second lp. I play guitar and I have been in a band so I can relate. Possible one of the best things to happen to Alex is taking lessons from Joe Satriana. Yet it doesn't stop there, Alex continues his education going to college studing Jazz guitar. Strange but around 1992 I left metal and studied Jazz, blues and then Country. When the Recession hit hard I started to listen to metal again. One of the interesting things I read was Alex's experiences meeting his idols in rock backstage. I really enjoyed this book and would have given it 5 stars except I wanted to read more about him being in band Savatage, his marriage, auditioning for Ozzy, being like 2 blocks away serving jury duty on 911. Thanks Alex, not only a great guitar player , but a good person as well.

I've read many biographies, and I was a little reluctant to read this one. Mainly because I view Alex Skolnick as an accomplished musician, and didn't want to know if he was an egomaniac. Especially in the metal genre, sometimes you already get an idea of what the story is going entail not to say it doesn't happen with other famous personalities, but let's face it metal is metal and gravitates to a certain crowd of people and or personalities. I was one of them and I was an early Testament fan. But something said go ahead buy it , you'll have something to read this week, even if it didn't end up that interesting, I figured it would just end up with a novel of a rock musician and stay on my bookshelf never to be read again. Oh I was wrong, I finished reading it in less than 24 hrs and yes I read it again. Phenomenal read. Very personal, mature, and well written by Alex himself, yes I said he wrote it. If you don't think you can pursue your dream, this is inspirational and if it doesn't you weren't paying attention. He speaks of his past with all the emotion that someone who has matured would. Anyone who has had a dysfunctional family and you felt you didn't feel attached to it, and wondered why you felt different, even though everything on the outside looked normal. Why you had dysfunctional relationships as an adult and couldn't understand why, you will relate to this. He speaks of his love and dedication to his craft , the guitar, and what it took to get there regardless of what was cool. Even when he felt there were personal boundaries or outside influences not conducive to his dream and future. Mr. Skolnick thought outside of the box musically and personally and listened to himself. I thought Miles was the only book with a musicians story, in my opinion that speaks to you, it took another 15 years for something like this to come out. Well done. Alex you have a future in writing I hope you continue to do so.

This is a great insite to who Alex Skolnick is and he is an intelligent Great guy who Loves to Play and keep learning and mastering the guitar..One of the most inspiring books I have read and a book I and anyone else should be able to relate to,from his childhood,to high school to joining his first band he takes you through his life shares his thoughts,gives you info you can use on becoming a better musician and human being..If you have any musicians in your family besides yourself..put this book at the top of your gift list !!! Rock On Alex..Great Book I loved it!..maybe one of these days I will be able to play a third as well as you!! haha

Back in the days... a quarter of a century ago, I was full of life. Hard to believe, but I was.That meant I was into heavy metal and later thrash metal (and later death and doom metal).One of the bands who captured my imagination was Testament. I loved their first four albums before death metal captured me. After that, Testament only became a memory.Alex Skolnick was one of the main reasons I loved Testament. When I was going through Amazon for rock biographies, I found his biography.I bought it...... and read it.This biography is brilliant on so many levels. It tells his story as a geek who did not fit into his family and it tells the story about Testament and other thrash metal bands. Most of all, it tells the story about Alex and his voyage of discovery in jazz and other genres.The book is extreme well written and personal. And it is simply one of the best musician biographies out there.And I will check out his albums and the Testament albums again. I have just put in an order for 3 Alex Skolnick Trio albums.You have my respect and admiration, Alex Skolnick.

Whereas the average rock musician biography focuses on debauchery and antics on the road, Skolnick's seems to focus on jazz. Oh yeah, and Testament...It's a well written book that offers an insight in both Skolnick the man and the musician.He comes across as fairly level headed if a bit full of himself.I'd love to hear the other side of the Testament story though.Recommended reading, not only for musicians.

Very happy with this item, bought for myself and will be looking for more like this. Thanks. Couldn''t fault this item

Ho faticato a trovare questo libro, impossibile reperirlo nei negozi in Italia, sono riuscita grazie ad Amazon ad acquistarlo in lingua inglese... ottimo libro, scorrevole e piacevole!

Very intersting book !! A must have