The older I get, the more I just like plugging directly into my amp. I'm tired of trying to impress myself with weird sounds. It's about the notes more.

I've always considered transcribing to be an invaluable tool in the development of one's musical ear and, over the years, I have spent countless glorious hours transcribing different kinds of music, either guitar-oriented or not.

I have an independent record label called Favored Nations on which I released an album by an artist called Johnny A, who plays an arch top Gibson through a Marshall, but the tone is all in his fingers.

You can never deny the immense talent, rock credibility and iconic historical contribution that Van Halen made.

I was always one of those guys who was a seeker after truth. I want to know what's going on.

It just happens in life, where you resonate with a particular artist. Or it can be a kind of food or a fashion - you discover it and it gives you a whole new lease on life.

I'm always pursuing knowledge; I'm a seeker of spiritual equilibrium - and music is a big part of that.