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Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Dec 6 2010, 11:23 AM

Many guitarist started practicing at an early age however some started their professional career like http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie-Moore-style-patterns-1/. "Moore began his professional career at age of 12 and played clubs and bars until Shrapnel executive Mike Varney discovered him through a magazine article ("Vinnie Moore", Wikipedia).  

Who in your opinion received recognition for their skills at the youngest age?

Posted by: MickeM Dec 6 2010, 12:50 PM

Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus and the twins from Full House (can't recall their names... wierd)

Another guitarist that started giging at eary age was Joe Bonamassa, same as Vinne Moore.

Posted by: Daniel Realpe Dec 6 2010, 01:42 PM

hahaha Justin yes,

I think Jason Becker must have started really young because he was like 16 when he recorded guitars for Cacophony, if I'm not mistaken

Posted by: Sollesnes Dec 6 2010, 01:42 PM

I agree with MickeM, also adding Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.

When talking about guitarists, Id also add Jason Becker

Posted by: Ben Higgins Dec 7 2010, 12:45 PM

For Guitarists, Paul Gilbert came to Mike Varney's attention early (I think) and he also applied for Ozzy's band when he was 15 !!

I think Jason Becker was 17 when Cacophony recorded Speed Metal Symphony...! Imagine that !!

I'm not sure if that wikipedia article is correct... I read years ago that Vinnie Moore started playing guitar when he was 12.... who knows.... ?

Posted by: playaxeman Dec 7 2010, 12:58 PM

Michael Schenker played at young age in the Scorpions and play at 16 in UFO

Posted by: Ben Higgins Dec 7 2010, 03:22 PM

Oh yes.... the Lord Schenker himself.. you're right !!

Also, Shawn Lane was playing with Black Oak Arkansas at 14.

Posted by: maharzan Dec 7 2010, 04:07 PM

oo .. I beat all the records.. I started at 15. (well picked it up first time )

Posted by: MonkeyDAthos Dec 7 2010, 04:12 PM

Richie Kotzen started to play at 7 years old (5 piano) and at the age of 19 release his 1º album

Posted by: Zsolt Galambos Dec 7 2010, 07:23 PM

If I remember it correctly, Jason Becker was eather 3 or 5 years old when he started out. He was around 16-17 when he recorded the 2 Cacophony albums and was 18 when he recorded his first solo album. He became world wide famous at 21 joining David Lee Roth. Imagine what he'd be able to do today if it wasn't for his illness? He'd be #1 for sure.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 7 2010, 08:58 PM

I think the posts have well covered the who's and what's. Well done. I just wanted to comment that it does certainly seem like players are starting younger and younger and getting staggeringly good before they are really big enough to hold a full size guitar. Youtube is filled with players as young as 8 playing Scarified and Steven Ray Vaughn covers, etc. I think it's actually a great thing. I really think things like GUITAR HERO and ROCK BAND got a whole new generation interested in actually playing an instrument again. Thank goodnes Otherwise, and unending escalation of synthesis and sampling (which has it's place of course as any tool does). The new version of ROCK BAND promises to use an actual stringed electric guitar for "Pro Mode" which will encourage students to practice without even realizing it. I think the future of music is looking bright
Todd