Jason Becker, (born July 22, 1969) is an American neo-classical metal guitarist and composer. At the age of 16 he became part of the Mike Varney-produced duo Cacophony with his friend Marty Friedman. They released Speed Metal Symphony in 1987 and Go Off! in 1988. is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Instrumental rock & roll is a type of rock and roll music which emphasises musical instruments, and which features no or very little singing. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Speed metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal that spawned in the early 1980s and was the direct musical progenitor of thrash metal[1] [2]. When Speed metal first emerged as a genre, it innovatively increased the tempo of the music template set forth by Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified with the purpose of making music. ... See also: Musical groups established in 1986 Record labels established in 1986 // 1986 - Goo Goo Dolls are formed in Buffalo, New York. ... The present is the time that is perceived directly, not as a recollection or a speculation. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A guitar-oriented music label formed out of Mike Varneys Guitar Spotlight column in the back of Guitar Player magazine, which featured a photograph and a little paragraph write-up of various guitarists whove sent in snippets of their playing. ... Cacophony is a US shred/speed metal band formed in 1986 by guitarists Marty Friedman and Jason Becker. ... David Lee Roth (sometimes referred to as Diamond Dave) (born 10 October 1953, Bloomington, Indiana) is a American rock vocalist, songwriter, actor, author, and former radio personality, best known for his work with the band Van Halen. ... Charvel is a guitar brand originally founded by Wayne Charvel in Azusa, California and then later, San Dimas, California; they were made popular by famous rock guitarist Edward Van Halen, and later, others like Warren DeMartini (Ratt) and George Lynch (Dokken). ... is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... the very definition of a guitarist is cody allen and taylor hines because of there un ending guitar skills and awsomnes. ... Mike Varney is an American hard rock record producer, publisher and impresario. ... Cacophony is a US shred/speed metal band formed in 1986 by guitarists Marty Friedman and Jason Becker. ... Marty Friedman (born Martin Adam Friedman December 8, 1962 in Washington, D.C., United States) is an American guitarist. ... Speed Metal Symphony is the debut album of speed metal band Cacophony released in 1987 (see 1987 in music) on Shrapnel Records. ... See also: Musical groups established in 1987 Record labels established in 1987 // January 3 - Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ... Go Off! is the second and final album of the speed metal band Cacophony released in 1988 (see 1988 in music) on Shrapnel Records. ... See also: 1998 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1998 Record labels established in 1998 // 1998 - The single Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls sets a new hot 100 airplay record, 18 weeks at number one. ...

Style

Like many neo-classical guitarists, Becker studied the works of virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini. He later composed a rendition of Paganini's 5th Caprice, performing it during an instructional guitar video of his. Becker's works often include high speed scalar and arpeggio passages that are supported by expressive melodies. The song Serrana, appearing in the album Perspective, is an example of his mastery of sweep-picking. While the version heard on the album was not recorded by Becker, he demonstrated the arpeggio sequence during a clinic at the Atlanta Institute of Music. The video of this performance first appeared on his Hot Licks video and can now be viewed on Youtube.^[1] Jason grew up musically playing with Marty Friedman, with whom he co-wrote many songs and by whose sense of melody he was influenced while spurring him to greater heights of guitar technique. Their 'by ear' harmonisation of melody lines remains today as their trademark. Niccolò (or Nicolò) Paganini (October 27, 1782 – May 27, 1840) was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist and composer. ... Niccolò (or Nicolò) Paganini (October 27, 1782 – May 27, 1840) was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist and composer. ... This article or section seems not to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia entry. ... Perspective is a 9 song album by Jason Becker. ... What is meant by the term sweep picking is when the guitarist picks the string downwards and then the next string below it downwards its called a Sweep. This also applies for upward strokes. ... YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. ... Marty Friedman was the lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Megadeth for a period of almost twelve years (1988 to 2000). ...

Jason and Marty toured together with Cacophony in Japan and across the U.S. In 1989 Jason left to pursue a solo career, releasing his first solo album titled Perpetual Burn in 1988. For other uses, see United States (disambiguation) and US (disambiguation). ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Perpetual Burn is a disc released in 1988 by Jason Becker Track listing Altitudes Perpetual Burn Mabels Fatal Fable Air Temple Of The Absurd Dveller In The Cellar Opus Pocus ...

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

At the age of 20, he joined David Lee Roth's band, which was considered an excellent gig for an up and coming guitarist (e.g., Steve Vai, whom Becker replaced). Whilst recording the album A Little Ain't Enough and preparing for the respective tour, he began to feel what he called a "lazy limp" on his left leg. He was soon diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS - aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) and given three years to live. He could barely finish the recording, using low-gauge (thin) guitar strings and other techniques to make it easier to play with his weakened hand. No one knew of his illness at the time except for his friend Steve Hunter. Although he managed to finish the album (which later went gold), he was forced to depart from the tour due to his inability to perform on stage. David Lee Roth (sometimes referred to as Diamond Dave) (born 10 October 1953, Bloomington, Indiana) is a American rock vocalist, songwriter, actor, author, and former radio personality, best known for his work with the band Van Halen. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A Little Aint Enough was the third full-length album by David Lee Roth (of Van Halen), released in 1991. ... Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrigs Disease, Maladie de Charcot or motor neurone disease) is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. ... Motor neurone disease (MND) is a term used to cover a number of illnesses of the motor neurone: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) and progressive lateral sclerosis (PLS). ... GOLD refers to one of the following: GOLD (IEEE) is an IEEE program designed to garner more student members at the university level (Graduates of the Last Decade). ...

He eventually lost the ability to speak (since he could not move his mouth) and now communicates with his eyes via a system developed by his father. Although his ALS gradually robbed him of his ability to play guitar, to walk, and eventually even to speak, he still remains mentally sharp and, with the aid of a computer, continues composing. In the back of the Perspective CD case, Jason states "I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease). It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind." In his 30s, his medical condition has remained stable since 1997, which is rare for ALS. This article is about the machine. ... Musical composition is: a piece of music the structure of a musical piece the process of creating a new piece of music // A piece of music exists in the form of a written composition in musical notation or as a single acoustic event (a live performance or recorded track). ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ...

Perspective and the Berry Jams

In 1996 Becker released an album entitled Perspective, an instrumental album composed by him (with the exception of Bob Dylan´s song Meet Me in the Morning featured as the last track). The composing of the record's music had begun before ALS completely crippled his ability. By using guitar and later, when he was unable to use both hands, a keyboard, he continued to compose while his disease worsened. However, when Becker could no longer physically play even a keyboard, his friend and music producer Mike Bemesderfer helped him with a music-composing computer program which could read the movements of his head and eyes. This enabled Becker to continue to compose after he lost control of his entire body. Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Perspective is a 9 song album by Jason Becker. ... This article is about the recording artist. ... Meet Me in the Morning is a song by Bob Dylan, released on his 15th studio album Blood on the Tracks in 1975. ...

Several years later Becker released Raspberry Jams (1999) and Blackberry Jams (2003), the first contained various unreleased demo-tracks and the latter contained demo-tracks and alternate versions of songs that were later reworked and published into other albums. See also: 1999 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1999 Record labels established in 1999 // January 7 After eight years of marriage, Rod Stewart and supermodel wife Rachel Hunter announce their separation. ... See also: 2003 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 2003 Record labels established in 2003 // January - following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It... For other uses, see demo. ...

Two tribute albums have come out for Jason Becker entitled Warmth in the Wilderness I and Warmth in the Wilderness II, featuring such guitarists as Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Marty Friedman, Joe Becker, Rusty Cooley, Mattias "IA" Eklundh. These players pay tribute to Jason by playing the songs that he played throughout his career, and some of them even wrote their own tribute songs in honor of him. The albums profits were sent to Jason to help him with his disease.

Future Prospects

Jason and his friend, actor Matt Schulze are planning a movie about his life, titled End of the Beginning. According to Jason's official website, Fender and Charvel are going to make guitars for the movie and are planning to release a number of them to the public. Another film, Mr. Tambourine Man, is also in development.^[2] Matthew Schulze (born July 3, 1972 in St. ...

Shrapnel Records will be releasing a Best of Jason Becker album. Jason is currently in the studio working on two new songs for the album which will feature Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Joe Satriani, Michael Lee Firkins and Steve Hunter. The album will also feature older, never-heard songs/recordings. A guitar-oriented music label formed out of Mike Varneys Guitar Spotlight column in the back of Guitar Player magazine, which featured a photograph and a little paragraph write-up of various guitarists whove sent in snippets of their playing. ... Marty Friedman was the lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Megadeth for a period of almost twelve years (1988 to 2000). ... Greg Howe Greg Howe (born 1964) is a virtuoso guitar player, originally from Easton, Pennsylvania. ... Joe Satch Satriani (born on July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, U.S.) is an American guitarist and former guitar instructor. ... Michael Lee Firkins is a guitar player, born in 1967. ... Police Constable Steve Hunter is a character from the long running ITV drama The Bill. ...

Discography

Cacophony

• Speed Metal Symphony (1987)
• Go Off! (1988)

Solo Speed Metal Symphony is the debut album of speed metal band Cacophony released in 1987 (see 1987 in music) on Shrapnel Records. ... Go Off! is the second and final album of the speed metal band Cacophony released in 1988 (see 1988 in music) on Shrapnel Records. ...

• Perpetual Burn (1988)
• Perspective (1996)
• The Raspberry Jams (1999)
• The Blackberry Jams (2003)

David Lee Roth Perpetual Burn is a disc released in 1988 by Jason Becker Track listing Altitudes Perpetual Burn Mabels Fatal Fable Air Temple Of The Absurd Dveller In The Cellar Opus Pocus ... Perspective is a 9 song album by Jason Becker. ... A Collection Of Demos, Songs, And Ideas On Guitar Originally released October 19, 1999. ... The Blackberry Jams is a collection of private recordings made by Jason Becker between 1987 and 1988. ...

• A Little Ain't Enough (1991)

Instructional A Little Aint Enough was the third full-length album by David Lee Roth (of Van Halen), released in 1991. ...

• Hot Licks - The Legendary Guitar of Jason Becker

References

• Jason Becker Documentary

External links

• Jason's Website
• Jason's MySpace Page