Shredding

A style of lead guitar playing. To shred is to make disciplined use of alternate picking and sweep picking to play single note leads, typically through overdriven amplifiers - this facilitates a very even, consistent attack. This is almost always executed rapidly, displaying virtuosity. Legato phrasing is avoided, although some guitarists would contend that two handed tapping techniques can be considered part of shredding. Shredding is often combined with string bending and artificial harmonics. Since Yngwie Malmsteen it has been popular to shred using harmonic minor scales, and this does sound good. Other popular shredders include Tony Macalpine, Steve Vai and John Petrucci.

Shred"ding (?), n.

1.

The act of cutting or tearing into shreds.

2.

That which is cut or torn off; a piece.

Hooker.

© Webster 1913.