Alex Skolnick is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist of the thrash metal band Testament. He is also a jazz guitarist, composer, and music educator.
Skolnick was born in Berkeley, California, on September 29, 1968. He started playing the guitar at the age of nine. He was heavily influenced by the classic rock of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, as well as the jazz fusion of Mahavishnu Orchestra and Chick Corea.
Skolnick joined Testament in 1983 at the age of 15, becoming the youngest member of the band. With Testament, he became a part of the burgeoning thrash metal scene, and the band released their debut album, The Legacy, in 1987. The album was a success, and Testament became one of the leading bands in the thrash metal genre.
In 1997, Skolnick left Testament to pursue a career in jazz and began performing with the Alex Skolnick Trio. The trio released their debut album, Goodbye to Romance, in 1998, and followed it up with four more albums. Skolnick has also collaborated with artists such as John Zorn, Phil Lesh, Les Claypool, and Mike Stern.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Skolnick is an active music educator, hosting master classes, seminars, and workshops around the world. He is also a writer and music journalist, having written extensively for publications such as Guitar World, JazzTimes, and Downbeat.
Skolnick is a highly respected guitarist, both in the metal and jazz worlds. He has been lauded by guitarists such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Morse, and John Petrucci, and is often cited as an influence by younger guitarists.
Skolnick continues to make music, both as a solo artist and with Testament. He is also a frequent guest at various music festivals and events, and is recognized as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.
