Joe Stump | The Art of Neoclassical Shred | Guitars, Malmsteen, Picking and Marshall Amps

Legendary neoclassical shred guitarist Joe Stump joins the Shred Sessions Podcast for an epic two-hour deep dive into the world of high-level guitar playing, neoclassical metal, vintage gear, and a lifetime dedicated to the instrument.Joe takes us inside his new solo record “Lord of the Strings,” dropping October 16th, 2026, and breaks down the guitars, amps, strings, picks, and techniques behind his unmistakable sound.We get deep into Joe's incredible collection of Fender Stratocasters and ESP guitars, including his Custom Shop Strats and 1998 Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Strat. Joe explains why the Stratocaster remains his weapon of choice and talks about the Marshall amps that have powered his tone throughout his career.Of course, this wouldn't be a Joe Stump conversation without talking about shred guitar technique. Joe gives us an inside look at his right-hand picking mechanics, his approach to alternate and economy picking, repeating patterns, scales, and hexatonic concepts. If you're a guitarist interested in the mechanics and vocabulary behind neoclassical shred, there's a ton to dig into here.Joe also reflects on his favorite records, his guitar heroes, seeing Allan Holdsworth with UK opening for Al Di Meola, his years in the East Village, the New York Yankees, and his journey from obsessive guitar student to becoming one of the most respected names in neoclassical guitar.Whether you're into Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Gary Moore, Allan Holdsworth, shred guitar, neoclassical metal, Fender Strats, Marshall amps, or just love hearing great guitar players talk shop, this episode is packed with guitar history and insight.