In the early 1980s, if you were picking up a guitar with aspirations of making it big in the world of metal, there was a clear path to follow: mastering blistering solos reminiscent of Eddie Van halen or Randy Rhoads. For many aspiring musicians, rhythm guitar and songwriting often took a backseat to the dazzling lead performances that captivated audiences.
However, as thrash metal emerged at the end of the 1980s, this focus began to shift. The genre emphasized tight and aggressive rhythm playing. Notable figures like Dave Mustaine from Megadeth, James Hetfield from Metallica, and both guitarists from Slayer, along with Scott Ian of Anthrax , showcased this new approach. Among them was also Eric Peterson of Testament
Diving into his experiences during a recent episode of theScars and Guitars podcast, Peterson shared insights about his formative years in the music scene and how humility shaped his approach to playing guitar.
“When I first started out, there were plenty of guitarists who surpassed my skills,” Peterson reflected (as noted byFinal Guitar). “What truly drove me was my vision for what I wanted our band’s sound to be like—rather than just being another shredder. It’s amusing because here we are three decades later,and I’m finally starting to embrace soloing.”
This clarity in vision proved crucial for him. Instead of getting lost in the competitive landscape dominated by lead guitars, Peterson focused on developing rhythm techniques and songwriting that would become hallmarks of Testament’s distinctive sound.Notably,he has been an unwavering member since its inception in 1983—a testament (no pun intended) to his pivotal role in guiding its direction.
Lamenting on those early days, Peterson acknowledges numerous influences that shaped his style: “Back then it was all about creating great songs; there were so many bands that inspired me,” he stated.”Groups like Mercyful Fate and various darker elements within British Heavy Metal had a significant impact on me.”
Cultivating Testament’s Unique Identity
“That’s how we approached our music; we set out with a clear intention…this is what we want to create,” he added.
A Lesson for Aspiring Guitarists
The journey of Eric Peterson offers valuable lessons for emerging guitarists: speed or flashiness isn’t everything when it comes to success. Often times having a well-defined vision paired with solid foundational skills can propel you further—something that has certainly worked well for Peterson over four decades.
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