Musical influences

It is very difficult to narrow down my musical influences to only two people. But in the interest of the class I will make choice.

1.  Favorite pre-1900 musician or influential person in guitar.

Niccolò (or Nicolò) Paganini: 27 October 1782 – 27 May 1840

Famous violinist and composer born in Genoa, Italy. He started playing music at the age of 5 (mandolin) and by age seven he started playing the violin. Interestingly enough he also played the guitar, but preferred to play it in private. He is mostly know for his "24 Caprices" for violin, many of which had inspired many guitar players, specially those of neoclassical inclinations. Caprice 24 is one of his most played pieces by other guitar players due to its complexity and high speed.

2. Favorite post-1900 musician or influential person in guitar.

Joseph Satriani (born July 15, 1956 - present)

Electric guitar virtuoso. Born in Westbury, NY, USA. Came from a musical family, started playing drums at a young age but eventually found a love for the guitar at age 14. He is mostly known for being the teacher of many influential modern guitar players such as Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett from Metallica. One of his most famous albums is "Surfing with the Alien" which incorporates elements of different types of music. He is both melodic as technically intricate in his playing.