The Naked Truth About Rusty Cooley's Jackson Guitar Will Make You Sick!

Contents

Have you ever wondered what makes a guitar legend like Rusty Cooley tick? What drives a man to push the boundaries of guitar playing to such extreme levels that it leaves audiences both amazed and slightly uncomfortable? The answer might surprise you, and it's all wrapped up in the story of his signature Jackson guitar that's causing quite a stir in the guitar community.

Biography of Rusty Cooley

Rusty Cooley is a guitarist, guitar teacher, instructional author, TV show host, and recording/performing artist who has carved out a unique niche in the world of extreme guitar playing. Known for his blistering speed and technical prowess, Cooley has become a polarizing figure in the guitar world, with fans either worshipping his abilities or questioning the musicality of his approach.

Personal Details and Bio Data

CategoryDetails
Full NameRusty Cooley
ProfessionGuitarist, Instructor, Author, TV Host
InstrumentsGuitar (6, 7, and 8-string)
Notable EndorsementsJackson Guitars, Seymour Duncan Pickups
Instructional Materials"Shred Guitar Manifesto" CD-ROM, various columns
Career StartEarly 1990s
Notable ReleasesMultiple solo albums, instructional materials
Playing StyleExtreme shredding, technical metal

Early Career and Musical Journey

Cooley became dissatisfied with working with local musicians and began to create solo music in early 1996. This decision marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to fully express his unique vision without compromise. His first solo venture consisted of 12 tracks, one of which, "Under the Influence," was released alongside a music video that showcased his incredible technical abilities.

The album featured Cooley on all instruments, demonstrating not just his guitar prowess but also his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. This DIY approach would become a hallmark of Cooley's career, reflecting his uncompromising artistic vision and technical mastery.

Session Work and Collaborations

I have played on over 35 albums, with some of the artist including Derek Sherinian and Austrian Death Machine. These collaborations showcase Cooley's versatility as a guitarist, able to adapt his extreme style to different musical contexts while still maintaining his signature sound. His work with Derek Sherinian, a keyboardist known for his work with Dream Theater and other progressive rock acts, demonstrates Cooley's ability to hold his own among elite musicians.

The Rusty Cooley Signature Jackson Guitar

What needs to be considered is the Rusty has made some amazing designs to the new Dean guitar that will give aspiring shredders the opportunity to play fast with a guitar right out of the box. The neck design, the cutaways, the pickups, and the wood selection all contribute to creating an instrument that's specifically engineered for extreme speed and technical playing.

Whether it's a 6, 7, or 8-string, these features are all great. However, it's the Rusty Cooley signature model electric guitar that truly meets Rusty's demand for the ultimate in upper fret access. This instrument exceeds expectations by providing completely unrestricted access all the way up to the 27th fret, allowing players to explore musical territories that were previously difficult or impossible to reach on a standard guitar.

Gear and Sound

What guitars, effects, and amplification do you use to get your sound on your solo debut CD? For the CD, Cooley used his custom Jackson 7-string equipped with EMG 707 pickups. The power amp is the VHT Two/Ninety/Two, a high-end amplifier known for its clarity and power. This combination of gear creates the distinctive sound that Cooley is known for - a blend of extreme precision, clarity, and raw power.

Educational Contributions

In 2000, Rusty released an instructional CD-ROM "Shred Guitar Manifesto" and gained endorsements with Jackson Guitars and Seymour Duncan Pickups. This instructional material became a valuable resource for guitarists looking to develop their technical skills, offering insights into Cooley's approach to speed, accuracy, and complex playing techniques.

Rusty also started doing guitar clinics as well, bringing his expertise directly to guitarists around the world. These clinics became popular events where aspiring players could see Cooley's techniques up close and ask questions about his approach to the instrument.

Growing Influence and Recognition

Rusty's presence on the internet was growing, and his music started getting great reviews, which followed with interviews and instructional columns. His unique approach to guitar playing, combined with his willingness to share his knowledge, helped establish him as a significant figure in the guitar community.

The Controversy Surrounding Extreme Playing

The naked truth about Rusty Cooley's approach to guitar playing is that it challenges conventional notions of what guitar music should be. His focus on extreme speed and technical complexity has drawn both praise and criticism. Some listeners find his playing exhilarating and inspiring, while others argue that it prioritizes technique over musicality.

This controversy is part of what makes Cooley such a fascinating figure. He represents a particular extreme in the guitar world - one that pushes the boundaries of what's physically possible on the instrument. Whether you love or hate his style, there's no denying the technical achievement represented by his playing.

The Business Side of Guitar Playing

The final step in understanding Cooley's impact is to consider the business side of his career. His signature guitar models, instructional materials, and clinics all represent different revenue streams that have allowed him to build a sustainable career around his unique approach to guitar playing.

This business acumen is often overlooked when discussing guitar players, but it's an essential part of understanding how musicians like Cooley have been able to pursue their artistic vision while also making a living from their craft.

Conclusion

The naked truth about Rusty Cooley's Jackson guitar and his approach to playing is that it represents one of the most extreme expressions of guitar technique ever developed. Whether this extreme approach is "sick" in the sense of being amazing or in the sense of being excessive depends entirely on your perspective as a listener and player.

What's undeniable is Cooley's impact on the guitar world. He's inspired countless players to push their technical boundaries and has contributed significantly to the development of guitar education through his instructional materials. His signature guitars have also pushed the boundaries of instrument design, creating tools specifically engineered for extreme playing techniques.

Love him or hate him, Rusty Cooley represents a fascinating chapter in the ongoing story of electric guitar evolution. His naked ambition to push the instrument to its limits has created a legacy that continues to influence guitarists around the world, challenging them to reconsider what's possible on the instrument they love.

LESSONS – Rusty Cooley
LESSONS – Rusty Cooley
Rusty Cooley Guitar Strings - S.I.T. Strings
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