Originally published in Guitar Player magazine · June 1990
artist spotlight on Rich Kern
Article1 min read
Guitarist: Rich Kern
Age: 21
Location: Kings Park, New York
Style: Progressive metal
Influences: Edward Van Halen, Jason Becker, Yngwie Malmsteen
Main Guitar: Ibanez RG570
A guitarist since age 15, Rich developed his playing at an accelerated pace, and during the last two years of high school he performed both original and cover material with a local band. He credits his close friend, Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, as a major influence. It was John who exposed Rich to Yngwie Malmsteen, which inspired him to take the guitar even more seriously and to develop his technique, resulting in countless hours of practice. Rich spent two years studying music at a community college, practicing, writing, and recording on his own 4-track. Receiving his associate degree in music, he journeyed to the Berklee School Of Music, where he was exposed to new music and jamming partners. Currently teaching at Focus II Guitar Center in New York, Rich has made a very impressive instrumental tape in his spare time, which I recommend to fans of Progressive guitar music.
Rich’s expertly crafted songs bring to mind many great influences. He utilizes both Holdsworth-style legato solo phrasing and an excellent picking technique. Creating textures with rhythm parts suggestive of both Rush and a more aggressive new age instrumental artist, he has developed many interesting moods in which he can lay down his blistering yet melodic solo work.