Chris Skladal has been playing guitar for 4 years since his junior year of high school. He was on the baseball team as a pitcher but went through Tommy John surgery on his left arm. Since he was injured, he was unable to play ball for a while, so he decided to pick up a new hobby to counterpart baseball. Chris started learning on a right-handed guitar, but as he continued to practice, he learned he was not playing at his full potential. That said, Chris ordered a cheap left-handed electric guitar, and the rest was history.
Chris likes to look at guitar tabs while he learns a new song and will break up each section to practice individually. When he gets the song figured out, Chris will play along with a track so he can stay on time with the beat. To add effects to his electric guitar, Chris uses a music software called BIAS FX. The software is an amp modulator that allows the guitarist to use different sounds and pedals all on the convenience of your laptop. Chris said, “Bias FX is an extremely helpful tool for his playing and it’s a good substitute for an amp.”
Chris talked a lot about his love for the blues and heavy rock, explaining the importance of music in his life. Skladal's biggest guitar influences are Jimmy Page, Jack White, and James Hetfield because they all have a unique way of playing. He said, “My favorite guitar players all have feel. Practicing songs by Jimmy and James improve my rhythm and style as a guitarist.” Chris watches live music videos of Led Zeppelin, Metallica, the White Stripes, and more to learn how to properly play a song live.