Nikki Sixx is a legendary bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. While he is known primarily for his bass playing, Sixx is also a talented guitarist who has contributed to the band’s unique sound and style. In this article, we will take a closer look at Nikki Sixx’s guitar work and explore the instruments and techniques that have made him one of the most influential musicians of his generation.
Early Years and Influences
Nikki Sixx was born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna, Jr. on December 11, 1958, in San Jose, California. He grew up in a musical household and was exposed to a variety of musical genres at a young age, including classical music, rock and roll, and heavy metal. Sixx’s early influences included Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, and The Who. He began playing the bass guitar at the age of 17 and quickly became obsessed with the instrument, playing for hours every day.
Mötley Crüe and Guitar Work
In 1981, Sixx co-founded Mötley Crüe with vocalist Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars, and drummer Tommy Lee. The band quickly rose to fame with their hard-hitting sound and over-the-top stage presence, and they soon became one of the biggest heavy metal bands of the 1980s. Sixx’s bass playing was a key part of the band’s sound, but he also contributed to their music as a guitarist. He wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and “Kickstart My Heart.”
Sixx’s guitar playing is characterized by its raw energy and aggressive style. He often used heavy distortion and palm-muted power chords to create a powerful, driving sound. He also experimented with different tuning and string gauges to achieve a unique tone. In live performances, Sixx would often switch between bass and guitar, giving the band’s music an added dimension and versatility.
Equipment and Techniques
Throughout his career, Sixx has used a variety of Tablature Guitare and basses. He is known for playing Gibson and Fender instruments, including the Les Paul and Precision Bass. He also used a number of custom-made instruments, including a signature model from Music Man. Sixx’s guitar playing is characterized by his use of heavy distortion and overdrive pedals, as well as his innovative use of effects such as chorus, flanger, and wah. He is also known for his aggressive palm-muted strumming and his use of aggressive picking techniques.
Conclusion
Nikki Sixx is one of the most influential musicians of his generation, and his contributions to Mötley Crüe’s sound and style have made him a legend in the heavy metal community. His guitar work is characterized by its raw energy, aggressive style, and innovative use of distortion and effects. Whether he is playing bass or guitar, Sixx’s playing is always characterized by his passion and dedication to his craft. He is truly a master of the six-string, and his impact on the world of rock and roll will be felt for generations to come.
Table of Key Points
- Born on December 11, 1958, in San Jose, California
- Co-founded Mötley Crüe in 1981
- Known for his aggressive, raw guitar style
- Influenced by Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, and The Who
- Used a variety of guitars and basses, including Gibson and Fender instruments
- Innovative
