Al Di Meola
Return to Forever / Solo
The speed king of fusion guitar. His percussive muted picking technique and blazing speed set the standard for technical virtuosity before shred existed. Blends electric fury with acoustic finesse, pioneering the marriage of jazz complexity and rock intensity through Mediterranean and Latin influences.
SIGNATURE TONE
Percussive, staccato, and precise. A unique blend of muted picking (mutola) on both electric and acoustic guitars, often with a dry, present sound that highlights every note.
SIGNAL CHAINS BY ERA
Explore how the rig evolved over time
Return to Forever Era (1974-1976)
The fusion explosion. A Les Paul into a Marshall creating a thick, sustaining lead tone that cut through Chick Corea's synths.
Elegant Gypsy Era (1977-1980)
Electric flamenco. Blending acoustic virtuosity with electric power using Mutron effects.
Modern Era (2006-Present)
World Sinfonia and beyond. Signature PRS guitars and refined acoustic-electric tones.