Shane Theriot: "The best lead guitar players, like Eddie Van Halen, were great rhythm pocket players. Everything is rhythm"

Shane Theriot
(Image credit: Greg Vorobiov)

Shane Theriot grew up “right next door to” New Orleans, where early on he absorbed the city’s rich musical heritage. He began playing guitar as an adolescent, played in bands during his school years, and relocated to Hollywood after high school to attend GIT. Upon graduating with honors, he became an instructor before moving on to session work.

While primarily known as a lead player, Theriot believes that his innate sense of, and love for, rhythm contributes greatly to his many accomplishments. It has placed him on stages and in studios with a range of artists – Willie Nelson, Beyoncé, Robben Ford, and Branford Marsalis among them. It won him a Grammy in 2015 as producer of Jo-El Sonnier’s The Legacy.

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Alison Richter is a seasoned journalist who interviews musicians, producers, engineers, and other industry professionals, and covers mental health issues for GuitarWorld.com. Writing credits include a wide range of publications, including GuitarWorld.com, MusicRadar.com, Bass Player, TNAG Connoisseur, Reverb, Music Industry News, Acoustic, Drummer, Guitar.com, Gearphoria, She Shreds, Guitar Girl, and Collectible Guitar.