Geek to Guitar Hero

Great autobiography of a musician, probably the best out of the many others I've read. Very inspirational and introspective. A must read for music fans or anyone else trying to find their way in life.

I've read many biographies, and I was a little reluctant to read this one. Mainly because I view Alex Skolnick as an accomplished musician, and didn't want to know if he was an egomaniac. Especially in the metal genre, sometimes you already get an idea of what the story is going entail not to say it doesn't happen with other famous personalities, but let's face it metal is metal and gravitates to a certain crowd of people and or personalities. I was one of them and I was an early Testament fan. But something said go ahead buy it , you'll have something to read this week, even if it didn't end up that interesting, I figured it would just end up with a novel of a rock musician and stay on my bookshelf never to be read again. Oh I was wrong, I finished reading it in less than 24 hrs and yes I read it again. Phenomenal read. Very personal, mature, and well written by Alex himself, yes I said he wrote it. If you don't think you can pursue your dream, this is inspirational and if it doesn't you weren't paying attention. He speaks of his past with all the emotion that someone who has matured would. Anyone who has had a dysfunctional family and you felt you didn't feel attached to it, and wondered why you felt different, even though everything on the outside looked normal. Why you had dysfunctional relationships as an adult and couldn't understand why, you will relate to this. He speaks of his love and dedication to his craft , the guitar, and what it took to get there regardless of what was cool. Even when he felt there were personal boundaries or outside influences not conducive to his dream and future. Mr. Skolnick thought outside of the box musically and personally and listened to himself. I thought Miles was the only book with a musicians story, in my opinion that speaks to you, it took another 15 years for something like this to come out. Well done. Alex you have a future in writing I hope you continue to do so.

Wow! I am not a musician, never have been, never will be but have been a huge fan of Testament and all of Heavy music my whole life. Over the years, I have read just about every book/biography/memoirs out there. This is a must read for several reasons: 1- in my opinion this is the best written book out there. It is smart, genuine, detailed, humble and honest. It is a fantastic read for that alone. 2- you will read about Bay Area stories, anecdotes and insights that are hilarious and new even to die hard metal fans. You will also be taken deep into the Testament story and it is fascinating...I had no idea... 3- the Alex story is incredible. Some of the other folks rating this book already covered it but Alex's story is much bigger than the music story...it is about someone who never quit, never settle for average, defied expectations, struggled, chose the higher path in pursuit of his own happiness. There is a lot to be inspired about in this book...much more than the musical journey and story. 4- this book is not about what most books typically are...grew-up, partied, had drug problems, partied some more etc...the journey that this book takes the reader on is very deep and it is about a journey thru his life, struggles, experiences , choices etc...it is deep. 5- Alex doesn't spare anyone with what he really think about them but always does it in way that is acceptable...but make no mistakes...he has pretty strong opinions from his many encounters, tour and experiences with many big names... A MUST READ...buy the book, read it...it doesn't disappoint! *Alex, in the event you read these postings on-line...thanks for an incredible book!

I bought this book primarily as a lifelong Testament fan. There is very little written about this band (as opposed to Metallica, on which there are dozens of books available, most of which I own!) SO, I was excited to finally get an inside scoop on Testament and learn more about their story. Also, like Alex, I was a rather alienated and uncool kid who struggled to "fit in", then and now, so I was interested to see how HE rose above those struggles to "make it". Alex writes with great intelligence, extreme attention to detail and a dry humor and wit that is very refreshing---this is NOT your ordinary rock star biography! You feel like you are right in the room (or tour bus) with him as he recounts many crazy situations, fascinating people, and his feelings about living through it all. (I would love to meet him just to shake his hand and give him a hug!) The ONLY thing missing is that toward the end when he rejoins Testament...would have liked to know much more about the back story that went into those negotiations and why he decided to return (their last 2 records are so awesome, I'm just glad he did!) Other than that, it it a great story and a must read for any Rock Music fan, or Misunderstood Metal head like me! You will be inspired to be true to yourself, and enjoy the ride!

The title could have been "The Wrath of Alex". I enjoyed reading it from someone who I feel is similar to me that actually has been successful in the music business. I am a fan of the band Testament and have enjoyed their music since the second lp. I play guitar and I have been in a band so I can relate. Possible one of the best things to happen to Alex is taking lessons from Joe Satriana. Yet it doesn't stop there, Alex continues his education going to college studing Jazz guitar. Strange but around 1992 I left metal and studied Jazz, blues and then Country. When the Recession hit hard I started to listen to metal again. One of the interesting things I read was Alex's experiences meeting his idols in rock backstage. I really enjoyed this book and would have given it 5 stars except I wanted to read more about him being in band Savatage, his marriage, auditioning for Ozzy, being like 2 blocks away serving jury duty on 911. Thanks Alex, not only a great guitar player , but a good person as well.

Alex Skolnick. Metal fans know him as the lead guitarist for the band Testament. Jazz fans know him from his band AST – Alex Skolnick Trio. I first saw and heard him in 2006 when he played with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Now we get to know him through his memoirs of growing up in Berkley, California; plunging into the 80s Bay Area metal scene and traveling the world with Testament, discovering a passion for jazz, and finding himself in the midst of it all. Yes, it’s about the music. Metal fans will get a kick out of the inside scoop on one of California’s hardest hitting rock bands. Guitarists, like myself, will immediately connect with Alex’s love for the guitar and identify with his long journey toward mastering the instrument. There will be moments when they’ll want to put down the book and pick up their guitar to practice. I know I did. But the real take away here for anyone trying to make it in the music business (any genre) is that reality is a far cry from the dreams that put us on that path. Alex paints a sobering picture of the business side of music, as well as life on the road, in the studio, and on the stage. I wish I could have read this book thirty years ago when I still had stars in my eyes. I wouldn’t say Alex’s story is a warning against pursuing one’s dreams–quite the opposite. But like anything in life, the sooner you understand the reality of it, the better you’ll be able to pursue the craft and maybe avoid some pitfalls along the way. But it’s about more than music. Alex’s story is about the journey of self-discovery and being okay with what you find. It’s about being honest and true and living rightly with other people, even those who haven’t yet figured this out. It’s about going after something, finding that there are good and bad forces out there that will try to shape you, and making the very hard choice to not give in to those voices. Now I’m sounding philosophical, but that’s really what this book is about. Alex Skolnick is obviously a great guitarist. That’s what first caught my attention in 2006. But there’s a lot more to him. He’s intelligent and insightful, and surprisingly stable considering the life he’s lived and those forces I mentioned. So, there you have it. Geek to Guitar Hero is entertaining, informative, provocative, and inspirational. Thank you, Alex, for sharing your story with the world. It’s a great compliment to the music you’ve already given us.

Book arrived quickly and in great shape.

If you even vaguely know who Alex is, read this book. Very well written and interesting. Unlike most musician's books, this one was written 100% by Skolnick himself. Alex is very blunt and honest about his shortcomings, his unsupportive parents that thought music was a waste of time, his not so great first meetings with many famous musicians, the brain dead Beavis and Butthead like antics from members of Testament, and why he left touring with his well known thrash band to study jazz music. There's even a chapter on his teacher Joe Satriani. I'm so often disappointed with autobiographies from musician's who have no business writing books. This one was a pleasant surprise.

Ho faticato a trovare questo libro, impossibile reperirlo nei negozi in Italia, sono riuscita grazie ad Amazon ad acquistarlo in lingua inglese... ottimo libro, scorrevole e piacevole!

Awesome book.

Back in the days... a quarter of a century ago, I was full of life. Hard to believe, but I was. That meant I was into heavy metal and later thrash metal (and later death and doom metal). One of the bands who captured my imagination was Testament. I loved their first four albums before death metal captured me. After that, Testament only became a memory. Alex Skolnick was one of the main reasons I loved Testament. When I was going through Amazon for rock biographies, I found his biography. I bought it...... and read it. This biography is brilliant on so many levels. It tells his story as a geek who did not fit into his family and it tells the story about Testament and other thrash metal bands. Most of all, it tells the story about Alex and his voyage of discovery in jazz and other genres. The book is extreme well written and personal. And it is simply one of the best musician biographies out there. And I will check out his albums and the Testament albums again. I have just put in an order for 3 Alex Skolnick Trio albums. You have my respect and admiration, Alex Skolnick.

A thoughtful, honest memoir from one of music’s most versatile guitarists. Alex Skolnick’s journey from awkward kid to metal and jazz standout is told with clarity and self-awareness. The book explores identity, creativity, and the realities of following your dreams, without glamorizing struggle or ignoring real-life responsibilities. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just someone who’s ever felt out of place, this memoir offers insight and inspiration. Highly recommended!

Skolnick's book is as inspiring as his life is. This book changed the way I approach my daily guitar practicing and study.