Chris Broderick
Encyclopedia
Christopher Broderick is the virtuoso guitarist
of the American thrash metal
band Megadeth
. He currently resides in Sherman Oaks, California. Formerly the lead guitarist and keyboardist for Jag Panzer
, he appeared on four of Jag Panzer's albums The Age of Mastery
, Thane to the Throne
(a concept album about Shakespeare's Macbeth
), Mechanized Warfare
and Casting the Stones
before moving on to Megadeth, replacing Glen Drover
. Before joining Megadeth
and while still in Jag Panzer
, he was also a touring guitarist for Nevermore
between 2001 and 2003 and then again between 2006 and 2007.
, neoclassical, and jazz
. Broderick has been said to have practiced 14 hours a day during his summers as a teen. He practiced electric guitar
, classical guitar
, piano
, and violin
under a strict daily routine. He has said that at that time it seemed more like a "chore" than for entertainment. He was a standout player in the Denver music scene from 1988 on in bands Grey Haven, Industrial Eden (guitarist/lead vocalist) and Killing Time.
He also has a degree
in classical guitar
music performance at the University of Denver
's Lamont School of Music.
left Jag Panzer
for the second and final time, citing a lack of interest in playing heavy metal
. For the band, this was a huge problem. Tafolla's guitar work was complex and technical, and as far as they knew few guitarists could comprehend it. This is when Chris was brought into the fold of Jag Panzer and stayed with them for almost a decade. He played on four of the band's albums. 1998's The Age of Mastery
, 2000's Thane to the Throne
(a concept album about William Shakespeare
's play Macbeth
), 2001's Mechanized Warfare
, and 2004's Casting the Stones
.
. After the release of the album, This Godless Endeavor
, he began once again to tour with Nevermore until his recent joining in with Megadeth
.
In late 2007, rumors had been circulating that Megadeth
guitarist Glen Drover
had left the band. This was proved to be true after statements released from both Glen and Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine
. The night after the statements were released, Megadeth drummer Shawn Drover
brought up Chris as a possible replacement. Shawn then proceeded to show Dave a video of Chris playing both classical and electric guitar. Dave was immediately won over and soon managed to get in contact with Chris. Two weeks later, Broderick was officially declared the new guitarist for Megadeth. He made his live debut with the band on February 4, 2008 in Finland and toured with them on Gigantour 2008 and also recorded guitar parts on their 12th album Endgame. He has stated due to extensive touring with Megadeth
he will no longer be able to collaborate with Jag Panzer
and Nevermore
. Dave Mustaine said that when he partnered up with Broderick, he said that it reminded him of when "Ozzy Osbourne
met Randy Rhoads
". On March 8, 2009, Dave commented that he thought Chris was the greatest guitarist Megadeth has ever had. In the current line up of the band, he is the youngest member in Megadeth.
guitars and DiMarzio Pickups (A Pair of D Activator 7's neck and bridge models) along with ENGL
amplifiers and Ernie Ball Slinky strings. Before using Ibanez Guitars, he used Schecter Guitars with Seymour Duncan
pickups. In the past he has also used Bare Knuckle Pickups
, mainly the coldsweat models.
Despite an ENGL endorsement, both he and Dave used Marshall JVM amplifiers to record Endgame. Mustaine prefers the sound of Marshall amps in Megadeth and thus would not allow Broderick to use ENGL.
In January 2011, Chris Broderick left Ibanez and is now endorsing Jackson Guitars
. He will be playing a custom shop archtop soloist produced to his personal demands, featuring 24 frets, 12" radius, custom DiMarzio pickups (tentatively called the Fundamental) and will be available in a 6 or 7 string configuration. Chris uses Dunlop Tortex Sharp picks in 1.35mm. Chris uses a pick holder that keeps the pick in place on his thumb, which he has patented with hopes to be in retail production, as stated in his June 2010 Chaos Theory lesson for Guitar World
.
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
of the American thrash metal
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
band Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
. He currently resides in Sherman Oaks, California. Formerly the lead guitarist and keyboardist for Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer were an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.-Biography:Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
, he appeared on four of Jag Panzer's albums The Age of Mastery
Age of Mastery
The Age of Mastery is the fourth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 1998. Lead guitarist Joey Tafolla was replaced by Chris Broderick...
, Thane to the Throne
Thane to the Throne
Thane to the Throne is the fifth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2000. It is a concept album based on William Shakespeare's Macbeth.-Track listing:-Album line-up:* Harry Conklin - Vocals...
(a concept album about Shakespeare's Macbeth
Macbeth
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare about a regicide and its aftermath. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and is believed to have been written sometime between 1603 and 1607...
), Mechanized Warfare
Mechanized Warfare
Mechanized Warfare is the sixth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2001. This album is more progressive than the band's previous work...
and Casting the Stones
Casting the Stones
Casting the Stones is the eighth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2004. It shares musical similarities with the band's last album, Mechanized Warfare...
before moving on to Megadeth, replacing Glen Drover
Glen Drover
Glen Drover is a heavy metal guitarist from Missisauga, Ontario, Canada. He currently resides in MississaugaOntario. Drover is best known as the former lead guitarist in Megadeth and King Diamond, as well as his own band Eidolon, along with his brother Shawn Drover.-History:Glen Drover began...
. Before joining Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
and while still in Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer were an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.-Biography:Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
, he was also a touring guitarist for Nevermore
Nevermore
Nevermore is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1991, they are known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive, and neo-classical metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.-Early years...
between 2001 and 2003 and then again between 2006 and 2007.
Early years
Broderick started playing guitar when he was 11 years old. His playing styles range from metal, classicalClassical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
, neoclassical, and jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
. Broderick has been said to have practiced 14 hours a day during his summers as a teen. He practiced electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, classical guitar
Classical guitar
The classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
, piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, and violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
under a strict daily routine. He has said that at that time it seemed more like a "chore" than for entertainment. He was a standout player in the Denver music scene from 1988 on in bands Grey Haven, Industrial Eden (guitarist/lead vocalist) and Killing Time.
He also has a degree
Academic degree
An academic degree is a position and title within a college or university that is usually awarded in recognition of the recipient having either satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study or having conducted a scholarly endeavour deemed worthy of his or her admission to the degree...
in classical guitar
Classical guitar
The classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
music performance at the University of Denver
University of Denver
The University of Denver is currently ranked 82nd among all public and private "National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report in the 2012 rankings....
's Lamont School of Music.
Jag Panzer (1997-2008)
In 1997, guitarist Joey TafollaJoey Tafolla
Joey Tafolla is an American guitarist. Initially a member of the heavy metal band Jag Panzer from 1984 to 1985, he joined Mike Varney's Shrapnel Records label soon after; releasing his debut album Out of the Sun in 1987, alongside the releases of other shred players such as Marty Friedman, Jason...
left Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer were an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.-Biography:Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
for the second and final time, citing a lack of interest in playing heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
. For the band, this was a huge problem. Tafolla's guitar work was complex and technical, and as far as they knew few guitarists could comprehend it. This is when Chris was brought into the fold of Jag Panzer and stayed with them for almost a decade. He played on four of the band's albums. 1998's The Age of Mastery
Age of Mastery
The Age of Mastery is the fourth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 1998. Lead guitarist Joey Tafolla was replaced by Chris Broderick...
, 2000's Thane to the Throne
Thane to the Throne
Thane to the Throne is the fifth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2000. It is a concept album based on William Shakespeare's Macbeth.-Track listing:-Album line-up:* Harry Conklin - Vocals...
(a concept album about William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"...
's play Macbeth
Macbeth
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare about a regicide and its aftermath. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and is believed to have been written sometime between 1603 and 1607...
), 2001's Mechanized Warfare
Mechanized Warfare
Mechanized Warfare is the sixth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2001. This album is more progressive than the band's previous work...
, and 2004's Casting the Stones
Casting the Stones
Casting the Stones is the eighth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2004. It shares musical similarities with the band's last album, Mechanized Warfare...
.
Nevermore (2001-2003, 2006-2007)
During the time period of 2000 - 2003 and some of 2004 Chris was taking part in the live shows of heavy metal band NevermoreNevermore
Nevermore is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1991, they are known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive, and neo-classical metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.-Early years...
. After the release of the album, This Godless Endeavor
This Godless Endeavor
-Credits:The Band:*Warrel Dane - lead vocals*Jeff Loomis - guitar*Steve Smyth - guitar*Jim Sheppard - bass*Van Williams - drumsGuest Musician:*James Murphy - Special guest lead guitar on "The Holocaust of Thought"Production:...
, he began once again to tour with Nevermore until his recent joining in with Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
.
Megadeth (2008-Present)
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
guitarist Glen Drover
Glen Drover
Glen Drover is a heavy metal guitarist from Missisauga, Ontario, Canada. He currently resides in MississaugaOntario. Drover is best known as the former lead guitarist in Megadeth and King Diamond, as well as his own band Eidolon, along with his brother Shawn Drover.-History:Glen Drover began...
had left the band. This was proved to be true after statements released from both Glen and Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
. The night after the statements were released, Megadeth drummer Shawn Drover
Shawn Drover
Shawn Drover is a Canadian drummer, best-known for his work with the heavy metal band Megadeth....
brought up Chris as a possible replacement. Shawn then proceeded to show Dave a video of Chris playing both classical and electric guitar. Dave was immediately won over and soon managed to get in contact with Chris. Two weeks later, Broderick was officially declared the new guitarist for Megadeth. He made his live debut with the band on February 4, 2008 in Finland and toured with them on Gigantour 2008 and also recorded guitar parts on their 12th album Endgame. He has stated due to extensive touring with Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
he will no longer be able to collaborate with Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer
Jag Panzer were an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.-Biography:Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
and Nevermore
Nevermore
Nevermore is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1991, they are known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive, and neo-classical metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.-Early years...
. Dave Mustaine said that when he partnered up with Broderick, he said that it reminded him of when "Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
met Randy Rhoads
Randy Rhoads
Randall William "Randy" Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. A devoted student of classical guitar, Rhoads often combined his classical music influences with his own heavy metal style. While on tour with Ozzy Osbourne, he would seek out...
". On March 8, 2009, Dave commented that he thought Chris was the greatest guitarist Megadeth has ever had. In the current line up of the band, he is the youngest member in Megadeth.
Equipment
Chris was endorsed by IbanezIbanez
is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass produce...
guitars and DiMarzio Pickups (A Pair of D Activator 7's neck and bridge models) along with ENGL
Engl
ENGL is a German company that makes high-end tube amplifiers for electric guitars. Over the years ENGL has succeeded in becoming a global player in this market...
amplifiers and Ernie Ball Slinky strings. Before using Ibanez Guitars, he used Schecter Guitars with Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan is a company that is best known for manufacturing of guitar pickups, and currently has a line of effects pedals. The company was founded in 1976 by guitarist and luthier Seymour W. Duncan and his then-wife Cathy Carter Duncan in Goleta, California, USA...
pickups. In the past he has also used Bare Knuckle Pickups
Bare Knuckle Pickups
Bare Knuckle Pickups , founded in 2003 by former Elkie Brooks guitarist Tim Mills, is a privately owned business based in the South West of England, UK, specialising in hand-wound electric guitar pickups....
, mainly the coldsweat models.
Despite an ENGL endorsement, both he and Dave used Marshall JVM amplifiers to record Endgame. Mustaine prefers the sound of Marshall amps in Megadeth and thus would not allow Broderick to use ENGL.
In January 2011, Chris Broderick left Ibanez and is now endorsing Jackson Guitars
Jackson Guitars
__FORCETOC__Jackson is a renowned brand of electric guitar that bears the name of its founder, Grover Jackson.-Early years:Grover Jackson obtained ownership in Charvel's Guitar Repair of Glendora, California in the 1970s with a promise to bolster Charvel's business...
. He will be playing a custom shop archtop soloist produced to his personal demands, featuring 24 frets, 12" radius, custom DiMarzio pickups (tentatively called the Fundamental) and will be available in a 6 or 7 string configuration. Chris uses Dunlop Tortex Sharp picks in 1.35mm. Chris uses a pick holder that keeps the pick in place on his thumb, which he has patented with hopes to be in retail production, as stated in his June 2010 Chaos Theory lesson for Guitar World
Guitar World
Guitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year...
.
Bands
- Jag PanzerJag PanzerJag Panzer were an American power metal band from Colorado Springs, Colorado.-Biography:Jag Panzer came together in late 1981, being inspired by the onslaught of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
1997–2008 - NevermoreNevermoreNevermore is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in 1991, they are known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive, and neo-classical metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.-Early years...
2001–2003, 2006–2007 (only was live member) - MegadethMegadethMegadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
2008–Present
Megadeth
- Blood in the Water: Live in San DiegoBlood in the Water: Live in San DiegoBlood in the Water: Live in San Diego is a live DVD from American thrash metal band Megadeth. It features a live concert recorded at Cox Arena in San Diego filmed during Gigantour 2008 on May 20, 2008. The band decided to release it as a full concert due to the other acts on the bill declining...
(2008) - Endgame (2009)
- Rust in Peace LiveRust in Peace LiveRust in Peace Live is a live album by American heavy metal band Megadeth, released in 2010 through Shout! Factory in Blu-ray, DVD, and CD formats. Filmed at the Hollywood Palladium on March 31, 2010, the performance showcases Megadeth's 1990 album, Rust in Peace played in its entirety with the same...
(2010) - The Big 4 Live from Sofia, BulgariaThe Big 4 Live From Sofia, BulgariaThe Big 4 Live from Sofia, Bulgaria is a DVD/Blu-ray featuring live concert performances by Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax, collectively known as "the big four" of thrash metal. The event took place on June 22, 2010 at the Sonisphere Festival at Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia,...
(2010) - ThirteenThirteen (Megadeth album)Thirteen is the thirteenth studio album by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. The album was released on November 1, 2011 in North America, making it the second Megadeth album that was released on that date. The album was released on October 26, 2011 in Japan...
(2011)
Jag Panzer
- The Age of MasteryAge of MasteryThe Age of Mastery is the fourth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 1998. Lead guitarist Joey Tafolla was replaced by Chris Broderick...
(1998) - Thane to the ThroneThane to the ThroneThane to the Throne is the fifth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2000. It is a concept album based on William Shakespeare's Macbeth.-Track listing:-Album line-up:* Harry Conklin - Vocals...
(2000) - Mechanized WarfareMechanized WarfareMechanized Warfare is the sixth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2001. This album is more progressive than the band's previous work...
(2001) - The Era of Kings and Conflict (2002)
- Casting the StonesCasting the StonesCasting the Stones is the eighth studio album released by American power metal band Jag Panzer, released in 2004. It shares musical similarities with the band's last album, Mechanized Warfare...
(2004)