The Inspiring Journey of Tosin Abasi: From Humble Beginnings to Guitar Icon
Tosin Abasi stands as a monumental figure in the contemporary guitar scene. As the mastermind behind the progressive metal band Animals As Leaders and the innovative gear company Abasi Concepts, he has transformed the way we perceive guitar playing. His unique approach combines selective picking with a technique known as thumping, traditionally associated with bass guitars, while also emphasizing the power of heavy riffs with low gain settings.
From Aspiration to Recognition
In a recent Q&A session with Guitar World, Abasi reflected on his journey, highlighting the ofen-overlooked humble beginnings of many guitar legends. His band’s self-titled debut album was released in 2009, but it wasn’t until years later that he felt a sense of accomplishment when guitar virtuoso Steve Vai expressed admiration for his work.
“When I met steve Vai and he told me he liked my music, it was surreal. I used to play his signature guitar,” Abasi reminisces. “He’s a pioneer in the genre I’m part of.”
The Guru of Guitar
Steve Vai has consistently kept his finger on the pulse of emerging talent, offering support and mentorship to many artists, including Abasi and acoustic sensation Marcin. “He has this guru-like presence,” Abasi notes. “Being on the cover of Guitar World with him in September 2012 was monumental for me. Receiving my own signature Ibanez guitar was just the icing on the cake, solidifying my place in the music world.”
The Struggles Behind the Success
Today, abasi thrives as a full-time musician and luthier, but the path to success was not straightforward. With the rise of streaming services, many musicians find it increasingly challenging to earn a sustainable income solely from their music.Frequently enough, the sacrifices made to pursue their dreams remain unspoken.
When asked about his previous jobs before Animals As Leaders took off, Abasi shared an unexpected story. “While attending the Atlanta Institute of Music, I worked at a dog kennel, cleaning up after 40 barking dogs in a concrete room,” he revealed.“I also spent time working at a fish processing plant in Alaska, where I worked 16-hour shifts. That’s how I saved up to buy my first Steve Vai guitar.”
Influence and Evolution
By the time Animals As Leaders gained traction, Abasi had already transitioned to playing eight-string guitars, a testament to Vai’s lasting influence on his musical evolution. In 2016, he toured North America and Asia alongside Vai as part of the all-star Generation Axe tour, sharing the stage with guitar legends like Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Nuno Bettencourt.
Reflecting on this experience, Abasi admitted to Guitar World in 2019 that he initially felt out of place among such esteemed company. “It’s an astounding honor.Steve has been a massive influence on my playing, not just musically but also in terms of innovation in the guitar world. He’s responsible for popularizing the idea of guitars with more than six strings,” he explained. “When I got the call,I thought it was a prank.These are the musicians I grew up idolizing.”
Advocating for Extended-Range Guitars
Since then, Abasi has played a pivotal role in popularizing eight-string guitars, but he advises aspiring guitarists to take a gradual approach. “I suggest starting with a seven-string guitar to familiarize yourself with octave identification and fretboard patterns before jumping to eight strings,” he recommends. “This foundational work will help you integrate the additional string more seamlessly.”
“Another effective strategy is to practice six-string pieces while intentionally avoiding the seventh string. Once you feel agreeable, begin composing music that incorporates the seventh string,” he adds. “Learning seven-string compositions from other artists and adapting six-string chord voicings to the seven-string format can also be beneficial.”
Keeping the Guitar Legacy Alive
In a recent discussion, guitar legend Joe Satriani emphasized the importance of the next generation of players in keeping the electric guitar vibrant, with Tosin Abasi serving as a prime example of this evolution.
