“I cannot think of another guy that has been so tuned in with his instrument”: Spiritbox’s Mike Stringer heaps praise on John Mayer
Spiritbox guitarist Mike Stringer doesn’t just look to fellow heavy players for inspiration, as there’s one non-metal musician in particular he feels has “mastered his instrument”.
Having landed two Grammy nominations at this year’s ceremony and with an album on the way this March, Spiritbox are killing it in the world of heavy music right now. But away from their beastly breakdowns and lip-curling riffs, Stringer feels that actually, there is a softer influence who “bleeds into his playing” – John Mayer.
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Speaking in the new print edition of Guitar World, Stringer says, “I know everyone mentions him, but I cannot think of another guy that has been so tuned in with his instrument. Seeing him play is like watching a master craftsman at work. I’m like, ‘How the hell is that even possible?’
“Not only has he mastered his instrument, but he can write great songs. It’s so rare to have a guitar player that can just get up onstage and totally dominate, and then have Number 1 singles. And his voicings are so incredible, so when it comes to left-hand stuff, especially, it bleeds into my playing, for sure,” he says.
Spiritbox were nominated for Best Metal Performance for Cellar Door at the 2025 Grammy Awards, but lost to Gojira. They were also nominated last year for the same award for Jaded.
In other Mayer news, the guitarist appeared at the PRS 40th anniversary bash in conjunction with NAMM earlier this year. The celebration saw 1,400 artists and music industry personnel bumping shoulders at California’s House of Blues. The exclusive event also saw performances from Mark Lettieri, Orianthi and others.
Spiritbox’s second studio album Tsunami Sea lands on 7 March. They are currently playing a number of sold out shows across Europe, but will kick off touring again in April.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
