Myles Kennedy Names ‘Biggest Misconception’ About His Guitar Playing, Compares…

Myles Kennedy Names ‘Biggest Misconception’ About His Guitar Playing, Compares Playing With Slash and Mark Tremonti

Myles Kennedy’s rise in the rock world is often linked with his powerful voice, a talent that has earned him collaborations with some of the most respected names in music. Over the years, Slash, Mark Tremonti, and even Jimmy Page have worked with him, recognising the strength of his vocals and stage presence.

 

Before Kennedy’s breakthrough as a frontman, he had a chance to explore an ambitious project with Led Zeppelin legends Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. Although that venture never materialised, it gave him exposure and proved his credibility among rock’s finest. His career eventually flourished through lasting collaborations, particularly with Slash and with Tremonti in Alter Bridge.

What often surprises fans is that Kennedy’s earliest steps in the music world were not as a singer but as a guitarist. Long before fame, he made his mark as an award-winning guitarist and even worked as a guitar teacher. His technical ability and knowledge of the instrument set the foundation for his future success.

 

Yet despite this background, Kennedy feels that many people still misunderstand his role as a guitarist. Because he is frequently seen playing rhythm on stage, audiences often assume his guitar playing is limited to that single function. This, he argues, is far from the truth.

 

In a recent conversation with D’Addario, Kennedy spoke openly about his guitar identity. He explained that versatility has always been his goal. Growing up, he was drawn to different genres and worked hard to absorb a variety of styles rather than sticking to just one.

 

For Kennedy, emotional expression is the core of his approach to guitar playing. He emphasised that technical skill is important, but the ability to convey feeling through music is what matters most to him. This philosophy shapes both his lead and rhythm playing.

 

“The biggest misconception is that I’m just a rhythm player,” Kennedy explained. He feels that this view overlooks the depth of his guitar work and the years he invested in becoming a well-rounded musician. His commitment has always been to balance technical ability with a strong emotional voice on the instrument.

Through his journey with Alter Bridge and Slash’s band, Kennedy has shown the world that he is more than a vocalist who occasionally picks up a guitar. He is a complete musician, one who blends versatility, emotion, and skill to create a distinctive identity that continues to grow with each performance.