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

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

 

Myles Kennedy has opened up about what he believes is the biggest misconception surrounding his guitar playing, offering rare insight into how he views himself as a musician. Known primarily for his powerhouse vocals in Alter Bridge and his work with Slash, Kennedy revealed that many fans assume he is “just a singer,” overlooking the depth of his musicianship and his long history as a guitarist. In a recent interview, he explained that guitar was actually his first instrument and remains a central part of his creative identity.

 

Kennedy admitted that for years, his guitar-playing abilities were overshadowed by his vocal work, especially as he gained recognition for his high-range, emotive singing style. “People often think I only pick up the guitar when I need to write,” he said. “But guitar is where I started. It’s where I express a different side of myself.” He added that being seen primarily as a vocalist is flattering, but also slightly misleading, as he spends a significant amount of time crafting riffs, melodies, and solos.

The conversation also led Kennedy to compare what it’s like playing guitar alongside two of rock’s most respected players: Slash and Mark Tremonti. He described working with Slash as “a lesson in feel and instinct,” saying that Slash’s tone and improvisational style create a sense of freedom on stage. Kennedy noted that Slash doesn’t just play the guitar — he communicates through it — and that performing alongside him pushes Kennedy to trust his intuition and stay loose during live shows.

 

When discussing Alter Bridge bandmate Mark Tremonti, Kennedy emphasised how different the experience is. Tremonti, he said, approaches guitar with precision and structure, known for his tight rhythms and aggressive picking. Kennedy explained that Tremonti’s discipline and technical expertise require a different kind of focus, forcing him to match Tremonti’s intensity and precision. “Mark sharpens you,” he said. “Everything has to be locked in and powerful.”

 

Kennedy expressed admiration for both guitarists, saying that each challenges him in unique ways. While Slash brings fluidity and soul, Tremonti fuels Kennedy’s drive for technical sharpness. Performing with both has contributed to his growth not only as a guitarist but as a musician overall. The duality, he explained, keeps him versatile and constantly evolving.

 

Despite working with two generational talents, Kennedy revealed that he has never felt overshadowed or out of place. Instead, he views the experiences as collaborative rather than competitive. “You learn to find your lane,” he said. “It’s not about trying to outplay anyone. It’s about serving the music and bringing the best version of yourself to the moment.”

 

Kennedy hopes that fans will eventually recognise that he is as committed to his guitar work as he is to his singing. He stressed that being both a vocalist and guitarist allows him to bring a deeper understanding to songwriting and arrangement. For Kennedy, the guitar is not just an instrument — it’s a foundation, a creative partner, and an extension of his voice.

As Myles Kennedy continues to balance frontman duties, songwriting, and playing alongside some of rock’s elite musicians, his story serves as a reminder that versatility is one of his greatest strengths. Whether onstage trading solos or crafting songs behind the scenes, Kennedy continues to prove that he is far more than the stereotype of a singer with a guitar — he is a complete artist.