Joe Stump’s Shred Secrets: Picking Technique, Fender Strats, ESP Guitars, Marshalls & Malmsteen

Legendary neoclassical shred guitarist Joe Stump joins the Shred Sessions Podcast for an epic two-hour deep dive into the world of high-level guitar playing, neoclassical metal, vintage gear, and a lifetime dedicated to the instrument. Joe takes us inside his new solo record “Lord of the Strings,” dropping October 16th, 2026, and breaks down the guitars, amps, strings, picks, and techniques behind his unmistakable sound. We get deep into Joe's incredible collection of Fender Stratocasters and ESP guitars, including his Custom Shop Strats and 1998 Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Strat. Joe explains why the Stratocaster remains his weapon of choice and talks about the Marshall amps that have powered his tone throughout his career. Of course, this wouldn't be a Joe Stump conversation without talking about shred guitar technique. Joe gives us an inside look at his right-hand picking mechanics, his approach to alternate and economy picking, repeating patterns, scales, and hexatonic concepts. If you're a guitarist interested in the mechanics and vocabulary behind neoclassical shred, there's a ton to dig into here. Joe also reflects on his favorite records, his guitar heroes, seeing Allan Holdsworth with UK opening for Al Di Meola, his years in the East Village, the New York Yankees, and his journey from obsessive guitar student to becoming one of the most respected names in neoclassical guitar. Whether you're into Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Gary Moore, Allan Holdsworth, shred guitar, neoclassical metal, Fender Strats, Marshall amps, or just love hearing great guitar players talk shop, this episode is packed with guitar history and insight. Check out Joe's New Music Video for "Full Throttle"    • Joe Stump - Full Throttle (Official Video)   00:00 Intro 01:52 Joe’s New Record “Lord of the Strings” 09:48 Joe’s Guitars on the New Record 16:43 Joe’s Custom Shop Fender Strats 24:00 Why Play Fender Strats? 32:36 How Christian first met Joe Stump 41:32 Joe’s Favorite Records 48:02 Joe’s Insane Guitar Collection: ESP and Fender 01:02:48 Joe’s Strings and Picks 01:11:54 Joe’s Marshall Amps 01:27:43 1998 Fender Malmsteen Strat (70s Headstock) 01:29:50 Joe’s Right Hand and Picking Technique 01:36:24 Joe’s Approach to Scales, Repeating Patterns and Hexatonic Scales 01:41:15 Joe’s Picking Style, Economy vs Alternate 01:45:30 Allan Holdsworth with UK Opening for Al DiMeola 01:50:12 Joe Reflects on His Guitar Career, New York Yankees, East Village 02:04:52 “Lord of the Strings” Drops October 16th, 2026