16-Year-Old Kid Brings Silky Tones Out Of 80’s Era Marshall Amp – You’ve GOTTA Hear It!
YouTube via Spencer Rabin
Composer, Producer, Guitar Prodigy
On his website, 16 year old Spencer Rabin describes himself as a composer, producer, and guitar player whose playing style is best defined as a “very unique lightning fast, but melodic, rock/blues sound.” After checking out some footage of Spencer practicing in his home, we’re inclined to agree; the way Spencer navigates his fretboard is incredible, showing an incredible understanding of both music theory and composition and more importantly still, how the two are linked – especially as it pertains to his particular brand of guitar playing.
It’s especially neat because as a composer and producer, Spencer’s able to treat an impromptu jam session like this one as he would a studio session, using the same professional grade rigs that allowed him to record his debut single “Hazy” as well as the cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” that caught the attention of Guitar World magazine, to demonstrate how he approaches his craft.
Fun Fact: Spencer’s professional career began at age 8 when he played his first gig at Chicago’s House Of Blues. He recorded his first single, “Hazy,” at the age of 13.
This footage features Spencer playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio, likely plugged into an 80’s era 1-watt Marshall JCM800 – not surprising, since the same model amp is played by Zakk Wylde who, according to Spencer’s website, is one of his biggest influences. Paired with a preamp setting cut down to about a two, maybe even a three, and gain settings that allow for texture without completely overshadowing his skill, Spencer’s impromptu jam session is just a taste of what he’s capable of; it’s when he lets loose on original compositions that the fun really begins.
Check out this footage of Spencer Rabin jamming in his home – this kid is the real deal and if he has his way, he’ll be regarded as one of the great guitar players of his time.
