Tosin Abasi, the mastermind behind the progressive metal band Animals as Leaders, has established himself as one of the most innovative guitarists of the 21st century. Known for his incredible technical ability, creative composition style, and pioneering use of extended-range guitars, Abasi has significantly influenced the modern progressive metal and djent scenes. His favorite guitar, the Ibanez TAM100 8-string, is a critical tool in his creative process, allowing him to explore the full potential of his complex and boundary-pushing musical ideas.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Born in Washington, D.C., in 1983, Abasi grew up in a musical family that exposed him to various genres, including jazz, classical, and rock. His early influences included legendary guitarists such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and John Petrucci, whose virtuosic playing inspired him to push the limits of his own skills. Abasi’s early musical journey began with a self-taught approach, driven by an intense passion for the guitar and an insatiable curiosity about its possibilities.
Abasi’s path to stardom wasn’t straightforward. After playing in several local bands, he caught the attention of Prosthetic Records, which offered him a record deal for a solo project. Initially hesitant, Abasi eventually accepted the offer, leading to the formation of Animals as Leaders in 2007. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2009, was a revelation in the world of instrumental progressive metal. It showcased Abasi’s technical prowess and unique approach to composition, blending intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and a wide array of influences from jazz, classical, and electronic music.
The Ibanez TAM100: A Guitar Like No Other
A significant part of Abasi’s sound is his use of extended-range guitars, particularly the 8-string guitar, which allows him to explore sonic territories that are inaccessible on standard 6-string guitars. His favorite guitar, the Ibanez TAM100 8-string, is a custom model designed in collaboration with Ibanez to meet his specific needs.
The TAM100 is a reflection of Abasi’s innovative spirit. It features a sleek design, with a deep cutaway that allows easy access to the higher frets, essential for his fast and intricate playing style. The 8-string configuration provides a broader tonal range, with two additional lower strings that extend the guitar’s pitch range into the bass guitar territory. This feature is particularly important for Abasi’s music, which often involves complex polyrhythms and a combination of lead and rhythm guitar parts that require a wide range of notes.
The guitar’s neck is designed to be thin and fast, accommodating the intricate finger movements necessary for Abasi’s playing style. The body is made of lightweight alder, which contributes to the guitar’s overall balance and comfort, allowing Abasi to perform extended sessions without fatigue. The TAM100 is equipped with custom-designed pickups that capture the full tonal range of the 8-string guitar, from deep, resonant lows to sparkling highs, making it a versatile instrument capable of handling the diverse sounds in Abasi’s music.
A New Era of Guitar Playing
Tosin Abasi’s use of the Ibanez TAM100 has redefined what is possible on the guitar. His playing style, characterized by techniques such as tapping, sweeping, and fingerpicking, combined with the extended range of the 8-string guitar, has inspired a new generation of guitarists to explore unconventional approaches to the instrument. Abasi’s music transcends traditional genre boundaries, blending elements of metal, jazz, classical, and electronic music into a cohesive and unique sound.
Animals as Leaders’ albums, such as Weightless (2011), The Joy of Motion (2014), and The Madness of Many (2016), have all been critically acclaimed, with Abasi’s guitar work being a focal point of the band’s sound. His ability to seamlessly blend technicality with emotion, complexity with accessibility, has made him a respected figure in the music community.
Beyond his work with Animals as Leaders, Abasi has also ventured into the world of guitar design with his company, Abasi Concepts. Here, he continues to push the boundaries of guitar design, creating instruments that reflect his forward-thinking approach to music.
Conclusion
Tosin Abasi is more than just a guitarist; he is a visionary artist who has redefined what is possible on the instrument. His favorite guitar, the Ibanez TAM100 8-string, is a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of music. Through his work with Animals as Leaders and his contributions to guitar design, Abasi has left an indelible mark on the world of music, inspiring countless guitarists to explore new sonic possibilities and challenging the conventions of modern guitar playing.
