Sevenstring.org Interview: Francesco Fareri

Metal Ken: First, thanks for doing this! One of the things we'd like to know is what you're working on now? Do you have any videos or CDs Coming out? I remember hearing some news of you working on another CD but that was a while ago. Any updates?
FF: Hello to all! Yes, I'm working on my second solo album, and it will be much better than my debut, because I followed the advice of a lot of people and reviewers. This time the drums are in fact played by a real professional drummer, a real monster who recorded with lot of great players, and the drums were recorded by the best guitar player (without doubts the best out there!) I know, Greg Howe. The bass player is an amazing musician and the keyboardists are awesome. The band is a real and true band, a dream come true for me! I'm working also on other projects, but I usually try not to give details until they are realized! Anyway, you can find all the latest news on my site!

MK: You've listed such influences as Jason Becker, Steve Vai, Greg Howe and Vitalj Kuprij. How do they impact you? Also, what bands do like to listen to, aside from individual players?
FF: Actually, since I first heard him around 1997, my greatest influence in songwriting and thinking about music has been Vitalij Kuprij. His albums totally changed the way I see music. His first album, "High Definition," with Greg Howe on guitar, was something so new and fresh in the neoclassical prog style... Considering that all the neoclassical stuff before that was written by Yngwie and a number of other players heavily influenced by him, Greg had some new ideas that made the music seem really fresh and different. The same happened for me when Jason Becker recorded Pepetual Burn; those 2 albums changed the neoclassical style and improved it, I think. I also listen to some bands like Dream Theater (I love the last album!), Dali's Dilemma, Symphony X, Magnitude 9, old Angra, Artension, and Metallica for sure!

MK: What gave you the idea to play 7 string guitar? Was there one specific person? Did you like the idea? And can you tell us a little about your guitar? Do you ever play a 6 string anymore?
FF: When I started my website I also started something amazing because I've gotten to know a lot of players in the rest of the world, and the first player who contacted me was my friend and amazing shred master Rusty Cooley. After listening to his music I discovered he used a 7 string guitar, so i was curious to try playing a 7 string guitar too, so I bought a cheap one to start. I played it for a couple of years and then I asked LGM Guitars to build my own guitar based on an Ibanez RG7620 but with maple board and powerful pickups. The guitar you can see on my site is the actual one he built, which I love! I sold the others and now have only that one, the first 6 string Ibanez RG-550 that I used to record my debut album, and a classical one.


MK: You're very fast! Do you practice a lot or have a specific regime for practice? Where do you find the time, if you do? Many people dont have a lot of time to practice with jobs and school and stuff. Do you always set aside time?

FF: Thanks! I was always interested in speed, so when I was young I practiced a lot. When I was at school I played 4 hours a day, every day, and on the weekend I played from six to nine hours a day. I did that for several years. Now, for the last five years I've have a normal job so I have less than half as much free time... I'm lucky if I play four hours a week now! Anyway, the best period of intense playing for me is in the summer. I remember some years ago I studied all the summer, playing 5 hours a day. I would go home after work and play until night for about two and a half months, which helped me a lot to bring my technique back to where it was, and make a few new steps! Now I usually practice a lot on the weekend when I can find time, but the most important thing I've found is to be focused and play everything correctly... and of course always enjoy what you are playing!


MK: What are some of your methods for composing?
FF: I usually start from an idea with the piano or with the drums, then I start with the guitar and so on... But I don't really have a "method," I mean some songs were written this way but others in other ways. It really depends.

MK: Do you ever tour or play out or plan on doing so? Do you do clinics?
FF:I've played a lot of concerts in the past, the last one was in 2002 in London UK for the JemFest. I played 3 guitar clinincs when I taught in a school here in Rome. Honestly, I haven't played out as much as I want to; it is hard to find gigs for instrumental guitarists, it seems the bands are more welcome than us, you know. But, I hope to play again in a concert soon!

MK: Thanks for answering!
FF:You're welcome, thank you for having me!