Racer X Members, Gear & Sound
US heavy metal band
Members
Select a Racer X band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Racer X is a high-octane American metal band renowned for their virtuosic musicianship and blistering speed. Formed in Los Angeles, the group originally consisted of Paul Gilbert (guitar), Jeff Martin (vocals), John Alderete (bass), and Harry Gschoesser (drums). In 1986, Scott Travis took over drumming duties, and Bruce Bouillet joined as a second guitarist, marking a period of peak creativity for the band. Racer X's music spans multiple metal subgenres, including neoclassical metal, speed metal, and glam metal, characterized by intricate guitar work and powerful vocal performances. Although the band broke up in the late '80s, their influence on the metal scene remains indelible.
How to Sound Like Racer X
Racer X's sound is defined by technical precision and aggressive, high-speed riffs, creating an intense yet melodic sonic landscape. The dual-guitar attack of Paul Gilbert and Bruce Bouillet is central to their music, featuring fast, intricate solos and harmonized lines. Gilbert's use of the Ibanez FRM100 Paul Gilbert Signature guitar, combined with the Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head, delivers a powerful, cutting tone that is both clear and ferocious. The rhythmic backbone, driven by Scott Travis's dynamic drumming on a DW Collector Series Custom Drum Set, ensures the band's sound is as tight as it is explosive. For those aiming to emulate Racer X's frenetic energy, focusing on speed, precision, and harmonic complexity is key.
Discography
Get the Racer X Sound
Want to sound like Racer X? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
