Ever wonder how someone can make an eight-string guitar sound like an entire orchestra? Tosin Abasi, a Washington D.C. native born to Nigerian immigrants, revolutionized progressive metal through his groundbreaking mastery of the eight-string guitar and founded Animals as Leaders in 2007 after studying at the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media. His signature techniques, including swybrid picking, double-thumb slapping, and advanced two-handed tapping, have redefined modern guitar playing while pioneering the djent movement. Through acclaimed albums and educational contributions, Abasi continues to push the boundaries of what's possible on the guitar, combining technical virtuosity with melodic innovation. Read on to discover how this musical pioneer transformed the landscape of progressive metal and modern guitar playing.
Early Life in Washington DC
Tosin Abasi, a notable guitarist, was born to Nigerian immigrant parents in Washington D.C. The urban capital shaped his formative years, where he experienced the intersection of two parental influences – a mother who prioritized academic achievement and a father who supported artistic expression through music. His extended-range guitar innovations would later reshape progressive metal's boundaries.
His musical path started with basic clarinet instruction during his elementary school years, which ultimately led him to discover and master the guitar, developing into the virtuoso style he became known for. His father supported him by purchasing his first guitar after seeing an advertisement for an affordable $120 instrument.
Musical Education and Training
Abasi's formal music education began at the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media (AIMM), where he enhanced his guitar expertise through classical and jazz studies.
He built upon his self-taught background by immersing himself in comprehensive training at the institution, gaining professional knowledge through their modern facilities. His state-of-the-art facilities experience gave him access to high-end industry equipment that shaped his development.
At AIMM, he developed an extensive technical skill set, focusing on:
- Extended range guitar mastery
- Advanced tapping techniques
- Economy and hybrid picking styles
His progressive metal style has influenced countless modern guitarists who seek to push musical boundaries.
AIMM provided Abasi with industry connections and advanced equipment, allowing him to develop professional-level expertise within their cutting-edge learning environment.
Rise With Animals as Leaders
Animals as Leaders emerged from the ashes of Reflux in 2007 as Tosin Abasi's innovative progressive metal project.
Tosin Abasi launched his musical endeavor after Reflux disbanded, collaborating with producer Misha Mansoor to create the band's first album. The djent sound movement heavily influenced their groundbreaking debut release. The band's profound name draws inspiration from Daniel Quinn's novel "Ishmael".
The self-titled debut featured Abasi performing all guitar and bass parts independently.
The project transformed from a solo venture into a complete band formation when guitarist Javier Reyes joined the lineup, followed by drummer Matt Garstka, establishing the core membership that would define their signature sound.
Signature Playing Style
Tosin Abasi developed a revolutionary guitar style that combines traditional and innovative techniques, particularly on eight-string guitars, advancing progressive metal's artistry.
As featured in Bill & Ted, his guitar virtuosity reached mainstream audiences while maintaining his progressive metal roots.
His distinctive approach connects technical mastery with melodic expression, allowing him to create intricate musical textures while maintaining accessibility for listeners.
Like Sarah Longfield's innovative approach, his focus on extended-range guitars helps push boundaries in progressive music.
Abasi's methods draw from multiple instrumental disciplines, transforming conventional guitar playing into a more expansive form.
Key elements of his signature style include:
- Hybrid picking integrated with sweep techniques for fluid arpeggios
- Advanced two-handed tapping with double-stop variations
- Bass-inspired thumping and slapping adapted for guitar
Through these techniques, Abasi crafts complex musical landscapes while maintaining melodic accessibility.
Revolutionary Guitar Techniques
Tosin Abasi transformed modern guitar playing through three groundbreaking techniques: swybrid picking, double-thumb slap techniques, and innovative two-handed tapping methods.
His tonal range and textures add unique dimensions to his playing style. Abasi's guitar style connects advanced techniques with revolutionary outcomes. The swybrid picking method combines sweep picking with hybrid picking to create distinctive string patterns. Much like speed picking master Jason Richardson, Abasi pushes the boundaries of technical precision.
Bass-influenced double-thumb slapping produces drum-like sounds on the guitar. The two-handed tapping technique enables complex musical phrases that surpass traditional playing limits.
Collaborations With Guitar Legends
Tosin Abasi has established himself as a world-class guitarist through collaborations with legendary musicians. His most notable partnerships include:
- Generation Axe tours with Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Zakk Wylde
- G4 Experience alongside Joe Satriani and Guthrie Govan
- Studio work with Misha Mansoor on Animals as Leaders projects
Tosin Abasi enhances progressive metal through collaborative ventures with established artists. His early exposure to guitar came from watching hair metal videos that he rented.
Working alongside masters like Govan has allowed him to incorporate fluid genre-crossing elements into his playing style.
His work on Generation Axe connects modern technical playing with traditional virtuosity, while the G4 Experience strengthens his educational impact on aspiring guitarists.
The partnership with Misha Mansoor deepens Animals as Leaders' innovative approach to modern metal composition and production.
Innovating Guitar Design
Tosin Abasi revolutionized modern guitar design through groundbreaking innovations in ergonomics and functionality.
His design influence spans multiple signature instruments, beginning with the Ibanez TAM series and evolving through the Abasi Concepts Larada and Ernie Ball Kaizen models.
These guitars incorporate forward-thinking features that redefined extended-range instruments, particularly through the implementation of fanned frets, body contours optimized for player comfort, and the development of the infinity radius fretboard. Drawing from his background as a REH generation player, Abasi's design philosophy emphasizes technical playability and ergonomic innovation.
The impact of these design elements established new manufacturing benchmarks across the guitar industry.
Studio Albums and Recordings
Tosin Abasi built an influential recorded legacy through Animals as Leaders, releasing five studio albums from 2009 to 2022.
Animals as Leaders connects progressive metal with technical innovation. Like melodic instrumentalists Plini, Abasi helped reshape modern progressive music through innovative composition. Abasi's musical journey progressed from their self-titled debut through to Parrhesia, demonstrating increasingly sophisticated compositions. Each release spans approximately 30 to 60 minutes, following standard album formats.
The band's output combines virtuosic eight-string guitar work with experimental approaches to create their signature sound.
Key milestones include:
- The Billboard success of The Joy of Motion (#23)
- Weightless's pioneering 8-string guitar compositions
- The rhythmically innovative The Madness of Many
Live Performance Highlights
Tosin Abasi delivers exceptional live performances that combine technical mastery with progressive metal innovation.
His NAMM show appearances, most notably in 2020 with Animals as Leaders, highlight his virtuosic skills through precise hybrid picking patterns and advanced thumb percussion techniques.
Abasi connects with aspiring guitarists through educational sessions at institutions like Berklee College, where he explores 8-string guitar tuning systems and breaks down his sophisticated approach to musical composition.
During his October 21 virtual event, he shared his expertise with students while being interviewed by accomplished guitarist Sheryl Bailey.
Teaching and Educational Impact
Tosin Abasi has made significant contributions to guitar education through his comprehensive teaching methods and expertise with extended-range instruments.
His instructional content on JamPlay covers essential techniques like:
- Economy picking and two-handed tapping adaptations
- Jazz voicings and chord structures for 8-string guitars
- Bass-inspired techniques, including thumping and slapping
After developing into the best guitarist at his school during his youth, Abasi draws from his Atlanta Institute of Music foundation to translate complex musical concepts into digestible lessons.
His teaching approach combines traditional guitar instruction with modern extended-range techniques, allowing students globally to access advanced guitar methods through his systematic breakdown of intricate musical concepts.
Legacy in Progressive Metal
Tosin Abasi has revolutionized progressive metal through his technical innovations and genre-defying compositions.
Like boundary-pushing guitarists who came before him, Abasi transforms metal guitar playing through his mastery of eight-string guitar techniques, while his distinctive slapping and tapping methods influence countless modern musicians.
His work with Animals as Leaders demonstrates his musical innovation, and his creation of Abasi Concepts guitars extends his impact on the industry. His early influences from alternative rock bands shaped his initial approach to guitar, leading him to explore more complex musical territories.
The guitarist's contributions bridge traditional metal approaches with modern technical prowess, establishing him as a pivotal figure in progressive metal's evolution.
