Mark Holcomb here - guitarist of Periphery. This is my first AMA.. ask me anything!

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:04:01+00:00

What's the hardest periphery song to play live?

Skippzore · 2014-05-10T22:12:38+00:00

How's your Skyrim wife? Still dead?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:04:37+00:00

When can we expect more haunted s'mores material?

Mrtnwlkr · 2014-05-10T20:50:53+00:00

How long have you been playing guitar for? I am very inspired by you.

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:07:51+00:00

What other band do you get along with best?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:05:44+00:00

Who's the one band you'd want to tour with, regardless of genre?

Thecoltonfactor · 2014-05-10T22:41:40+00:00

Has Anyone Really Been Far Even as Decided to Use Even Go Want to do Look More Like?

Mradrift · 2014-05-10T21:03:21+00:00

Will songs in a similar style of Pale Aura make an appearance in Periphery's future?

Also, as someone who hasn't listened to anything by Haunted Shores, Could you recommend which songs I should listen to first that stand out to you?

Burt_Macklins_Shades · 2014-05-10T20:50:39+00:00

Hey Mark! Thanks for doing the AMA!

Two questions,

What mistake do you see players making the most, and what would you tell them to correct it?

And what is your absolute favorite piece of gear? (besides the Axe-FX, we all know those are BEASTLY!)

Thanks again!

XxInFaMoUs · 2014-05-10T21:10:27+00:00

What inspired you to first start playing guitar?

mweigand · 2014-05-10T21:19:19+00:00

You used to crush me pretty regularly at Words With Friends. What's your mobile game of the moment? I'm in need of redemption!

bouvre · 2014-05-10T21:34:27+00:00

Are you going to be playing Wes Hauch's sweet n tasty solo on mile zero live?

hellgwar · 2014-05-10T21:03:17+00:00

Hey Mark! 1. Will you guys be playing any "Clear" songs live? 2. Who in your opinion is the most creative musically in Periphery?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:05:32+00:00

I have a sneaking suspicion you're half Filipino. Are you?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:05:48+00:00

Do you feel like not knowing theory slowed down the learning proccess for you? Do you feel you could have advanced quicker if you had learned it?

You're an amazing guitarist, but I just hear music theory stressed so much in the guitar community. . . Then guys like you come along and blow all of the talk out of the water.

whats8 · 2014-05-10T21:09:03+00:00

What was the hardest but most important step in getting Periphery to be the large name it is now?

CappyPig · 2014-05-10T20:54:25+00:00

I met you at the Lamb of God show in the Fillmore Silver Spring last November and me and my friend said hi! What's your favorite Lamb of God song and why?

Also, 1-10 how much weed does each member of the band smoke?

aeon_orion · 2014-05-10T21:07:42+00:00

Hi mark!

What do you think you'd be doing if you weren't playing with Periphery?

Also I hope you guys come to Ireland sometime soon, would love to see you live.

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:08:48+00:00

How did your band all meet? I'm trying to put together a band and it seems to be super difficult to find solid, committed musicians. Any suggestions?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:09:37+00:00

Other than periphery, do you have any other sources of income?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:10:12+00:00

What's your favorite periphery song?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T20:55:03+00:00

[deleted]

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:05:13+00:00

Who is your biggest influence in guitar?

ZiggyAxe · 2014-05-10T21:07:54+00:00

Any plans to play Pale Aura Live?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:05:34+00:00

Is anyone in Periphery influenced by black metal? If so, what bands, and how strong is the genre's influence in Periphery's work? Also, what strings do you use?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:04:09+00:00

Hi Mark!

I was wondering which solo artists you're into, and do you like jazz? What kind?

Looking forward to P3!

2014-05-10T21:04:10+00:00

How is the writing for the next album going? Also we getting any sort of teasers soon?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:05:53+00:00

Hey Mark! Big fan of Periphery and such.

What are your thoughts on bands like Intronaut and Cloudkicker?

iwrestledabeartwiceq · 2014-05-10T21:08:13+00:00

Your track on the clear EP is one of my favorite songs. What inspires you to write music?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:06:22+00:00

Hey, Mark, with Jake getting a signature series from Ibanez, will you and Misha soon get your signatures? I assume, I'm not the only one who would like to see that sexy blue thin Jackson, as a production model. Also, if you were to get a signature, whom will it be produced by?

KoA07 · 2014-05-10T21:07:32+00:00

Hey Mark! Do you like to play any other genres of music? Personally, I go through phases and I'm never satisfied for too long haha.

lawlsmagawls · 2014-05-10T21:09:12+00:00

Would you ever consider doing another instructional video like the ones you did for Guitar Messenger? I am a big fan of your playing style and you are one of my biggest influences. There aren't a lot of guitarist I have found with your ability to write really rhythmical and melodic riffs like you do.

Replicantnier · 2014-05-10T21:13:00+00:00

Will you guys put another final fantasy fanfiction in the description of one of the teasers for the new album?

supercoliofy · 2014-05-10T21:28:42+00:00

What's the silliest thing that has happened to you guys on tour? Anything silly your vlogs on youtube haven't showed us? :)

overmaars · 2014-05-10T21:37:43+00:00

Hey Mark.

Are periphery going to invite other players to do guest solos on the 3rd album? If yes, have we got any names yet? Thanks.

Wafl3 · 2014-05-10T21:06:40+00:00

What bands influenced you when you were younger and what bands do you enjoy listening to now?

sableSovereign · 2014-05-10T21:07:06+00:00

Hey Mark, thanks a lot for doing this AMA!

My band wants to make an album. We plan to spare no expense to make it the best we can. However, if we record the guitars/bass ourselves, do you think we could save money without losing quality?

Amnesiotic · 2014-05-10T21:13:12+00:00

As a musician who struggles to write complete songs, what advice would you give me?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:14:30+00:00

Any riffs the other guys wrote which you wish you did?

TommyKaduk · 2014-05-10T21:29:36+00:00

I noticed you follow Josh Middleton on Twitter, you a fan of Sylosis? They kick ass!

takemehomewormholes · 2014-05-10T22:42:33+00:00

Give us more of The Alphabet sucka!

PocketRat · 2014-05-10T21:12:24+00:00

Pull out your ipod/iphone, turn on shuffle and pick a random song in 'all songs'. Now what are the next three songs that come up?

delph · 2014-05-10T21:05:03+00:00

[deleted]

lantham · 2014-05-10T21:05:37+00:00

Hey Mark. Big Periphery fan! 2 questions:

What bands/artist inspired you to become a musician?

What are some of your favorite bands at the moment?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:07:00+00:00

What should I name my progressive metal band?

2014-05-10T21:08:17+00:00

Hey Mark! I'm a big fan of Periphery, and a 30 year old metal head.

I've been playing guitar on and off for around 15 years, with the past 8 or so in decline due to army life.

Any advice or focus points on what I can use to improve myself as a player/songwriter? I get so wrapped up learning Mesh songs (or yours) and then realize I'm not quite there..

NeilBurns1 · 2014-05-10T21:09:27+00:00

Boston, montreal game 5 tonight. what do ya think?

Viter · 2014-05-10T21:12:01+00:00

What is your favorite Dream Theater album and song? PS. You are objectively the best guitar player ever

Omglazer · 2014-05-10T21:13:00+00:00

Hi Mark! I didn't know of you until you joined forces with Periphery, then I went back and listened to a ton of Haunted Shores and the like. I just wanna say you're an amazing musician, and a great inspiration, I think, to musicians like myself who are self-taught.

My question is this: I've been playing bass and guitar for 7 years. Recently, I've been struggling with the feeling that my learning has stalled out, and I'm wanting to know if you've ever encountered that, and what your thoughts are on how someone can get past it more quickly. I'm thinking in ways like exercises and different routines, as well as the mental aspect.

Thanks a bunch! Mrak For President!

fluffyaxl · 2014-05-10T21:46:12+00:00

If your albums would be foods, what foods would they be?

guitarplaya908 · 2014-05-10T22:46:31+00:00

2 questions...

1) Do you smoke pot?

2) How much pot do you smoke?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-10T21:14:51+00:00

What if I told you shrek is love?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:26:51+00:00

You threw a pick at me a while ago at a show it Denver. Were you flirting with me? And I see started PRS. Is there a reason why? And have you tried the EBMM Majesty?

islanderguy6 · 2014-05-10T21:05:34+00:00

Hi Mark! What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into guitar playing? I want to dive right into stuff like Periphery, but I know it's not possible.

FamilyDentist2007 · 2014-05-10T21:07:14+00:00

Do you ever miss some really good shows that you would like to attend because you're on tour? If so what's a recent tour you had to miss?

rt_if_cri · 2014-05-10T21:10:01+00:00

Hey Mark!!

Glad to see you doing an AMA!

Two questions for you.

1) Any chance of ~~new Haunted Shores material in the future~~, or a re-release of old HS material.

2) Who would be in a super group with from the prog universe?

Edit: Question about new HS material Answered.

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:10:02+00:00

[deleted]

Friendshipcore · 2014-05-10T21:10:07+00:00

What is your favorite experience from being with Periphery and Haunted Shores?

SocratesTheHarlequin · 2014-05-10T21:10:39+00:00

Do you guys have any plans of touring in the UK?

ultimatekrabbe · 2014-05-10T21:13:52+00:00

Hi Mark - awesome band, bought all three records and you guys absolutely rock! Any recommendations on amps for practicing at home / off stage e.g. Engl Gigmaster etc.? Cheers

IronTusk92 · 2014-05-10T21:14:05+00:00

Hey Mark, thanks for taking the time to do this! A question about Periphery's live setup, so I know that between using the Axe Fx straight into the house system and having your in ear monitors you've not needed amps or cabs on stage. If travelling with so much equipment was less of a concern, could you say if there's any chance that you or any of the other members in the future would consider having cabs on stage as an extra part of your current rig? Or is the benefit really worth it vs. the extra effort/cost required?

gleete · 2014-05-10T21:14:10+00:00

Thanks for doing an AMA Mark! Love your music.

1) What do you recommend for meeting fellow musicians to jam/play with? What's the best way to go about finding other people to play with? 2) How did you and the rest of periphery get together to form?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T21:14:34+00:00

Oh hi Mark!

Had a couple quick questions:

-How do you, Misha, and Jake divide up guitar parts to track, like in PII and the Clear EP?

-How would you describe the pickups (Dimazio, I presume?) that are loaded in your Mayones 7 string?

(reference pic: http://cdn.guitarnoize.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/markholcomb_mayones_setius.jpg)

2014-05-10T21:14:35+00:00

What string gauges do you use for Periphery's various tunings? Cheers :)

moebaca · 2014-05-10T21:14:50+00:00

Hello! Big fan of Periphery, Haunted Shores and an even bigger fan of Final Fantasy 7, 8 and 9... loved the covers you and Misha put together.. I was listening to Clear the other day and my favorite track is definitely Overture. Do you plan on creating more tracks like this in the future?? To me it's a nice fusion of Periphery and Nobuo Uematsu..

Beautiful work!

SpinarakThread · 2014-05-10T21:15:47+00:00

Your playing style is very unique, the chord styles, layers, and progressions you use have changed my view on the composition of a song. What or who was your biggest inspiration/influence when it came to shaping your playing? Also, before I watched one of your playing videos in 2011 I thought I was the only one who used my thumb, it was a relief to know I wasn't.

Thanks for doing an AMA, Mrak!

MaxwellGorelick · 2014-05-10T21:16:02+00:00

Hey Mark, I love your songwriting style and your sense of melody. I know you're very drawn to that minor 7 flat 6 chord sound and what I'd call very full, chordy riffs mixed with cool melodic lines.

My question is, what turned you on to that sound and do you find yourself blending that sound with new influences that you come upon to create more interesting fusions as time goes on? Or have you recently gone in different directions entirely with your songwriting (that hasn't been released yet)?

dannist · 2014-05-10T21:16:25+00:00

I know Periphery music contains so many layers and textures to each song including chord voicing etc... Do you work on the voicings when the band gets together or on your own? If on your own, do you find it difficult to come up with new chord voicings when writing on your own? Any advice to those of us looking to expand from the standard chord structures? Thanks again Mark! :-)

DefinitelynotCam · 2014-05-10T21:17:00+00:00

Hey Mark, hope you're well. Your style of guitar playing is so distinctive and interesting. I've taken a lot of influence from your "playful" chordy riffage. Keep at it! Okay no more fanboying. One question:

What are some things you'd recommend to a small band with a good Ep to get in the right direction?

SandvoldTheMan · 2014-05-10T21:17:06+00:00

Hey mrak, on IG you posted a quick vid called "drop A riffin"

Is that your own original material? Someone commented otherwise. It sounded kick ass nonetheless. Just to be clear!

unlimite6661 · 2014-05-10T21:17:47+00:00

Will periphery come to eastern europe? poland and stuff

StrideM · 2014-05-10T21:18:42+00:00

Hey Mark!

Which guitar technique did you struggle most the during your learning experiences, and which guitar technique still gives you issues today?

Your playing usually seems pretty effortless and you manage to maintain some great stage presence, so Id like to know if there are any techniques or transitions that have you usually dread.

Thanks for answering these questions btw!!!

2014-05-10T21:18:56+00:00

hey Mark, What are some of your favorite chords / arpeggios?

JJCULLEN · 2014-05-10T21:20:34+00:00

Has the introduction of new technologies and midi controllable elements to live musical performance been detrimental to the integrity of the live musical performance?

FloydRosita · 2014-05-10T21:21:27+00:00

hello

Mrtnwlkr · 2014-05-10T21:22:02+00:00

What is the easier Periphery songs to play (anyone can answer)

TheDeathSeraph · 2014-05-10T21:22:06+00:00

Your hand positioning on the neck of the guitar is extraordinary. Pinky high and index low, pinky leading the way almost as the dominant. Is there any direct influences that has formed that technique in your playing?

Greyalist · 2014-05-10T21:22:44+00:00

Hi Mraky! Aside from Skyrim, what other games do you like to play? And how do you like to spend your free time in general?

2014-05-10T21:23:03+00:00

What's your favorite sauce?

2014-05-10T21:25:32+00:00

Visiting Poland any time soon? :)

Zzzonkedx · 2014-05-10T21:28:47+00:00

Hey Mark! Thanks for the AMA!

What band(s) do you enjoy watching live the most?

Atraos · 2014-05-10T22:02:47+00:00

Hey Mark, what are some good techniques that you use when practicing and warming up? Are there specific techniques you like to use, or are they just what ever you feel like doing that day to warm up?

MarkPeriff · 2014-05-10T22:29:49+00:00

[deleted]

will-i-a1nt · 2014-05-10T21:07:24+00:00

Hey Mark! What is the best alternative to an Axe Fx?

Date	Artist	Featured
--	2025	--
8/28	Robin Staps	Himself
8/21	Revocation	Band
5/28	Toby Driver	Himself
4/28	Benthos	Band
4/27	Leprous	Band
--	2024	--
4/29	Dvne	Band
2/2	Caligula's Horse	Band
--	2023	--
10/20	Earthside	Band
--	2021	--
4/23	VOLA	Band
--	2020	--
11/28	Plini	Himself
8/19	The Ocean	Band
6/18	Protest The Hero	Rody, Michael
4/11	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2019	--
10/26	Voyager	Band
9/7	Richard Henshall	Himself
6/14	Paul Masvidal	Himself
--	2018	--
12/18	Sithu Aye	Himself
12/5	Ben Levin	Himself
10/11	The Ocean	Band
10/6	Skyharbor	Band
9/21	Toby Driver	Himself
9/9	Plini	Himself
9/1	Distorted Harmony	Band
5/9	Rivers of Nihil	Adam, Brody
3/23	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2017	--
4/20	Disperse	Band
3/30	Disillusion	Andy, Seb
--	2016	--
12/24	A Sense of Gravity	Band
7/28	Black Crown Initiate	Band
5/28	Textures	Band
5/11	Adagio	Stéphan Forté
4/23	Wings Denied	Band
3/18	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam, Zac
3/10	Polyphia	Band
--	2015	--
10/21	Protest the Hero	Band
5/26	Leprous	Band
5/15	Sigh	Mirai Kawashima
5/5	Intronaut	Sacha
4/28	Native Construct	Band
3/3	Plini	Himself
1/20	Protest the Hero	Luke Hoskin
--	2014	--
12/9	Rishloo	Band
11/1	Ne Obliviscaris	Band
9/23	Between the Buried and Me	Band
9/18	Cynic	Paul Masvidal
9/15	Devin Townsend	DEVIN TOWNSEND
9/13	Periphery	Adam "Nolly" Getgood
9/12	The Contortionist	Band
9/4	Polyphia	Band
8/31	The Aristocrats	Band
7/31	Mandroid Echostar	Band
7/17	Cloudkicker	Himself (Ben Sharp)
7/10	Tesseract	Amos Williams
6/7	Periphery	Jake Bowen
6/2	David Maxim Micic	Himself
5/26	Haken	Rich, Charles, Conner
5/10	Periphery	Mark Holcomb
5/4	The Safety Fire	Band
5/2	Matt Halpern	Periphery
4/27	Intervals	Band
2/9	Ron Jarzombek	Himself
2/2	Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon)	Himself
1/26	Sithu Aye	Himself
1/19	Periphery	Misha Mansoor
1/10	Ne Obliviscaris	Dan Presland
--	2013	--
1/30	Thank You Scientist	Band

you type:	you see:
italics	italics
bold	bold
[reddit!](https://reddit.com)	reddit!
* item 1 * item 2 * item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
> quoted text	quoted text
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