July 1992, Guitar Player Magazine, by Buckethead
Giant Robot. The name itself conjures images of colossal metallic beings, wielding unimaginable power and safeguarding the innocent. For many, these figures are confined to the realms of science fiction, yet for the enigmatic guitar virtuoso known as Buckethead, Giant Robot is more than just a character – he’s a profound source of inspiration, deeply interwoven with his unique approach to guitar playing. In a rare glimpse into his creative mind published in Guitar Player Magazine, Buckethead, in his signature quirky style, unveils the impact of this Japanese cinematic hero on his musical techniques.
Buckethead’s admiration for Giant Robot, particularly from the show “Voyage Into Space,” is immediately apparent. He doesn’t just “like” Giant Robot; he emphatically declares “I-I-aghh like Giant Robot better” than Johnny Sako, highlighting the intensity of his childhood fascination. He describes Giant Robot with childlike wonder, emphasizing his size (“He’s a big feller”), his arsenal of abilities (“shoot rockets from his fingers, he can fly. He’s got eye lasers”), and his heroic purpose (“eye lasers that will make the gargoyle monsters die”). This isn’t mere fandom; it’s a deep-seated appreciation that has resonated since his youth (“Ever since I was a littlin’ I’ve looked up to him. He has helped me with my problems. He has always been there for me.”).
This childhood admiration has translated into a tangible and fascinating aspect of Buckethead’s guitar playing: the creation of “binge splinters.” These aren’t conventional guitar exercises; they are techniques directly inspired by Giant Robot’s powers. For each of the robot’s abilities and the monsters he battles, Buckethead has devised specific guitar techniques, showcasing an incredibly imaginative link between visual inspiration and sonic execution.
The article delves into three specific “binge splinters” connected to Giant Robot’s powers.
The Atomic Punch: Representing Giant Robot’s “fast and powerful” atomic punch, this technique, labeled [Ex. 1], is described as a “brooming augmented wedge.” While the exact interpretation is left somewhat to the imagination, the name evokes a sweeping, forceful motion, perhaps mirroring the impact of a powerful blow.
Rocket Fingers: For Giant Robot’s ability to “shoot rockets from his nubs,” Buckethead presents [Ex. 2], a “slapping technique.” He draws a comparison to bass guitar slapping but adapts it for the guitar. He specifies using his “protruding thumb bone side to slap, index stem to pluck,” offering a concrete description of a percussive and rhythmic guitar technique. This translates the visual idea of launching rockets into a dynamic and energetic playing style.
Eye Lasers: The devastating “eye lasers” of Giant Robot inspire [Ex.3]. This “binge splinter” is a two-handed technique, utilizing the “1st finger and pinky on both hands to do this forehead bone protrusion.” Buckethead notes this technique is also “augmented,” suggesting a modification or enhancement of a standard technique. The description implies a complex, perhaps tapping-based technique, reflecting the focused and precise nature of laser beams.
Beyond Giant Robot’s powers, Buckethead extends his “binge splinter” concept to the monsters the robot confronts. He names three adversaries – Emperor Guillotine, Gargoyle Vine, and Torazon (GR2) – and mentions corresponding “shards” or techniques [Ex. 4, 5, and 6]. He encourages players to “use the splinters and match them up: eye lasers and Gargoyle Vine, hand rockets and Torazon,” suggesting a playful approach to practicing and improvising, where different techniques can be associated with different characters or scenarios.
The article concludes with a poignant expression of hope: “Someday Giant Robot will come back, I know he will.” This reinforces the enduring influence of Giant Robot in Buckethead’s world. In a characteristic whimsical turn, he ends with a personal note, “Have you seen my dummy, Herbie? Well if you see it tell it to come home I miss it,” adding a touch of his enigmatic persona to the piece.
This short article provides a fascinating insight into the mind of Buckethead. It reveals how a childhood fascination with a Japanese sci-fi hero has not only endured but has actively shaped his approach to guitar playing. The concept of “binge splinters” is a testament to his unique creativity, demonstrating how visual and narrative inspiration can be translated into concrete guitar techniques. For aspiring guitarists and Buckethead fans alike, this piece offers a glimpse into the imaginative world that fuels one of the most original guitar players of our time. Exploring Buckethead’s discography with this context in mind can offer a richer appreciation for the depth and layers within his instrumental guitar work.
