Jason Becker - Altitudes | Sweep Picking Arpeggios | Cover by Cem Saglam

4 years ago, while thinking about taking the guitar more seriously, I stumbled onto ‪@OzzGuitar‬ 's cover of Altitudes by ‪@JasonBeckerOfficial‬ . I remember immediately sending him a message and arranging an introductory call.

4 years later, after a lot of hard work and frustration, I'm happy to share my own cover of Altitudes.

This is a wonderful song for practicing sweep picking, alternate picking, and consequently pick slanting. Highly recommended!

I used my trusted Ibanez, and my Fractal Audio FM3 for the tone.

I hope you like it! :)

-----

If you enjoy this video, please consider leaving a like and subscribe. It helps a community grow and let me to spend more time here. Cheers! :)

Offer me a cup of tea:
https://ko-fi.com/saglamcem

Check out my personal website:
https://www.cemsaglam.com

All my links:
https://linktr.ee/saglamcem

Gear:
Ibanez RG652AHM Prestige Nebula Green Burst
Schecter Nick Johnston Diamond HSS
.strandberg* Boden Fusion NX 6 Amber Yellow
Ibanez RGD7521PB-DSF
Fractal Audio FM3
Neural DSP Archetype Plini, Archetype Cory Wong, Archetype Nolly
Arturia Minilab MKII
Moises.ai
Studio One 6
Wondershare Filmora 12
Guitar Pro 8

-----

Jason Becker is a guitarist whose extraordinary talent and tragic story have made him a legend in the world of music. Born in Richmond, California, in 1969, Becker quickly rose to prominence in the 1980s as a prodigious young guitarist. His mastery of the instrument was evident from a young age, and he became known for his technical prowess and innovative style. By his late teens, he had already secured a place in the band Cacophony, alongside fellow virtuoso Marty Friedman. Their collaboration resulted in two albums, Speed Metal Symphony (1987) and Go Off! (1988), which showcased Becker's extraordinary speed, precision, and musicality, blending neoclassical influences with heavy metal.

In 1989, at just 20 years old, Becker's career took a significant leap forward when he was chosen to replace Steve Vai in David Lee Roth’s band. This opportunity was a testament to his remarkable abilities, as Roth was known for working with some of the best guitarists in the world. However, just as Becker’s star was on the rise, he began to experience symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Despite the rapid progression of the disease, Becker managed to complete his work on Roth's album, A Little Ain't Enough, which was released in 1991.

After his diagnosis, Becker’s physical abilities declined rapidly, and he soon lost the ability to play the guitar and even speak. However, his passion for music and his indomitable spirit did not wane. With the help of a computer-based communication system, he continued to compose music, demonstrating not only his immense talent but also his unwavering dedication to his art. His later works, created while living with ALS, include the albums Perspective (1996) and Triumphant Hearts (2018), which feature a variety of guest musicians and showcase Becker's enduring creativity and influence.

Jason Becker's legacy is one of brilliance and resilience. He is celebrated not only for his contributions to guitar music but also for his incredible courage in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges imposed by ALS, Becker has continued to inspire countless musicians and fans around the world with his story and his music. His life and work serve as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to create and persevere, even under the most difficult circumstances.