Herman Li

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Herman Li (born in Hong Kong, 1976) is the lead and rhythm guitarist and a backing vocalist in the power metal band DragonForce.

1 Early career
2 Playing Influences
3 Accolades
4 Performances
5 Gear
6 Notes
7 External links

[edit] Early career

Herman Li began playing guitar in November 1992 at the age of 16.^[1] After having played in a number of underground metal/rock bands in London, he decided to form a band of his own. After some planning and searching, he found several musicians to form the power metal band Dragonheart, which later changed its name to DragonForce. In addition to touring with DragonForce, Li has given guitar clinics on his own approach to the instrument, demonstrating and teaching several self-developed techniques. Herman has a part-time job at a UNIX help desk whilst recording and touring with the band.

He is left handed, but as a child he could not afford a left-handed guitar, so he ended up playing right-handed.

[edit] Playing Influences

Li draws influences from video game music and mimics sounds from popular retro games from late 80's, early 90's arcade and PC Engine games. In his songs,for example, Li has been known for making several Pac-Man type noises in the song Through The Fire And Flames on Inhuman Rampage.

[edit] Accolades

DragonForce's 2004 album Sonic Firestorm earned Li the Dimebag Darrell Young guitarist Award for best Shredder at the 2005 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. This was presented by Zakk Wylde. DragonForce were also nominated for best UK band.

[edit] Performances

Herman Li performing one of his signature moves

Li is known for his signature guitar solos, wherein he frets notes with his left hand over the top of the fretboard instead of from beneath it, though he is not the only guitarist to perform such a trick: Michael Angelo Batio (also known for playing the 'Dual Guitar' and 'Quad Guitar') also performs this trick . His other signature moves include "drum riser spin bounce" and the "whammy bar lift guitar slam." He also uses a Digitech Whammy II and a Digitech XP-100 Whammy-Wah to create some of his signature guitar sounds. Li often creates technical, harmonized solo passages with co-guitarist Sam Totman, as heard in "Through The Fire And Flames."

In 2006, Li and DragonForce took the main stage at Ozzfest and Download Festival.

[edit] Gear

Guitars: Ibanez S 6 String - S470SOL, S540TTS, S540BSOL, Prestige S2170FB/FW
Ibanez S 7 String - 540S7BK
Ibanez RG 6 String - Prestige RGT3170VV
Ibanez RG 7 String - RG7620
Ibanez Acoustic - AEF30ETVS
DiMarzio Pickups
D'Addario Strings

Amplifications, Rig Setup & Misc:
Laney TT100H Amplifier Head
Laney TT412S Speakers Cabinet
Rocktron Prophesy II
Rocktron Xpression
Rocktron Intellifex XL
Rocktron Hush Super-C
Rocktron All Access
MIDIjet Pro - Wireless Midi System (more info)
Korg DTR-1
Shure ULXP4
DigiTech Whammy 2
DigiTech XP100
DigiTech EX-7
Ibanez Weeping Demon
Ibanez TS9
Rocktron Banshee Talkbox