Gary Smith (heavy metal guitarist)

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Gary Smith is a Heavy Metal Guitarist, and guitarist of the New Zealand band 8 Foot Sativa

Smith is the main songwriter and main lyricist, except for their fourth album Poison of Ages in which he co-wrote lyrics with Ben Read.

Smith is a notable guitarist in New Zealand of a high skill level, when not performing Smith teaches guitar in Auckland. He is skilled mainly in Melodic Death Metal, but, as seen on his band's first album, also in Neo-Classical. This is because of his Heavy Metal rendition of Bach's Invention 13. In which he played both guitar parts and dubbed them together. He's also renown for using the Drop-B tuning (Drop-D moved down 3 semitones) and C# standard (Standard E moved down 3 semitones)

In mid-2007 Smith injured his hand with an RSI (repetitive strain injury) due to not warming up properly. Smith stated that he'd just go straight onstage and play rather than warming up before-hand. He went into surgery in late 2007 and is now working to get his hand back into working order. He hopes to be playing alongside his band again soon.

Smith is also known to be very sociable to fans, drinking with them and talking with them. He frequently uses the band's forums to talk with fans and make announcements. This sets him, and his band, apart from other bands who don't talk to their fans or announce events.


[edit] Equipment

Smith used to use Marshall stack amps but recently has moved to Randell Amps.

Smith's live guitars include:

  • A ESP guitar (which is tuned to Drop-B)
  • A Gibson Les Paul (which is tuned to C# standard)

He can be seen using a B.C.Rich Warlock in the video for Season for Assault.


[edit] Discography

Year Title Label Notes
2002 Hate Made Me Intergalactic Records/Black Mark Records First 8 Foot Sativa studio album.
2003 Season for Assault Intergalactic Records/Black Mark Records Second 8 Foot Sativa studio album.
2004 Breed the Pain Intergalactic Records/Black Mark Records Third 8 Foot Sativa studio album.
2007 Poison of Ages Intergalactic Records/Black Mark Records Fourth 8 Foot Sativa studio album, Smith's favourite and best work.
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