SevenString.org recently caught up with guitarist Marco Sfogli (JAMES LaBRIE) to discuss his new solo album, There's Hope. The following is an excerpt from the interview:

SS: When did you first begin playing? Who were your musical heroes during your formative years as a player?

MS: "It probably was during mid-'80s, I’ve always being surrounded by instruments and guitars in particular since my father is a classical guitar player. I didn’t take music seriously until I was 15 though, and at the time my heroes were people like John Petrucci, Steve Lukather and Kee Marcello, but also Michael Lee Firkins, Satriani, Andy Timmons and Reb Beach."

SS: How did you go about developing things like phrasing and technique? Do you still maintain a practice regime?

MS: "The phrasing comes from the inside, it’s all about bringing out the emotions and the feelings. The technique comes both from the head and from the fingers so it’s definitely a combination between heart and head. Since the beginning I gave much more importance to things like the touch and the small nuances on the instrument instead of just 'how to play that scale faster than yesterday.' The technique came gradually later just practicing and practicing. Nowadays I prefer to write songs instead of trying to reach a new goal bpm wise."

SS: Which bands and musicians currently inspire you?

MS: "I like modern bands like NICKELBACK, BREAKING BENJAMIN, DISTURBED and so on. On the guitar side I like Eric Johnson a lot, Andy Timmons, Robben Ford and all the heart-headed guitar players."

SS: What led you to playing seven-string guitars?

MS: "I got my first seven strings in 1999, it was an Ibanez RG if I recall. I always liked the heaviness of the seven strings and around that time I used it just a little. Lately on the (new) LaBrie record I ended up using almost exclusively a seven strings guitar. I definitely love it!"

Go to this location for the complete interview.