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Meet Stephen
Stephen Davis has taught at Belmont since January of 2012. He studied commercial guitar at Belmont and teaches a course in guitar rig design. Mr. Davis is a freelance guitarist, composer, teacher, and guitar tech.
Mr. Davis has helped countless musicians design their guitar rigs for live gigs, touring, and studio needs. He has worked with Lorrie Morgan, Hal Leonard, Gary Allan, Anam Multimedia, Chase Bryant, Blackhawk Audio, Opryland Productions, Sean O’Bryan Smith, and The Muzic Mafia, to name a few. He is currently an independent musician, educator, and composer based in Nashville. His most recent work with Hal Leonard will be released in the summer of 2023.
Get to know me!
What is your earliest memory of playing guitar, and what age did you start playing?
I started actually learning to play guitar when I was 13, but my first memory of playing was when I was 11. I was in a bad accident that year and was stuck at home for a few weeks. Our neighbor’s son was a great guitar player and came over to give me a lesson. He taught me how to play power chords. I think the first thing I learned was a riff from an AC/DC tune. I have no idea which one, but I do remember the lesson.
What about playing guitar made you want to dedicate your career to the craft?
I decided to make a career out of music when I was about 16 or 17 years old. Music was the only thing that made me feel good about life. I was a straight-A student through high school, but nothing excited me. Music was always exciting. The idea of being able to create still makes me smile. I still love the idea that there’s not always a definitive answer for ‘what can be played.’ The options are endless, and so is the journey.
What was your first guitar setup?
I bought my first guitar rig at Strings and Things in Memphis, TN. It was an Applause electric and a solid state Crate amp. I bought the Applause because it had a cool black and silver crackle finish that I just loved. It also had a Floyd Rose tremolo that made learning how to change strings a bit difficult in the early days.
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
My style has evolved over the years in relation to what music I am listening to and practicing at the time. I have been able to play just about every style of popular music out there. My mentor, Shane Roberts, put me on the path to know how to learn - it never gets boring! I find joy in working on ideas over complex changes as well as playing over a three chord pop song. I love finding the challenge in playing anything, simple or complex.
Who were your earliest influences/inspirations?
Randy Rhoads was my biggest inspiration to pick up the guitar - I still remember the day I got Tribute on cassette. He is still one of my favorite guitar players to this day. My other early influences were the shredders of the time: Shawn Lane, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci were my first guitar idols.
Tell us the story of your favorite guitar in your collection (if you can choose just one!)
I have a large collection, but two really stand out. When my dad passed away in 2020 I asked Jeff Senn to build me a Model One. I had my dad’s initials and his years of birth and death engraved on the neck plate. That guitar always reminds me of my dad. The other guitar that stands out is my Forshage Orion 6 string. I have several guitars from Chris Forshage, but this one stands out. In 2021 we had to put down our oldest Yorkie, Tex. I sent a picture of his paw to Chris and he used it as the inlay for the 12th fret. The guitar is perfect for extended practice and teaching sessions, not to mention jazz gigs.
