Yngwie Malmsteen recently highlighted the crucial role of recording oneself to improve guitar playing, while also sharing the challenges of performing without fixed setlists.
Known for his relentless dedication, Yngwie Malmsteen rose from the Hässelby-Vällingby district in western Stockholm to become one of the biggest guitar sensations in the US during the 1980s. His commitment to pushing his signature neoclassical style has been a constant throughout his career.
In a recent interview with Guitar Player Magazine (as transcribed by Ultimate Guitar), Yngwie emphasized how essential recording himself is to truly evaluate his playing:
“What I quickly realized was that, in order to really judge where you’re at, how good or bad you are, is to record it. Because, if you sit there and play something, there’s so many things going on; your brain is concentrating on the picking, bending, and all this stuff. So, I will always record, and I realized very quickly that was the only way I could say, ‘That’s good, that’s bad, that needs to be fixed,’ and so on.”
He shared that his perfectionism started at a very young age, recalling that even at seven or eight years old he was already recording himself to track progress. Over time, he learned that everything—from writing and improvising to execution—must be captured on tape.
Although Yngwie is a strong believer in improvisation, he acknowledges that its success often hinges on factors beyond his control. When asked about the most difficult piece he currently plays, he said:
“The thing is… If I know a piece that’s very difficult to play, I’m not worried about that. That’s something I can play it. It’s the improvisation. It’s the unspoiled moment. That I can’t always control that, because that’s got a lot to do with audience response, the sound of the hall. It’s got a little to do with the lighting and the smoke bombs, and all this stuff. And everything has to go right, because you can knock yourself out of the right mode and maybe not be so inspired.”
Yngwie described his mindset during live performances using a concept he calls “tennis memory” — focusing only on the moment at hand and ignoring past or future mistakes. This approach helps him move past errors and continue playing at his best.
He also explained how not having a fixed setlist adds to the challenge:
“I know some people have exactly the same setlist, same solos, same intros, everything. And I don’t do that. That is challenging… It’s like jumping onto a battlefield, you know?”
Yngwie Malmsteen’s insights reveal that disciplined self-assessment through recording, coupled with adaptability and focus, are vital ingredients for mastering the guitar.