What Guitar Does Synyster Gates Use In A7X?

Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance from Avenged Sevenfold have such iconic guitar setups that it's hard not to geek out over them. Synyster's signature Schecter Synyster Custom is a beast—black and white stripes with a sustainiac pickup in the neck, Floyd Rose tremolo, and those devil horns inlays. It's got this sleek, aggressive look that matches his playing style perfectly. He also uses a Schecter Hellwin amp and loves his Invader pickups for that thick, screaming tone. Zacky, on the other hand, rocks the Schecter ZV Custom, which is a bit more understated but still packs a punch with its EMG pickups and sleek design. Their gear choices really reflect their personalities—Synyster's flashy, technical flair versus Zacky's raw, rhythmic power. What's cool is how their setups complement each other live. Synyster's leads cut through with that sustainiac wail, while Zacky's rhythm tones anchor the songs with a gritty punch. They've both experimented with different models over the years, but their signature Schecters are the ones fans associate most with their sound. It's not just about the guitars, though—their pedalboards are stacked with stuff like the Boss DD-3 delay and MXR Phase 90, which add those layers of chaos and melody Avenged Sevenfold is known for. Seeing them live, you can tell how much their gear shapes their stage presence.

Synyster Gates, or Brian Elwin Haner Jr., is the lead guitarist for Avenged Sevenfold, and honestly, he’s one of the reasons I fell in love with their music. His playing style is this insane blend of technical precision and raw emotion—like, listen to the solo in 'Afterlife' or the chaotic beauty of 'The Stage.' It’s not just shredding; there’s a narrative in his riffs. He joined the band in 1999 after Zacky Vengeance convinced him to ditch jazz school (thankfully), and his classical training seeps into their sound in the best way. The way he harmonizes with Zacky is iconic, too—those dual guitar lines are A7X’s signature. Beyond the music, Gates has this larger-than-life persona. The top hat, the custom Schecter guitars, the fact that he named himself after a Batman villain? Legendary. But what’s cool is how down-to-earth he comes off in interviews. Dude’s got this dry humor and seems genuinely obsessed with pushing boundaries—like when they dropped 'The Stage' out of nowhere. Also, his dad is literally a comedy writer and musician, which explains the creativity. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve air-guitared to his solos.

Synyster Gates is the kind of guitarist who makes you want to pick up an electric guitar just to fail miserably trying to mimic his solos. He joined Avenged Sevenfold in 1999, replacing their original guitarist, and quickly became a defining force in their sound. His technical prowess is insane—like, the way he blends neoclassical shredding with heavy metal riffs in tracks like 'Bat Country' or 'Afterlife' is pure artistry. But what’s wild is how he balances that with melodic sensibility; his harmonies with Zacky Vengeance are legendary. Gates also brings this theatrical flair to their live shows, wearing those signature aviators and delivering solos that feel like they’re straight out of a rock opera. Beyond the guitar, he’s contributed to songwriting and even co-produced some of their albums. His influence stretches beyond just Avenged Sevenfold—he’s got his own guitar school, and his signature Schecter models are dream instruments for aspiring shredders. The guy’s a modern guitar icon, no question. And honestly, even if you’re not into metal, his work on 'The Stage' shows how he’s evolved into this cosmic, progressive rock space. Dude’s never stagnant.

Back in the early 2000s, Avenged Sevenfold was still carving out their sound, and they needed a guitarist who could match their chaotic energy. Synyster Gates—real name Brian Elwin Haner Jr.—was practically destined for it. His dad, Brian Haner Sr., was a session musician who worked with the likes of Frank Zappa, so guitar wizardry ran in the family. When the band heard about this kid shredding at Musicians Institute, they reached out. The story goes that Gates initially turned them down because he wanted to finish school, but after some convincing (and maybe a little ego-stroking from their demos), he jumped in. His first studio work with them was on 'Waking the Fallen,' and the rest is history—those solos on 'Chapter Four' and 'Second Heartbeat' instantly cemented his legacy. What’s wild is how seamlessly he fit. A7X’s sound was already evolving from pure metalcore to something more melodic, and Gates’ classical training mixed with his love for metal made him the perfect catalyst. He brought this technical precision that balanced Zacky Vengeance’s raw style. Plus, his stage name? Pure rockstar vibes—apparently inspired by a childhood nickname. It’s crazy to think how different their music might’ve been without him. That duality of chaos and melody he introduced became their signature.

Synyster Gates is absolutely the lead guitarist for Avenged Sevenfold, and honestly, he's one of the reasons I got into their music in the first place. His technical skill is insane—those solos in 'Bat Country' and 'Afterlife' are pure fire. I remember watching live performances where he makes it look effortless, blending shredding with melodic phrasing in a way that feels unique to A7X. What’s cool is how he integrates classical influences into metal, like in 'The Stage,' where his playing feels almost orchestral. He’s not just a guitarist; he’s a vibe. The way he and Zacky Vengeance play off each other live is like watching a perfectly chaotic dance. No wonder fans lose their minds over his parts.

Synyster Gates has this insane collection of guitars that just scream his signature style. His main axe is the Schecter Synyster Custom, which was literally designed for him. It's got this killer black-and-white stripe design, like a rebellious take on classic elegance. The sustainiac pickup in the neck position is perfect for those endless, screaming harmonics he loves. I remember watching live performances and spotting him with the gold version too—so flashy, yet so fitting for A7X's theatrical vibe. He also rocks the Schecter Avenger quite a bit, especially earlier in his career. That angular body shape looks like it could cut through the crowd. And let's not forget his occasional use of Gibson Les Pauls—like the one with the 'Synyster' inlay on the 12th fret. It's wild how he blends vintage tone with modern shredding. Dude's got taste, no question.

Synyster Gates from Avenged Sevenfold has this insane blend of technical precision and wild creativity that makes his playing stand out. To get close to his style, you gotta dive into his hybrid picking technique—he mixes pick and fingers for those fluid, fast runs. His solos in 'Bat Country' or 'Afterlife' are masterclasses in melodic shredding, where every note feels intentional but still explosive. I spent months just trying to nail his vibrato—it’s wide and vocal-like, almost as if he’s singing through the guitar. His use of harmonic minor scales and chromatic passing tones gives that sinister, cinematic vibe A7X is known for. Another key is his phrasing. Gates doesn’t just play fast; he tells a story. Listen to how he builds tension in 'The Stage' solo, starting slow and then erupting into chaos. His rig matters too: that Schecter with the sustainiac, mixed with his love for delay and wah, creates his signature sound. But honestly? The real secret is his attitude. He plays like he’s on fire, but never loses control. It’s a balance of chaos and discipline I’m still trying to crack.