Zack Kim

Zack Kim (born May 5, 1983) is a Korean guitarist who has become known for his mastery of technique called “Touch Style,” which involves “tapping” the guitar strings with both the right and left hands simultaneously. Many guitarists apply Touch Style to one guitar, but Zack frequently performs on two; his left hand playing one guitar while his right hand plays the other. His arrangements include a range of styles, from classical to jazz, as well as quirky yet virtuosic arrangements of tunes such as the theme song from the Mario Bros. video game.

Biography

Korean guitarist Zack Kim was born in Korea, but his family relocated to Malaysia when he was eight. Although he has never had any formal training, Zack has developed a keen ear and flawless technique, as well as a mastery of Touch Style. He is frequently a session player in Malaysia with bands such as Tempered Mental, One Buck Short and Groovetank, as well as with producers such as Greg Henderson and Nick Lee. He was also named the best guitarist at HELP Institute's Battle of the Bands, where his group, Cosmic Funk Express, emerged as winners.

Influences

Although Zack never had any formal training, he credits Adam Fulara and Stanley Jordan for influencing him with the basics of Touch Style, the latter through Jordan’s website.

Touch Style

Touch Style is a unique way of playing guitar with both hands. Many people credit Stanley Jordan with popularizing the technique, which involves “tapping” the strings with both the left and right hands. Many guitarists apply this technique to one guitar, but Zack has developed a virtuosic way of playing two guitars. His left hand will play one guitar, while his right hand plays another.

Other guitarists that frequently utilize Touch Style or a similar technique are:

• Stanley Jordan
• Adam Fulara
• Dominic Frasca
• Eddie van Halen

External Links

• Official site of Zack Kim

References

• Dickenson, J. Andrew: "Tapped Out", Urban Guitar, July 31, 2006
• Chew, Chris: "Almost Famous", Think Online, September 22, 2006
• LeOuf, Nikouf: "Zack Kim and the Cosmic Funk Express", Les Cakos du Web, May 8, 2006

Arrangements and compositions

Classical

• Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
• The Promise by Michael Nyman
• Fur Elise by Ludvig van Beethoven
• Piano Sonata in C Major by W.A. Mozart
• Prelude in C Minor BWV 847 by J. S. Bach
• Goldberg Variations No. 1 BWV 988 by J. S. Bach

Jazz

• Autumn Leaves by Kozma, Mercer, and Prevert
• Moon River by Henry Mancini

Miscellaneous

• Super Mario Theme by Koji Kondo
• FFVII Chocobo Theme by Nobuo Uematsu
• Doraemon Theme by Shunsuke Kikuchi
• Better off Alone by Alice DJ

Original Compositions

• Dear Tiesto by Zack Kim