In October 2005, Korean guitarist funtwo broke the internet with his rendition of JerryC’s Canon Rock. It was the original viral guitar video, and 20 years later, it’s been recreated with the very same guitar.
“It’s been 20 years, and I’m so glad I got to play it again,” he says.
The neoclassical shredding was iconic. It was a video that helped carve the online guitar space into a breeding ground for bedroom shredders. A precursor to the online social media guitar world as we know it today.
Sentiments aside, the video is also clever marketing from Neural DSP, who recruited funtwo to help promote its Black Friday sale. The guitarist used a Archetype: John Petrucci plugin for his guitar tone on his Canon follow-up, and his preset is available to download for free.
The original video, meanwhile, paired his ESP with a Zoom GFX-8 multi-effects unit. Such was the virality of the video, funtwo would eventually end up playing the song on stage with none other than Joe Satriani.
“I’m so glad I got to play it again”: YouTube’s First Viral Guitarist Returns with Re-recorded Iconic Cover
The Legacy of YouTube’s First Viral Guitarist
More than two decades ago, a guitarist posted a cover video on YouTube that instantly went viral, igniting the birth of social media shred videos and influencing countless musicians worldwide. This pioneering guitarist became a digital legend, paving the way for how guitarists use platforms like YouTube to showcase skills and connect with fans globally. Today, he has made a remarkable return by re-recording his groundbreaking cover, reminding us all why this viral moment was so transformative for the music community.
Why this Viral Guitar Cover Matters After 20 Years
The guitarist’s original cover was not only a technical masterpiece but also a milestone demonstrating the power of viral content in the music world. It revealed how a single performance clip could change a musician’s career overnight through the reach of social media.
- Pioneered Online Guitar Performances: Long before the surge of viral videos,this cover laid the blueprint for what social media guitar content could achieve.
- Inspired a Generation: Thousands of budding guitarists emulated his style, contributing to a vibrant shred culture online.
- Elevated Music Sharing: Showcased the potential of platforms like YouTube in democratizing music exposure and engagement.
The Story Behind the Re-recording
Reflecting on his creative journey, the guitarist has expressed joy in revisiting the tune that catapulted him into the viral stratosphere:
“I’m so glad I got to play it again.Revisiting the riffs and nuances that made that cover special was a deeply rewarding experience.”
This re-recorded version not only pays homage to the original but also highlights his growth as a musician, blending classic techniques with modern production quality. The updated cover demonstrates how musical artistry evolves along with technology and audience expectations.
How the Re-recorded Cover Bridges Past and Present
The new version perfectly bridges the gap between the early days of YouTube and today’s dynamic music ecosystem:
- Utilizes enhanced recording technology for crisper sound fidelity.
- Captures the same passionate energy that sparked the original viral moment.
- Offers inspiration for new content creators seeking to make their mark on modern platforms like YouTube Music and others.
Benefits of Revisiting Iconic Content in the Digital Age
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Reconnects with Loyal Fans | Revives nostalgic emotions and strengthens community bonds. |
| Gains Visibility Among New Audiences | Introduces classics to younger, digitally native guitar enthusiasts. |
| Showcases Artistic Growth | Highlights evolution in skills and interpretation. |
| Inspires Current Social Media Creators | Encourages musicians to innovate while honoring tradition. |
Case Studies: Influence on Modern Social Media Shred Videos
Several contemporary guitarists openly credit this viral cover as the key inspiration for their own social media careers:
- Alex strum – Known for viral shredding on TikTok and YouTube,Alex references the 20-year-old cover as “the spark that showed me guitar videos could be entertaining and shareable art.”
- Lena Strings – Merging classical guitar with shredding, Lena cites the viral cover as the “golden standard” for online guitar performance techniques.
- Jason Riffs – A YouTube Music star who attributes his original approach to the pioneering viral guitarist’s bold style and presentation.
SEO Tips for Guitarists Inspired by Viral Videos
For musicians aiming to achieve viral success like the first YouTube shredder, these SEO and content strategies can boost visibility:
- Optimize Video Titles and descriptions: Incorporate keywords like “guitar cover,” “viral guitar video,” and “shred guitar performance.”
- Use Hashtags and Playlists: Organize content into thematic playlists and tag videos with trending music hashtags.
- Engage with Audience: Respond promptly to comments and foster community interaction to increase algorithm favor.
- Consistent Posting Schedule: Keep a steady flow of quality videos to maintain and grow subscriber engagement.
First-Hand Experience: What It’s Like to Revisit a Viral Hit
The guitarist’s own words convey a profound sense of fulfillment:
“Playing that piece again was like meeting an old friend-familiar yet refreshed. It reminded me why I fell in love with the guitar and why sharing that passion online became so important to me.”
This sentiment is echoed by many artists who revisit their early viral works,finding new appreciation and creative sparks that fuel their ongoing careers.
How Platforms Like YouTube Music amplify Guitar Content
Thanks to streaming services such as YouTube Music, guitarists can now reach over 100 million music lovers worldwide, offering:
- Access to a massive library of guitar covers, remixes, and originals.
- Enhanced discoverability through playlists and algorithm-based recommendations.
- A combined video and audio experience that enriches fan engagement.
Of course, there are now other mediums for guitarists to shine online, and one “country Nirvana” nylon-string guitar riff has recently taken TikTok by storm. John Mayer has even gotten in on the action.
