Eric Friedman is a blues-influenced guitarist and songwriter most widely known for his role as the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the hard rock group Tremonti, where his tight rhythm work, melodic sense, and versatility have become central to the band’s sound. Eric also serves as a touring guitarist and session contributor for the multi-platinum band Creed. Before joining Tremonti, he built his early career with Submersed and Daughters of Mara, developing a reputation for playing tastefully and strong songwriting instincts.

Alongside his touring and recording work, Eric has been part of projects such as the hard-rock collective Projected, adding his voice and guitar work to a range of collaborations. Whether in the studio or on the road, Eric’s instincts and attention to detail continue to resonate with musicians and fans alike. We caught up with Eric for a quick Q&A.

PRS: How did your journey as a guitarist begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Eric: When I was 9, I got a nylon string acoustic for Christmas and never looked back. I learned by ear, playing along with whatever I could. I quickly became obsessed with blues and blues rock. I learned songs note-for-note by SRV, Jeff Beck & Kenny Wayne Shepherd. I wanted to learn how to sing with the guitar. When I was 12, Kenny Wayne saw me in the crowd at one of his shows playing air guitar note-for-note along with his solos & pulled me onstage to play with him. The rush of being on stage with him really shook me, and at that moment, I knew this was my path. At 14 years old, I had my own blues band with hired session players. We made an album and played a ton of shows opening for guys like Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang & Jimmie Vaughan. I got a manager who was well-connected and scored me some private lessons with Steve Lukather. I learned a lot from him about playing for the song and coming up with parts. My styles broadened a bit when I was 15-16 and started playing in more rock-inspired groups, gigging around LA… that was around the time I stood in line at the PRS booth at NAMM to meet Mark Tremonti & that moment changed my path in a big way. Mark & I quickly became close friends, and we have been playing music ever since.

Photo credit- Hunter Wurzelbacher

PRS: PRS guitars have been a key part of your sound across various projects—what qualities in their build or tone make them your go-to instruments in the studio and on stage?

Eric: My first PRS was a McCarty that Steve Vai loaned me when I was 15. Unfortunately, I had to give it back lol. I loved that guitar. When I was 17, I got my first very own PRS Custom 22, and I fell in love with how versatile the guitar was, especially with the coil tap. I would say my favorite qualities are the versatility and build quality. These guitars play very well, have good quality tone, and are road warriors. We put them through a lot & they never let me down. I have played most models, but at this point I’d say the McCarty is my favorite.

PRS: What are some of the biggest musical differences you've noticed between playing with Creed and Tremonti?

Eric: I’d have to say the biggest difference between the two bands is technicality. The bands do share some similarities, but Tremonti is more demanding on the fretboard with more complex riffs & speed. Creed is very atmospheric and also very powerful; two different animals. One isn’t necessarily more fulfilling than the other, just in different ways. It’s nice to have both outlets as a musician; I feel very fortunate for that.

Photo credit- Chuck Breuckmann

PRS: Which guitar techniques or riffs are your favorites to play, and why?

Eric: When I am floating free & improvising over a progression, that’s my happy place. There’s something so freeing and expressive about that. Just bending a note & letting it sing can be so much more rewarding than nailing a sick sweep or legato run. On the contrary, I absolutely LOVE playing a simple, meaningful part with intention in the mix of a song to add vibe & color. Both are very rewarding. Music is awesome.

PRS: You’ve played a wide range of PRS models over the years. Which ones have become essential to your setup, and what specific characteristics of those guitars fit your playing style?

Eric: My early-2000s Gold McCarty is #1, but Mark has this blue-jean baritone that weaves its way into every album, and I take it on the road with me for those low tunings. My guitar boat wouldn’t be complete without a Silver Sky either. I just love the versatility & between those, I have all bases covered. Mark has his Tremonti model with monstrous gain, so I try to fill the space with a less-saturated, lower-gain, punchy, mid-range-driven sound. I’d say the only model I don’t have that I’d love to use is the JA-15.

PRS: What advice would you give to aspiring guitarists looking to break into the rock or metal genres?

Eric: Do it because you love it. Don’t chase what others are doing. Create your own sound by mashing your favorite things that you’ve learned along the way. YouTube is your friend. I wish I had that when I was just getting started. Challenge yourself.

PRS: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited to work on that you can share with fans?

Eric: There are always things in the works that can’t be talked about (haha)! I will say I’ve been enjoying wearing my producer hat. There’s something very satisfying about taking things you’ve learned in the studio and applying them to different projects. Recently I’ve been enjoying writing drum parts, playing bass & recording layers of guitars :)

PRS: What do you love most about PRS?

Eric: The versatility of the instruments, the quality, the family, the support, and the straight-up beauty of these bad boys. I’m extremely honored to have been a part of the PRS family for almost 25 years!

Photo credit- Hunter Wurzelbacher