Hong Kong–born British guitarist, producer, and songwriter Herman Li is best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the Grammy-nominated power metal band DragonForce. Known for his lightning-fast playing and melodic flair, Herman has become one of the most respected and recognizable guitarists in modern metal. Over the years, he’s picked up several honors, including Best Shredder at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards (twice) and God of Riffs in 2024, and has topped multiple categories in Guitar World’s Readers Poll.

Alongside his work with DragonForce, Herman has shared the stage and studio with icons like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Paul Gilbert. Away from touring, he’s built a massive following on Twitch, where he performs live, breaks down techniques, and connects with fans and players around the world. Passionate about giving back to the guitar community, Herman continues to use his platform to teach, inspire, and champion creativity in the digital age.

In 2025, he partnered with PRS Guitars to release his first signature models with the brand; the Chleo Limited Edition and SE Chleo; both designed to capture his unique tone, speed, and style. We caught up with Herman for a quick interview:

PRS: Let’s start with your connection to PRS. How did your relationship with the brand first begin, and what drew you to their guitars initially?

Herman: I’ve known about PRS for a long time—everyone does, really. I first came across PRS guitars when I used to visit a store called Chandler Guitars in West London. I spent hours there playing PRS instruments and was immediately drawn to their consistency, beautiful finishes, and incredible craftsmanship.

Then in 2007, I met Paul Smith at a DragonForce show. We really hit it off, and later he invited me to visit the PRS factory. That visit completely blew me away. Seeing how those guitars were built gave me a deep appreciation for the precision and passion behind every instrument. I learned so much from watching the process up close. After that, I spent more time playing PRS guitars and realized just how much attention to detail goes into each one.

Photo credit- Vincent Grundke

PRS: You’ve been known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the guitar. How did PRS collaborate with you to design an instrument that meets your unique playing style and technical demands?

Herman: The PRS team really listened. They didn’t just copy specs from my old guitars—we all knew the goal was to create something new that didn’t exist yet. We discussed every part of the guitar: why it needed to be that way, and how to build it.

We had many video calls, and I even had the 3D modelling files on my computer so I could study the design closely and suggest detailed changes before the next prototype was built. Not once did they say “no” to trying something new—they’d simply explain what might happen if we made a change and how it would affect the instrument.

That process led to the now-infamous moment at Hellfest in France, when I broke a prototype guitar in front of 60,000 people. I wanted to push the limits of the neck-joint access on prototype 2, and the team warned me about the risks. I told them we had to find out the limits for real—and, well, we did! To be fair, that guitar had already survived over a hundred “flying knees” on tour, so I thought we’d nailed the design. It was controlled chaos, and it helped us make the final version completely bulletproof. Let’s be honest—no one else does flying knees with their full body weight onto a guitar! This might be the most extreme field-testing any guitar has ever gone through.

At the same time, I needed an instrument that could handle extreme dynamics—fast runs, wide bends, heavy whammy-bar use—and still stay perfectly in tune. We tested every detail, down to fret-edge finishing and tremolo stability in different weather conditions. The result is a guitar that feels effortless to play, yet delivers the tone and precision I need both live and in the studio.

PRS: Tell us about your new signature models. What are some of the standout features that make these guitars distinctly Herman Li?

Herman: These guitars were designed to be as versatile as possible, without compromise. There are so many features to love. You’ve got the sculpted heel joint for the best upper-fret access I’ve ever played—not just for your fingers but even for your thumb. The tremolo system can handle the craziest dive-bombs and still return perfectly to pitch.

With the stabilizer system, tuning becomes incredibly fast and easy. When you bend or use vibrato, it feels like a fixed-bridge guitar—but it’s actually in full floating mode. And even if you break a string, the bridge doesn’t go out of tune.

It’s also the only guitar on the market with a 20-inch radius fretboard and a double-locking bridge system. It’s so easy to play—you really have to try one, whether it’s the Limited Core or the SE, to understand.

Of course, tone matters too. The Fishman Fluence Omniforce pickups give you 13 unique tonal combinations, covering everything from modern aggression to classic warmth. We worked incredibly hard to make this guitar truly unique and special. And, well, it looks amazing too!

PRS: You’ve played countless shows around the world with DragonForce. How have your PRS guitars held up on tour, and how do they support your high-energy performances?

Herman: Touring with DragonForce means my gear gets tested under the most extreme conditions—hot outdoor festivals, freezing winter tours, high humidity, and endless long-haul flights across the world. My PRS guitars have been incredibly reliable—honestly, the best-built instruments I’ve ever used.

People who know me know I have hundreds of guitars in my collection and have played many different brands over more than 30 years. But these PRS guitars take it all. Apart from the “flying knees” move I do on stage, I also throw them around, pick them up by the tremolo, and use the whammy bar all night—and they still stay perfectly in tune. Beyond the durability, they give me confidence. When you’re playing a two-hour set of high-speed music, you don’t want to think about whether your guitar can handle it—you just want to perform.

Photo credit- Vincent Grundke

PRS: Your guitar technique is widely recognized for its speed and precision. What inspired you to develop your unique playing style, and how do you keep pushing the boundaries of guitar performance?

Herman: Growing up, I was inspired by players who had a sense of adventure—people like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Tony MacAlpine—but I also played a lot of video games and listened to all kinds of music. I wanted to combine that same energy and excitement with melody and emotion.

Over the years, I’ve come to see the guitar as a tool for creativity. You can make it do almost anything if you really understand it—from how it’s played to how it’s built. That knowledge lets you elevate your art in your own way, whether in the studio or on stage. I’m still learning every day. The moment you think you’ve mastered it, that’s when you stop improving.

Paul once said to me, “Herman, you’re like me—you’ve got guitar written in your bones.” I think that sums it up perfectly.

PRS: How has the band's sound and lineup evolved over the years, and what do you think has kept DragonForce relevant and exciting for both longtime fans and new listeners?

Herman: DragonForce has always been about fun, positive energy, and pushing everything to the limit. Over the years, we’ve refined our sound but kept that spirit alive. Every lineup change has brought new ideas and fresh perspectives, yet our core philosophy remains the same—we want to make metal exciting and entertaining.

We’ve also fully embraced technology and gaming culture, which helps us reach audiences who might not normally listen to metal. I’m incredibly lucky to have turned all my favorite hobbies—music, gaming, and tech—into my career.

PRS: Technology and gaming play a big role in DragonForce’s music and image. How have video games and digital platforms influenced your approach to music creation and connecting with fans?

Herman: In a massive way. Our music has always had that “video-game” energy—fast, colorful, and cinematic. When Through the Fire and Flames appeared in Guitar Hero III, it introduced DragonForce to an entirely new generation of listeners.

Now, with platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok, I can interact directly with fans, share ideas, and show people what goes into our music. Gaming continues to inspire our visuals, our song concepts, and even our gear design. That connection between technology and creativity keeps everything evolving—and it keeps it fun.

PRS: Finally, for aspiring guitarists out there, what advice would you give about finding an instrument that truly inspires your creativity and growth as a player?

Herman: Find a guitar that makes you want to play more. Don’t just look at specs or brand names—focus on how it feels in your hands and how it responds to your touch. Does it inspire you to pick it up every day? The right instrument should remove any barrier between your ideas and the sound that comes out.

That’s what PRS has done for me. When your guitar feels like an extension of yourself, that’s when the real magic happens.