Dave Celentano, Daniele Gottardo: DG interviews DC for shred knowledge

Gotty
When did you start playing using the 8 fingers tapping technique and why?
Dave Celentano
I started using multi-finger tapping after seeing Edward Van Halen play his guitar proped up like a keyboard. Also, seeing Jeff Watson's (Night Ranger) live guitar solo. Tapping came real easy to me so I developed it and pushed the technique as far as I could go. Mike Varney put me in Guitar Player Spotlight column of May 1991, for my tapping technique.
Gotty
You were the first guitarist that I saw playing with the hair-slide on the guitar and this is not very appreciated from a lot of guitar players. They think that if you use it, it's like you make trickery. What can you tell to them?
Dave Celentano
Many guitarists like Greg Howe, Dave Martone, and yourself, use the "hair tie" to mute strings. Same goes for the string dampening device Jennifer Batten and Michael Angelo Batio use. They are all amazing players and I don't think using the hair tie or string muting device takes away from their music at all. We each have our own unique voice on the guitar. Try not to worry about what others say.
Gotty
You have a remarkable clean run during string steps. I see you are using the second and third finger of the left hand during your playing. Are you using them for stopping the strings? What can you say about it?
Dave Celentano
Thanks. Yes, when tapping , I tend to mute un-played strings with my left hand fingers that aren't being used. Anything to reduce string noise.
Gotty
The setting of the right hand is completely different from the traditional tapping (Van Halen type) what do you suggest regarding this?
Dave Celentano
When tapping, I always anchor my right hand thumb on the top edge of the guitar neck for support. I also angle/arch my tapping hand slightly to allow all the fingers equal access to the fretboard. more