# shredder

/ˈʃɹɛdɝ/ (US) · /ʃɹˈɛdɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shredder
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a person who plays the guitar very fast and with a lot of power. You use this word to describe a musician who is really good at playing heavy rock or metal.

For teachers: a musician, particularly a guitarist, who plays with extreme speed, power, and technical proficiency. Often used in the context of heavy metal or rock genres to describe a performer's aggressive style.

## Examples

- The band's lead guitarist is a real shredder.
- During the solo, the shredder played a series of rapid, complex notes that left the audience in awe.
- While some critics dismissed the performance as mere technical showmanship, others argued that the shredder's ability to execute such difficult passages was a testament to his years of dedicated practice.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.