Monte Lee Pittman (born November 19, 1975) is an American musician and studio musician based in Los Angeles, known largely as

Madonna Madonna Louise Ciccone ( ; born August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Referred to as the "Queen of Pop", she has been recognized for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, ...

's long-time guitarist and for playing for heavy metal band Prong. He has also worked as a solo artist.

Career

Pittman was born in

Longview, Texas Longview is a city in, and county seat of, Gregg County, Texas, United States. Longview is located in East Texas, where Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway system, U.S. highways U.S. Route 80, 80 and U.S. Route 259, 259 converge just north of the Sabi ...

. He started playing guitar as a teenager when he received his first guitar at age 13. His guitar teacher was Robert Browning. He also took music theory and piano lessons from Delores Rhoads at the Musonia School of Music in North Hollywood. Pittman's early musical influences came from bands and artists such as Kiss, Metallica, Slayer, Steve Vai, Jimmy Page, Pantera, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, and Radiohead, to name a few.

Myra Mains

Pittman's first band was called Insanity. Eventually Pittman and the singer from Insanity, Chris Sheehan, started the 4-piece Myra Mains which was much more successful, releasing 2 demo tapes and 2 full album CDs. Headquartered in Longview, TX, Myra Mains Had fans from Dallas to Shreveport and all over East Texas and truly blossomed under the unrelenting rhythm section of drummer Kevin Blalock and bassist TJ Carlson.

Madonna

Pittman moved to Los Angeles in 1999 and worked at a guitar store as a salesman. He eventually quit to start teaching guitar lessons. Pittman's third student was British film director

Guy Ritchie Guy Stuart Ritchie (born 10 September 1968) is an English film director, producer and screenwriter known primarily for British comedy gangster films and large-scale action-adventure films. Ritchie left school at the age of 15, and worked in e ...

, who had just received a guitar as a gift from his girlfriend, Madonna. Ritchie later returned the favor, buying Madonna her own guitar—and she began to take lessons from Pittman as well. A month after Pittman started giving guitar lessons to Madonna, he was invited to join her on stage at the Late Show with David Letterman to promote her album ''Music''. The pair played guitar together on an acoustic version of the hit song ''Don't Tell Me''. Subsequently, Pittman was invited to join the band for Madonna's ''

Drowned World Tour The Drowned World Tour (billed as Drowned World Tour 2001) was the fifth concert tour by American singer Madonna, launched in support of her seventh and eighth studio albums, '' Ray of Light'' (1998) and ''Music'' (2000). It began on June 9, 20 ...

'' (2001). He has played in every incarnation of Madonna's live band since then. Pittman shares writing credits with Madonna on the tracks "Easy Ride" from ''

American Life ''American Life'' is the ninth studio album by American singer Madonna. It was released on April 21, 2003, by Maverick and Warner Bros. Records. The album, produced by the singer and Mirwais Ahmadzaï, features references to many parts of Am ...

'' (2003) and "It's So Cool" from ''Celebration'' (2009). Additionally, Pittman has contributed performances to Madonna's studio recordings, appearing on 2005's ''

Confessions on a Dance Floor ''Confessions on a Dance Floor'' is the tenth studio album by American singer and songwriter Madonna. It was released on November 9, 2005, by Warner Bros. Records. A complete departure from her previous studio album '' American Life'' (2003), ...

(Like It Or Not)'' and 2008's

Hard Candy A hard candy (American English), or boiled sweet (British English), is a sugar candy prepared from one or more sugar-based syrups that is heated to a temperature of 160 °C (320 °F) to make candy. Among the many hard candy varieti ...

(''Spanish Lesson'' & ''Ring My Bell''). Apart from world tours Pittman has joined Madonna on stage in many special events, most notably at

Live 8 Live 8 was a string of benefit concerts that took place on 2 July 2005, in the G8 states and South Africa. They were timed to precede the G8 conference and summit held at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland, from 6–8 July 2005 ...

where he played for thousands of people at Hyde Park in 2005 and at the 2007

Live Earth Live Earth was an event developed to increase Environmentalism, environmental awareness through entertainment. Background Founded by producer Kevin Wall, in partnership with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Live Earth 2007 The 1st series ...

where he had the chance to jam "Big Bottom" with Spinal Tap,

James Hetfield James Alan Hetfield (born August 3, 1963) is an American musician. He is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and a primary songwriter of heavy metal band Metallica. He is mainly known for his raspy voice and intricate rhythm playi ...

and

Kirk Hammett Kirk Lee Hammett (born November 18, 1962) is an American musician who has been the lead guitarist of heavy metal band Metallica since 1983. Prior to joining Metallica, he co-formed the thrash metal band Exodus in 1979. In 2023, Hammett, along ...

among a dozen of other bass players on stage. In 2012, he played at the

Super Bowl XLVI halftime show The Super Bowl XLVI halftime show took place on February 5, 2012, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana as part of Super Bowl XLVI. It was headlined by Madonna, who became the first sole female headliner since Diana Ross in 1996. It ...

where he debuted his new signature Jarrell MPS Guitar Pittman started his fifth world tour with Madonna, the

MDNA Tour The MDNA Tour was the ninth concert tour by American singer Madonna, launched in-support of her twelfth studio album, ''MDNA (album), MDNA'' (2012). Comprising 88 shows, the tour began on May 31, 2012, at the Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv Dist ...

, on May 31, 2012, in Tel Aviv, Israel and stops in Europe, North & South America till the end of 2012.

Paul Oakenfold Paul Mark Oakenfold (; born 30 August 1963), formerly known mononymously as Oakenfold, is an English record producer, remixer and trance DJ. He has provided over 100 remixes for over 100 artists including U2, Moby, Madonna, Britney Spears, Ma ...

who opened for Madonna in several US shows, invited Pittman on stage to jam together in the last N.American shows of the tour. Between September 2015 and March 2016, Pittman toured with Madonna on her Rebel Heart tour.

Prong

Pittman was introduced to Prong's

Tommy Victor Thomas Michael Victor (born 1961/1962) is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known as the lead singer and guitarist for heavy metal band Prong, which he founded in New York City in 1986, as well as the guitaris ...

by White Zombie drummer Ivan de Prume; the two hit it off, and Pittman joined Prong in 2000. He played guitar on their 2002 tour that spawned the live album '' 100% Live''. Pittman handled guitar and bass duties for the 2003 album '' Scorpio Rising''. On Prong's 2007 release '' Power of the Damager'', Pittman wrote 5 of the 13 songs and provided backing vocals alongside bass duties. He is also credited as an associate producer for both ''Power of the Damager'' and the remixed version '' Power of the Damn Mixxxer'' which was released in May 2009.

Other artists

Previous to Adam Lambert's audition on ''

American Idol ''American Idol'' is an American Music competition, singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle (company), Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It a ...

'', Pittman, Lambert,

from Prong and Steve Sidelnyk formed a band titled The Citizen Vein. For the tour of Adam Lambert's debut album, Lambert hired Pittman as his guitarist and musical director. Lambert and the band appeared on several TV shows as well as at the Gridlock New Year's Eve 2010 festival. Canada's Rock Star Weekly reviewed that "''Pittman has a rock-god presence of his own, arising from his well-honed, skilled riffs that come from a connection of love and devotion to his instrument over a long and distinguished musical career''" Pittman also appears on the 'Beg for Mercy' album, the material of which was recorded before Lambert went on American Idol and is co-written by Pittman and Lambert. He has also worked in the studio with

Melanie C Melanie Jayne Chisholm (born 12 January 1974), commonly known as Melanie C or Mel C, is an English singer and songwriter. She rose to fame in the mid-1990s as a member of the pop group the Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed Sporty Spice. W ...

and

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Sophie Michelle Ellis-Bextor (born 10 April 1979) is an English singer and songwriter. She first came to prominence in the late 1990s as the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Theaudience. After the group disbanded, Ellis-Bextor went solo and ...

Solo

Pittman has been known to perform solo acoustic shows in between his responsibilities with Prong and Madonna. He has developed into a fiercely capable musician—equally able to hold his own in a giant pop stadium tour as in a dark and smoky club belting out brutal metal tunes. Pittman's solo work takes a giant detour from both of those avenues, venturing into melodic acoustic territory on his debut, and branching out into rock anthems.

''The Deepest Dark''

His debut solo album, ''The Deepest Dark'', was released in November 2009 and features 11 songs all written by Pittman, except for "The Circle" which was co-written with Tommy Victor and

Adam Lambert Adam Mitchel Lambert (born January 29, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and actor. He is known for his dynamic vocal performances that combine his theatrical training with modern and classic genres. Lambert rose to fame in 2009 after ...

. All the songs are acoustic. Almost a year after its digital release, ''The Deepest Dark'' was re-released in hard copy CD, with five additional bonus tracks. A week later, it reached the No. 1 spot on the most selling albums (Acoustic genre) on CDBaby.com and was No. 9 in the Top 10 Most Selling Albums on CDBaby for October 2010

''Pain, Love & Destiny''

Pittman managed to raise $65,500 for his second solo album, ''Pain, Love & Destiny'', through

Kickstarter Kickstarter, PBC is an American Benefit corporation, public benefit corporation based in Brooklyn, New York City, that maintains a global crowdfunding platform focused on creativity. The company's stated mission is to "help bring creative project ...

. He recorded the album in the summer of 2011 and Noah Shain produced it. The album features

Kane Ritchotte Devo 2.0 (also known as DEV2.O) was a pop group quintet, created for Walt Disney Records (with the participation of Devo), of child actors who sing, dance, and (in their music videos and photo shoots) mime playing instruments along to songs re-r ...

on drums and Kelle Rhoads (

Randy Rhoads Randall William Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982) was an American guitarist. He was the co-founder and original guitarist of the heavy metal band Quiet Riot, and the guitarist and co-songwriter for Ozzy Osbourne's first two solo albu ...

's brother) on piano. It was released on October 3, 2011 The album made it to No. 1 Rock Album, No. 1 Pop Album, and the Top 10 albums chart in its debut week. The album was also available at the Official Merchandise Booths of

's 2012

. Pittman was nominated in four categories at Artists in Music Awards and by popular demand he was also invited to perform at the ceremony on February 10, 2012. He won the Award for "Best Solo Artist". He is also the recipient of a "Career Achievement Award – Guitarist" for the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards! On June 29, 2012, Pittman was invited to

ZDF ZDF (), short for (; ), is a German public-service television broadcaster based in Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate. Launched on 1 April 1963, it is run as an independent nonprofit institution, and was founded by all federal states of Germany ( ...

's ''Morgenmagazin'' morning TV show where he performed a solo acoustic version of the song "Lost" from his album "Pain, Love & Destiny".

''The Power of Three''

Pittman started working on new material on July 1, 2012, in Copenhagen, with Danish producer

Flemming Rasmussen Flemming Rasmussen (born 1 January 1958) is a Danish sound engineer, record producer, and owner and founder of Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen. He is chief sound engineer at Sweet Silence Studios. Biography Throughout his career, Rasmussen ...

(the producer behind

Metallica Metallica is an American heavy metal band. It was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. The band's fast tempos, instrume ...

's old albums). He first released an acoustic EP "M.P.3.: The Power of Three, Part 1" (released on November 19, 2012) and went back to Copenhagen in February 2013, with bandmates Kane Ritchotte and Max Whipple to record more songs with Rasmussen also producing it. After playing the album to

Metal Blade Metal Blade Records (often shortened to Metal Blade) is an American independent record label founded by Brian Slagel in 1982 based in the U.S. state of California. The label primarily focuses on heavy metal. History Metal Blade Records was ...

's CEO

Brian Slagel Brian Slagel (born February 14, 1961) is an American music executive. He is the founder and CEO of the independent record label Metal Blade Records. Slagel is known for having initiated the '' Metal Massacre'' series of compilation albums in 198 ...

, he got signed to the label to release ''The Power of Three'' in 2014. "A Dark Horse", the first single from ''The Power of Three'', was released on October 14, 2013, by Metal Blade Records and marks Pittman's return to his metal roots. The second single is track No. 7 on the album and is entitled "Before the Mourning Son". It was released on November 25, 2013. The final track on the album, "All is Fair in Love and War", features guitars by

Testament A testament is a document that the author has sworn to be true. In law it usually means last will and testament. Testament or The Testament can also refer to: Books * ''Testament'' (comic book), a 2005 comic book * ''Testament'', a thriller no ...

's Alex Skolnick and additional vocals from

Chris Barnes Chris Barnes may refer to: * Chris Barnes (actor) (born 1965), American child actor *Chris Barnes (bowler) Chris Barnes (born February 25, 1970) is an American professional Ten-pin bowling, bowler and member of the Professional Bowlers Associat ...

(ex-

Cannibal Corpse Cannibal Corpse is an American death metal band formed in Buffalo, New York, in 1988, now based in Tampa, Florida. The band has released sixteen studio albums, two box sets, four video albums, and two live albums. The band has had little radio ...

, Six Feet Under). The album was released on January 21, 2014 and has received many raving reviews. Music blog "The Global Onslaught" has described it as "2014's sleeping giant in the echelons of Hard Rock and Metal".

''Inverted Grasp of Balance''

On 2016's ''Inverted Grasp of Balance'', Pittman joined drummer Richard Christy and bassist

Billy Sheehan William Sheehan (born March 19, 1953) is an American musician known for playing bass guitar with acts such as Talas, Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Niacin, and The Winery Dogs. He is also known for his "lead bass" playing style, includ ...

''Between the Space''

Pittman released ''Between the Space'' on

in August 2018 and undertook a tour with

Sebastian Bach Sebastian Philip Bierk (born April 3, 1968), known professionally as Sebastian Bach, is a Canadian-American singer who achieved mainstream success as the frontman of the hard rock band Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. He has acted on Broadway and h ...

Skid Row A skid row, also called skid road, is an impoverished area, typically urban, in English-speaking North America whose inhabitants are mostly poor people " on the skids". This specifically refers to people who are poor or homeless, considered disre ...

in the USA.

''Better or Worse''

At the same time Pittman released ''Between the Space'', he released an acoustic album ''Better or Worse'' also on

Equipment

Guitars

Pittman uses the

Gibson Les Paul The Gibson Les Paul is a solid body electric guitar that was first sold by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1952. The guitar was designed by factory manager John Huis and his team with input from and endorsement by guitarist Les Paul. Its typic ...

as his primary guitar. He has also been known to play Gibson SGs and he has a number of custom made Gibson electrics, acoustics, and basses—frequently specially-built for use in Madonna shows. In 2015 he signed with

ESP guitars is a Japanese guitar manufacturer, primarily focused on the production of electric guitars and basses. They are based in both Tokyo and Los Angeles, with distinct product lines for each market. ESP Company manufactures instruments under sever ...

Jarrell MPS Signature Guitar

In December 2011, Jarrell Guitars announced that they are launching a new line, the Monte Pittman Signature Guitar and it will be presented at the 2012 NAMM. The Jarrell MPS features a custom

Seymour Duncan Seymour Duncan is an American company best known for manufacturing guitar and Bass (guitar), bass Pickup (music technology), pickups. They also manufacture effects pedals which are designed and assembled in United States. Guitarist and luthier ...

pickup set making it one of the most versatile guitars in the market. "All together it seems Monte Pittman and Jarrell Guitars are hell bent on rocking the world – the sound of which is none other than simply amazing." Pittman comments on the MPS, "There are 13 different sounds you can get out of it. It's the most versatile guitar I've ever played. Jarrell guitars have a very unique and distinctive sound. We have three models. The regular MPS and the MPS-f which has a Floyd Rose. They are loaded with custom Seymour Duncan pickups. There is also the MPS Classic which is the least expensive."

Amplifiers

Pittman is endorsed by Orange Amplifiers.

Effects

Like most guitarists, Pittman's effects change from show to show, but he has consistently employed the Roger Linn Adrena Linn, the Emma DiscomBOBulator, and the Keeley Compressor. He has been known to use Eventide, Boss, MXR, Crybaby, Ernie Ball, Electro-Harmonix, Digitech, Line 6, Dunlop, VoiceLive 2 by TC-Helicon and Fishman effects pedals.

Discography

Solo

*''Between the Space'' (2018) *''Better or Worse'' (2018) *''Inverted Grasp of Balance'' (2016) *''The Power of Three'' (2014) *''Before The Mourning Son'' – single (2013) *''A Dark Horse'' – single (2013) *''M.P.3: The Power of Three, Part 1'' (2012) *''Pain, Love, & Destiny'' (2011) *''The Deepest Dark'' (with bonus tracks) (2010) *''The Deepest Dark'' (2009)

With Madonna

*''

'' (2001) *''

'' (2003) *'' Re-Invention Tour'' (2004) *''

'' (2005) *'' I'm Going to Tell You a Secret'' (2006) *''

Confessions Tour The Confessions Tour was the seventh concert tour by American singer-songwriter Madonna, launched in support of her tenth studio album, '' Confessions on a Dance Floor'' (2005). The tour began on May 21, 2006, at the Forum in Inglewood, Califo ...

'' (2007) *''

Hey You Hey You, Hey You!, Hey, You, Hey, You!, or variants may refer to: Music Albums * ''Hey, You'' (EP), an EP by the Japanese post-rock band Mono * ''Hey You'', a 1999 album by Jack Ingram * ''Hey You: The Essential Collection 1988–1990'', a 1998 ...

(single)'' (2007) *''

'' (2008) *''It's So Cool'' (2009) ( ''Celebration'' bonus track) *'' Sticky & Sweet Tour'' (2010) *''

'' (2012) *''

Rebel Heart Tour The Rebel Heart Tour was the tenth concert tour by American singer Madonna, staged in support of her thirteenth studio album, ''Rebel Heart'' (2015). Comprising 82 shows, the tour visited North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. It began on S ...

'' (2015–2016)

With Prong

*'' 100% Live'' (2002) *'' Scorpio Rising'' (2003) *''The Vault'' (2005) *'' Power of the Damager'' (2007) *'' Power of the Damn Mixxxer'' (2009)

With Myra Mains

*''Condition'' (1996) *''Buried'' (1999) * ''Two Blocks Down from the Seventh Sign'' (cassette EP) (1994) * MYRA MAINS (Eden's Way, Rape the Whirlwind, Truth, Death Is But a Bag of Chips) (self-titled cassette EP) (1992)

With other artists

– ''

Reason Reason is the capacity of consciously applying logic by drawing valid conclusions from new or existing information, with the aim of seeking the truth. It is associated with such characteristically human activities as philosophy, religion, scien ...

'' (2003) *

– '' Shoot from the Hip'' (2003) *

– '' Take One'' (2005) * Run Run Run – ''Endless Winter'' (2006) * Run Run Run – ''Good Company EP'' (2007) * Jes – ''Disconnect'' (2007) * Nicki Richards – ''Nicki'' (2008) *

In Extremo In Extremo (Latin for ''At the Edge''; abbreviated InEx or IE) is a German medieval metal band originally from Berlin. The band's musical style combines metal with medieval traditional songs, blending the sound of the standard rock/metal instr ...

– ''Sängerkrieg'' (2008) *

– '' Adam Lambert Acoustic Live'' (2010) *

– ''

Glam Nation Live ''Glam Nation Live'' is the first live album by American singer Adam Lambert which was released on March 22, 2011, on DVD and CD formats. The concert was filmed at Clowes Hall in Indianapolis, Indiana Indiana ( ) is a U.S. state, state i ...

'' (2011) *

– Beg for Mercy (2011) *

Body Count A body count is the total number of people killed in a particular event. In combat, a body count is often based on the number of confirmed kills, but occasionally only an estimate. Often used in reference to military combat, the term can also r ...

– ''Bloodlust'' (2017)

Tours and special events

(2001) with

* Prong Live (2002–2003) with Prong *

MTV Video Music Awards The MTV Video Music Awards (commonly abbreviated as the VMAs) is an award show presented by the cable channel MTV to honor the best in the music video medium. Originally conceived as an alternative to the Grammy Awards (in the video category ...

(2003) with Madonna *

Re-Invention World Tour The Re-Invention World Tour (billed as Re-Invention World Tour 2004) was the sixth concert tour by American singer Madonna, launched in support of her ninth studio album, ''American Life'' (2003). It began on May 24, 2004, at the Forum in Ingle ...

(2004) with Madonna * Tsunami Aid (2004) with Madonna *

(2005) with Madonna *

MTV Europe Music Awards The MTV Europe Music Awards (originally named MTV European Music Awards, commonly abbreviated as MTV EMA) are awards presented by Paramount International Networks to honour artists and music in pop culture. It was originally conceived as an al ...

(2005) with Madonna *

Grammy Award The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, and often referred to as The Grammys, are awards presented by The Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in music. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious ...

s (2006) with Madonna *

(2006) with Madonna *

(2007) with Madonna * Slicing Across America & Europe (2007) with Prong * Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008–2009) with Madonna *

American Music Awards The American Music Awards (AMAs) is an annual American music awards show produced by Dick Clark Productions since 1974. Nominees are selected on commercial performance such as sales and airplay. Winners are determined by a poll of the public and ...

(2009) with

* Hope for Haiti Now (2010) with Madonna *

GLAAD Media Award The GLAAD Media Award is a US accolade bestowed by GLAAD to recognize and honor various branches of the media for their outstanding portrayals of LGBTQ people and the issues that affect their lives. In addition to film and television, the Awards ...

(2010) with Adam Lambert * Glam Nation Tour (2010) with Adam Lambert * Artists in Music Awards (2011) solo *

(2012) with Madonna * From Beer to Eternity Tour with Ministry *

(2015–2016) with Madonna * Monte Pittman Solo Tour (2018) with

* Monte Pittman Solo Tour (2019) with Tony MacAlpine * Madame X Tour (2019–2020) with Madonna

Awards

Artists in Music Awards

, - , style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4", 2012 , style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3", Monte Pittman , rowspan="1", Best Rock Artist , , - , rowspan="1", Best Blues Artist , , - , rowspan="1", Best Solo Artist , , - , style="text-align:center;" rowspan="1", Pain, Love & Destiny , rowspan="1", Album of the Year ,

Los Angeles Music Awards

, - , style="text-align:center;" , 2012 , style="text-align:center;" , Monte Pittman , rowspan="1", Male Singer/Songwriter , , -

Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards

Pittman was honored by the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards with the "Career Achievement Award – Guitarist" on November 15, 2012

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Pittman, Monte 1975 births 21st-century American guitarists Guitarists from Texas Living people Ministry (band) members People from Longview, Texas Prong (band) members