James Franklin Murphy is an American guitarist. He is best known for his work in metal bands Death and Testament. He has also made contributions to various bands as well as released works under his own name. He founded the band Disincarnate. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001, but has recovered. Currently he is working on a tribute album to Death founder Chuck Schuldiner who died from pneumonia, caused by complications of his treatment to a brain tumor. He is also producing Deron Miller's band World Under Blood. His most recent completed projects were the production of the industrial death metal band Dååth's sophomore album, The Hinderers, which was released on Roadrunner Records, and Lazarus A.D.'s debut album The Onslaught released on Metal Blade Records.

In addition to playing guitar, Murphy operates a recording studio, SafeHouse Production, where he has mixed and produced albums for other bands. Murphy has also contributed lessons to Guitar Player magazine.

Murphy's recordings over the years exhibit a wide diversity of playing techniques and sounds. However several themes are recognizable in many of his works. His solos often feature:-
fast, articulated runs with a pronounced pick attack,long, fluid legato sections,harmonized leads.

Murphy has used Caparison guitars since he was able to play guitar again after his cancer treatment. During his years with Death, Obituary, and Testament he played Ibanez guitars, primarily the S series models, and B.C. Rich guitars during the Obituary period, especially Warlock models. He is also a longtime endorsee of EMG pickups, and mainly uses the 85 and 89 models. For amplification he is currently using Framus Cobra series amplifiers.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Murphy_%28musician%29