Kerry King

Kerry Ray King (born June 3, 1964) is an American musician best known as the co-lead guitarist and songwriter of thrash metal band Slayer. He co-founded the band in 1981 with Jeff Hanneman and remained with the band for its entire 38-year existence, along with lead singer and bassist Tom Araya. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, King learned to play guitar at the age of thirteen. He attended three different high schools and excelled academically, winning an award as his school's top math student in junior high. King is renowned for his aggressive playing style and his use of elaborate guitar solos. Throughout his career, he has played a Gibson ES-175, a Fender Stratocaster, and a BC Rich Mockingbird.