Alice Cooper Guitarist Reveals Unconventional Path to Stardom

Tommy Henriksen shares how he transitioned from bass player to lead guitarist for the legendary shock rocker.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:39am

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An abstract composition of jagged, geometric shapes in black, white, and deep red, conceptually representing the electric guitar and the shock rock aesthetic of Alice Cooper's music.A striking visual metaphor for a guitarist's unconventional path to stardom within the world of shock rock.Port Jefferson Station Today

Alice Cooper guitarist Tommy Henriksen recently opened up about his unconventional journey to becoming the lead guitarist for the legendary shock rock band. Henriksen, who initially considered himself a bassist, explained how he taught himself guitar techniques by watching YouTube tutorials of iconic guitarists like Ace Frehley and Angus Young when Alice Cooper asked him to join the band as the guitarist.

Why it matters

Henriksen's story provides a unique perspective on the music industry, highlighting how talented musicians can sometimes find themselves in unexpected roles and rise to the occasion through self-taught skills and determination. His experience also showcases the evolving nature of rock music and how artists can leverage online resources to develop new abilities.

The details

Henriksen discussed his musical background, noting 'I don't ever consider myself a guitarist. I consider myself a musician because I can pretty much get my way around everything, but I'm really a bass player.' When Alice Cooper offered him the guitarist position, Henriksen said he simply replied, 'Yeah, I could do that.' He then turned to YouTube to study the techniques of iconic guitarists, allowing him to master the solos and guitar parts required for Alice Cooper's live shows.

  • In March 2011, Henriksen was asked to join Alice Cooper's live band as the guitarist.
  • Since 2011, Henriksen has been a member of Alice Cooper's band and one of the core members of the supergroup Hollywood Vampires.

The players

Tommy Henriksen

A multi-talented musician who initially considered himself a bassist, but transitioned to become the lead guitarist for Alice Cooper's band after teaching himself guitar techniques through online tutorials.

Alice Cooper

The legendary shock rock performer who offered Henriksen the guitarist position in his band, despite Henriksen's background as a bassist.

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What they’re saying

“I don't ever consider myself a guitarist. I consider myself a musician because I can pretty much get my way around everything, but I'm really a bass player.”

— Tommy Henriksen, Alice Cooper Guitarist

“When Alice Cooper asked me if I wanted to be in the band, I said, 'What do you want me to do?' I thought he wanted me to play bass. He's like, 'No — can you play guitar?' And I was like, 'Yeah, I could do that.' Never say no to anything — just figure it out.”

— Tommy Henriksen, Alice Cooper Guitarist

“I went on YouTube and I was like, 'You know what? Let me go watch Ace Frehley, Angus Young, Chuck Berry, Link Wray and all that stuff.' And that's how I really learned how to solo.”

— Tommy Henriksen, Alice Cooper Guitarist

What’s next

Henriksen's continued work with Alice Cooper and the Hollywood Vampires supergroup will likely lead to more high-profile performances and album releases in the coming years, further showcasing his versatility as a musician.

The takeaway

Henriksen's story demonstrates that with determination and a willingness to learn, talented musicians can adapt to unexpected roles and find success, even if they don't initially consider themselves experts in a particular instrument. His journey highlights the power of online resources and the evolving nature of the music industry.