Detroit-based guitarist and songwriter Sammy Boller is known for his electrifying two-handed tapping technique, emotive instrumental work, and stints on tour with legends like Scott Stapp and Tesla. Now, he’s channeling his signature sound into the world of sample creation with his first-ever pack on Splice. Recorded at the iconic Rustbelt Studios, Sammy’s collection delivers raw and ready-to-use guitar riffs designed to inspire producers across genres. We caught up with Sammy to talk about what led him to sample creation, his approach to crafting versatile sounds, and his hopes for how artists might bring his riffs to life in their own unique ways.
Splice: Tell us about yourself – what led you to production and creating samples?
Sammy Boller: Hi, I’m Sammy Boller, a guitarist and songwriter from Detroit, MI. I’m primarily a solo artist who makes instrumental music, but I also tour as a hired gun, playing guitar for artists like Scott Stapp (Creed). Most recently, I filled in for Frank Hannon with Tesla for a few shows. I’ve been working out of Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak, MI, since my early 20s and have had the honor of being involved in some incredible sessions there.
I’ve always wanted to create a sample pack, so when the team at TrakTrain reached out to me, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring that vision to life.
S: What inspired the sounds included in this sample pack?
SB: I wanted to create a pack of melodic guitar riffs using the two-handed tapping technique. I love this approach, and it’s the driving force behind most of the music I make. My inspiration for this pack came from wanting to hear these sounds and techniques used in ways I couldn’t even imagine.
A key goal of mine was to make the pack as versatile as possible. That’s why I included a raw DI version of each riff—this allows producers to run them through their favorite amp sims and have full creative control. I also included my full guitar tone with my amp and effects for those who want to drop them straight into their DAW and start creating immediately.
S: What do you hope the Splice community will do with these sounds?
SB: My hope is that producers and artists will download these riffs from Splice and use them in their own unique ways. Inspiration can strike anytime and anywhere, and if these riffs help spark a song, a piece, or even just a section of a track, I’ll be thrilled. I’m incredibly excited to hear how artists from around the world incorporate these sounds into their music.
S: Do you have any advice for musicians looking to move into the world of sample creation?
SB: Creating this sample pack was an absolute blast—unlike anything I’d ever done before. I’d encourage any artist or producer to give it a shot and explore a new way of thinking and creating.
My biggest piece of advice is to focus on making sounds and samples that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. We live in an amazing time for music production, with unprecedented access to incredible sounds through platforms like Splice. When I was young and learning guitar, I could never have imagined having this kind of creative freedom. If you’re thinking about making your own sample pack, go for it.
Click the button below to check out the Melodic Guitar Tapping by Sammy Boller sample pack and be sure to check in with Traktrain for more amazing sample packs.