Guitarist Paul Gilbert has always been hard to pin down. From his early days as the young gun shred monster in LA's speed-metal band Racer X to big-time radio success with Mr Big and onto an eclectic and successful solo career, he's a musician who refuses to be pigeonholed.

Here the guitar virtuoso - a readers' poll favorite, he earned a spot on Guitar World's 50 Fastest Guitarists Of All Time list - chooses the six records which have most defined his career. From No. 1 hits to cult favorites, he tells MusicRadar why they matter.

First up: "ridiculously fast and athletic guitar playing right out of the box"