The famous guitarist Jennifer Batten is touring China right now, and on Thursday she taught musical school students in Beijing.

Batten, who played lead and rhythm guitar on Michael Jackson's Bad (1987–1989), Dangerous (1992) and History (1996–1997) world tours, as well as on his 1993 Super Bowl half-time performance, was in the Chinese capital to show off her techniques and give a thrilling performance with her new Washburn guitar made by ParsonsCombo, which she described as much more fabulous and convenient.

She also shared stories of her career highlights including the era when she backed Michael Jackson and experiences in how to practice guitar playing techniques following questions from some of the hundreds who packed the auditorium at the Beijing Midi School of Music in a remote part of the city.

"I learned two lessons from Michael Jackson," Batten said. "One is the power of practice and rehearsals, and the other is the power of entertainment."

Then she went on to play the landmark solo originally played by Eddie Van Halen for "Beat It" as the auditorium burst into cheerful screams.

She also stressed that when you practice guitar, "Be focused and put your smart phone away," she added, "Or make a timer, you have to do one thing in one time frame and then do the next. If you make yourself focused, you will find yourself making progress."

Jennifer Batten, who also was in British guitar legend Jeff Beck's band for three years from 1999, played some of his classic numbers and the song "Oops! I Did It Again" by Britney Spears as part of her presentations.

The guitarist is on a tour that will have her playing in nine Chinese cities. She will perform in Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming and Hong Kong between Oct. 24 and 27.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)