In the latest episode of Loudwire’s Gear Factor, talented musician Fernando Ufret—widely recognized for his humorous song parodies as South Park‘s Eric Cartman—showcases his all-time favorite guitar riffs. This episode features Ufret’s unique flair and musical expertise as he combines entertainment with skillful guitar playing.

Equipped with his trusty acoustic guitar, Ufret has captivated audiences for years, delivering clever cover parodies and original compositions that highlight his creativity and musical talent. His work transcends mere entertainment, providing a refreshing dose of joy in a world often overshadowed by negative social media content, ultimately illustrating the timeless and therapeutic power of laughter and music.

On this engaging episode of Gear Factor, Ufret takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his childhood, reflecting on how he aspired to emulate the legendary guitarist Slash at the age of nine. “I wanted to be Slash,” he reminisces, citing his admiration for Slash’s iconic look and the allure of running around with a guitar, truly embodying the rockstar lifestyle.

He attributes his passion for guitar playing to the influential album, Appetite for Destruction, which ignited his desire to learn the instrument. However, the very first riffs he mastered were classics like Danzig’s “Mother”, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which served as a launching pad for his musical journey.

In the early 1990s, Ufret was fortunate to have a group of friends in his Puerto Rican neighborhood who guided him in learning various riffs, including those from legendary bands like Green Day, Iron Maiden, and Guns N’ Roses. These friendships were instrumental in shaping his musical skills and tastes during his formative years.

EXPLORE MORE: Sunfyre Unleashes Her Favorite Drum Beats

His musical journey took a significant turn when he discovered Dream Theater through a friend, which profoundly impacted his musical preferences and aspirations. This band quickly became one of his lifelong favorites, further inspiring him to explore complex musical compositions and diverse genres.

Throughout the episode, he shares insights into various guitar techniques that challenged him, some of which continue to pose difficulties even today. He also highlights some of his favorite acoustic guitar intros, showcasing his versatility and passion for the instrument. Additionally, Ufret recounts the amusing story behind his decision to adopt the Eric Cartman voice. It all began during a viewing of the South Park movie Bigger, Longer and Uncut, where he playfully mimicked Cartman. This playful act soon evolved into a unique artistic expression, leading to a flood of requests from fans for more Cartman-themed content.

Don’t miss the chance to watch Fernando Ufret perform his favorite riffs, including some sung in the iconic voice of Cartman, in the featured episode of Gear Factor embedded below.

Stay connected with Fernando Ufret on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Check out his latest project ‘Cartman Sings: A Parody Impression Album’ available here.

Experience Fernando Ufret’s Guitar Mastery with His Favorite Riffs