The term "shredding" is pretty new to me, as a long time player (started 30+ yrs. ago). So shredding simply means fast playing? Does that mean I've been a closet shredder all these years? I can easily do 200 bpm (that doesn't mean what I play sounds GOOD, lol). I always thought shredding was not only fast, but heavily distorted playing. Would you call DiMeola or McGlaughlin shredders?

As far as "chops"- I think that's lingo from horn players. Chops=mouth, or how a horn/wind instrument player mouths their instrument. Simply put, someone with great chops, is a kicka** player.