James Christian 'Munky' Shaffer (born June 6, 1970 in Rosedale, California) is the guitarist for the Alternative metal band Korn (for which he has also provided live backing vocals). According to Korn's video "Who Then Now?", The nickname 'Munky' is a reference to his feet which resemble monkey's hands when spread. Munky cites Steve Vai and 80's metal guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads as his main influences.

Shaffer is also the founder of Emotional Syphon Recordings, who have signed acts like Monster In The Machine and Droid. Droid was also featured on the 2007 Family Values Tour

Musical career

Shaffer first took up guitar as part of rehabilitation when he severed the tip of one of his fingers on the chain on his motorcycle. He has since performed with several bands.

Korn (1993 to present)

During high school Shaffer met fellow guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. Later on Welch and Shaffer saw Jonathan Davis singing for the band Sexart in a bar. Initially intending to stay only for a few minutes, the pair ended up staying for the whole set upon seeing Davis' performance, and asked him to join their band (still called L.A.P.D. at this point) almost immediately afterward.

Shaffer developed meningitis during 1997 while on tour, requiring him to be hospitalized. Korn cancelled the remainder of that tour, not wanting to replace him.

February 22, 2005, Brian Welch left the band. James accepted his friend's choice. As of 2009, he is the only formal guitarist in Korn. (Clint Lowery, Christian Olde Wolbers, and Rob Patterson were only live/session members).[update]

On the 16th May 2006, Munky played on Spanish nylon guitar in Fieldy's wedding. He was quoted as jokingly saying "now I have something else to fall back on!".