Brian Elwin Haner, Jr. (born July 7, 1981), better known by his stage name Synyster Gates or simply Syn or "Gates", is an American musician. He is the lead guitarist and backup vocalist for American hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold.

Guitar World magazine has ranked him as one of the top 50 fastest guitar players of all-timewww.guitarworld.com/article/50_fastest_guitarists_of_all_time?page=0,0.