Zero Tolerance for Silence is the eleventh studio album by Pat Metheny, released in 1994. It was recorded in 1994 and produced by Metheny himself. The album consists of a single piece for electric guitar lasting approximately 60 minutes, divided into four parts, with no other instruments or overdubs.
The album is an experimental and minimalist work, composed entirely with electric guitar processed through effects and amplification. Metheny described it as a 'noise record' and an exploration of extreme sonic textures. It was recorded in a single take, without editing, and represents a radical departure from his previous work.
Zero Tolerance for Silence was met with confusion and mostly negative reviews, being considered one of Metheny's most controversial albums. The musician himself has stated that the record was a personal experiment and that he did not expect commercial acceptance. Over time, it has gained a certain cult status among fans of experimental music.