I was the biggest SOAD fan back in the days, and Serj Tankian's voice is still one of my favourites, ever but I've just never been able to get on board his solo stuff.
paul gilbert jammin midnight ( originally by hendrix... ) arguably the best guitarist alive at this moment in time in his prime. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eei7qEu_ssE
Not bad at all. It needs some crash cymbals though. Hi-hats too. It sounds like it wants to be electro but due to the lack of the hats and cymbals, it's taken on a techno feel. Hand claps and stick claps are also very effective on the off-beat.
Hand laps every 2nd beat with two hand claps at the end of each bar or phrase would work. and the hi-hats on the off-beat. followed by crash cymbals on the drops and breaks (first beat on the phrase).