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Guitar Prasanna – The Carnatic Fusion Maestro
Introduction
Prasanna, popularly known as Guitar Prasanna, is an iconic Indian guitarist who revolutionized the way Carnatic music is played on the electric guitar. A master of multiple genres, he seamlessly blends Carnatic, jazz, rock, and blues, making him one of the most unique and versatile guitarists in the world.
Prasanna’s musical journey is an inspiring story of passion, innovation, and dedication, from being an engineering graduate at IIT Madras to becoming a world-renowned musician and educator.
Early life and background
Prasanna grew up in Chennai, India and developed an interest for the guitar at the age of five after hearing his neighbor play. He received his first guitar when he was ten years old and would try to play Tamil and Hindi film songs and imitate the sounds of his sister's Carnatic singing with the instrument. His interest in Western pop music developed when his father's colleague gave him some cassette tapes with songs by the Bee Gees, ABBA, Toto, Peaches and Herb, and the Pointer Sisters.
In high school, he became known as a guitarist with local band XIth Commandment. While studying naval architecture at the Indian institute of Technology, Madras (where he also met his wife Shalini), he toured India with his rock bands (The Haze and then Shakuni & the Birds of Prey), covering songs by Santana, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rush, Steely Dan, Jethro Tull, and the Scorpions and compositions like "Peaceful" and "Blues for Saraswati". Prasanna's musical development led him to blues and jazz. After working as a software consultant, he gave up a career in engineering and IT and moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music where he majored in Jazz and Classical Composition.
Education – From IIT Madras to Berklee College of Music
- Despite his deep love for music, Prasanna pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras, one of India's top engineering institutions.
- While at IIT, he continued to refine his Carnatic guitar-playing style and became a sought-after musician in college circuits.
- After completing his engineering degree, he made a bold decision to pursue music full-time, breaking away from conventional career paths.
- He enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he became one of the first Indians to formally train in jazz and contemporary music.
- His time at Berklee sharpened his skills in improvisation, harmony, and composition, allowing him to blend Western and Indian music in new ways.
Musical Innovations & Unique Style
Bringing Carnatic Music to the Guitar
- Prasanna is one of the only guitarists in the world who can authentically play Carnatic ragas on an electric guitar.
- He developed a special technique using:
- Bends & Slides to imitate the human voice-like quality of Carnatic music.
- Microtonal Vibrations (Gamakas) to replicate the fluidity of Indian classical music.
- Fingerpicking & Sustain Control to maintain the depth of ragas.
Fusion of Multiple Genres
- Prasanna effortlessly blends Carnatic, jazz, blues, and rock, creating a distinctive global sound.
- His music is heavily inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin, and Indian classical legends like L. Subramaniam.
- His album Electric Ganesha Land (2006) is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, where he fuses Carnatic music with rock.
- He has also explored progressive rock, funk, and film music, making him a highly versatile artist.
Contributions to Indian Cinema
Prasanna is a well-known name in Indian film music, especially in Bollywood and Tamil cinema. He has worked extensively with A.R. Rahman, playing guitar for many iconic soundtracks:
Notable Movie Contributions:
- Lagaan (2001)
- Swades (2004)
- Rockstar (2011)
- Couples Retreat (2009) (Hollywood)
His unique ability to blend Indian classical guitar with cinematic compositions makes his work in film highly sought after.
Albums & Notable Works
Solo Albums
- Electric Ganesha Land (2006) – A fusion of Carnatic music with Jimi Hendrix-style rock.
- Be the Change (2004) – A jazz fusion album with Indian influences.
- All Terrain Guitar (2016) – A diverse album showcasing rock, jazz, and Carnatic music.
Collaborations
- He has performed with world-famous musicians like John McLaughlin, Victor Wooten, Jordan Rudess, and Hariprasad Chaurasia.
- He is also a key figure in the global jazz and fusion music scene.
Live Performances & Global Recognition
- Prasanna has played at major international jazz, rock, and Carnatic festivals across the US, Europe, and India.
- His live performances are known for their intense improvisation and technical brilliance.
- He is celebrated for bridging the gap between Indian classical music and Western contemporary music.
Music Education & Mentorship
Founder of Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (SAM)
- Prasanna is passionate about music education and founded Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (SAM), one of India’s first contemporary music schools.
- He teaches fusion, improvisation, and Carnatic guitar techniques to students worldwide.
- He also conducts online workshops, inspiring young musicians to explore diverse styles.
Awards & Achievements
Berklee College of Music – Honorary Recognition
Carnatic Guitar Pioneer – Recognized for adapting Carnatic music to guitar
Collaboration with A.R. Rahman – Played for Oscar-winning soundtracks
Performs Globally – Representing Indian music on international stages
Why is Guitar Prasanna Special
First guitarist to play authentic Carnatic music on the electric guitar.
Fusion expert – seamlessly blends jazz, rock, and blues with Indian music.
Globally recognized musician with a unique style.
Inspiring mentor who trains the next generation of musicians.
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