Meet the Sonarpur Shredder.

A note from the founder

The Indian Guitar Archives is a unique magazine, featuring the life and journey of every Indian guitarist, be it a professional or beginner. This magazine is dedicated to an artistic expression of passion towards the "Guitar" and their musical influences and motivation to play the instrument. It is also a venture to promote guitar players from all over India from various walks of life.

I am a Neuroscientist and a guitar player and I am very passionate to share the journey of so many guitar players in our country because all of them are unique and special in their own way. Your love and support will keep this running and bringing joy to every guitar player out there.

Subhrajyoti De

Meet the Sonarpur Shredder - a 16-year-old prodigy

A Story of Sacrifice

Behind every artist stands a story of sacrifice, resilience, and love. For me, that story is my mother - Jayeeta. She has been the guiding force throughout my journey, both as a musician and as a human being. A classically trained vocalist with over four decades of experience, she has dedicated her life to music. But more importantly, she dedicated her life to me.

After we lost my father to kidney cancer in November 2023, our world turned upside down. At just 15, I was grieving and struggling to hold onto the one thing that gave me solace - my music. During that time, my mother became our sole provider. With a modest income, she has been single-handedly supporting my education and ensuring we have just enough for two meals a day. Despite the hardship, the passion or purpose never faded. Every morning, we followed a routine that became the backbone of my musical discipline. She would begin her riyaaz while I sat beside her with my guitar. Once we finished our warm-ups, we would begin what we called our “duel sessions.” She would sing spontaneous and extremely intricate sargams, and I would attempt to replicate them on the fretboard - note for note. These were not just exercises; they were deeply spiritual exchanges between two musicians bound by blood.

And to this day, I have not won a single duel against her. She is the reason I understand music not just as sound, but as emotion, discipline, and devotion. I have had the privilege of contributing to her musical works - playing guitar on her Durga Samman Title Track and adding a solo to the recent Shakti Samman track. Sharing that space with her has been one of the proudest moments of my life.

My mother is not just my first teacher - she is my role model. Her unwavering strength, endless sacrifices, and undying love continue to inspire me every single day. If I ever reach the heights I dream of, it will be because I stood on the foundation she built - one lesson, one meal, and one morning duel at a time.

The Journey

The guitar was always my thing. Its sound, its form, its vibe - this instrument seemed to express all the words I couldn't voice. I didn't choose the guitar for the sake of image; I chose it because it felt like where I belonged.

My journey began in 2017 at the tender age of 8. I got my hands on a weathered Hobner acoustic from Kolkata's Chor Bazaars. It was affordable and battered, yet it possessed a deep spirit. The strings were harsh, like barbed wire, but I fell in love. Mom was always my biggest supporter. As for friends? Some cheered me on, while others were indifferent. But their opinions never mattered to me.

Growing up in a home where music spoke volumes, I instinctively knew this was my true calling. It wasn't all smooth sailing. Faced with financial hardships, family expectations, and lacking professional equipment, I still had music flowing through my veins thanks to my mom, a skilled musician.

My passion became my greatest asset, and that was sufficient. Busted strings, no amp, trash internet while watching YouTube tutorials, long hours of practice in hot rooms with no fan during power cuts - yeah, it was rough. And losing my dad in 2023 crushed me. But he gifted me my Ibanez JEM JR. before he passed. That keeps me going.

Life in the Guitar Universe

The iconic Hobner acoustic from Kolkata's Chor Bazaar marked the beginning. In 2019, I welcomed a Yamaha F310, and my progress soared with the Squier Bullet Strat in 2021. Finally, in 2023, the JEM JR became my ultimate treasure. I perceive not just notes, but vivid tales, feelings, and occasionally pure disorder.

Writing feels like crafting an artwork in the sky, where I envision sensations, atmospheres, and even the climate. It's profoundly visual for me. I see stories, emotions, sometimes just raw chaos. John Petrucci, Tosin Abasi, Mateus Asato, Plini, and Sleep Token. That mix alone should tell you my head's a blend of shred, soul, groove, and atmosphere.

JP gave me discipline, Tosin gave me freedom, Asato taught me emotion, Plini showed me space, and Sleep Token? They taught me how to feel darkness and beauty at once.

Changing Lives Through Music

Honor this profession with the same regard as any other career path. Create opportunities beyond mere performance venues. Eliminate barriers that restrict access. Offer financial support and ensure that genuine music education is available to all - not merely expensive theoretical lessons in neglected classrooms.

Dude, India is brimming with untapped talent. Just give them a platform, and they'll blow everyone away. Sadly, many never get the chance. We need extra events, brands, mentors, and less focus on “influencer-only” gigs. I aspire to elevate Indian progressive music and contemporary fusion to an international platform. My true goal lies in inspiring others to continue their musical journeys, to explore new horizons, or simply to feel a profound connection through my tracks - that, ultimately, is what truly counts.

Begin your journey with raw passion and an unyielding hunger for growth. Remember, it's not about the high-end equipment; true expression comes from within. Concentrate on your unique feel, your impeccable timing, and your distinctive phrasing. If others scoff at your aspirations, let your music speak volumes and silence the doubters.

David's Guitar Clinic

What ignited your journey as a Luthier? Was there a pivotal moment that fuelled your love for crafting guitars?

“My adventure into luthiery began with rewinding pickups after my own had given out. With a background in electronics, I scavenged some old plastics, screws, coils, and magnets, and assembled them. That was my 'Eureka!' moment, the beginning of everything.

Indeed, it was a moment I hold dear. My first Stratocaster let me down, and fixing it seemed financially out of reach for a jobless individual like me. Mustering all my courage, I decided to open it up and investigate the issue. To my delight, I managed to repair it and breathe life back into it. This was the spark that ignited my passion for luthiery, as I discovered the joy of reviving guitars and bringing them back to life on the road.”

What was the very first guitar you ever crafted or repaired, and how do you reflect on that experience today?

“The initial guitar I created was a replica of a Gibson Les Paul in 2009. Although it did not turn out as a successful project (thanks to my mom's funding), it truly ignited my passion. That particular build marked a turning point in my life. It began humbly, but with strength. The path was challenging, filled with obstacles like rejections and closed doors, etc., which fuelled my determination to succeed. It was far from easy, yet I'm immensely grateful to my mom and brother for their unwavering support and faith in my potential to achieve my dreams one day. Wow, it feels like just yesterday, but it's been over a decade now. I am thankful for the day that illuminated my path in life.”

What influences your choice of materials and design elements? Any favorites?

“My inspiration comes from musicians wanting a custom instrument. We have in-depth talks to align on their vision, leading us to the design stage where we sketch and choose materials that shape the expected tone. These discussions refine our selections for materials, design, and overall aesthetics. Personally, I'm a big fan of Gibson Les Pauls, particularly those with a smaller Mahogany body, a 24.75 scale length, HH pickups, and a 2V 1T control layout with an optional push-pull feature.”

My Experiences

Can you share the distinctive characteristics or style that make your guitars unique?

“The instruments I create feature a custom action on the fretboard, producing a beautifully warm tone. This could very well be my signature element. From what I've gathered through firsthand experiences and feedback from users incorporating them into their set lists, most of my guitars deliver a warm, balanced sound. My friends and clients truly appreciate the tonal quality of their instruments, and I share that passion too.”

What's one challenge that taught you a valuable lesson in luthiery?

“After over ten years in luthiery, the biggest lesson I've learned is patience. Each guitar presents unique challenges, and while I manage the building process, some aspects require waiting for the right moment. Crafting for someone else means ensuring everything feels perfect, which takes time. Ultimately, the experience circles back to teaching patience.”

Customized with Care

Who are the luthiers or musicians who've influenced you the most?

“Ah, the journey of inspiration began with legendary musicians like Slash, Richie Sambora, Santana, Brian May, and James Hetfield from the West. Closer to home, I cherish the guidance of Brother Isaac Joe, Mr. Steve Vatz, Mr. Jagadish from Agam, Mr. Arvind Bhargav, and Mr. Mandolin Sachi from Chennai. Uncle Isaac, the brilliant and innovative luthier, holds a special place in my heart. These remarkable individuals continue to ignite my passion, and I am forever grateful for their impact. God bless them all.”

Is there a specific guitar you've crafted that carries a unique story or memory? “Indeed, there is one... the second guitar I ever made, a replica of a BC Rich Warlock adorned with delightful Polka dots. It was crafted from the best wood I could find at the time. With a body just an inch thick, it was assembled using only basic tools and no fancy machinery. Every detail was meticulously sanded, chiselled, and sawed by hand to achieve perfection. Remarkably, it still plays beautifully. This special creation was brought to life with the generous support of my mom.”

Caprice Music Academy: Creating a Melodic Generation

In a world where most choose traditional paths, a few brave souls chase their true passions. Prashanth Ramesh, the mastermind behind Caprice Music Academy, embodies this spirit. After earning his engineering degree in 2012, he boldly turned down a job at Wipro to pursue music, starting as a humble novice fuelled by a thirst for learning.

A self-taught musician, composer, and sound designer skilled in piano, guitar, and didgeridoo, he began his education at the VJ School of Music in Chromepet, where he cultivated his teaching abilities and discipline under Mr. Vijay Ratnakumar and his colleague, Prateesh KP, spending two transformative years at the music school, gaining insights into its impact on lives.

Armed with this understanding, Prashanth began offering private music lessons, fostering a community of enthusiastic learners. By 2018, the growing interest prompted the need for expansion, leading to the creation of Caprice Music Academy.

He reflects, “While I always dreamed of my own music school, it was my friend Vijay Siddharth's initial proposal that sparked the idea. He later left to pursue Film Composing, leaving me to run the academy.” This endeavor was more than just launching a school; Prashanth immersed himself in the film and music industry, gaining hands-on experience in Sound Engineering, Music Editing, Programming, Sound Design, and Foley - key elements shaping Caprice Music Academy.

What Sets Us Apart

At Caprice, the approach is simple yet profound: “Every student is unique, so why should their education be the same?” This philosophy discards a one-size-fits-all syllabus, crafting personalized experiences that cater to each learner's goals, whether for leisure, performance, composition, or exams. Our instructors bring their unique flair and passion, nurturing creativity in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

We welcome learners of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experts, including kids and working adults reigniting their musical passions.