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Image Credit: Mateus Asato on Youtube
If you’re reading this article, it’s probably safe to assume you’ve heard of the modern guitar legend, Mateus Asato. And if you haven’t heard of him before, then you have been missing out on one of the most talented and influential guitarists of our era. But don’t fret! In this article you will learn all about one of our favorite modern guitar heroes including his background in guitar, his favorite gear, and how you can achieve his signature style and sound.
Mateus Asato is a Brazilian guitarist who has been making waves in the music industry with his unique and virtuosic playing. Since the age of 12, he has been sculpting and mastering his incredible technique, which combines elements of jazz, rock, and blues to create a signature sound that is the stuff us modern guitarists dream of.
Asato has been playing professionally since he was 18 years old and has performed and recorded with some of the greatest musicians of our era including Joe Satriani, Polyphia, as well as some superstar-status pop artists like Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, and Anderson Paak. In recent years, Asato has taken social media by storm, posting videos of his unique, highly creative, and beautiful guitar playing, which has amassed him over one million followers on social media.
Asato’s playing style is characterized by his use of complex chord voicings, intricate fingerpicking patterns, and captivatingly melodic playing. Much of his signature sound originates from his hands, but he is also known for using a fairly specific selection of gear to create the perfect textures and ambience.
I could talk about his playing all day, but it probably makes more sense just to listen to him in his original version of “Don’t Dream it’s Over”.
Since he first picked up the instrument, an unwavering dedication to his craft saw him diligently practicing for hours each day, setting the stage for the exceptional guitarist he would become
Drawing inspiration from a myriad of musicians, he credits the likes of Steve Vai, John Petrucci, John Mayer, and Jimi Hendrix, alongside fingerpickers such as Andy McKee, as influences that have shaped his musical journey.
Asato's virtuosity knows no bounds, and it's no wonder he's garnered a legion of fans eager to witness the magic he conjures with six strings and boundless imagination.
Mateus Asato, a true connoisseur of guitars, artfully navigates a captivating assortment of instruments, each contributing its distinct voice to his musical journey. Among his favored choices are the iconic Telecasters, Stratocasters, and Les Pauls, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping the sonic landscapes of his compositions.
Notably, Mateus has collaborated with Suhr Guitars to create signature models that bear his name, a testament to the profound impact he has made in the guitar world. These signature instruments from Suhr embody Mateus's vision, blending unparalleled craftsmanship with innovative design, enabling him to unleash his boundless creativity on stage and in the studio.
A hallmark of Mateus Asato's guitar sound is his penchant for single-coil pickups, which breathe life into his melodic endeavors. The neck pickup, in particular, holds a special place in his tonal palette. It exudes a snappy yet smooth demeanor, striking a harmonious balance between crispness and warmth. This exquisite combination allows Mateus to deliver soul-stirring solos and rich chord voicings with a touch of finesse that captivates listeners worldwide.
The neck pickup on the Cort G110 mirrors the essence of Mateus's favored tonal palette—an artful blend of snappiness and silkiness.
Whether he's coaxing out gentle, ethereal cleans or launching into blistering, soulful solos, Mateus Asato's guitar prowess shines through, flawlessly navigating the wide array of instruments at his disposal. His virtuosity and artistry serve as an inspiration to guitarists everywhere, encouraging them to explore the limitless possibilities of their own musical journeys.
In the hands of Mateus Asato, guitars become more than just instruments; they metamorphose into an extension of his very being, each one contributing a unique brushstroke to the masterpiece he paints with sound. It's a privilege to witness his mastery, and his journey with guitars continues to unfold, delighting and astounding us with every note.
Check out this video of Asato taking his signature tele for a test drive:
At the heart of Mateus Asato's sonic wizardry lies a carefully curated collection of gear, each pedal and effect meticulously chosen to add depth and dimension to his already awe-inspiring guitar tones. Embracing the ethos of "less is more," Mateus ingeniously employs reverb and delay to create ambient textures that elevate even the simplest tracks to mesmerizing heights.
Reverb and delay are his trusty allies in forging ethereal soundscapes that envelop listeners in a captivating embrace. Whether it's the luscious trails of reverb that linger like whispers in the air or the cascading echoes of delay that weave intricate patterns, Mateus skillfully wields these effects to transport audiences on a sonic journey beyond the boundaries of reality.
If you're looking to infuse your own playing with Mateus Asato's enchanting ambiance, explore our collection of reverb and delay pedals to unlock a world of tonal possibilities and channel his melodic prowess.
The Mooer R7 has everything you need to unlock the ethereal soundscapes that characterize Asato's playing — from lush reverberations to cascading delays, empowering you to embark on your very own sonic odyssey.
To further enrich his sonic palette, Mateus Asato sprinkles in tasteful doses of modulation, including the shimmering allure of chorus and the hypnotic pulsations of tremolo. These modulation tools infuse his playing with a touch of otherworldly charm, captivating the senses and leaving a lasting imprint on the soul of the music.
Though often associated with a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape, Mateus is not afraid to add a dash of overdrive to the mix, especially when seeking a slightly more aggressive edge to his tone. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, his playing soars with fiery determination, showcasing the versatile nature of his musical expression.
In the hands of Mateus Asato, every note becomes a brushstroke on a canvas, and his gear is the palette that allows him to paint a symphony of sonic adventures. Whether delicately painting with reverb and delay or exploring new frontiers with modulation and overdrive, Mateus's creativity knows no bounds. His ability to conjure evocative textures and bold tonal explorations cements his status as a guitar virtuoso, an innovator whose music resonates deeply with the souls of those who have the privilege of listening.
Playing guitar like Mateus Asato requires delving into the nuances of his distinctive approach, where every note becomes a melodic journey, and every chord a harmonious tale. His fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique are at the core of his enchanting sound, allowing him to weave intricate tapestries of complexity by blending lead lines and melodies on the higher strings with soulful bass lines on the lower strings.
A key ingredient in capturing the essence of Asato's style lies in embracing double stops, slides, and bends as your melodic allies. By artfully incorporating these embellishments into your playing, you'll infuse your guitar lines with an expressive, lyrical quality that sings from the heart. These nuances become the brushstrokes that paint vivid emotions across the canvas of your musical expression.
Here’s a prime example of Asato’s use of double stops in his original track, Kyoto Jam:
The harmony-rich approach is another hallmark of Mateus Asato's playing style. Embrace the power of triads and explore the richness they bring to your chord progressions. Master the art of blending notes to form harmonies that resonate with the listener, creating a tapestry of sound that weaves a melodic spell.
The pentatonic scale, a beloved canvas for many guitarists, is a foundation that Mateus frequently draws upon in his original compositions. However, it's his inventive use of this scale that sets him apart. Embrace the pentatonic scale as a playground for your melodic ideas, giving rise to a world of possibilities as you explore its versatility.
Above all, Mateus Asato's playing style is characterized by its highly vocal and melodic nature. The guitar becomes an extension of his voice, allowing him to convey profound emotions and musical stories with every phrase. As you embark on your journey to emulate his style, nurture the vocal quality in your playing, and let your guitar sing and weep in harmony with your heart.
So, let the hybrid picking technique dance on the strings, embrace double stops and bends as your melodic allies, and explore harmony and triads to craft enchanting chord progressions. With the pentatonic scale as your canvas and a commitment to vocal, expressive playing, you'll find yourself on a melodic guitar odyssey, discovering the essence of Mateus Asato's musical genius along the way.
As we draw the curtain on our exploration of Mateus Asato's remarkable musical journey, it's clear that his influence as a modern guitar virtuoso is nothing short of profound. From his mesmerizing fingerstyle approach to his masterful use of effects and gear, every facet of his artistry has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Mateus's ability to seamlessly blend complexity and melody, using techniques like hybrid picking and harmonious chord progressions, has forged a path that countless guitar enthusiasts aspire to tread. His dedication to crafting a sound that is both ethereal and grounded, with a tonal palette that spans the heavens and the earth, has paved the way for a new generation of guitarists to explore uncharted sonic realms.
As we bid farewell to this immersive journey, one thing remains abundantly clear: Mateus Asato's legacy is not just a chapter in the annals of guitar history, but an ongoing symphony that continues to resonate with aspiring musicians and appreciative audiences alike. So, whether you're strumming chords in your bedroom or captivating crowds on a grand stage, let Mateus Asato's melodic spirit be your guide, inspiring you to infuse your own musical narrative with passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the art of expression.
In the words of Mateus Asato himself, "Play from the heart, and let your fingers dance on the strings. The music you create is your voice, your legacy, your gift to the world."
Brett, the owner and founder of Ploutone, is a modern guitarist on a mission to create a sustainable future and build a thriving community through the power of music. Brett founded Ploutone to celebrate independent artists and foster connections among guitarists worldwide. With a vision of spreading positivity and promoting sustainability, Brett hopes to inspire others to push the boundaries of their instruments and contribute to a better world.
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