Surrounded by a small orchestra in a 2023 performance, then-26-year-old Matteo Mancuso seemed far too young and fresh-faced to possess such an enormous amount of talent as he opened his performance by tapping rapidly up and down the neck of his guitar with impressive skill and speed. However, as many of our guitar enthusiasts who read The Music Man will know, Matteo has received recognition from some of the most legendary guitarists in the world for his virtuoso talents.
This time, he was paying tribute to one of his own guitar heroes with a cover of ‘You Really Got Me.’ Originally by The Kinks, Matteo gave a nod to Van Halen’s ’70s cover of the track by incorporating the tapping technique Eddie Van Halen became so associated with. Music Man readers will be blown away when they see how this young player takes on one of the greats. Online viewers were quick to praise Matteo’s talent, with one viewer calling him “the greatest of the young generation.”
When I watched Matteo’s performance of ‘You Really Got Me’, I was struck most of all by his unique style of playing. Instead of playing with a pick, Matteo seemed to be playing with a fingerpicking style more associated with funk bassists or acoustic flamenco players, despite still managing to make it sound like he was using a pick. It’s clear that this style of playing is what has allowed Matteo to develop a sound all of his very own, which, to me, makes his talent all the more impressive.
After attracting attention from across the globe for his guitar skills, Matteo decided to release an album of original music in 2023. The official music video for the opening track, ‘Silkroad’, became one of Matteo’s most-watched videos on YouTube. Opening with classical-style guitar more often associated with Matteo’s style of playing, the track soon switched gears into the face-melting electric guitar Matteo excels in. The track is a truly impressive demonstration of his extensive skills.
With the guitar falling slightly out of favor in mainstream music in recent decades, thanks to the rise of dance, hip-hop, and electro-pop, it is a joy to see young musicians like Matteo Mancuso picking up the mantle and continuing to develop and build on the legacy of the craft. It’s clear that it’s not quite the end of the guitar era yet.
With many calling Matteo the most talented guitarist to emerge in decades, could his popularity trigger a resurgence in mainstream popularity for the instrument? Whatever the future of guitar music in the mainstream, for guitar lovers, Matteo’s contribution to the legacy is sure to be treasured for a long time to come.
Matteo Mancuso continues to captivate audiences with his extraordinary guitar prowess, as demonstrated in his tribute to the classics. His unique fingerpicking style and innovative techniques make him a standout talent. For guitar enthusiasts wanting to delve deeper into Matteo’s musical journey, and witness more of his groundbreaking performances, check out the useful links provided below.