Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Monteiro had his first contact with rock music when he was attending junior high school. One day a friend told him about a band called Rainbow and one of their songs, Kill the King.  Two weeks later he went to his friend’s house and was shown his father’s vinyl collection which included bands like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Black Sabbath, The Who, Jethro Tull, etc.

After that initial introduction, Ricardo kept listening to that kind of music, and little by little he became deeply attracted to the electric guitar. He was impressed by certain guitar effects such as distortion, and by the rock musical language performed by different rock players. In the end all he ever talked about was bands, electric guitars, and of course rock’n roll. His passion for music intensified more and more, until he reached a point when he decided to learn how to play the guitar with local guitar instructors. He learnt the basics such as chords, riffs, scales, and how to manage guitar effects. With effort and dedication he gradually progressed.

Despite Ricardo Monteiro being born and raised in a medium size countryside city in Brazil, he always had as a goal to leave home, explore life and expand his horizons. He moved out to Sao Paulo city where he gained experience as a guitar instructor and performing musician, working his way into several music schools and performing in night clubs with professional rock tribute bands over the course of ten years.

As a rock player, and although hailing from Brazil, Ricardo Monteiro has never been influenced by traditional Brazilian music. Actually his musical background is rock genres such as Blues influenced Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Rock’n Roll, and Traditional Heavy Metal.  Due to these differences in music culture, Ricardo made the decision to relocate to the US, in Los Angeles California in order to attend Musicians Institute (GIT) in the year of 2006. While studying at Musicians Institute he gained even more experience as a guitarist getting important tips and lessons attending guitar clinics and several open counseling sessions with renowned names like Scott Henderson, Marty Friedman, Guthrie Govan, Robben Ford, Jennifer Batten, Paul Gilbert, Greg Howe, Joel Hoekstra, Kiko Loureiro, Joe Bonamassa, George Lynch, and Bruce Kulick.

Ricardo’s musical know-how also comes from years of studies and experience as a performing musician, session player and guitar instructor. His influences are many and include names like Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Ritchie Blackmore, Angus Young, Richie Sambora, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Vivian Campbell, Gary Moore, George Lynch, Bruce Kulick, Zakk Wylde, Slash, Doug Aldrich, Alex Beyrodt, Reb Beach, Billy Duffy, Fast Eddie Clarke, Billy Gibbons, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and many others.

Ricardo Monteiro is a dedicated and passionate musician who values your time and prioritizes quality in his work, lessons and performances. With availability for recording sessions, live shows, tours, and guitar lessons.