MASTERCLASSES
ACCESS TO FREE MAIN STAGE MASTERCLASSES UPON PRESENTATION OF A 2025 PAID TICKET (SHOW, MASTERCLASS OR CONCERT)
Al Di Meola, a string alchemist and jazz fusion poet, will host an exclusive masterclass at the Montreux International Guitar Show. His fiery playing, where every note dances between virtuosity and passion, has left a lasting mark on generations.
From Return to Forever to Friday Night in San Francisco, he has woven electrifying dialogues with Paco de Lucía and John McLaughlin, crafting a universe where jazz flirts with rock and Latin rhythms.
In the intimate setting of the Montreux Casino, this unique encounter will unveil the secrets of a true master—between musical insights and flashes of genius.
Saturday 03.05 at 11:30 a.m.
Sunday 04.05 at 11:30 a.m.
Main Stage - FREE
Laurent Rousseau, a modern-day troubadour and sonic guide, passionately shares his knowledge through La Minute Utile du Musicien, a YouTube channel that has become a compass for those seeking precision and nuance.
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An inspired educator, he conveys the essence of guitar playing with simple words, striking imagery, and a touch of poetry.
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During his masterclasses at the Montreux International Guitar Show, he will invite each participant to explore their own musical language, sculpting silence as much as notes, and letting the strings speak with heart and sincerity.
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IN FRENCH ONLY
Jonas Wolf
Saturday 03.05 at 12:30 p.m. part 1
Saturday 03.05 at 5:30 p.m. part 2
Lobby Scene
THE JOY OF DISTORTION
Having established himself as one of Switzerland’s most busy and diverse guitar players Jonas Wolf blends a fiery mix of styles and genres into his own original style. Probably most well known internationally for his work with Folk Metal juggernaut ELUVEITIE he is also crafting modern Progressive Metal anthems with ILLUMISHADE, channelling his passion for Americana and Blues with the TOBEY LUCAS BAND, doing sessions on a regular basis for Pop acts such as BABA SHRIMPS or BLiGG and last but not least paying homage to his biggest guitar hero Eddie Van Halen as the core of the Swiss Van Halen tribute, FUN HALEN. In other words, the only thing you might miss in his arsenal of sounds and styles might be a clean guitar tone…;)
Jonas Wolf joins MIGS for the first time this year, coming in hot with two masterclasses!
Part 1 encompasses all things Modern Rock and Blues playing focusing on Phrasing, Timing, Sounds, Originality and making your way in the music business while featuring REH guitars, Blackhole Amps & Greuter Pedals.
Part 2 focuses on the heavy side of things such as selected Riffs & Solos from ELUVEITIE & ILLUMISHADE, modern Virtuoso techniques & SOLAR Guitars while also coming back to topics from the first part in order for these two masterclasses to be enjoyed together.
Jonas will bring some never released or performed before music to MIGS so make sure you don’t miss it!
Sunday 04.05 at 2:30 p.m.
Main Stage - FREE
Dominic Miller, the unseen architect behind so many unforgettable melodies, finally reveals the secrets of his playing during an exclusive masterclass at the Montreux International Guitar Show.
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A traveling companion of Sting for over thirty years, he has sculpted ethereal atmospheres, where each note tells a story, where each chord resonates like a secret.
Subtle and minimalist, his touch makes silence sing as much as the strings.
Between technique and emotion, he will generously share his art, inviting everyone to find their own voice, where music becomes a universal language.
Friday 02.05 at 5:30 p.m.
Lobby stage
We are delighted to welcome Chris Woods back to the Montreux International Guitar Show, where he will lead an inspiring masterclass. A true fingerstyle virtuoso, Chris stands out with his flawless technique and his ability to tell stories through music.
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With years of stage experience, he has captivated a wide audience, seamlessly blending folk influences with contemporary sounds. His mastery of fingerpicking conveys deep emotions, enchanting everyone who listens.
During this masterclass, Chris will share his unique approach, technical insights, and creative process.
This is a rare opportunity for guitarists of all levels to dive into his musical world and learn techniques that will enrich their own playing. Don't miss this chance to learn from a true fingerstyle master.
Saturday 03.05 at 2 p.m.
Sunday 04.05 at 1 p.m.
Lobby Stage
Martin Harley is a traveler of sound, a master of slide guitar who transforms every note into a mesmerizing story. Born in the misty landscapes of England, he has shaped his craft along the winding roads of blues, folk, and roots music, drawing inspiration from smoky blues bars and the vibrant echoes of legendary artists.
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His instrument of choice, the Weissenborn, allows him to explore deep sonic landscapes, where every glissando is a whisper and every note an incantation.
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With a haunting guitar style and a voice as smooth as it is soulful, he has shared the stage with icons like Jack Bruce and John Paul Jones, bringing his unique touch to every magical moment. During his masterclass at the Montreux International Guitar Show, he will reveal the secrets behind his musical approach—where poetry meets raw emotion.
A rare encounter with an artist whose music transports, captivates, and speaks directly to the soul.
Saturday 03.05 at 4 p.m.
Main Stage - FREE
Lance Lopez is a child of the South, where the blues runs through his veins like an untamed river.
From his native Louisiana to the vast plains of Texas, he has forged a fiery style of playing, imbued with the humidity of the bayous and the harshness of endless roads.
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Heir to legends, he has captivated stages around the world with a powerful sound, full of soul and history.
During this masterclass at the Montreux International Guitar Show, he will reveal the secrets of his touch and expression, between instinctive rage and raw emotion. A rendezvous with the soul of the blues.