Guitar Prasanna: Blending strings of tradition with beats of innovation in music

(September 6, 2024) In the world of music, where tradition and innovation often find themselves at odds, one man has managed to harmonize the two opposing poles easily. Prasanna Ramaswamy, widely known as Guitar Prasanna, is a name that resonates with music aficionados across the globe. 

A pioneer in playing Carnatic music on the guitar, Prasanna’s journey is a masterclass in dedication, passion, and the relentless pursuit of one’s unique voice. Having worked with some of the stalwarts in the musical world, including the likes of AR Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja, the maestro has always pushed boundaries with his work. 

Musical Roots

Prasanna’s story begins in Tamil Nadu, growing up in small towns including Mettur and Ranipet before moving to Chennai at the age of seven. His early life was steeped in music, albeit not from professional musicians. His sister learned Carnatic vocal and Veena, and his brother was an enthusiastic singer of film songs. This familial environment, though not professionally musical, laid the groundwork for the maestro’s future. “I was playing professionally from a young age, performing Carnatic music on the guitar and playing with top rock bands,” he recalls. 

The maestro’s academic journey followed a conventional path, leading him to IIT Madras, where he earned a B.Tech in Naval Architecture. After graduating from IIT, he worked as a software engineer, but his heart was always in music. With the unwavering support of his family, he made the decision to pursue a full-time career in music. 

Unique musical identity 

The musician is renowned for his pioneering efforts in bringing Carnatic music to the guitar—an idea that was almost inconceivable before him. His distinctiveness quickly became his signature, a hallmark that set him apart in a world crowded with guitarists. 

Growing up, Prasanna was influenced by the music of legendary Indian film composers like Ilaiyaraaja and R.D. Burman. Alongside this, he developed a deep love for rock and metal, genres he began exploring with various bands during his teenage years. 

But it was his immersion in Carnatic music that truly defined his musical journey. “I was the only one that I knew who was playing Carnatic music, heavy metal, and Indian film music all at the same time,” he reflects. This eclectic blend of styles made him a unique figure in the music world, capable of seamlessly transitioning between genres and integrating them in a way that had never been done before. 

The American Dream

In 1994, Prasanna made a bold move that would change the course of his life—he relocated to the United States to study at the Berklee College of Music. This decision was driven by his desire to deepen his understanding of jazz and Western classical music, genres that required formal study and rigorous discipline. However, the transition was not without its challenges. “When I came to Berklee, I was shocked to find over 1,000 guitar players studying at the school,” he says, highlighting the competitive environment he had entered. 

Undeterred, the musical genius focused on honing his skills, not just as a guitarist but also as a composer and arranger. His time at Berklee was spent mastering the intricacies of jazz and classical music, equipping himself with the tools necessary to create his unique musical signature. “The goal was a single-minded focus towards learning everything that I can,” he says, a focus that has undoubtedly paid off. 

Prasanna’s journey was fraught with challenges, particularly from critics who doubted the authenticity of playing Carnatic music on the guitar. However, he remained steadfast. “I had to block out the criticism and focus on what I knew I could achieve,” he says. His determination was fueled by a deep belief in his vision and the realization that he had the potential to create something truly special. 

His success has since silenced the critics. Today, the musician is recognized worldwide for his contributions as a guitar player and composer, having released 18 albums, scoring the music for the Oscar-winning film Smile Pinki and the National Award and Filmfare Award-winning Tamil film Vazhakku Enn 18/9, and scoring for numerous dance theater productions all over the world. 

His work is not just about blending genres but about mastering them, understanding their depths, and creating something entirely new. 

Role of tradition in a modern world

Despite his modern and innovative approach to music, Prasanna remains deeply rooted in the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara, the teacher-disciple tradition that is central to Indian classical music. “As far as learning Carnatic music goes, this is what I subscribe to,” he affirms. 

The stalwart believes that the relationship between the guru and the shishya (disciple) is essential for the transmission of knowledge and the preservation of tradition. He is ‘grateful for the blessings’ of his Carnatic Gurus Tiruvarur S. Balasubramaniam, with whom he studied for six years, and the great Violin Maestro A. Kanyakumari, with whom he studied for over 25 years. 

As a teacher, the virtuoso is not just imparting musical skills but mentoring his students in every aspect of their growth as musicians. “Producing my students’ albums is a big part of where my focus is now,” he says, underscoring his commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. 

In 2024, four of Prasanna’s talented students are releasing their debut albums: singer/songwriter Shruti’s modern pop album Desire, guitarist Rohit H. Sivaram’s progressive metal album Unearth Prophecy, multi-instrumentalist Neil Nayyar’s world music album Breaking Barriers, and guitarist Archish Sadeesh’s jazz and carnatic album Sounds from Thin Air. 

Prasanna arranged and produced Shruti’s, Neil’s, and Archish’s albums and co-produced Rohit’s. His student Maya Neelakantan, an eleven-year-old guitar prodigy, has become a global sensation after her performances at America’s Got Talent Season 19 with her Carnatic-infused renderings of Last Resort by Papa Roach and Master of Puppets by Metallica. 

A global citizen

Even though the musician has spent nearly three decades in the United States, his connection to India remains strong. He frequently performs across India in venues ranging from formal concert halls to edgy rock clubs, and he participates in the December Carnatic music season in Chennai. “India has always been a huge part of my concert trips,” he says, emphasizing his continued engagement with his homeland. 

Outside of his musical career, Prasanna leads a fulfilling personal life. His wife, Shalini, is an accomplished singer across many genres and an integral part of his musical journey. Their high school-going daughter is passionate about horse riding and competes in equestrian events. As a family, they enjoy hiking, traveling, and other outdoor activities. Prasanna also has a keen interest in chess, a game he credits with making his music “much more radical.” 

Guitar Prasanna’s journey is one of passion, dedication, and the courage to pursue a unique path. His ability to bridge diverse musical traditions and create something entirely new has made him a global icon. As he continues to explore new musical horizons and mentor the next generation, Prasanna remains a true global Indian—rooted in tradition yet constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.

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