Performing and teaching at Rock Me Vienna 2027
Marty Friedman
Marty Friedman`s presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring.
Friedman first gained attention with Cacophony, which released two game-changing albums and then he was recruited by Megadeth, propelling the band to its highest peak with his exotic guitar work, an integral part of some of the most influential metal albums of all time.
After leaving Megadeth, Friedman relocated to Tokyo where he has become a household name, even beyond the world of music. Since moving to Japan, he’s appeared on over 800 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese Government. He is an icon of guitar, and a musical bridge between vastly different cultures.
His concert tours with his all-Japanese solo band are legendary, and his rabid fan base grows with each new release.
What you’ll learn
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Exotic harmonies and melodies
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Building your own voice, sound and tone
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Secrets and breakdown of Marty's solos
Kiko Loureiro
Kiko Loureiro (born 1972 in Rio de Janeiro) is a Brazilian guitarist widely regarded as one of the greatest living players. He rose to fame with Angra, he impressed Dave Mustaine and joined Megadeth, winning a Grammy. Beyond performing, Kiko is also highly respected for his teaching skills. A true icon of modern guitar is coming to Vienna in 2027!
What you’ll learn
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Harmony & fretboard theory for Metal and Fusion
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Technique and musicality
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Secrets and breakdown of Kiko’s solos
Frank Gambale
Frank Gambale is a globally acclaimed guitarist, best known for revolutionizing guitar technique with his signature sweep picking style. His unmatched blend of speed, precision, and musicality has influenced countless players.
As a member of the Chick Corea Electric Band, Gambale redefined guitar boundaries.
What you’ll learn
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Harmony & fretboard theory: chords, scales, concepts
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Improvisation frameworks
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Sweep picking (Gambale-style)
Reb Beach
Reb Beach is an American guitarist renowned for his melodic creativity, flawless technique, and unmistakable solo style. Best known for his work with Winger and Whitesnake, he also spent several years touring with Alice Cooper. Combining technical brilliance with memorable melodies and world-class songwriting, Reb has inspired generations of rock guitarists and remains one of the most respected players in the genre.
What you’ll learn
- Reb's Signature Two-Hand Tapping Approach
- Iconic Rock Riffing & Rhythm Guitar Concepts
- Melodic Soloing, Phrasing & Expression
Andy Wood
Andy Wood is an American guitarist widely regarded as one of the most versatile and exciting players of his generation. Known for his seamless blend of country, rock, fusion and bluegrass, he has built a reputation through his virtuoso technique, lyrical playing and charismatic stage presence. Beyond performing, Andy is the founder of the acclaimed Woodshed Guitar Experience and a sought-after educator around the world.
What you’ll learn
- Hybrid Picking & Alternate Picking
- Country, Rock & Fusion Concepts
- Musical Phrasing and Improvisation
Martin Miller
Martin Miller (born 1985 in Leipzig) is a German guitarist widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated and technically flawless players of his generation. With his "Martin Miller Session Band," he is captivating millions on YouTube with world-class live arrangements. His Ibanez Signature Model is worth a try at Rock Me Vienna 2027.
What you’ll learn
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Fretboard Mastery & Modern Harmony
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Improvisation Across Any Style
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Rhythm, Groove & Musical Precision
Per Nilsson
Per Nilsson is one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in modern progressive metal. Best known for his work with Scar Symmetry and as a touring member of Meshuggah, he has earned worldwide recognition for his unique blend of technical precision, advanced rhythmic concepts, and expressive improvisation. Combining cutting-edge metal techniques with deep musical understanding, Per continues to inspire a new generation of guitar players pushing the boundaries of the instrument.
What you’ll learn
- Progressive Metal Rhythm Mastery
- Advanced Picking & Lead Guitar Techniques
- Improvisation Beyond Scale Patterns
Alex Hutchings
Alex Hutchings is a British guitarist widely regarded as one of the most fluid and versatile fusion players alive today. He rose to fame with his breathtaking, effortless legato technique and improvisational skills. He toured with Steven Wilson and beyond performing, Alex is traveling the globe as a world-class clinician and the ultimate brand ambassador for Roland and Boss.
What you’ll learn
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Fusion playing
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Legato Ideas
- How to spice up your improvisations
Neil Zaza
Neil Zaza has been defining melodic guitar playing with his instantly recognizable style, technique and songwriting for decades. Internationally acclaimed by fans around the globe, Neil’s playing and music fuse technical feats with soulful, visceral
melodies all wrapped up in songs that you don’t need to be a guitarist to enjoy or appreciate. He transforms the guitar into the song’s “lead singer". He has shared the stage with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Nuno Bettencourt and played guitar for Nelson, TM Stevens, Danger Danger’s Ted Poley and Firehouse’s Indonesian
tour.
What you’ll learn
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Melodic playing
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Arrangement Ideas
- Developing yor voice
Victor Smolski
Victor Smolski is one of the most technically accomplished and stylistically versatile guitarists in metal. Classically trained, he combines neoclassical precision with modern metal energy and orchestral flair. Known for his work with Mind Odyssey and over 15 years with Rage, his instrumental “Unity” is a standout among guitar fans. With his current project ALMANAC, Victor continues to push boundaries.
What you’ll learn
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Playing in a band
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Classical-inspired lines and harmony
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High-speed technique with precision
Bernd Kiltz
Born in 1977, Bernd has been a professional musician since high school. He started playing guitar at 13 and began teaching by 17. Studying under Ralph Schäfer-Lösch and later Frank Gambale at the Los Angeles Music Academy, he earned a diploma in jazz and popular music. Today, he is one of the leading online guitar teachers and one of the biggest guitar-youtubers in the german-speaking world.
What you’ll learn
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Chord and Scale Relationships
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Effective Practice Strategies
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Modern Gear Guide
Alexandr Misko
Alex Misko is a modern fingerstyle guitar prodigy who mesmerizes audiences worldwide and represents a remarkable new generation in his craft. From viral videos to Carnegie Hall and collaborations with Hans Zimmer, his music bridges the old and new, captivating audiences online and at live shows. With eight album projects across solo releases, collaborations, and Covers and New Versions, plus global tours and a one-of-a-kind self-invented instrument, he is hailed as a multigenre guitar maestro.
What you’ll learn
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Re-arranging songs for acoustic
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Re-inventing acoustic guitar
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Making performances unforgetable
Milan Polak
Throughout his career, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer Milan Polak has played with Ron Thal, Billy Sheehan, Marty Friedman, Dimebag Darrell, Kip Winger. and Austrian icon Falco. Allthough his focus lies on song-serving playing and melody, Milan Polak was voted one of the world’s 50 fastest guitarists by “Guitar World Magazine”. He is currently a member of the supergroup “Lethal X” featuring 2 original Racer X musicians.
What you’ll learn
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Shredding with feeling
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Follow your inner ear
- Building Riffs
Justin Hombach
Justin Hombach is a Frankfurt, Germany based progressive metal guitar player and educator. When he touched his first guitar, he immediately fell in love with instrumental, progressive music. After deciding to pursue the music road professionally, he dropped out of school and went on to study jazz guitar at the famous "FMW – Frankfurter Musikwerkstatt", the first ever Jazz Academy in Germany.
Being the head behind the German progressive metal band "AeoS" and a guitar player for the rock vocalist/songwriter "Scherf & Band", he toured all over Germany and Europe. Besides his touring work he is an established session and recording artist.
Besides touring and recording, he is teaching and coaching the new generation of shred guitar players on his YouTube channel. In 2022 he released his first online course called "Zen of Speedpicking".
What you’ll learn
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Pick Slanting Techniques
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Building Speed & Accuracy
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Guitar Ergonomics
Henning Pauly
Henning Pauly is a German guitarist, producer and educator widely known as EytschPi42, one of the most respected voices in the world of guitar gear and recording technology. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he has worked with artists including James LaBrie, Steve Walsh and Michael Sadler. Combining decades of studio experience with a unique talent for teaching, Henning makes complex musical concepts easy to understand.
What you’ll learn
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Song Writing
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Blues secrets
- Arranging für Electric Guitar
The Rock Me Vienna - Band
Emiliano Tessitore
Emiliano is guitar player for Vinnie Moore, Uli Jon Roth, Mark Boals, Doogie White, Kee Marcello, Edu Falaschi
Lead Guitar in Stage Of Reality, Ehfar
Francesco Caporaletti - Bass
Roberto Pirami - Drums
The artists of Rock Me Vienna 2026
Herman Li
Andy Timmons
Kee Marcello
Josh Meader
Angel Vivaldi
Nili Brosh
Ville Tikkanen
Guitar Max
Gerald Gradwohl
Linus Klausenitzer