The Matteo Mancuso Interview: The World's Greatest Guitarist?

In this episode I interview Italian guitar phenom Matteo Mancuso. We discuss his unique fingerstyle playing, his lightning fast melodic runs, and wide variety of influences. Many people consider Matteo to be the greatest guitarist on the scene today.
Become a member of the Beato Club: rickbeato.com/beatoclub
My Beato Club supporters:
Justin Scott
Terence Mark
Farren Mahjoor
Jason Murray
Lucienne Kilpatrick
Alexander Young
Jason Wagner
Todd Ladner
Rob Kline
Nicholas Long
Tim Benson
Leonardo Martins da Costa Rodrigues
Eddie Perez
David Solomon
MICHAEL JOYCE
Stephen Stubbs
colin stead
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Patrick Payne
MATTHEW KARIS
Matthew Barouch
Shaun Samuels
Danny Kurywchak
Gregory Reedy
Sean Coleman
Alexander Verbitskiy
CL Turner
Jason Pappafotis
John Fulford
Margaret Carno
Robert C
David M Combs
Eric Flatt
Reto Spoerli
Herr Moritz Adam
Monte St. Johns
Jon Beezley
Peter DeVault
Eric Nabstedt
Eric Beggs
Rich Germano
Brian Bloom
Peter Pillitteri

[@jross380]

Rick is true pro interviewer. Always let's his guests talk, never interrupts, never directs the interview back to himself, and doesn't compete with his guest. I always enjoy his interviews and always come away feeling I learnt a lot about his guest.

[@ilmelangolo]

so true!

[@dominicjohn8954]

If I were to interview Matteo I also wouldn't compete with him so I guess that makes me a good interviewer also.

[@jross380]

@@dominicjohn8954 Ah! That depends! Not if you adorned yourself with a guitar even though you didn't play it 🙂

[@mattflickinger8151]

He knows so much about everything he asks such good questions

[@scottbranch5603]

jross, I think that too is why I enjoy Rick so much as well. You nailed it.

[@rognroll2786]

This guy’s calm, ease, and intelligence are off the charts…. The future of guitar seems to be in good hands!

[@wesboundmusic]

.... literally so, indeed and thank god.

[@Yakaru1]

Genuine humility and honesty too!

[@JANvanX]

MATTEO IS ONE OF THE G O A T S ALREADY!!!

[@LanternOneStudios]

Amen to that!

[@yammak2004]

We won't know that till quite a few years passed but I remain optimistic.

[@agtronic]

I've never felt so inspired to sell my guitars and amps. Truly amazing.

[@Invertedworldx]

Lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 You mind donating them to me instead lol 😆

[@ciderhillband]

LOL dude this was so funny

[@papapetad]

That's funny ^^ Reading this reminds me of the time many moons ago learning guitar and I had a friend with a genuine Vai JEM beauty of a guitar. He went to get some rest and left me with it and the Vai video tape of Passion and Warfare on. The way I went from ecstatic to disheartened within the span of about a minute as I realized the depth of the void between my skill level and the quality of the other elements in the equation. Life has such a way of dealing out punches at times.

[@rochford59]

Cold night tonight!!....might just have a little Bonfire, and just Hum' a few songs😂😂

[@SlabISR]

Or take up bass

[@LS-xs7sg]

This guy thinks so carefully about his craft. A lot of great guitarists cannot (or maybe don't want to) talk in such a thoughtful way about their own process and how they arrive at the sound they have.

[@ritz0217]

Some guys don't really know what they're really doing. Take Dave Grohl for example. He was a drummer and says, "I just try to play like the drums on guitar"

[@stevewang2012]

Totally!

[@dustinb1070]

​@@ritz0217 I'm a fan of the music but Dave always came off as a little dumb. Still think some of his writing is good enough for him to belong in my personal musician HOF.

[@bg357wg]

@@dustinb1070I think he’s just more driven by his intuition…which is not necessarily a bad thing, but you could say he’s the kind of “genius” that would have a hard time teaching

[@jarekstorm6331]

This guy can explain every detail and technique of his style and it won’t matter whether it’s secret or not. Still can’t do what he does haha. 😭

[@Quest4us]

I'm 71 years old, I've been listening to talented rock and jazz musicians since I was a kid. Today I heard sounds from Matteo's guitar that were from another galaxy, he's such a fabulous innovator. He still seems hungry to expand and take us even higher. Thank you, Rick.

[@ipojuca22]

For a classical guitar player, his right hand is actually pretty obvious. As he said himself, he's not really innovating much. But he does have a very clean playing.

[@lanzicavalli6453]

​@@ipojuca22 MM Is a unique innovator. His real innovation is the creation of a new right hand technique used on the ELECTRIC guitar. Is a mix of bass guitar technique with flamenco technique. Infact, actually I dont know no one that play electric guitar with this technique. However, he plays EVERY music genre

[@poppya54]

​​@@ipojuca22è innovativo perché è uno dei pochi che utilizza questa tecnica, tralaltro anche con dei gusti molto vari, spaziando attraverso numerosi stili chitarristici.

[@ianschnaider5245]

@@lanzicavalli6453 so many disrespect with people like paco de lucia or hendrix himself, he is not creating anything, is a virtuoso that is taking to a most mainstream view technics and styles of playing and genres.

[@Schcarraffone]

​@@ianschnaider5245 he iz not germanz enough for you?

[@Luza07]

This is how you do an interview. 90% of the time the guests do the talking. Rick is really ultra focused on listening. A true master indeed. Hats of sir. 🫡

[@robertallen6710]

Best comment..😊

[@gitarmats]

His technique is the first thing you notice, and then you realize he's also an absolutely mindblowing improvisor as well.

[@davidsellers3639]

Thought process is enlightening

[@mcf-662]

Talented, articulate, genuine and modest. I'm fascinated by this guy

[@thebigpedro1416]

Apart from being an amazing musician, Matteo is such a personable, intelligent, and articulate guy. Another fantastic interview Rick.

[@hoot7588]

And all in English too!

[@melaniefong8211]

Rick please at least tell us that Matteo warmed up before touching that guitar as I'm about to incinerate mine. What a PLAYER.

[@mwhite6522]

@@hoot7588 About 90% of Italians speak English. They're taught it in school, like many other Euro countries.

[@RawAngelix]

WTF...@@Repent-and-believe-in-Jesus

[@12hpa]

i can remove my comment as i have just seen yours😊

[@marcusmood4310]

Not since Guthrie Govan have I been so completely astonished by a players feel and technique! Truly a once in a lifetime talent.

[@Raoul684]

So that's twice in a lifetime then.....

[@mrhyde2250]

@@TheOriginalArchieagreed. Max is incredible.

[@nonsense2369]

Guthrie is an absolute beast and legend. I bow to him. However, his feel comes across very mechanical sometimes. This man can do what he can do but also adds a very human feel. I mean….obviously so! Using his fingers like that. It’s amazing stuff!!

[@georgemgeorge2171]

​@@nonsense2369his feel doesn't come off as mechanical lol idek what you're on about 😂

[@nonsense2369]

Hence the word “sometimes”. You may not think so but the speedy licks Guthrie plays sounds robotic to my ear. The same style of speed has a softer attack with this man. I don’t even see how that’s debatable considering his finger technique. I suppose you can never preface an opinion enough for some people.

[@dennisst.pierre210]

Wow. Been listening to to guitar players for 70+ yrs. This guy is scary good

[@duncaninglis3806]

Life can be really hard, but watching Rick's interviews with giants (even young ones) like Matteo, life becomes beautiful. Thank you both!

[@jeffreese1828]

I hear ya , man . Music is a great haven and healer .👍🍻

[@GiGi_65]

Well said!

[@willem9688]

Nice comment 👍

[@timbalada312]

Beautifully put!!

[@radp8104]

Not only an amazing musician but so humble and genuine exactly what the world needs more of right now. Carry the flame !

[@marcosgomes7681]

True,the opposite of so many talentless people out there, thinking they are the peaks of mankind 😅

[@proximav]

did you notice that the great and best musicians are simply always the most humble people on earth. Is the common denominator and a constant. Probably these people realize that the more they learn, the more they tell themselves that they know nothing and that there is still so much to learn. Great job Matteo.

[@LCP19]

What about Malmsteen? I believe that humility is not associated with ability

[@johnhenrysguitar]

A lot of amazing musicians have huge egos lol, it takes a special kind of person to be amazing and also resist the ego that comes with success

[@rogerdixon1069]

Your last sentence is always what I’ve thought about the greats. Very well said.

[@Vivi_9]

@@LCP19 he's not one of the best anymore dude peaked 35+ years ago

[@hashtagonlykris293]

So damn true

[@alamoscott7875]

Perhaps the best guitar player interview EVER. Interviews of other true legends -- from Page to Beck to EVH -- have never produced such thoughtful, humble, reflective analysis of a player's own style & technique and those of other players. Bravo, Rick, on knocking this interview out of the park: a real testament to both the interviewer and guest. Captivating. 👏👏👏

[@ericandrews1661]

Mentioning these two in the same sentence as the true greats is insulting. Page, Beck or Van Halen were working and world class musicians, not youtube guitarists.

[@brohammer]

Oh stop it

[@pjbpiano]

@@ericandrews1661, I am curious. What’s the difference between the thoughts of working world class guitarists and youtube guitarists on the art of guitar playing?

[@SixStringSicario]

@@ericandrews1661you’re 💯 correct. Big difference between die hard rock n rollers who wrote the books and internet guitar hero’s. There’s no comparison.

[@TristanTarrant]

​@@ericandrews1661Matteo works real hard, touring, recording. He's definitely not a KZbinr

[@rusty9129]

I am amazed at Matteo's English!! His word choice, his thoughtful answers and a general way he conducts an carries himself...absolutely a class A gentleman!

[@rainscratch]

A very centred and focused, humble guy.

[@davidbusby2550]

This kid is so humble. Not only has he mastered his craft . He's actually made up a technique that is unique to himself. If only there was a way to bottle his humility. ❤

[@poppya54]

Well said my friend

[@MarioCola]

Italy really humbles everyone, talent is taken for granted or even hated.. we have a say from latin "Nemo profeta in patria" which means "no one can be profet in his homeland" Even now, Matteo is more recognized abroad rather than in Italy.

[@DiegoooTech]

You can expect that knowledge from a 50 years old player. Matteo is so humble and his technique is not only unique but also incredibly clean and his knowledge is incredibly deep for a boy his age. It's mesmerizing listening to him talking about technique. Thank Rick to bring him to the world. I think he really deserves it. I also think i've never saw you smiling so much.

[@mrmoa]

Although not the main thing - I’m always amazed how well these guys communicate given that they are speaking a foreign language

[@ripleyhrgiger4669]

I don't think he knows that most guitarist are unfamiliar with classical guitar style. He's super fortunate to have a father who was a good classical guitarist, support, father, and teacher. I hope this brings to light how technically brilliant classical guitar is as well. We're seeing a real life Paganini and Liszt right before our eyes. Now if he takes up composition and can create revolutionary music... Then we've witnessed something even more spectacular. He seems to always be studying and pushing himself - I wouldn't be surprised to see him create something amazing one day.

[@markhammer643]

@@ripleyhrgiger4669 There are some musicians who can impress, but all you can imagine is them doing what you like about them for the rest of their career. Then there are musicians whom you look forward, with anticipation, to seeing what future paths they take and how they develop. This kid is one of those.

[@MaTTheWish]

​@@mrmoa agreed.. I'm assuming Mateo has a very high IQ. Special human being.

[@andreasaulbach8807]

I absolutely agree with all those laudatios. He can play anything he wants with ease, but there is one thing with most virtuosos of this category: Only few can play a slow song or build up tension / atmosphere by playing few notes only.

[@AMANDASNADEL]

Italy brought the guitar-gods to the world. Thank you Italy! We love you!

[@domenicodaspra9639]

not sure on truthfulness but grazie!

[@AMANDASNADEL]

@@domenicodaspra9639 Satriani, Vai, DiMeola, Petrucci, Zappa, Sfogli Mancuso ... And I bet Gambale does have italian roots as well. That´s a lot of italian names :-D I mean ... wtf...? :-D

[@_sudipidus_]

I guess Rick is also of italian origin haha

[@AMANDASNADEL]

@@_sudipidus_ True 😄

[@AMANDASNADEL]

Oh, and shame on me, I forgot Joe Bonamassa…

[@vplph]

I know nothing about guitar playing.... But this was absolute captivating... fueled by two guys at the peak of their knowledge.

[@andrewhooker8798]

I've been a musician my entire life just about, and played guitar for 25 years...and I know nothing about guitar playing compared this guy lol

[@mvm3016]

Aside from Matteo’s obvious talent, the hallmark of any great player is his attention to history and different styles, in a very thoughtful way, and his constant desire to improve and evolve as a player. Such an impressive person.

[@jonessusan100]

L

[@MrJanbalk]

Matteo, you made me cry! I have been playing guitar for over 50 years, and you are just offering a new freedom to the musicians of the future. It is not really a question of speed, it is a question of expression and of musical scope. Thank you very much for your clear explanations. I am too old now to follow your trail, and I have bad nails, but I am content anyway to know that there are still new wonderful territories to explore with our favorite instrument. Thank you. Really.

[@Lateralus504]

Beta

[@ransbarger]

May you get everything that you have coming to you.@@Lateralus504

[@thedog7494]

@@Stevengenx You have no idea what that word means lmao. So much brainrot.

[@anthem3560]

you should try them anyway it's fun to learn😊

[@Vincenzo-wn1or]

Well said

[@robertdibussolo3355]

Rick this is one of the best interviews I've watched on your channel. Listening to Matteo speak about music, watching your reaction to his playing, gives me hope that there's still a chance of real musicians out there ready to take us back to music with real artists and not computer generated sound. This was a real pleasure!

[@alphamaleswift7558]

Amen to THAT

[@TheoSmith249]

It surely is right up there in the top 10

[@usquebaugh1]

The series of lines from 37:13 onward are absolute mind candy. Standing on the shoulders of so many previous guitar giants, Matteo Mancuso is literally NEXT LEVEL.

[@znklnkrt2944]

Matteo seems like such a nice down to earth kid... He demonstrates everything without ego, I respect that. Definitely following his channel.

[@trekkiejunk]

Kid? He's 27. He's older than George Harrison was after the Beatles broke up.

[@DenvarShay]

@@trekkiejunk You realise that In some places and cultures (mine) people that are older than you will call you kid no matter your age. At 37 years old I get called kid on a near daily basis by the 60+ year olds at my workplace...what's the problem?

[@Cranio76]

@@trekkiejunk of all the parts of the comment you could react to, you chose the most useless one :)

[@samueluwayo]

Matteo is my guitarist 🥰🥰

[@GardnerDJames]

@@trekkiejunkGeorge WAS 27 when the Beatles broke up. He was also one of the most freakishly successful people of all time.

[@martinohara5003]

Even ignoring his immense talent, he comes over as an absolutely charming fellow. Great relaxed and informative interview.

[@Tusitala1967]

The constant switching from soft spoken humility to ludicrous virtuosity nearly gave me whiplash. 🙂

[@RogerT-kt3zd]

its flamenco guitar 🤦‍♂️🥱🤣

[@testinguk_Admin]

Whenever he says “I’m still working on this.” I chuckle a little in my head.

[@billknudson7895]

I totally agree. He’s a true gentleman. There’s not even a whiff of arrogance in this young man’s character. There’s as much to be learned from his personality as there is from his playing.

[@utubewillyman]

Very honest, unpretentious, and has obviously spent most his life thinking deeply about music and guitar.

[@bariizlam638]

I love Matteo’s playing style which is unique. And the melodies and lick he comes up with in his songs are incredible... such a genius. I really enjoyed this interview (as rick is one the best interviewers of musicians- always lefty them speak uninterrupted and ask the most poignant questions). Another great one Rick !!! Much love from my country Bangladesh

[@scottbullock3045]

Rick's knowledge of guitar theory is why his interviews are so fluid since both understand each other's lingo.❤

[@PistolsPlayground]

Once again Rick crushes it with his unique interviewing style. I love how he gives the interviewee space to talk, and demonstrate the things being discussed. Excellent interview, as always.

[@simoncederqvist]

Exactly! I immediately thought of a previous Beato video where he analyzed the inverview style of an older interview. Great questions and bridges to the next topic. And giving space for the artist to be themselves and explore.

[@kennykaufman8263]

Check out Lex w/Tal. Special

[@michaelroberts3898]

They call it interview but I call it intelligent conversation. Let the information come from the players engagement with the ideas instead of engaging the nuts and bolts questions. So simple yet so much better than a where were you born, what your parents like, did they encourage you style lol

[@SparksFun]

I love how Rick so gently interacts and really lets Matteo teach us about his style and approach. Really a little masterclass and so involving. Great interview.

[@Sijilos]

100%!

[@DaveJohnDaniels]

I've met Matteo in a guitar shop, really cool and humble person. As italian I'm really proud of him. Fantastic interview, god job Rick!

[@TheoSmith249]

I would imagine hearing him test guitars would be the treat of a lifetime.

[@Alienadin]

Why the heck were we told to use a pick for electric guitar? Such flawless technique and great tone. Absolutely stunning, and a whole new level.

[@vosaemify]

Cause someone finally made it look cool.

[@MusicisWin]

Matteo is the best 🤘

[@iehen]

yeah, but he plays too fast often. I prefer when he plays slower; when all this bubble will be over, maybe he will express himself more naturally

[@JeremyBercow]

@@iehenthere always has to be that one person

[@iehen]

@@JeremyBercow what?

[@Lennie_peled]

lmao the "he has no feel" guy@@JeremyBercow

[@iehen]

​@@Lennie_peled i never said he has no feel.

[@mrhyde2250]

The thing about this guy is that even other world class guitarists are astonished by him.

[@user-bj2zu2ex1y]

True: Vai, Al di Meola, Bonamassa, Johnson, etc.

[@Gauchothedog]

Yeah,like Steve vai and al di meola

[@plane_guy6051]

And they should be because he's damned good and knows his chops and whether it's by his dads help or his own research, he knows all the greats and has studied all their techniques.

[@user-kz8wf7yz7s]

Indeed ..his skills are amazing.

[@bananabob2185]

@@user-bj2zu2ex1ySatriani, marmmstein, Metheny… 👍🏼

[@n_i_nx1743]

Unbelievably good and unbelievably humble. Stellar player. Bravo Matteo!

[@XJ1100J]

Rick, thank you for the interview with this gem of a musician. I've been playing for over 60 years and never have been able to play anything like Matteo does. What a savant and so personable; he clearly has a wonderful and interesting future ahead.

[@robarnold6998]

He plays with such ferocity, confidence and arrogance. Three qualities that he doesn’t dare portray in his personality. He almost seems embarrassed of his unbelievable skills and ability. Very refreshing for this day and age. What a talent! Side note: When Rick laughed after one of Mateo’s insane runs it said everything that he needed to say about what he was actually thinking. Wow! All you can do is laugh.

[@OneFlewOver1776]

Where the Fk do you mean he gets off by arrogance?

[@robarnold6998]

@@OneFlewOver1776 Well, I knew that there would be at least one who didn’t get it.

[@DiegoDeschain]

@@OneFlewOver1776 Chill. If you're even mildly intelligent, you should be able to deduce, by context, that Rob didn't mean anything negative, the first two adjectives he uses should tell what he meant.

[@robarnold6998]

@@DiegoDeschain thank you!

[@marshallcrocker8239]

he never said get's off on arrogance go reread and use your brain@@OneFlewOver1776

[@AndreaTarquiniMusic]

His father Vincenzo did a great work. A serious and humble guy with a lot of talent! Bravo Matteo you deserve all this success

[@keithmanning5279]

Wow. Great interview Rick. First I've heard of Matteo. Holy smokes ! What a talent. Such a gentleman and so well spoken...all the best to this young man !!

[@benjaminalexanderdemers9616]

It's not just the harmonic explosions of his single note mastery that captured me, it was more the very brief moments where he exposed himself to chordal phrasing around a melody. Oooh, that literally hurt so good.

[@tonekilltech]

Absolutely incredible guitarist! The marriage of technical ability and feel is unreal!

[@mjhastings4534]

He's Italian that's how they approach everything!!!

[@brunobosio3968]

I met Matteo to a showcase he did for Yamaha when he was in town in a local music store. Really sweet guy, we talked a bit and gave me a few advices as well! What a great guitar player, most importantly a great person. Respect!

[@rufnusd8730]

Im 49 and have never touched a guitar. This young man is so well versed in his art form that led me to be intrigued all the way through the video. Im utterly amazed and left in awe over Mr. Matteo. Great video Mr. Beato. Thank you.

[@hopkinsdesign4027]

Just amazing! I can't even comprehend how good he is. Incredible.

[@praxismobius6037]

This guy is so gifted. It blows my mind that he's so young and so astonishingly skilled. He's also so incredibly personable and likeable and forthcoming with his knowledge. A great interview subject, a great interview, great all round.

[@DerekHunt]

I'm floored by this. I've never heard of Matteo before today. He's just beyond amazing. I LOVE that this is such a technical guitar interview, this is never shared. Thanks Rich and thank you Matteo, I'm now a fan and I feel like this is a gift THANK YOU!

[@paulmahfinger9101]

Glad you finally found out about Matteo. Go check out the videos that Matteo has posted to KZbin, you'll be absolutely amazed. This interview only scratched the surface in regard to what Matteo is capable of.

[@rickmarch502]

What an incredibly unassuming young man, who seems totally unaware of his unique & special talent. I sense even Rick was in awe....

[@charlessnyder7624]

Fantastic interview young man is not only a God gifted musician He is A. intellectual musician always learning always improving God bless him.

[@donaldanderson6604]

As a classical guitarist, this is fascinating. I adore this guy's approach and the videos of him covering songs like Fred and Cliffs of Dover are wonderful. The future of the guitar is right here. Thank you, Rick.

[@pdxfun4888]

Rick, wonderful , as always. Matteo is so lovely. His knowledge and explanation of how and why is fascinating. He logged in crazy hours and the precision …… Thank you, Rick. Let’s not forget.. Matteo eloquently explained it all in a second language. Wow

[@scottbranch5603]

excellent point! Here i was thinking his Italian accent is not that bad!

[@alveydoug]

His playing is articulate and so is his ability to explain every detail. So young and a master who is still learning.

[@kevinh9262]

Great interview, Rick! I love the questions that you asked, they really brought out a greater understanding of Matteo's technique and way of thinking. Matteo simply blows me away. It is an emotional experience just to watch him play Falcon Flight. He is truly one of the most gifted guitarists of my lifetime, and yet his genuine humility shines through in this interview. One can tell that he was raised well by supporting and loving parents. Matteo's debut album The Journey is a must-have in any guitar lover's collection.

[@jijieats]

Matteo is a friend a of mine, and there is this one time where he was in my place and he picked up my telecaster and played some "casual" neo soul for a couple of minutes and still it was the most mind-blowing live performance I ever saw in my entire life, he's just a legend!

[@jijieats]

Needless to say that was a great inspiration... to drop guitar for good 🤣

[@rockisrealmusic5338]

You're very lucky to have him as your friend

[@10FootMushroom]

As a musician it is hard to not be envious of his skill but dear God his playing is absolutely mesmerizing!

[@bouroboumambaye2270]

you are right ...great skills and HARD WORK

[@dodgeyzzz]

What struck me the most is as brilliant as Matteo is, he doesn’t believe he’s arrived at perfection and greatness. He listens to a wide range of musicians and hungers to continually learn and discover new things. He understands that he stands on the shoulders of the greats that came before him and deeply respects them.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

he’s very 🐥 young, give him time ⏰

[@grimdrum2396]

Well said! And I just knew they would mention Frank Gambale at some point.

[@user-rp8kh3ln6k]

Strange that Jim Hall and Kenny Barrell were never mentioned.....

[@MrDeanelwood]

Yes that appetite to learn is so key and he has that in spades. Youth is on his side - in a few years I think he'll be amazing. I don't think he's quite the finished article yet. But for the technique he's still great to watch!

[@lanzicavalli6453]

Absolutely

[@bobjohnson7441]

A fabulous player who also seems to be very grounded and insightful.

[@amjrpain919]

Great segment Rick! Mateo is a true pleasure 🙏 he's a little shy with the camera, that's part of his charm. More Please...

[@heavybrett-al4082]

This young man is soooo inspirational....even to an older bloke like myself, just brilliant.

[@hendrikheemels8615]

Same here!

[@Musiciansheaven]

I'm a drummer and have been following Matteo for years. Clearly a master of his instrument. A very humble young man. He will forever influence new and current musicians like the people who influenced him. When musicians become your biggest fans, you know your on to something. Great interview Rick.

[@timshirley1799]

This was a fantastic conversation and great insights into the amazing playing style Matteo has created. What an inspiration!

[@ProudAmericanValdez]

As talented as Matteo is on the guitar, he is equally bright and fun to listen to. His guitar tone impressed me a ton.

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

Such a humble genius. It's like he has been studying guitar for 200 years.

[@Barncatfish]

What a brilliant, humble young man. Does the whole thing in English, knows all the theory, rips into effortless demo licks, draws on so many styles with an incredible memory and probably perfect pitch. Great interview.

[@davidengedal9566]

Kudos, Rick, on another brilliant interview with a young, brilliant player!!

[@GaryBradleymusic]

Wonderful, inspiring and a delight to watch! Thank you both.

[@ilariabesana]

Che gioia vederti su questo canale, Matteo. Very proud of you.

[@GoKnee]

I bought Matteo’s album and it’s awesome. He’s really a great player and, listening to many interviews he did, he’s also a great human being. I’m so proud that Italy gave birth to such an incredible guitar hero!

[@otacon04psn]

You have to listen to Drift lab, his band project, better than the solo LP

[@pitchesandcrowds]

What a PHENOM! Wow! Such a humble, well-spoken and knowledgeable virtuoso! 🤯

[@enriquematiasreimermillan5120]

Thank you, Rick! This is the kind of interviews we need in KZbin! Matteo is the best!

[@andrewtsousis3130]

Outstanding interview Rick! I could see the marvel in your eyes as Matteo played. He truly is a one of a kind and a truly humble and gifted musician.

[@marcblum5348]

Matteo's playing is so way beyond shredding (and in the world of jazz and fusion there are too guys just shredding chords and scales into tiny little pieces). Time, phrasing, tone, vocabulary, he's incredible.

[@alexnese1541]

Sei il nostro orgoglio 🇮🇹 grande Matteo 🤘🏻💪🏻

[@JamesSmith-bo3po]

Il vostro orgoglio è Georgia Meloni 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ryanlinfoot]

An absolutely stellar interview to match the absolutely stellar player… huge congrats to Rick and Matteo 😘🎸💥👍🤘

[@shawnok1]

I’ve been playing nearly 40 years-I thought I’ve seen it all. Astonishing talent

[@MarkWitucke]

You got Mancuso! This guy executes things things that seem like they should be impossible. Like a Paganini of the electric guitar.

[@titogonzalez6888]

Mateos guitar frequencies notes and tones keep the universe vibrate in a complete harmony

[@wernerdanler2742]

I've never heard of Matteo Mancuso, but he is now my new favorite guitarist, and I have to find some of his music. What a great interview. You really drew him out.

[@richboshart1201]

Not only has this young man achieved mastery of his instrument, but he’s achieved mastery of a language other than his own. He speaks English better than I do, and I’m a native speaker. Rick’s interview skills are off the charts, as usual. The future of this instrument is in great hands.

[@SudsRegal]

I totally agree. His vocal articulation, communication and language is as free flowing and precise as his immaculate playing. What an immensely talented and inspiring person!

[@stefanovarisco9121]

Actually it's not that strange in European countries to study 1 or 2 foreign languages, even if languages is not your main field of studies

[@lanzicavalli6453]

​​@@stefanovarisco9121 I'm italian, and what you say is true. However, studies are often not so deep and accurate. Matteo surely study also english himself, because now is necessary for his international career

[@patrickryan7199]

Rick is an archivist, a curator, in the best possible ways… first, he RECOGNIZES brilliant musicians and illuminates and probes their genius; second, he gets them to both display and reflect on their influences, development, and trajectory, bringing forth a high-level kind of metacognition which pushes the envelope of understanding, but also deepens the appreciation for the past. This interview was a superb example of the mastery of two crafts; illuminating the genius of a rare musician such as Matteo, and the threading of the needle of historical context by another master from an earlier generation, who, avoiding grandstanding and control, allows the interviewee to make and reveal discoveries to all of us who are fortunate enough to apprehend both ends of the spectrum of the history that is being made.

[@paulrichards3928]

'phenom' is right. Kudos Rick Beato, great interview Where Matteo's playing is headed is exciting on its own. Matteo Mancuso, is more than intelligent enough to adapt. Learning, unlearning, and relearning. Standing on the shoulders of giants, is a metaphor that fits. That takes a level of humility that is refreshing to see.

[@dananthony6258]

I love this kid. He’s the most insane guitarist alive imo. It’s only going to get more intense from here.

[@user-zt9el7iq8v]

Matteo is simply unreal & beyond words. I agree with so many of the comments as well, regarding not only his mind boggling technique, his incredibly mature & eclectic approach to playing, writing, and most of all, his continued learning, but especially his maturity and humility. It’s just impossible not to like the guy even if you aren’t into his music. It is truly a lesson for almost anybody in any craft to know that there are people with that level of discipline, dedication, and passion, who still maintain such humility and search respect for others. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dudeymcduderson]

Not only has he mastered the guitar but he's more eloquent in a second language than i am in my first language. And to top it off he seems like a really nice chap.

[@tophetophe6200]

What a great player, what a great interview, what a great youtube channel...a big big thank you from France !

Thank you, Rick!! Another fantastic interview! What a player he is...

[@soundscapesforwell-being]

Matteo is truly joyful.......the technical aspects of his playing are simply an extension of what he feels from the heart. The heart is his creative force driving his fingers.

[@smoothnotes1412]

This is a masterclass, it's actually insane to watch this content for free

[@JamesUnityFuchs]

congrats rick....i was waiting for this interview....awesome......bravo matteo

[@AMASonlinemedia]

Rick another excellent interview with a guitarist you have just introduced to me! His style also incorporates Stanley Jordan, Dereck Trucks, Lee Ritinour. But as he is a millennial he is a sponge absorbing everything and finding ways to make it his own. !!!thank you

[@pianotennisman]

I’m a piano player but I learn so much about musicianship from these videos. You are one of the finest interviewers, Rick, and this young man is ridiculously off the charts and expresses himself extremely well verbally and guitaristically. ( made up a word). Kudos to both of you.

[@gunther4024]

Guitaristically? That’s brilliant. I hear it as “artistically” with “guit” (git) at the beginning. Nice one. For real. And while I’m here Mr.piano / tennis man… who wins the AO this year? (Men’s side.)

[@Cranio76]

Well, in Italian "chitarristicamente" (guitaristically) is not very common but would sound totally legit and I've seen it used many times. :)

[@SSMLivingPictures]

Yup, he excels in guitaristicality

[@jjjameson3364]

One word for him: “intelligence”, verbally, musically, guitaristically.

[@franzjosephamrein2663]

He's so good Great technique It's a news style of playing I absolutely honored him. But I'm not so much Fan of this music. There are many masters in other kind of playing. So for each one something

[@smokinjoe45]

This guy is at a completely different level. Blistering fast and couldn't be cleaner and creative lines. This guy is going to be one of the legendary players

[@r.christopherfowler2088]

Amazing and wonderfully talented human being, he's worked out his own thing. A guitar hero for sure.

[@just.some.dud3]

Only a few things in my life have dropped my jaw like the first time I saw Matteo; seeing Guthrie Govan at NAMM, the first time I heard Cliffs of Dover, the first time I heard Eruption. Matteo is up there for me, absolutely mindblowing talent. I cannot wait to see where he takes it.

[@phoenixjim0527]

Yep! Same thought when I first heard Matteo. Along with Hendrix (Voodoo Child).

[@guitarplayer_de]

You think that there is basically no innovation in the field of guitar playing anymore and all kinds of techniques and sounds have been developed. And then young guitarists like Tim Henson and Matteo Mancuso come along and teach you otherwise. Absolutely fascinating interview, thank you for these insights. Goosebumps moments! 👍🏻

[@yargnad]

Tim Henson does nothing for me, personally. He is talented at mechanics, but I can't connect with his songwriting. It's simply uninteresting after the initial wow factor. There are many other young guitarists that don't rely on technique and write great music. Mancuso is in the same boat. The music just doesn't match the level of technical ability.

[@paulmahfinger9101]

@yargnad- "The music just doesn't match the level of technical ability." I wonder how much of Matteo's music you have actually heard. Have you listened to his new (and first) album? The Journey contains many interesting and stylistically different compositions...all are enjoyable. Also, have you heard his takes on covers like Carlton's Room 335, Weather Report's Havona, etc? Not only does he capture the flavor of the original artists, but improves upon them.

[@yargnad]

@@paulmahfinger9101 Not much, because like I've stated, I can't get past a few songs before I'm bored with it.

[@guitarplayer_de]

@@yargnad To each his own... I will definitely order his latest CD. Sounds very promising to me. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@yargnad]

@@guitarplayer_de No disrespect intended on Henson or Mancuso. They've both put in the hard work to get to those levels of expertise. I've just heard entirely too much guitar music in my life to put them up there with the most entertaining and innovative guitarists around. Holdsworth ran circles around most of these new guys like 40+ years ago, and I tired of it from him as well when he started to do non-stop legato solos from the first second to last in his later eras. Ever since then, I value the unexpected emotion I feel when I listen to guys like Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Frisell, Nir Felder. Don't need flashy technique to make a good song still to this day. There is plenty of innovation happening in technology and songwriting. Technique can inspire new forms of music, but I'm not sure I'm hearing that here.

[@RunTFC]

Tremendous talent in an individual in any realm is so incredible to me. Matteo is that.

[@DABUAS69]

Great interview Rick! Matteo's approach to playing guitar and improving his craft is inspiring! What a breath of fresh air. Thank you Matteo!

[@taura101]

Wow! What an interview Rick. Just love the content that flows when this level of mutual respect and love exists between musicians who are fans and students of each other. And to hear a young dog discuss all his influences name by name that the old dog knows and then demonstrate sample lines from selected ones was sheer gold. It was wonderful to meet this young man in the best KZbin context possible and have the unique Rick Beato uncover Matteo's many insights and talents in this interview. This was master class in Beato interviewing and Mancuso talent. Thank you Rick. This is a definite re-watch. Look forward to your follow-up interview when you're invited to Sicily!

[@smokinjoeblues]

Yes! Truly great musicians like Matteo always embrace their influences, and often talk more about their influences than themselves.

[@michaelsparks6084]

Beautifully said my Friend!❤

[@geebee8784]

All of that talent and knowledge at this age and without an ego…Just wow ! Exceptionnal young human being ! Great interview Mr Beato ! 🙏

[@MattDougan]

What a magical interview! Rick, you are a stellar interviewer and your Guests are Stellar! Matteo is in my mind from another world! His talent is beyond comprehension and along with that he is such an intelligent and humble young man. Truly a new master of music in our time. I wish Matteo all the best for his future.

[@allamericancooking]

Great interview, nicely done. Watching Matteo play is twice as mesmerizing as just listening, that has to be such an experience to witness his genius a couple of feet away!

[@davidesacco-nn6zz]

Grandissimo Matteo! One of the few things I’m still proud to be Italian. Humble, super talented, true musical researcher. Bravo!

[@rafaeltetro43]

It's the Sicilian way

[@davidesacco-nn6zz]

Yep. I said Italian I should have said Sicilian (I’m Sicilian too) 😄

[@MrMetalzeb]

@@davidesacco-nn6zz or you could be proud of gps positions of his bedroom ..

[@elmohuaerte6082]

​@@rafaeltetro43Sicilian are not italian?

[@ShredCo]

Well done.