Ever wonder how a kid with a mini guitar became one of modern rock's most innovative players? Mario Camarena transformed contemporary guitar music through his distinctive blend of technical mastery and melodic sophistication as CHON's innovative guitarist. After dedicating up to 12 hours daily to his craft since receiving his first Fender Mini Squire, Camarena developed a unique approach combining complex arpeggios, polyrhythms, and jazz-influenced progressions. His journey from San Diego's local scene to international acclaim with CHON has resulted in over 100 million Spotify streams and established him as a leading voice in instrumental rock. Read on to discover how Camarena's innovative techniques and teaching methods are reshaping modern guitar playing.
Early Musical Journey
Growing up in a home where his father performed mariachi music alongside Motown and R&B sounds, he absorbed multiple musical traditions from an early age. Mario would later study under Seth Hollander's tutelage, which helped shape his technical proficiency. His instrumental rock style emerged from blending these diverse genre influences. The pivotal point in his musical journey occurred when he received a Fender Mini Squire guitar as a Christmas present, leading him to devote himself to intensive guitar practice and music theory studies.
Guitar Philosophy and Style
Mario Camarena's guitar philosophy combines technical mastery with diverse musical influences to create his unique playing style.
His guitar approach rests on strong technical foundations and music theory knowledge, while drawing inspiration from influential musicians like Shawn Lane and Hiromi Uehara. His dedication to the craft emerged early, as he practiced 12 hours daily to develop his skills.
Camarena blends elements from rock, metal, and jazz genres, employing specialized playing methods such as shuffle techniques and maintaining precise rhythmic control. As one of today's most innovative guitarists, he continually pushes the boundaries of contemporary guitar playing.
His methodical focus on proper technique harmonizes with his broad musical palette, resulting in a versatile and distinctive sound that characterizes his performances.
Growth With CHON
CHON is an instrumental progressive rock band from Oceanside, California that achieved significant growth since their formation in 2008.
The band emerged when Mario Camarena brought together musicians who shared a vision for technical, genre-blending music. Their sound developed through a fusion of influences ranging from technical death metal band Necrophagist to jazz virtuoso Hiromi Uehara. The band's vibrant San Diego scene provided the perfect environment for developing their unique sound. Like contemporaries such as Plini, they helped establish the melodic progressive approach that would define much of modern instrumental rock.
The group built an early following by releasing online demos, which led to their 2013 EP *Newborn Sun*.
Signing with Sumerian Records marked a turning point, as Camarena guided CHON through three innovative albums that seamlessly merged progressive metal's complexity, electronic music's textures, and jazz fusion's improvisational elements.
Technical Approach to Songwriting
Mario Camarena's songwriting approach with CHON balances technical complexity and accessibility through precise studio techniques and compositional methods.
Similar to math rock pioneer Yvette Young, Camarena creates music in his home studio environment, where he explores sound possibilities through effects pedals and tonal experimentation. His work incorporates mathematical rock elements while maintaining musicality through careful composition and sound design. Embracing a DIY studio approach allowed him to experiment freely with his creative ideas.
The studio serves as both a creative laboratory and production space for developing his signature style.
Key elements of his process include:
- Using the Warden compression and Avalanche Run pedals for signature sounds
- Incorporating polyrhythms while maintaining danceable grooves
- Developing melodies through improvisation over chord progressions
Teaching and Educational Impact
Mario Camarena's teaching philosophy focuses on developing proper technique, theory understanding, and individualized student instruction.
Camarena delivers his educational approach through both Skype lessons and touring clinics, emphasizing intensive arpeggio practice, ear training development, and mastery of rhythm. His recent Episode 4 feature showcases his innovative teaching methods.
His methods incorporate influences from guitar virtuosos Shawn Lane and Paul Gilbert, building upon foundational skills he acquired while studying under mentor Seth Hollander. Like fluid genre-blending master Guthrie Govan, Camarena emphasizes versatility in his teaching approach.
His teaching style reflects his personal growth as a musician while prioritizing core technical fundamentals.
Notable Equipment and Setup
Mario Camarena achieves his signature sound through a distinctive collection of instruments and equipment, with his Ibanez MAR10 model in Lavender Metallic Matte finish serving as his primary guitar. His low-wattage Matchless Lightning amplifier delivers exceptional headroom for his performances.
Camarena relies on an extensive array of gear that defines his musical identity. He pairs his instruments with professional-grade amplifiers and effects pedals to create his characteristic tone.
- Multiple custom Ibanez guitars, including the RG565 with Seth Hollander modifications
- High-end amplifiers like the Fender Supersonic 60 and Vox AC30
- EarthQuaker Devices pedals, particularly The Warden compressor and Grand Orbiter phaser
Touring Life and Performances
CHON transformed from a local act into an internationally acclaimed touring band through their dynamic live performances and technical innovation.
The band's journey reflects significant milestones, starting with small unnamed local shows before reaching a pinnacle with their sold-out Super CHON Bros Tour featuring 92 performances. They gained valuable experience through tours with Animals As Leaders and other prominent acts.
Their global expansion led them to stages throughout Asia and Europe, where they exhibited their signature blend of technical skill and playful performance style.
The band's success translated to digital platforms as well, achieving over 100 million streams on Spotify while maintaining their distinctive "have fun with it" approach to music.
