Ever wondered how a Brazilian guitarist became one of Instagram's most influential musicians? Mateus Asato, born in 1993 in Campo Grande, Brazil, transformed from a church performer into a global guitar sensation through his innovative social media presence. Starting at age nine, his journey led him to Los Angeles' Musicians Institute, where he developed his signature style combining complex chord voicings and intricate fingerpicking techniques, eventually attracting over 1 million Instagram followers. His collaborations with artists like Bruno Mars and unique neo-soul fusion approach have influenced guitarists worldwide, proving how digital platforms can launch extraordinary musical careers. Read on to discover how this social media guitar prodigy revolutionized modern guitar playing.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Mateus Asato is a Brazilian guitarist born in 1993 who began his musical career in Campo Grande and comes from a family with Japanese-Okinawan heritage. His social media presence would later become instrumental in showcasing his virtuosic abilities to a global audience.
His initial steps in music centered around an acoustic guitar, with his mother making a strategic promise to upgrade him to an electric model once he showed true commitment to the instrument. At the young age of nine years old, he discovered his passion for guitar playing and quickly progressed in his musical journey.
His musical development flourished in church settings, where he began performing at age 13, receiving crucial mentorship and performance opportunities from the congregation's worship leader who recognized and nurtured his emerging abilities.
The Los Angeles Years
Mateus Asato moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue his musical ambitions.
The 19-year-old Brazilian guitarist attended the Musicians Institute (GIT), where he spent two years developing his craft. His studies encompassed recording techniques, music theory, and digital audio workstations including Logic and Pro Tools. His early Universal Mind performance demonstrated his exceptional talent during his time at the institute.
The institute recognized his guitar prowess with the "Outstanding Guitar Player" award in 2014. Through his time at GIT, Asato built crucial industry relationships that led to his touring work with Tori Kelly. His innovative approach to combining melodic phrasing with modern techniques has helped redefine contemporary guitar playing.
Instagram Rise To Fame
Mateus Asato's rise to social media fame began through sharing guitar videos on Instagram while studying at Musicians Institute.
His distinctive guitar style, combining melodic sensibility with technical excellence, transformed his social media presence into a global platform. While djent sound pioneers like Misha Mansoor were revolutionizing progressive metal, Asato carved his own path in melodic guitar. While his success inspired many guitarists, it also created a wave of repetitive imitation across social media platforms.
The exposure led to:
- Over 1 million Instagram followers
- Collaborations with Bruno Mars and Tori Kelly
- Recognition from Guitar Magazine as a top young guitarist
- International clinic appearances in Asia
Signature Sound and Style
Mateus Asato's signature sound combines complex chord voicings with intricate fingerpicking patterns and melodic sophistication to create a versatile and distinctive style.
His musical approach connects hybrid picking mastery with light overdrive tones and spatial effects processing. Having started his journey at age twelve, Asato developed his virtuosic abilities through years of dedicated practice.
The warmth and clarity from neck single-coil pickups merge with neo-soul and jazz-rock fusion elements to produce his recognizable sonic identity. Like genre-defying guitarist Tim Henson, Asato pushes boundaries by blending multiple musical styles.
This combination delivers both technical excellence and emotional depth that has become his trademark sound.
Collaborations With Music Icons
Mateus Asato has collaborated with multiple high-profile music artists throughout his career, establishing himself as a sought-after guitarist in the industry. His exceptional talent and soulful playing style has earned him recognition on multiple Top-10 Guitarist honor rolls.
- Extensive touring with Tori Kelly, featuring a memorable solo in "Beautiful Things"
- Grammy Awards stage appearance with Silk Sonic
- Worldwide tour with Jessie J, from Pinkpop to Rock In Rio
- Dynamic performances with Anomalie, Polyphia, and The Band Camino
Guitar Innovation and Technology
Technological advancements have fundamentally transformed guitar manufacturing and performance capabilities in the modern era.
The guitar industry connects advanced manufacturing methods through CNC machines to achieve superior production accuracy, while smart instruments integrate digital features like automated tuning systems and mobile device compatibility. 3D printing technology has revolutionized the creation of custom guitar parts, offering unprecedented flexibility in design and production.
These innovations extend to sound processing, where digital technology enables musicians to access modeling amplifiers and virtual effects systems, creating an extensive range of tonal possibilities that weren't previously achievable.
The merging of traditional craftsmanship with digital capabilities has established new standards for instrument quality, functionality, and creative potential in contemporary guitar making and playing.
Modern guitarists like extended-range guitars pioneer Tosin Abasi have pushed these technological innovations to new heights, incorporating advanced features into their signature instruments.
Live Performances and Tours
Mateus Asato's live performances span from local Brazilian church worship teams to major international stages.
His notable live performances include:
- Shows with pop star Tori Kelly since 2015
- Appearances at Java Jazz Festival 2018
- Concerts at SM City North EDSA Skydome
- Participation in Joe Satriani's G4 Experience 2023
Audiences can purchase exclusive concert merchandise at these performances.
Mateus Asato engages audiences worldwide, though currently has no scheduled tours for 2024.
Music enthusiasts track his upcoming shows through digital platforms Songkick and Bandsintown, where performance updates are regularly posted.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Mateus Asato has earned significant recognition and awards in the international guitar community.
The Brazilian guitarist's accomplishments showcase his elite status, with Guitar World Magazine featuring him in their Top 10 Guitarists of the Decade.
His technical mastery and innovative style earned him the #3 position in Total Guitar's TOP Guitarist Right Now list.
Guitar legend John Mayer's endorsement and praise further validates Asato's exceptional talent, while the Musicians Institute acknowledged his virtuosity with their Outstanding Guitar Player award, solidifying his place among contemporary guitar masters.
His recent partnership resulted in two signature guitars through his collaboration with Suhr, featuring neo-soul and gold foil designs in elegant white finishes.
Digital Presence and Legacy
Asato's digital presence has revolutionized how modern guitarists engage with their audience through social media platforms. The celebrated musician leverages Instagram as his primary channel to connect with fans and fellow artists, showcasing his musical talents and building an influential online community. He eventually stepped away from social media due to overwhelming pressure and burnout. Like unconventional techniques popularized by artists such as St. Vincent, Asato's distinctive approach helped shape modern guitar playing.
His innovative approach combines technical virtuosity with accessible content, establishing new benchmarks for digital music engagement and education.
- Building a 1M+ Instagram following through consistent, high-quality content
- Generating $72,000-$144,000 yearly from the platform
- Maintaining a 7.10% engagement rate
- Inspiring countless guitarists while highlighting social media's impact on creativity
