Bengaluru is about to host its first-ever festival dedicated entirely to the guitar. Let There Be Guitar, happening on April 5, 2025, brings together six of India’s most exciting guitarists for a three-hour showcase of styles ranging from Carnatic fusion and instrumental rock to fingerstyle and heavy riffs. The event also ties in with International Guitar Month, making it a fitting tribute to an instrument that continues to shape genres across the country.
The festival is curated by Gigital India, known for championing India’s indie and alternative music scenes, Philip Thomas, a respected artist and tour manager behind acts like Lucky Ali and Brodha V, and Niveditha Ode Linda, a performing guitarist herself.
These 6 artists are reason enough to show up at Let There Be Guitar:
1. Baiju Dharmajan
Often referred to as the God of Small Strings, Baiju Dharmajan is known for fusing Carnatic classical elements with progressive rock and metal. His work with Motherjane introduced a generation of guitarists to the power of Indian tonalities in rock, and his signature microtonal bends continue to stand out in every performance. If you want to see the fretboard turn into a raga machine, Baiju’s set is unmissable.
2. Bruce Lee Mani
As a founding member of Thermal And A Quarter, Bruce Lee Mani has helped shape India’s alt-rock identity for over two decades. His guitar playing balances soul, groove, and technical elegance, with a sound that’s as much about feel as it is about flair. Whether he’s performing bluesy licks or introspective solos from his solo projects, Bruce brings a warmth and depth that always resonates.
3. Suraz Sun
Lead guitarist of Girish and The Chronicles (GATC), Suraz Sun brings arena-ready energy and a deep love for old-school rock. His playing is packed with melodic flair, precision, and a no-nonsense classic rock feel that’s rare in the current landscape. If you’re into power chords, soaring solos, and raw stage presence, Suraz delivers all that and more.
4. Tony Das
From Thermal And A Quarter to Peepal Tree, Tony Das is a guitarist with serious range. His ability to move between Indian fusion, funk, metal, and pop makes him one of the most versatile guitarists in the country. A seasoned session player and live performer, Tony’s style is fluid, technical, and always in service of the song.
5. Niveditha Ode Linda – The Sonic Sculptor
An instrumental rock guitarist and co-curator of the festival, Niveditha represents the newer generation of artists redefining the guitar’s role in Indian music. Her original compositions like Nebula blend progressive and art rock, with soundscapes that feel cinematic and introspective. She’s also a skilled drummer and session artist, bringing a unique rhythmic sensibility to her guitar work.
6. Saheel – The Fingerstyle Virtuos
Based in Kolkata, Saheel is pushing the limits of the acoustic guitar with a percussive, fingerstyle-heavy approach that pulls from math rock, fusion, and artists like Mike Dawes and Plini. His compositions are both intricate and emotionally rich, making his live performances hypnotic to watch. He’s one of the most promising names in India’s growing progressive guitar space.
Alongside the featured guitarists, Let There Be Guitar will also include a stellar live band to bring each set to life. Supporting the performances are Osi Gomango on bass, Anand Murali on keys, Jamie Dudley on drums, and Joshua Ashish on guitar. The evening will also feature special guest appearances by Girish Pradhan, Alan Thomas, and Sandhya Das, adding even more variety to the night.
What you can expect is a tightly curated, no-frills celebration of the guitar and the community that surrounds it. Whether you’re deep into gear and technique, or just love live music played well, Let There Be Guitar offers a rare chance to hear some of India’s most respected and rising players share one stage—with the space and time to truly play.
