With more than 200 million internet views and performances around the world, guitarist Luca Stricagnoli has created a niche for an entirely unique style of performance. It’s a remarkable story: as a boy studying classical guitar, he excelled in classical composition, placing first in international competitions—but when he discovered fingerstyle guitar on Youtube, a lifelong fascination and creative career was born. Fingerstyle guitar has a long history, involving playing by plucking with the fingers instead of using a pick, but Stricagnoli takes the technique to new levels, even inventing new styles of guitars to create his endlessly inventive sounds. Along the way, this guitarist rooted in classical music has drawn the attention of such rock artists as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and more, and won the regard of critics who praise his “mindblowing” artistry (Guitar World).