Hindustani Slide Guitar (Extended)

Interpret Ragas Authentically On Any Six-String Guitar

Hindustani classical music is one of the world’s most profound and expressive traditions. Rooted in centuries of improvisation, intricate melodic phrasing, and rhythmic precision, it carries deep spiritual and emotional weight. The Hindustani slide guitar is a unique bridge between East and West, blending Indian raga phrasing with the fluid, singing quality of the slide.

In this course, Fernando Perez plays an Indian slide guitar, a six-string instrument with additional sympathetic strings that resonate like those on a sitar. However, this course is designed for any guitarist with a six-string instrument. Whether you play steel-string acoustic, electric slide guitar, Dobro, or even if you’re new to slide playing, these techniques can be adapted to your instrument. The focus is not just on the gear, but on understanding Indian ragas, phrasing, and ornamentation, expanding your harmonic knowledge, and transforming the way you think about melody and expression.

Rather than simply replicating melodies, you’ll gain the skills to interpret ragas with authenticity and feeling, using the slide guitar as a tool for deep musical expression. Whether you’re a guitarist seeking to expand your musical horizons or a student of Indian classical music looking to explore a new instrument, this course will give you the knowledge and technique to play with confidence.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Build a Strong Foundation in Hindustani Slide Guitar

Understand the structure of Indian classical music and the concept of raga.
Learn the fundamentals of tuning, phrasing, and ornamentation on slide guitar.
Develop rhythmic precision by studying Taal cycles and tabla accompaniment.

Master the Techniques of Indian Slide Guitar

Learn meend (gliding between notes) for smooth melodic phrasing.
Apply gamakas and ornamentation to bring life to your melodies.
Develop a strong right-hand technique for speed, control, and dynamics.

Play and Interpret Traditional Ragas

Study Raga Bhupali, Raga Bhairavi, Raga Khamaj, and Raga Chandrakauns.
Perform traditional Dhun, Bandish, and Tihai variations on slide guitar.
Understand how to improvise within the structure of a raga.

Explore the Cultural and Historical Context

Learn the origins of Hindustani slide guitar and its evolution from sitar and sarod traditions.
Understand the connection between raga and mood, time of day, and emotion.
Discover how Indian classical music has influenced global genres and contemporary guitar playing.

Meet Your Tutor: Fernando Perez

Fernando Perez is a globally recognized guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has spent over 40 years exploring the world’s musical traditions. He began playing Spanish guitar at the age of seven, later enrolling in the Zaragoza Music Conservatory. His lifelong dedication to musical study has taken him across continents, learning and performing in diverse cultural settings.

His career has led him from B.B. King’s Hollywood blues club to the Alexandria Opera House in Egypt, performing for audiences ranging from dedicated guitar enthusiasts to royalty. He has contributed to multiple Grammy-winning productions, released over 20 albums dedicated to world guitar styles, and authored educational materials for Hal Leonard, Universal, and Warner.

Fernando’s study of Indian music began after hearing the work of V.M. Bhatt and Debashish Bhattacharya. Inspired by their mastery, he relocated to Jaipur, spending three years immersed in Hindustani classical training. His experience at institutions such as the Shanghai Music Conservatory, Istanbul University, and Labyrinth Music Centre has further deepened his knowledge of global string traditions.

For Fernando, Indian classical music is not about technical virtuosity alone but about conveying the essence of a raga so vividly that it manifests in the space around you. In this course, he shares the deep knowledge and refined technique that allow him to bring this ancient art to life on the slide guitar.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

Hindustani Slide Guitar – Deluxe

4 hours 20 minutes of detailed lessons teaching you to be proficient in Hindustani music with a strong understanding of rhythm, melody, ragas and slide guitar techniques.

Interactive On-screen Notation

Learning new skills is easier with our innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, virtual fretboards, slow motion and more.

Fernando Perez – Masterclass

Engage in some additional study watching Fernando explain Indian music further during this 90 minute masterclass.

Indian Backing Tracks

Put your new techniques into practice and jam over traditional Indian grooves so you can develop your own authentic feel and be confident playing in a variety of new styles.