In addition to the various free workshops, the masterclasses offer a particularly deep dive into the subject matter. In small groups and private atmosphere, guitar related topics of various specialties are treated intensively - and by well known musicians! A great opportunity to learn from the best!
As there will only be a strictly limited number of tickets for each masterclass, the rule here is of course "first come first serve".
*Please remember that you need a valid Guitar Summit ticket to attend the masterclasses. If you don't have a ticket yet, you can get one either in presale or on the day of the event at the box office. Your participation in the masterclasses requires this ticket. You can't participate without it!
Getting The Call – Surviving & Delivering Last-Minute as a Metal Guitarist
Date: Fr, 25.09.2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Language: English
About the artist
A true heavy metal veteran with over 40 years of stage and studio experience, Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head, Kerry King, Vio-lence and more) has played the biggest stages in the world. After his 16-year career with Machine Head, he became the scene’s arguably most reliable “emergency fill-in” for top international bands, often stepping in with extremely little preparation time. Phil has lived through every phase of a musician’s life – from songwriting and worldwide touring to the sheer pressure of the spotlight.
About the masterclass
In this two-hour masterclass titled “Getting the Call,” Phil shares his valuable experience from a pro’s everyday life. He offers exclusive insights into his process: how to prepare efficiently for high-profile gigs, learn material in a structured way and deliver under pressure. In an intimate setting with a strictly limited number of participants, you’ll have the chance to try these approaches and concepts yourself and take home valuable inspiration for your own playing. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
Modern Metal Bass
Date: Fr, 25.09.2026
Time: 5 PM – 7 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Steve Di Giorgio is one of the most influential bassists in extreme metal. As co-founder of Sadus and through his defining work with Death, Control Denied and Testament, he has shaped the genre over decades. With the all-bass duo Quadvium, he explores his own experimental paths alongside Jeroen Paul Thesseling. He is also considered the first bassist to introduce fretless bass playing to metal. Beyond his band work, Steve has been a sought-after session bassist for over 35 years, contributing to more than 60 albums – his ability to master new songs in no time and adapt flexibly to the most varied studio demands makes him one of the most-booked studio musicians in his field.
About the masterclass
In this masterclass, Steve Di Giorgio shows how to develop basslines that fit the song perfectly – while keeping your own style without losing sight of what clients expect. It’s exactly this balance that leads to lasting engagements. Steve also shares tips and techniques for playing bass in metal, with a special focus on the particularities of the fretless bass in this genre. He additionally explores various right-hand rhythmic techniques to purposefully improve speed and tone and to do justice to the sound of modern metal.
Please note: times are subject to change.
Composing and Arranging Your Own Songs
Date: Fr, 25.09.2026
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM
Language: German
About the artist
Victor Smolski is one of the most distinguished guitarists, composers and producers of the European metal scene. As RAGE’s longtime guitarist, composer and producer, he shaped the sound of one of Germany’s most important heavy metal institutions for many years, combining virtuoso guitar playing with sophisticated songwriting, orchestral elements and powerful arrangements. With his band ALMANAC and numerous studio and live projects, he has repeatedly proven how powerfully technical precision, musical structure and genuine stage energy can be combined.
About the masterclass
This exclusive masterclass is all about composing and arranging your own songs. Drawing on his many years of experience from tours, studio recordings and international productions, Victor Smolski shows how initial ideas turn into solid song structures. Together you’ll analyze different arrangements, organize musical building blocks and apply concrete techniques that help make your own songs clearer, more exciting and more effective. The focus includes the difference between rhythm and groove, the balance between theory and practice, and the question of how to shape musical ideas so they work on stage and in the studio. In an intimate setting with a strictly limited number of participants, you’re welcome to bring your own ideas, work on them directly and take home valuable inspiration for your songwriting. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
The Bluesmetal Approach
Date: Sa, 26.09.2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Eric Steckel is regarded as a pioneer of “bluesmetal,” thrilling the guitar world with a unique fusion of traditional blues feel and the power of modern rock. At a young age he toured with British blues legend John Mayall and his legendary Bluesbreakers. Since then, Eric has established himself internationally as a virtuoso solo artist, celebrated for his powerful tone, uncompromising energy and his worldwide club and festival tours.
About the masterclass
In this exclusive masterclass, Eric Steckel’s distinctive “bluesmetal approach” is analyzed and demonstrated in detail. The focus is on his characteristic right-hand picking technique, the deliberate use of high-gain sounds and his very own geometric view of the fretboard to discover new visual patterns and unique phrasings. Advanced, multimodal high-speed runs are also covered, along with valuable practical tips on how to shape a mighty arena sound through the targeted use of delay and reverb. In an intimate setting with a strictly limited number of participants, there’s also room for questions about the music business, endorsements and equipment. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
Greasy Gristle
Date: Sa, 26.09.2026
Time: 2 PM – 4 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Greg Koch is one of the most individual players on the international scene and is highly esteemed among guitarists. The US guitarist from Milwaukee blends blues, funk, country, rock and jazz into an unmistakable style full of energy, humor and technical finesse. As a performer, educator, author and leader of the Koch Marshall Trio, he thrills with an explosive tone, razor-sharp timing and a stage presence that swings between high tension and gloriously dry madness.
About the masterclass
In this masterclass, Greg Koch dives deep into the gritty, bluesy, funky and chicken-pickin’-soaked sound worlds of his improvisational style – with a generous pinch of jazz and plenty of playfulness. The focus is on rhythmic concepts, groovy accompaniment figures, single-note ideas, phrasing, tone production and the creative approach to improvisation. Compositional approaches and questions about sound, equipment and the music business also have their place. It’s all served up in Greg’s unmistakably humorous, caffeinated format. Questions are expressly welcome. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
The Complicated Simplicity of the Blues
Date: Sa, 26.09.2026
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM
Language: German
About the artist
Henrik Freischlader is one of Germany’s best-known blues guitarists and stands for a sound deeply rooted in the blues while always remaining open to rock, soul, funk and improvisational freedom. As a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, he has been thrilling audiences for many years with dynamic playing, plenty of feel and an unmistakable tone in which every note counts.
About the masterclass
This masterclass is about the complicated simplicity of the blues. Beginners, advanced players and pros are equally welcome. Together you’ll play, listen, groove and work on making individual notes truly sing. The focus includes right-hand rhythm, sound, musical approach, equipment and anything else participants want to know. Questions are expressly welcome – because that’s exactly where the shared work begins. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
Musicality over Patterns – Improvisation with a System
Date: Sa, 26.09.2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Language: German
About the artist
Martin Miller is considered one of the most accomplished and stylistically versatile exceptional guitarists of the modern music scene. After earning his diploma at the Dresden Academy of Music, he gained worldwide recognition through his spectacular concept albums and as an internationally sought-after solo artist. He is also known to a million-strong audience through the high-caliber live performances of his “Martin Miller Session Band” on YouTube. As a renowned educator and author, he has a masterful ability to convey complex harmonic relationships in an entirely practical and understandable way.
About the masterclass
This exclusive masterclass demonstrates how to sound instantly more musical with simple but effective means. Instead of just mechanically running through scales, the focus is on playing consciously by ear and by understanding, recognizing relationships on the fretboard and the ability to improvise freely over chord changes. Four central core concepts are explored: “true” playing by ear, purposeful note choice instead of mere “note fishing,” combining teaching approaches from rock and jazz, and paths to immediate sonic success with simple means. In an intimate setting with a strictly limited number of participants, this session is aimed at everyone who craves creative depth – no matter whether your personal background lies in rock, jazz or metal. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
From Lap Steel to Pedal Steel – Tone, Touch & Techniques
Level: Beginner / Advanced
Date: Sa, 26.09.2026
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Sarah Jory is one of the world’s finest pedal steel guitarists. She received her first steel guitar at the age of five and was performing on stage as a child. Over more than three decades, the British musician has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Glen Campbell, Ricky Skaggs and Gene Watson. Alongside her work as a sought-after session and live musician, she pursues a successful solo career with several award-winning albums and is a member of the European Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. Her versatility ranges from country to country-rock and pop through to jazz-tinged arrangements – and beyond the steel guitar she also plays acoustic and slide guitar, dobro, banjo and mandolin.
About the masterclass
In this exclusive masterclass, everyone who loves the unmistakable sounds of the steel and slide guitar and has always wanted to make them part of their own musical vocabulary has the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the true masters of the craft. Drawing on decades of stage experience, Sarah Jory guides participants from accessible lap steel fundamentals into the expressive world of the pedal steel. The focus is on what really makes the steel guitar sing: tone, intonation, bar control, vibrato, blocking, sustain, the expressive use of the volume pedal and melodic phrasing. While the pedal steel is the deep-dive instrument of this class, many of the techniques and concepts can be applied directly to lap steel and slide guitar as well. Accompanied live on acoustic guitar and piano, Sarah shows how these techniques work in a natural, band-like musical context. Participants who already own a lap steel are welcome to bring it – but your own instrument is not required to benefit from the session.
Please note: times are subject to change.
Inside Obscura – Precision, Songwriting & Extreme Metal Guitar
Date: Sa, 26.09.2026
Time: 1 PM – 3 PM
Language: German & English
About the artist
Steffen Kummerer is the founder, songwriter and creative driving force behind Obscura. With his uncompromising combination of technical precision, complex songwriting and musical vision, he has decisively shaped the band’s sound and made Obscura one of the most internationally distinguished acts in modern technical death metal.
About the masterclass
In this exclusive masterclass, Steffen Kummerer offers a deep insight into some of the most demanding and technically challenging compositions from the Obscura catalog. Using selected songs, he explains creative concepts, background and technical playing approaches behind the music. The focus is on techniques for precision, endurance and efficiency on the guitar, as well as detailed insights into songwriting, arrangement, recording and performance. Steffen reveals which methods and which mindset shape Obscura’s unmistakable sound and technical excellence. This masterclass focuses exclusively on the music and the creative process of Obscura.
Please note: times are subject to change.
Bluesrock – The Secrets Of A Pro
Date: Sa, 26.09.2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Language: German
About the artist
Thomas Blug has been at the very top of the German guitar scene for decades. Named Germany’s best rock/pop guitarist (DRMV) and officially crowned “Stratking of Europe” by Fender, he thrills internationally not only as a virtuoso live musician but also enjoys an outstanding worldwide reputation as a brilliant sound designer and amp developer.
About the masterclass
This masterclass deliberately clears away superfluous theoretical ballast to focus instead on what really matters in playing practice. Thomas Blug demonstrates a proven, straightforward path to better blues rock. Topics include establishing a solid groove, the philosophy behind an expressive tone (“less is more”) and the focus on the essential chords, scales and conscious listening. Alongside new blues and rock vocabulary, the secrets of the optimal amp and effects setup are also explored. In an intimate setting with a strictly limited number of participants, this is the perfect opportunity to internalize this knowledge first-hand. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
Playing in Alternate Tunings
Date: So, 27.09.2026
Time: 1 PM – 3 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Don Ross is regarded as one of the most influential and innovative fingerstyle guitarists in the world. The Canadian musician with Scottish and Mi’kmaq roots remains to this day the only artist to have won the renowned U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice (1988 and 1996). His unmistakable style combines advanced percussive techniques, a sure rhythmic feel and influences from jazz, folk, rock and classical into a sound he himself describes as “heavy wood.” Over more than three decades, Don has released an extensive body of work with numerous solo albums as well as collaborations with guitarists such as Andy McKee and Calum Graham, and tours regularly through Europe, North America and Asia.
About the masterclass
Don Ross has experimented with alternate tunings on his guitar since early childhood. His original goal – with his first altered tuning at the age of ten – was to make playing in the key of C even easier. Later he discovered “open” tunings, where the guitar is retuned so that the open strings form a recognizable chord (such as D major or G minor). This ultimately led him to open up the instrument’s sonic possibilities for the musical ideas in his head – and to invent his own tunings that make those ideas easier to realize. In this masterclass, Don presents several of his self-developed tunings and explains the harmonic reasoning behind them. The aim is to inspire guitarists to go beyond the limits of standard tuning and to make more of what the instrument is capable of.
Please note: times are subject to change.
Next Level Shred
Date: So, 27.09.2026
Time: 11 AM – 1 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Fredrik Åkesson is one of Scandinavia’s most technically accomplished metal guitarists. Since 2007, the Stockholm native has been lead guitarist of progressive metal legends Opeth, for whom he not only plays but also co-writes on albums such as Watershed, Heritage and The Last Will & Testament. Before that, he shaped the Swedish metal scene for years – among others as guitarist of Talisman, Krux and as a member of Arch Enemy. His playing combines virtuoso shred technique with a fine sense of melody and composition; he sees solos as “small compositions” that serve the song rather than overpower it. Shaped by influences such as Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth and Gary Moore, he is today regarded as one of the outstanding lead guitarists of modern metal.
About the masterclass
In this masterclass, Fredrik Åkesson works through various techniques – from alternate picking to economy, legato and hybrid picking, and how these approaches can be combined. He explores improvisational approaches using concrete examples from music theory, such as breaking down the arpeggios of the melodic minor scale and developing shred licks on that basis. He also dives deep into diminished arpeggios and shows how to connect them with augmented arpeggios to break away from the usual paths of the diminished mode. Analyzing Opeth solos is on the program too – and much more! All participants may film the examples, for personal use only. Fredrik looks forward to seeing you all!
Please note: times are subject to change.
Find Your Sound
Date: So, 27.09.2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Language: German
About the artist
Marcus Deml is one of the most distinguished and highly esteemed guitarists in Europe. As a sought-after session musician, he has contributed to over 500 international productions and, as the leader of the bands Errorhead and The Blue Poets, was honored with the coveted “Guitar Hero Award” at the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. His current solo album “Pure” was celebrated by the renowned US magazine Guitar World as one of the most breathtaking instrumental releases of the year.
About the masterclass
In this exclusive masterclass, Marcus Deml devotes himself to the ultimate goal of every guitarist: the perfect personal tone. Step by step, the most important facets of shaping your sound are explored – from Marcus’s special “Precise Finger Placement Technique” to dynamic picking techniques through to expressive bending and vibrato concepts. The conscious use of equipment is also addressed, to demonstrate how a world-class sound can be shaped even with simple means. In an intimate setting with a strictly limited number of participants, you’ll have the chance to try these approaches yourself, take home valuable inspiration and thus avoid years of frustration in the search for the perfect sound. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
Finding Your Voice – Improvisation, Tone & Creative Freedom
Date: So, 27.09.2026
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Scott Henderson has been one of the most defining voices in the modern guitar world for decades. With his unique blend of jazz, fusion, blues and rock, he has developed an unmistakable style that has inspired generations of guitarists. Whether with Tribal Tech, on his solo albums or in countless live and studio contexts, Henderson stands for expressive phrasing, strong improvisation, deep musical understanding and a tone that is instantly recognizable.
About the masterclass
This intimate masterclass with Scott Henderson is designed as a guided session with audience Q&A. The focus is on improvisation, phrasing, technique, songwriting, recording, touring, creative processes and the development of your own musical voice. Questions about Tribal Tech, his solo albums, influences, gear, sound and experiences from decades on stage and in the studio are also welcome. Bring your questions and become part of a direct exchange with one of the great masters of modern guitar. Bringing your own guitar is recommended!
Please note: times are subject to change.
Wall of Sound: How the Guitar Becomes the Hub of a Creative Process
Date: So, 27.09.2026
Time: 4 PM – 6 PM
Language: English
About the artist
Devin Townsend is one of the most influential and versatile musicians in modern metal. The Canadian singer, guitarist, and producer first gained international recognition in 1993 as the vocalist on Steve Vai’s album Sex & Religion. In 1994 he founded the extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad, whose album City (1997) is now regarded as a milestone of the genre. Alongside this, he built an extensive solo career, releasing a remarkably broad body of work over the years – including as the Devin Townsend Band and the Devin Townsend Project – spanning progressive metal, hard rock, ambient, and new age. He is best known for his unmistakable production style: a densely layered ‘wall of sound’ that has repeatedly been compared to the work of Phil Spector and Frank Zappa.
About the masterclass
Devin Townsend describes in detail the techniques, recording processes, and gear decisions that make the ergonomics of ‘catching an idea’ as efficient as possible. The focus is on how to ‘get out of our own way’ and help facilitate the flow of ideas. A masterclass for everyone who wants to understand how the guitar can become the hub of a creative process.
Please note: times are subject to change.
*Please remember that you need a valid Guitar Summit ticket to attend the masterclasses. If you don't have a ticket yet, you can get one either in presale or on the day of the event at the box office. Your participation in the masterclasses requires this ticket - you can't participate without it!