jonny nesta

Instruments: Acoustic & Electric Guitar

Styles: Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Beginners, Pop, Folk, Theory & Harmony


Background

Jonny Nesta a professional guitar player with over 10 years of industry experience, he is most recognized for his longtime role in Canadian Heavy Metal band 'Skull Fist,' with whom he toured the world from 2010 to 2019. Today, Jonny continues to write and perform alongside Skull Fist colleague JJ Tartaglia in their heavy metal/hard rock band Thunderor Jonny works freelance as both a studio and live player, including having performed 50+ shows with Swedish Heavy Metal band Enforcer in 2019 through the US and Canada. Offering private guitar lessons over the last few years has allowed Jonny to share his passion and experiences in a more intimate setting.
     
"I love music and playing guitar. Any day that I get to play is a good day! I hope that I'll have the fortune to continue being able to contribute to the music world for many years to come, particularly to the guitar and heavy metal communities, for whom I'm very grateful. I try to be a force of positivity and enrichment in all that I do. I've always got something in the works, and my heart is always filled by the enormous support that people have shown me through the years. I hope we can meet on the road soon for a drink and a chat! Love always."


Teaching

Teaching is something that's turned out to be a real passion of mine. My time is sometimes limited due to my live engagements, but I always like to maintain a group of students. My approach to teaching guitar is based on my philosophy that there really is no "right" or "wrong" way to play guitar. The guitar is an amazing instrument of expression. Starting from a foundation of rhythm and timing, I try to guide my students to attain the ability to express themselves to their satisfaction. If you can play with rhythm and feel, it doesn't take a lot of theory to start making music - this is the first goal I generally keep in mind. If you're looking for help with more complex aspects of playing, I love delving into that too. It should all be fun! I will work with you to iron out a plan of action. Look forward to hearing from you!


questions and answers

Top ten albums

Judas Priest - All albums, impossible to choose
Loudness - Thunder In the East
Thin Lizzy - Black Rose
Cauldron - Chained to the Nite
Crimson Glory - Self Titled 
Dio - Last in Line
Scorpions - In Trance
Dokken - Under Lock and Key
Yngwie Malmsteen - Alchemy
Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

Best live music experience

 I've been very lucky to have lots of incredible live musical experiences. But one that really will always stand out to me as a fan is getting to see Prince at the ACC

Favourite Restaurant / Food

La Roma in Guadalajara, Mexico (Vegan tacos!)

Favourite scale

The forbidden scale 

List all the instruments you can play

I just stick to guitars now. I played violin when I was in elementary school, 
and drove my neighbours crazy a bit with drums in high school.

First musical experience

My mom singing Elvis to get me to sleep

Most influential artist

Jimi Hendrix made me want to get a guitar, I'd never heard or seen anything
so cool or wild

I like to teach because…

Music is awesome and playing guitar rules. It's an honour to help someone develop the tools they need to express themselves on an instrument. It's always exciting to see what comes out.

Favourite movie

Rush Hour

Why is music important to you?

It's just one of the best things about being a human. It conveys things from the heart that can't be put into words. It transcends languages and time. It's something you feel with your whole body. Like April Wine says "I like to rock...I like it, you like it."