Siddhanth Shyamsundar: Where Discipline Meets Creativity

At just 14, Siddhanth Shyamsundar has already built a musical identity that many guitarists work years to develop. A Bangalore-based electric guitarist and a longtime student at Trill Route, Siddhanth’s playing is marked by precision, passion, and a powerful sense of rhythm and groove. He’s particularly drawn to progressive metal and metalcore - genres that challenge even the most seasoned players - and has spent the last several years honing his skills through consistent practice and exploration.

Siddhanth began playing guitar at the age of six. His early experiences were modest -occasional lessons and a basic understanding of chords. It was only as he grew older and began engaging with music more seriously that a shift started to happen. Structured learning, exposure to new techniques, and guidance from dedicated mentors gradually helped him unlock deeper levels of understanding. His progress became especially noticeable when he started working regularly with teachers who encouraged both discipline and creative exploration.

Over the last few years, his growth has been exponential. With a PRS electric guitar as his main instrument, Siddhanth’s alternate picking and riffing technique stand out as key strengths. He’s not one to stop at what’s taught - he often goes beyond class, figuring out songs by ear and collaborating with friends.

He currently trains under Nick Tombing, whose guidance has added a new layer of depth to his musicianship. Their student-teacher relationship is built on shared curiosity and mutual respect, and it reflects in Siddhanth’s increasingly confident and refined playing. Beyond the technical, what truly defines Siddhanth is his musical mindset. He thrives in collaborative settings, enjoys jamming with musicians of all levels, and carries a belief that music is about joy, not competition.

Siddhanth’s inspirations are drawn from some of the best in the field: Jason Richardson, John Petrucci, Tim Henson, and bands like Dream Theater, Periphery, Sleep Token, and All That Remains. These influences aren’t just musical references; they shape his tone, phrasing, and approach to playing.

Outside the guitar, his musical world continues to expand. He is also a passionate Carnatic vocalist, which adds a rich melodic dimension to his understanding of music. Recently, he’s taken a keen interest in music production, enrolling in a course to learn the art of mixing and mastering. This growing interest in how music is made, not just performed, has helped him begin to connect the dots between playing, arranging, and producing.

His family has observed this transformation closely over the years. From the foundational years to his current phase of intense self-driven practice, his journey has been supported by his curiosity and a natural openness to learning. His mother notes how his growth has been especially steep over the last 2–3 years, a result of both a developmental leap and his growing dedication.