About Antoine Dufour
Antoine Dufour is a Canadian fingerstyle guitarist from Québec known for his deeply emotional compositions and highly technical percussive approach. A student of the Don Ross school of percussive fingerstyle, Dufour has developed his own distinct voice that blends technical mastery with heartfelt musical expression.
Playing Style
Dufour's approach is characterized by:
- Emotional depth — Compositions that balance technical complexity with genuine feeling
- Percussive integration — Percussion that feels inevitable rather than added
- Melodic writing — Strong, memorable melodies that stay with listeners long after a performance
- Alternate tunings — Creative use of open and modified tunings per composition
Musical Philosophy
What distinguishes Dufour from many technical players is his commitment to melody and song. While his technique is formidable, he always subordinates it to musical expression. His compositions often have a wistful, introspective quality that resonates deeply with audiences.
Notable Works
- Spiritual Groove — A percussive tour-de-force that showcases all his techniques
- These Moments — A tender, lyrical piece that demonstrates his melodic gift
- Banter — Showing his playful side
- Satisfaction — An emotionally powerful piece in alternate tuning
- Follow Your Moral Virtues — A complex, multi-layered composition
Recognition
Antoine Dufour has performed at major fingerstyle festivals across North America and Europe, earning a devoted following for the authenticity and musicality of his playing. His YouTube videos have introduced his music to fans worldwide.