About Don Ross
Don Ross is a Canadian fingerstyle guitarist widely considered one of the world's most technically proficient players. A two-time winner of the Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, Ross has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what a solo acoustic guitar can do.
Playing Style
Don Ross combines blues-rooted sensibility with avant-garde technique:
- Heavy percussive playing — Using the guitar body as a drum set with extraordinary precision
- Powerful tone — Known for his large, resonant sound that fills concert halls
- Thumb independence — His bass lines are as complex as many dedicated bassists
- Bluesy inflection — Even his most technical pieces have a soulful, blues-informed feel
The Acoustic Alchemy
What makes Ross special is how naturally his percussive technique integrates into the musical content. Unlike players for whom percussion feels like a gimmick, Ross makes it feel compositionally essential — each thump and slap is in service of the music.
Notable Works
- Klimbim — A tour-de-force of percussive technique and musical invention
- Afraid to Dance — One of his most beloved compositions, soulful and compelling
- High Strung — Showcasing his blues influences
- Tight Trite Night — A complex, rhythmically sophisticated piece
- Michael, Michael, Michael — A tribute to Michael Hedges, his primary influence
Teaching and Legacy
Don Ross is also an active educator and has authored instructional materials that break down his complex techniques into learnable components. His contribution to Canadian music has been recognized with multiple awards and festival appearances worldwide.