Tobias Rauscher is a German percussive fingerstyle guitarist from Stuttgart who has become one of Europe's most respected voices in contemporary acoustic guitar — both as a performer and as an educator.
His 2012 composition "Memories" brought him international recognition, showcasing a blend of slap harmonics, body percussion, and lyrical legato phrasing that felt fresh within the percussive fingerstyle genre. The piece demonstrated that percussive technique need not come at the expense of musicality — every rhythmic gesture in "Memories" serves the emotional arc of the composition.
Rauscher is the founder of the Modern Fingerstyle Academy, an online school that has taught thousands of students worldwide. His teaching methodology breaks down complex percussive techniques into approachable steps, making him one of the most effective instructors in the genre. His courses cover everything from basic thumb independence to advanced slap harmonic integration.
Influenced by Andy McKee, Antoine Dufour, and Erik Mongrain, Rauscher has developed a style that honors the Candyrat Records tradition while pushing toward greater melodic sophistication. His performances are notable for their warmth — there is always a singing quality beneath the percussive elements that keeps the music grounded in expression rather than technique for its own sake.