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Photo credit: Tiago Gonçalves
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In the world of rock music, guitarists are often celebrated for explosive riffs, roaring distortion, and electrifying solos. Yet some of the most enduring moments in rock history come not from sheer volume, but from vulnerability—the kind woven into intimate ballads. For a rock guitarist, playing softly can be just as technically demanding and emotionally revealing as shredding at full speed. These quieter moments strip away the armor, highlighting tone, phrasing, lyricism, and emotional honesty. When a guitarist known for power chooses restraint, the contrast is striking. The guitar becomes not just an instrument but a narrator, carrying the weight of confession, longing, or fragile self-discovery.
Many of the most respected guitar-led artists built their legacies on this duality. Eric Clapton, renowned for his blues-rooted virtuosity, delivered one of the most iconic rock ballads of all time with “Tears in Heaven,” showcasing a tenderness far removed from his fiery electric solos. Slash, famous for hard-hitting leads with Guns N’ Roses, brought haunting beauty to “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and emotional depth to “November Rain,” proving that melodic sensitivity can coexist with gritty rock bravado. Kurt Cobain, though raw and unpolished by design, delivered vulnerability through stripped-back tracks like “About a Girl” and the MTV Unplugged performance—an example of how minimalism can amplify emotion. Meanwhile, artists like John Mayer, Dave Grohl, and Nancy Wilson (of Heart) mastered the ability to shift seamlessly between thunderous rock energy and delicate balladry, each using guitar to reveal different dimensions of their artistry. Their versatility continues to inspire modern guitarists who seek to balance intensity with intimacy, proving that in rock, sometimes the quietest notes resonate the loudest.
This leads us into the guitarist known for her versatility and amazing ballads. Her name is Vivi Zanrosso. For every artist, one of the most crucial decisions isn’t what to create, but how to create it. Choosing a genre that aligns with your abilities, personality, and passion can make the difference between work that feels authentic and work that feels forced. Your genre isn’t just a label—it’s a framework that shapes your voice, your audience, and ultimately, your legacy.
ABOUT VIVI ZANROSSO
Vivi Zanrosso is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends melodic piano lines with the energy of alternative and hard rock. Raised in Rio Grande do Sul and shaped by a lifelong connection to music through her family, she began playing piano at a young age before expanding into composition and multi-instrumental work. During the pandemic, her songwriting voice crystallized, leading her to craft emotionally charged, rock-driven songs that reflect personal growth, resilience, and the landscapes that inspire her.
Now based on the southern coast of Santa Catarina, Vivi has been steadily gaining recognition for her expressive vocals, dynamic arrangements, and a musical identity rooted in both classic rock influences and modern alt-rock sensibilities. Her releases showcase a mix of powerful anthems and intimate ballads, highlighting her versatility as an artist and storyteller. With each new project, she continues to build a distinctive space within the Brazilian rock scene, marked by authenticity, emotional depth, and an unmistakable artistic voice
The Guitar Thrills Perspective
Vivi Zanrosso is a revelation for anyone who believes that rock guitar is only about distortion and speed. What makes her stand out is the way she marries technical skill with emotional storytelling. Her piano roots are evident in her phrasing, but it’s when she picks up the guitar that you see her true versatility—able to switch seamlessly from melodic, intimate passages to full-throttle rock riffs without ever losing the emotional core of the song. Tracks like Magic Trick or Highway aren’t just exercises in precision; they’re demonstrations of a guitarist who understands that tone and timing are as expressive as any note.
From a Guitar Thrills perspective, Vivi is the kind of musician who reminds us why versatility matters. In a scene often dominated by technical showmanship, she proves that restraint can be just as thrilling as shred. Her solos are never gratuitous—they tell a story, complement the melody, and enhance the emotional weight of the song. For aspiring guitarists, she’s a case study in how to balance skill with sensitivity, and for fans of rock, she offers something increasingly rare: a guitarist whose heart resonates through every string she touches.
INTEVIEW WITH VIVI ZANROSSO AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Your music blends piano-led melodies with rock guitar. How do you approach balancing these two elements in your songwriting?
Vivi: The piano was the first instrument I ever came into contact with. I remember taking my first classical piano lessons when I was about eight or nine years old. As the years went by, I started trying to adapt songs from my favorite rock bands into piano versions. The sound of the guitar drives me absolutely crazy - I really love it. So, about two years ago, I finally decided to learn how to play it.
In my point of view, the blend of these two instruments is something truly amazing, and the balance comes from the intensity each one brings when we listen to them. I see them as two opposite poles that complete each other: the power of the guitar and the tenderness of the piano. I believe this blend reflects exactly who I am - a strong and striking person, but at the same time, someone extremely sensitive
Guitar Thrills: Many of your songs have an intimate, personal feel. How does vulnerability shape your creative process?
Vivi: I believe the best songs come from the difficult moments in our lives. To me, music is a kind of therapy - something that makes me feel good. When I’m writing my songs or playing, I feel as if I’m entering another world, a world where everything is possible, and it makes me stronger than I am in everyday life.
My career is still quite recent. I started composing during the pandemic, which, for me, was a period of deep self-discovery. It pushed me to explore many things I enjoyed but had never had the time to dedicate myself to. I confess that many of my songs come not only from my own experiences and feelings, but also from the emotions and moments lived by people I know, and even from stories I’ve heard. You may think I’m a little crazy, but some of my compositions actually come from dreams I’ve had or ideas that woke me up in the middle of the night, and by the way, “Magic Trick” and “Alright” are two examples of that.
Guitar Thrills: Who were the guitarists or musicians that most influenced your approach to the instrument and to rock music as a whole?
Vivi: Slash, Richie Sambora, Eddie Van Halen, Angus Young… It’s hard to choose - they’re all legends. My biggest dream is to one day be able to create and play memorable solos and riffs like they do.
But I have to confess something: to me, Dave Grohl is the complete artist. He’s funny, he interacts with the audience, he’s an incredible songwriter, and he comes across as an extremely down-to-earth person. I really relate to him a lot. Anyway, it’s tough, and honestly unfair, to choose just a few legends, right? There are so many other artists and bands that influenced me. Queen is another example. Freddie Mercury had an unbelievable stage presence, an incredible voice, and a completely unique way of composing. And of course, that blend of guitar and piano was always there.
Guitar Thrills: You’ve been called a multi-instrumentalist. How does playing different instruments affect the way you write and arrange songs?
Vivi: I’m not sure if I’d call myself a multi-instrumentalist, but I do play a few instruments - piano, keyboards, and both acoustic and electric guitar. Still, I feel like I have a lot to learn. The coolest part about knowing how to play different instruments is being able to try each one out when I’m working on a new song. When I’m writing, the melody just comes to my mind and I don’t try to follow any specific pattern, you know? I just let my creativity flow freely.
Once I manage to turn that idea into something real, I usually record a guide track and share it with my producer so we can exchange ideas and decide what direction to take to reach the final result I’m aiming for.
Guitar Thrills: Your EPs and singles often mix anthemic rock with softer ballads. How do you decide which songs will lean into intensity and which into intimacy?
Vivi: As I mentioned before, most of my compositions come to me unexpectedly. I never force the process, because if I do, nothing flows, I simply can’t write. Every time I try to compose thinking that I “need” to compose, my mind just shuts down. So, I don’t overthink what kind of song I’m supposed to write. When the ideas come, I just let them happen.
Once something inspires me, I write it down and start experimenting with arrangements and chords to shape the melody. After that, I record a rough guide and share all my ideas with my producer, and together we decide what works best for the project. So yeah, that’s how it is. I don’t plan a specific theme in advance, I just write whatever I’m thinking or feeling in the moment. Then I test instruments and arrangements before recording a guide track to show my producer.
Guitar Thrills: Can you walk us through your gear setup or favorite guitars and pedals that define your sound?
Vivi: Most of my songs start at home, in a simple and relaxed setup. I usually write with two guitars that are always within reach: a Fender Squier and a Vintage Les Paul. I work with the most basic instruments I have at home, and like every guitarist, I also dream of having a more complete and high-end setup someday. Because it’s such a lightweight guitar, I’ve adapted really well to the Fender, which makes the writing process easier. Still, the most important part is capturing the emotion in the beginning, and the Squier, even being a more basic guitar, is perfect for catching the first ideas quickly without overthinking. I also use Boss and Zoom pedals to sketch out some textures while I’m creating.
But when I bring these ideas to the studio with my producer, everything transforms. That’s where my compositions take on a whole new dimension, recorded with incredible instruments that elevate the sound far beyond my home setup. We expanded the tone using a full arsenal of guitars: Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Gibson 335, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson Explorer, and the Peavey Wolfgang. That variety brought richer layers and allowed us to blend clean tones with heavier, more emotional moments. The mix of single coils and humbuckers ended up giving the songs a wide range of textures, from intimate to high-energy. For pedals, the focus was on organic overdrives, subtle delays and controlled reverbs, keeping the guitars expressive but still clear in the mix. And you know what? I’ll confess, my next dream purchase is a semi-hollow guitar just like Dave Grohl’s.
Guitar Thrills: What challenges have you faced as a female guitarist in the rock scene, and how have you navigated them?
Vivi: The rock scene in Brazil is still very tough and closed-off. Other genres get far more support, media exposure, and opportunities. In rock, everything takes twice the effort, especially when you’re building an independent career. Still, it’s where I feel artistically at home, so I keep going. To be real, I’m really inspired by guitarists like Sophie Lloyd and Nita Strauss. My own playing leans heavily into a grunge vibe, but I draw a lot from them and others as well. I’m just getting started and one day, I hope to reach their level of skill and precision.
Guitar Thrills: Your lyrics often explore personal growth, change, and resilience. How much of your songwriting comes from lived experience versus imagination?
Vivi: As I mentioned earlier, many of my compositions come from what I’m feeling, though not necessarily from situations I’m personally experiencing. I draw a lot of inspiration from the stories of people I know. Still, I always bring in my own personal growth and my sense of transformation. I believe we’re here to evolve in every way. Learning how to navigate pain and the challenges we encounter along our path is something that truly drives me.
Sometimes I also talk about my own feelings and about moments that are part of my life. For example, my latest release Hurricane is a song about people who pass through our lives in unforgettable ways, leaving their essence and something good behind. I have to admit I was inspired by myself while creating it, because that’s exactly who I am: someone determined, who goes after their goals, and who tries to leave the best of themselves wherever they go.
I love challenges, and I’m extremely focused when it comes to pursuing my dreams. To me, living without dreams, desires, or clear goals isn’t really living, it’s just existing. That’s why themes like change, strength, and determination appear so often in my music.
Guitar Thrills: If you could collaborate with any rock artist, living or from history, who would it be and why?
Vivi: It would definitely be Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters. He’s honestly one of the coolest guys in rock - super talented, intense, and incredibly real in everything he does. I love how he turns any emotion into powerful, honest, high-energy music. Getting to meet him or share the stage with him would be the kind of moment I’d never forget.
And to be real with you, it would be a total dream, because, as I mentioned before, I really connect with him and take a lot of inspiration from his work. I feel like his vibe matches a lot with the way I see music. Collaborating with him would be surreal and such an amazing chance for me to grow as an artist.
Guitar Thrills: Looking ahead, where do you see your music evolving in the next few years, both in style and instrumentation?
Vivi: I want to keep discovering and shaping my style, reach more and more people with my music, and go on tour to really connect with the crowd. In the studio, I feel totally free to create — it’s that place where time just disappears. But on stage, the crowd’s energy hits me in a way that’s hard to put into words. Hearing everyone sing along is surreal… it feels like you’re truly touching people’s souls.
I also want to keep growing professionally. I want to stay updated, learn new things, improve my songwriting, and get better and better with my instruments. I know there’s still a long road ahead, and honestly, that excites me — wanting to keep evolving is what pushes me forward. In the end, my biggest dream is to share my work with the world and make a difference in people’s lives, just like my idols make a difference in mine.
CONCLUSION
In a music landscape where, technical skill often overshadows emotional depth, Vivi Zanrosso stands out as a guitarist and songwriter who marries both with effortless grace. Her ability to move between intimate ballads and electrifying rock anthems demonstrates not only versatility but a deep understanding of music as a storytelling medium. Whether through a delicate piano-driven melody or a soaring guitar solo, Vivi’s work resonates with honesty, skill, and passion—reminding us that true artistry lies in the balance between power and vulnerability. As her career continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Vivi Zanrosso is a voice and a guitarist the rock world cannot afford to overlook.
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