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Photo credit: Delicia E
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Developing solid technique also reduces the risk of injury, ensuring a longer, healthier playing career. Whether it’s precise alternate picking, fluid legato, expressive bends, or clean chord changes, mastering technique expands an artist’s vocabulary and unlocks the freedom to focus on creativity rather than physical limitations. In short, technique is the bridge between musical imagination and its fullest, most powerful expression.
The Building Blocks of Great Guitar Technique
At Guitar Thrills Magazine, we see standout technique as the quiet engine behind unforgettable playing. The essentials:
Our take: Technique isn’t about showing off—it’s about unlocking expression. Master these fundamentals, and your ideas won’t just be heard; they’ll be felt.
ABOUT TRACY LAMBERTUCCI
Tracy Lambertucci, a Venezuelan-born and Los Angeles–based guitarist, has built a reputation as both a technically gifted musician and a passionate, thoughtful artist. Picking up the guitar at 15 and performing live by 16, she went on to graduate with honors in Performance and Audio Engineering from the Musicians Institute. Known for her work in contemporary rock and progressive fusion, Lambertucci balances technical precision with emotional depth, often channeling personal experiences into her music. Despite battling tendonitis and shoulder issues, she maintains a disciplined practice regimen of two to three hours a day, honing her skills in guitar technique, piano, singing, and ear training. A multilingual artist and certified personal trainer, she embraces versatility both on and off stage, drawing inspiration from legends like Dream Theater, Rush, Queen, Van Halen, John Mayer, and Sting. Vocal about the challenges women face in the music industry, Lambertucci encourages artists to focus on projects that offer fulfillment, connection, or fair compensation, embodying a career built on passion, resilience, and authenticity.
OUR OPINION
At Guitar Thrills Magazine, we believe Tracy Lambertucci’s guitar technique is the perfect blend of precision, discipline, and personality. Her playing demonstrates a deep command of both hands — every note is intentional, every phrase clean and articulate. She pairs the mechanical efficiency of a seasoned professional with the emotional depth of an artist who plays from the heart. Whether executing intricate progressive runs, delivering soulful bends, or layering complex chord voicings, Tracy maintains flawless timing, tonal control, and dynamic range. What sets her apart is her ability to make highly technical passages sound effortless and musical, never letting the skill overshadow the song. Her disciplined daily practice and focus on ergonomic, sustainable playing ensure not only her current mastery but also her longevity as a guitarist. In short, Tracy Lambertucci doesn’t just play the guitar — she commands it with equal parts finesse and fire.
INTERVIEW WITH TRACY LAMBERTUCCI AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: You started playing guitar at 15 and were performing live just a year later. What was the turning point that made you realize music was going to be more than just a hobby?
Tracy: Honestly, it was my mom and uncle’s support. Before I started college, I was already toying with the idea of studying music abroad since the music scene in Venezuela wasn’t that big, but I wasn’t completely sure about it. After high school, I went straight into studying Electronic Engineering and spent almost two years in it. The whole time, though, I realized I wasn’t passionate about it—I kept finding myself thinking about music and wondering what could happen if I gave it a real shot. If it weren’t for my family encouraging me to pursue something as unconventional as music, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to quit engineering and move to the U.S.
Guitar Thrills: Your practice routine is famously disciplined, even with the physical challenges of tendonitis and shoulder issues. How have you adapted your technique to protect your body while still progressing as a guitarist?
Tracy: I don’t push myself to practice for crazy long hours anymore like I did back when I was studying at Musicians Institute, where everyone seemed to have a guitar in their hands 24/7. I’ve learned that progress doesn’t come from the number of hours, but from being intentional with the time you do put in. Even one focused hour a day can take you a long way if you practice smart. The biggest shift for me has been listening to my body, if I feel any pain or discomfort at all, I step away and give myself a break. At the end of the day, protecting your health is what allows you to have longevity as a musician.
Guitar Thrills: You draw inspiration from a wide range of artists — from Dream Theater to John Mayer. How do you blend such diverse influences into your own unique style?
Tracy: I always look for what makes an artist sound melodic and expressive. I study how they bend, their vibrato, their phrasing, the notes they choose, and even their tone, and I try to bring that into my playing but in my own way. I’ve always been more drawn to melodic soloing than just playing fast. For me, a truly great solo is one that stays with you long after you’ve heard it. Petrucci is incredible at that, he’s one of the fastest and most skilled guitarists out there, but he always weaves beautiful melodies into his solos. The Spirit Carries On is a perfect example, you can’t listen to it without feeling something. The same goes for Mayer, his solo in Slow Dancing in a Burning Room always brings up emotions for me. There’s nothing wrong with shredding, I admire it because it takes so much consistency and commitment but when you combine that technical side with real melody and emotion, that’s when you create something truly special.
Guitar Thrills: You’ve been vocal about the challenges women face in the music industry. What’s one change you think the industry needs most to create a truly level playing field?
Tracy: I think one of the biggest changes the industry still needs is to truly value women for their artistry and creative input, rather than for how they look. Too often, I’ve seen “all-female bands” used more as a marketing tactic than a celebration of musicianship. In many cases, the women aren’t valued for their skills or creativity but are treated more like tools to attract attention. That’s really discouraging, because there are so many incredibly talented women who deserve recognition for their artistry and the unique perspective they bring to music.
Representation is improving, but what we really need is respect, equal opportunities, fair pay, and to be seen first and foremost as musicians. When women are given that same level of trust and space, the whole industry benefits, because it opens the door for new voices, new perspectives, and a deeper kind of artistry.
Guitar Thrills: As both a performer and a certified personal trainer, you have a unique perspective on physical conditioning. How does fitness play into your guitar performance and longevity?
Tracy: I see fitness as the vehicle that allows me to do what I love for as long as possible. Playing live takes a huge toll on both your body and your mind, touring can be so brutal, and that’s part of why so many musicians lean on alcohol or drugs just to get by. Prioritizing your health, physically and mentally, puts you in the best position to handle whatever music throws at you. You’ll be more present and focused when performing, have the energy to keep improving as a musician, and make better decisions when your mind is in the right place.
Guitar Thrills: You’re multilingual and have lived in different cultural environments. How has your global perspective influenced your approach to music and collaboration?
Tracy: I think it’s been amazing to have music as the tool that connects me to people all over the world. Being able to communicate and bond through music is something truly special, it makes our differences feel smaller because no matter where you come from, our what your background is music is something everyone can relate to. Traveling so much and collaborating with musicians from different cultures has really shaped my approach to music. It’s taught me to be open-minded, adaptable, and to really listen, because every musician brings something unique to the table. Living in Los Angeles has reinforced that even more. The city is full of opportunities and incredibly welcoming to people from all over the world. It’s a place where you can build amazing friendships and creative collaborations you might never have imagined
Guitar Thrills: You’ve said that every project you take on must meet at least one of three criteria — enjoying the people, connecting with the music, or fair compensation. How did you come to set that standard, and has it ever been difficult to stick to?
Tracy: That phrase came from my teacher Gary at Musicians Institute, and it really stuck with me. Back then, I was so passionate about playing that honestly, any excuse to play music felt good. But as I started working full-time as a musician, that advice made a lot of sense and helped me make smarter decisions about which gigs and projects to say yes to, to avoid burnout as much as possible.
I’ll admit, saying no can still be hard, I’m still working on it, you never know where an opportunity might lead. But over the past couple of years, I’ve realized I need at least two of those elements to feel comfortable accepting a project. First, it must make sense financially, and second, the people need to be great humans. As for enjoying the music itself, when music becomes your full-time job, you must accept that not every project will thrill you, but if the other pieces are in place, it’s worth it, at least in my opinion.
Guitar Thrills: Tone is as much about the hands as it is about the gear. What elements of your personal technique do you think define your sound most?
Tracy: I think my tone comes from a combination of keeping both hands as relaxed as possible to create fluidity and make the phrases flow better. Proper muting is also key; it keeps everything sounding clean. Legato is one of my favorite techniques, and I always focus on making my phrases as smooth as possible. I also love incorporating hybrid picking whenever I can. Playing with your fingers gives such a warm, smooth tone, and when you combine that with a pick, you get the best of both worlds plus more dynamic range.
Guitar Thrills: Balancing technical skill with emotional expression can be a challenge for many players. How do you ensure you’re playing never loses its emotional impact, even in complex passages?
Tracy: I think the key is always keeping melody in mind. Complex passages should be used like little sprinkles, they make your playing stand out and add interest, but the melody and phrasing should remain at the forefront. That’s what keeps the emotional impact intact, no matter how technical the passage gets.
Guitar Thrills: Looking ahead, what’s one musical challenge or goal you’re determined to tackle in the next stage of your career?
Tracy: I’ve been asking myself this same question a lot this past year! 😅 I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’ve been lucky to check off many goals from my music bucket list over the past four years. Moving forward, I want to keep growing as a musician—not just on guitar, but also as a singer, which I’ve been working on a lot. I’d love to keep collaborating with other artists and continue growing my YouTube channel. It’s been a learning curve, and I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to achieve there, but I’m excited for the journey.
CONCLUSION:
Tracy Lambertucci embodies the rare balance of technical mastery, artistic depth, and unwavering discipline. Her journey from a teenage guitarist in Venezuela to a respected force in the Los Angeles music scene reflects not only her talent, but also her resilience and dedication to her craft. Every note she plays carries both precision and emotion, proving that true musicianship lies in the marriage of skill and soul. Beyond her undeniable technical command, Tracy’s commitment to authenticity, her willingness to address industry challenges, and her passion for continual growth make her an inspiring figure for the next generation of guitarists. In a world where speed and flash can overshadow substance, Lambertucci reminds us that the most powerful performances are those that connect, resonate, and endure.
