When I graduated from university, I was lucky enough to be able to secure some money from the Arts Council England to go and study in India, with Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya. This was an incredible privilege, and I wanted to share a little about him with you:
Few artists have reshaped an instrument as profoundly as Debashish Bhattacharya. He is a true master of the slide guitar, elevating the instrument into a deeply expressive vehicle for Hindustani raga music. His playing does not merely adapt Western guitar techniques to Indian traditions, it reimagines the instrument entirely.
Bhattacharya was born in Kolkata and recognised as a prodigy at a young age. Unlike many classical musicians who follow strictly vocal or instrumental gharanas (schools), he carved his own path. By modifying and designing his own instruments, he created a family of guitars capable of sustaining the intricate microtones, meend (glides), and gamakas (ornaments) that define Indian classical performance.
Among his most remarkable innovations is the 24-string “Chaturangui,” along with the “Gandharvi” and the “Anandi.” These instruments are designed specifically to render ragas with precision and depth. With sympathetic strings and a hollow neck for resonance, they produce a rich, singing tone that closely resembles the human voice, which has been long considered the highest ideal in Indian classical aesthetics. Of course, I couldn't leave India without one of these amazing instruments and it is a highlight in my collection.
Bhattacharya’s slide technique is mesmerizing to watch. Using a steel bar, he coaxes fluid, vocal-like phrases from the strings, sustaining notes with total control. His alap sections, the slow, improvised introductions to ragas, unfold like meditative journeys. Each note blooms gradually, revealing subtle emotional colors. When rhythm enters, his intricate taans (fast melodic runs) demonstrate astonishing clarity and speed.
What makes Bhattacharya’s music especially compelling is his ability to bridge cultures without diluting tradition. While firmly rooted in Hindustani classical frameworks, he has collaborated with global musicians and explored cross-cultural dialogues. His Grammy-nominated album, Oshosheni, showcases his dedication to preserving ancient ragas while presenting them to international audiences with fresh vitality.
Listening to Debashish Bhattacharya is an immersive experience: the slide guitar is much more than an instrument in his hands. Bhattacharya’s work stands as a testament to deep study, reverence for tradition, and fearless innovation. It is largely thanks to his visionary craftsmanship and soulful artistry that the slide guitar has a permanent and respected place in the world of Indian classical music.
I have a range of slide guitar courses available online, and you can pick up your FREE Get Going with Slide Guide here to get started.