Ichika Nito addresses accusations of ‘fake playing’
guitar riff that has become a TikTok sensation and was even covered by John Mayer. From Plini to Polyphia, to being recognized by Nuno on stage, Rick Graham has quietly established himself as a leading figure in progressive guitar. The first viral guitarist on YouTube has returned, re-recording a cover from two decades ago that helped pave the way for shred videos on social media.
Japanese virtuoso Ichika Nito recently shared a one-take performance video as part of a new social media initiative called Highlight. This project aims to showcase individual talents in their raw essence, without any edits, cuts, or overdubs. In light of the escalating accusations of guitarists faking their performances on platforms like Instagram, Highlight stands as a testament to authenticity.
Ichika’s live rendition of i miss you comes after he was the subject of a video on the Jacobra Records YouTube channel, accusing him of being a “fake guitarist.” This video dissected a 2019 performance, echoing similar accusations made against other guitarists like Charlie Robbins and Marcin. In response, Marcin even wrote a song to prove his legitimacy, showcasing the growing scrutiny surrounding social media musicians.
The Highlight project is a timely response to this environment. Though Ichika’s performance was shot with multiple cameras, sparking some debate in the comments, he embraces the challenge with his Ibanez signature guitar. In a statement on Instagram, Ichika explains the simplicity of the concept: step into the studio and deliver a performance in a single take, showcasing raw guitar talent without any distractions.
After a brief silence, Ichika embarks on a series of barre chords and right-hand tapping, displaying occasional imperfections like rogue overtones and imperfect bends. This raw performance not only demonstrates his ability to perform what he showcases online but also emphasizes that any mimed videos are not intended to mislead listeners about his skills. Integrity is crucial in the world of social media guitarists, as evidenced by Giacomo Turra’s canceled appearance on Rick Beato’s channel due to his inability to deliver the expected performance.
The guitar community thrives on authenticity and transparency, and Highlight’s approach to showcasing unedited, one-take performances is a refreshing change in an era of increasing skepticism. It offers a platform for genuine talent to shine through, unfiltered and uninhibited by the pressures of perfection. By capturing the essence of each guitarist’s unique style in a single take, Highlight champions the spirit of raw, unedited music in a world where editing and artificiality often dominate online spaces. In a landscape riddled with accusations of fakery, Highlight sets a new standard for social media musicians, encouraging them to showcase their true abilities without any barriers or facades.