Founder • Musician • Educator
“Music never asked me for a degree. It simply asked me to play.”
My Story
Like many musicians, my journey didn’t begin in a classroom. It began with curiosity. I picked up the guitar after finishing school and became completely obsessed.
While others saw an instrument… I saw endless possibilities. The guitar rarely left my hands. Within a few months, I was already playing songs. Not long after, solos and riffs that once seemed impossible became part of my daily practice. Looking back, I don’t think I learnt quickly because I was naturally gifted. I learnt because I simply couldn’t stop playing.
Music wasn’t something I did. It became part of who I was.
Music Became My Education
I’m often asked where I studied. The answer surprises people. I left college early. Like many people, I discovered that much of the world judged you by certificates and qualifications.
Music never did. It simply asked one question. Can you play? That question changed my life.
Music gave me opportunities, friendships, stages, experiences and a career that no certificate ever could. It taught me that passion, curiosity and consistency often matter more than titles. That belief still shapes the way I teach today.
Years of Performing
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of performing across Bangalore with several bands and artists. Some projects have focused on classic rock. Others on punk. Metal. Original music. Session work. I’ve played guitar. I’ve played bass. I’ve shared stages with incredible musicians. I’ve opened for bands I admired. I’ve played venues like Hard Rock Cafe and countless festivals, clubs and live events.
One of my original music projects, Ledge 13, is available on streaming platforms, where I performed as the bassist alongside close friends and fellow musicians.
Every performance has taught me something. Some were unforgettable. Some were challenging. All of them made me a better musician.
Teaching Changed Everything
Long before The First Chord existed, I spent years teaching at several music schools across Bangalore. Every school taught me something. But they also showed me what I didn’t want my own school to become. Too often I saw students being encouraged to remain dependent. The goal wasn’t always to create musicians. Sometimes it was simply to retain students for as long as possible.
That never felt right to me. I wanted students to leave. Not because they were unhappy. But because they had become confident enough to continue learning on their own.
That belief eventually became… The First Chord Method™.
What I Love Most About Teaching
People often ask me what my favourite part of teaching is. It’s not explaining theory. It’s not scales. It’s not exercises.
It’s the moment a student suddenly gets it. The moment they hear a mistake before I even point it out. The moment they play a song they never thought they could.
The smile. The confidence. The excitement. Watching someone realize…
“I can actually do this.”
That’s why I teach.
My Musical Influences
Like many guitarists, my taste has evolved over the years. I grew up on punk rock.
Blink-182. Sum 41. Green Day. Avril Lavigne. Eventually I fell in love with classic rock, heavy metal and blues.
Today my biggest influences include:
- Zakk Wylde
- Randy Rhoads
- Dimebag Darrell
- Tony Iommi
- Brian Setzer
- Tesla
- Pantera
- Black Sabbath
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Bullet For My Valentine
If I could jam with anyone… It would probably be Robert Johnson, Randy Rhoads, Dimebag Darrell, Zakk Wylde or Jake E. Lee.
A Few Things About Me
🎸 First song I learnt
Hotel California
🎵 Favourite thing to teach
Helping students become musicians rather than simply learning songs.
🎤 Favourite genres
Rock • Classic Rock • Punk • Blues • Metal
✈ Outside music
Travelling, meeting new people and discovering new music.
🎧 Biggest lesson music taught me
Nobody asks for your degree when you pick up a guitar.
They simply listen.
Why I Started The First Chord
For years I had a dream. One day… I’d build a school that taught music the way I believed it should be taught. Not through endless dependence. Not through memorizing songs. Not through fear of making mistakes.
But through curiosity. Confidence. Creativity. And genuine enjoyment.
COVID unexpectedly gave me the opportunity to finally build that dream. Today…
The First Chord isn’t simply the place where I teach. It’s the place I always hoped would exist.
A Personal Note
If you ever learn with me… I hope you don’t remember me because I played fast. Or because I performed on big stages.
I hope you remember me because I helped you discover something you didn’t think you were capable of.
For me…
A satisfied soul who plays with a smile is enough gratitude to the universe.
— Eric Rodrigues
Everything else is just a bonus.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Every musician begins with a first chord. Maybe yours is waiting.