Paulinho Guitarra

Origin

Niterói, RJ

Also known as

Paulo Ricardo Rodrigues Alves

Years active

1967

Genres

mpb, soul, funk, blues, instrumental

Instruments

electric guitar, acoustic guitar

Biography

Paulinho Guitarra, stage name of Paulo Ricardo Rodrigues Alves, was born in Niterói on November 16, 1954, and established himself as one of the greatest guitar names in Brazil. He began his artistic journey in childhood, playing professionally at the age of twelve with the group Os Adolescentes. In the 1970s, he joined the emblematic band Vitória Régia, accompanying singer Tim Maia and participating in fundamental recordings such as the Tim Maia Racional series, in addition to co-authoring the track "O Caminho do Bem". His innovative style earned him recognition from specialized publications as the creator of the funk guitar genre in the country, as well as featuring on lists of electric and acoustic guitar masters by Rolling Stone Brasil.

Throughout his versatile career, Paulinho collaborated with an immense range of established artists of Brazilian music, including names like Sandra de Sá, Cazuza, Marina Lima, Ed Motta, Gerson King Combo, and Banda Black Rio. He also made his mark on the instrumental and rock scene of Rio de Janeiro by being part of the band Alynaskyna, influenced by the American Southern sound and revered on the legendary Fluminense FM radio station. In his solo discography, which began in 1991 with a self-titled LP and expanded into instrumental and authorial albums like Trans Space, he moves fluidly through soul, funk, jazz, and blues.

Paulinho's contribution to national culture was immortalized in essential record releases and in cinematography, such as the documentary Paulinho Guitarra em Solos e Aventuras, released in 2009. His peerless skill on rhythm and lead guitar has influenced generations of musicians and remains active through long-standing partnerships and authorial projects that celebrate the richness of Brazilian Black music.