Jesse Monaghan

From Grass Valley to Guitar Glory: A Lifelong Journey in Rock

​

Jesse was born in Grass Valley, California, a small town in the foothills near Lake Tahoe. Both parents were musical enthusiasts so music was live and loud at home from an early age. Jesse began to play guitar formally at the age of 5, beginning with a focus on classical guitar. Soon the influence of guitar players such as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler began to sway his interest from the classical guitar discipline to a more rock, blues centric focus.

 

Then at age 13, a pivotal event took place.Jesse’s father took him to his first real rock concert, Van Halen. Seeing that show ignited a passion to delve deeper into guitar and a desire to become a performing musician. Jesse enveloped himself in the 80’s era hard rock guitar scene spending upwards of 8-10 hours a day lifting riffs and licks from virtuoso’s such as George Lynch, Stave Vai and Edward Van Halen off cassette tapes and vinyl. From there he honed his live skills by playing in several bands and doing studio work throughout California into his early 20’s.

 

In 2005 Jesse moved to Austin Texas, where he immediately began working with local musicians and formed several bands that continue to have success to this day in the central Texas area. He also has contributed to studio/TV work and worked as a hired guitar slinger alongside other A list Nashville sessions and touring musicians. 

​

​