Fresh from launching his namesake guitar brand, Nuno Bettencourt has announced the Six String Sanctuary guitar camp, set to take place in Las Vegas in January.
The Extreme guitarist, who recently revealed he turned down the chance to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band, has curated the four-day and four-night event to be a “celebration” of shred, and has tapped into his Rolodex of contacts to make it memorable.
Running January 16–20, 2026, at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, the event will host a handful of guest stars, including Steve Vai. He’ll be in attendance across the four days, holding masterclasses, while there’s promise of a “never-to-be-seen-again performance,” too.
Breakout workshops will be held by Rick Beato, Eric Gales, Richie Kotzen, Mateus Asato, and Taj Farrant. They’ll be organized by skill level to ensure all participants get the most out of their time with the elite musicians running the workshops.
There’ll be nightly concerts by the house band. Bettencourt has drafted in drummer Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Black Country Communion), and bass player Vincen García (Funkiwis) on bass for those performances.
Furthermore, there will be late-night jam sessions, with Kyle Brian, Doug Doppler, and Larry Mitchell among those burning the midnight oil.
Attendees will also be among the first players in the world to try out Nuno’s all-new electric guitars, which featured at Back to the Beginning.
Beyond that, attendees will shred over a new, original track penned by Bettencourt for the event.
“I’ve been waiting a long time to do this, and it’s finally happening; four days and nights of nothing but guitars, attitude, and music that hits you in the chest,” Bettencourt enthuses.
“This isn’t just about sitting back and watching us play. Everyone who comes to Six String Sanctuary will lay down a solo on a brand-new track I’ve written and recorded with the house band. You’ll walk out with your version in hand. This is gonna be raw, loud, heavy, and real. If the guitar has ever been your sanctuary, you already know you need to be there.”
Players must be over 16 to attend alone, and you’ll need to bring your own axe, guitar cable, and tuner to the party.
Head to Nuno’s Six String Sanctuary for more.
In related news, Bettencourt has unveiled a wild Mad Max-inspired Custom Shop Washburn that takes the keytar concept to ridiculous new heights.
“If the Guitar Has Ever Been Your Sanctuary, you already Know You Need too Be There”: Nuno Bettencourt Announces Four-Day Guitar Camp – Featuring Big-Name Players
For guitar enthusiasts, the guitar is often more than just an instrument-it’s a sanctuary. Recognizing this emotional connection, legendary guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, renowned for his incredible work with the band Extreme and his groundbreaking guitar techniques, has announced an exclusive four-day guitar camp designed to inspire, educate, and challenge players of all levels. This immersive camp boasts appearances from some of the biggest names in guitar, promising an unforgettable experience.
What Makes Nuno Bettencourt’s guitar Camp Unmissable?
Nuno’s guitar camp is not just another music workshop; it’s a holistic program tailor-made to nurture your passion and skills with hands-on sessions, creative clinics, and collaborative jam experiences. Whether you’re a beginner,intermediate player,or a seasoned pro,this camp invites you to immerse yourself in the guitar world like never before.
Key Features of the Four-Day Guitar Camp
- Extensive Guitar Clinics: Learn signature techniques, soloing methods, and rhythm styles unique to Nuno and guest players.
- big-Name Guest Players: Participate in Q&A sessions,masterclasses,and live jams led by some of the industry’s most influential guitarists.
- Personalized Feedback: Receive constructive critiques on your playing and tips for accelerated progress.
- Creative Songwriting & Arranging: Dive deep into the art of crafting memorable riffs and compositions.
- exclusive Jam Sessions: Collaborate and play with fellow guitar enthusiasts and pros, enhancing improvisation and stage confidence.
- Gear Clinics: Discover rig tips, effects programming, and tone building strategies directly from the pros.
Meet the Big-Name Guitar Players Helping to Make This Camp Legendary
Nuno didn’t just pull together any instructors – he’s brought together a curated lineup of some of the music industry’s most respected guitarists, each bringing a unique expertise and style to the camp:
| Artist | Notable Bands / Projects | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Tremonti | Creed, Alter Bridge | Heavy riff writing & melodic solos |
| john Petrucci | dream Theater | progressive metal technique & compositional mastery |
| Orianthi | Solo Artist, Michael Jackson’s guitarist | Blues-infused rock and lead guitar finesse |
| Steve Stevens | Billy Idol, solo projects | innovative effects & stage presence coaching |
Benefits of Attending Nuno Bettencourt’s Guitar Camp
- Accelerated Skill Advancement: Gain insider techniques that could take years to learn independently.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow guitar enthusiasts, industry pros, and even potential collaborators.
- Creative Inspiration: Break thru creative blocks with songwriting and improvisation clinics.
- Confidence Boosting: Evaluate and improve your playing through expert feedback in a nurturing habitat.
- unparalleled Access: Receive gear demonstrations and tips from pros who know how to get the best tone.
what to Expect: Daily Breakdown of the Guitar Camp
| Day | Focus Areas | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Technique Fundamentals & Signature Styles | Nuno’s signature riff clinic, guest player introductions |
| Day 2 | Advanced Soloing & Improvisation | Jam sessions, masterclasses with Mark Tremonti & Orianthi |
| Day 3 | Songwriting & Arrangement | Solo & group songwriting workshops, gear talk by Steve Stevens |
| Day 4 | Performance & Stagecraft | Live performance drills, Q&A with John Petrucci |
Who Should Attend? Is This Guitar Camp Right for You?
This camp is crafted for:
- Intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking to raise their playing and creativity.
- Beginner players who want a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
- Songwriters wanting to harness their guitar skills for better compositions.
- Music educators looking for fresh, expert-tested methods to bring to students.
- Music lovers who want to deepen their connection to the guitar as a sanctuary.
Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of the Guitar Camp
- Prepare Your Gear: Bring your favorite guitar(s),amplifier,cables,and a notebook for notes. Don’t forget backup strings!
- Set Goals: Consider what you want to improve – technique, improvisation, tone, stage presence – and communicate this during personal sessions.
- Stay Open-Minded: Try new styles and techniques introduced by different guest artists.
- Participate Actively: Engage fully in jam sessions, Q&As, and workshops for maximized learning and fun.
- Record and Review: Use a smartphone or recorder to capture lessons and jams for later practice review.
- Connect and Collaborate: Network with peers and instructors to build lasting musical relationships.
First-Hand Experiences: What Past Attendees Say
“Nuno’s camp was transformational for my playing. The energy, combined with the expertise of the guest artists, pushed me beyond my limits and reignited my passion for guitar.” – Jessica M., Guitarist
“The four days were jam-packed with valuable lessons and the kind of inspiration you won’t find online. Getting personalized feedback from legends? Unreal.” – David P., Music Teacher
“I came hoping for some tips, but what I got was a deep community and a creative reset I desperately needed. Highly recommend for anyone serious about their guitar journey.” – michael K., Intermediate Player
How To Register and What to Expect Next
Registration for Nuno Bettencourt’s guitar camp is open now with limited spots available to maintain an intimate and hands-on experience. Early bird discounts apply for a limited time.
- Step 1: Visit the official registration page on Nuno Bettencourt’s website.
- Step 2: Choose your ticket package – options include full camp access with exclusive merchandise and VIP meet & greet experiences.
- Step 3: Fill out the questionnaire about your skill level and musical preferences to help customize your experience.
- Step 4: Prepare for a life-changing guitar immersion!
Don’t miss the chance to step into your guitar sanctuary with Nuno Bettencourt and fellow legendary players guiding your journey – as if the guitar has ever been your sanctuary, you already know you need to be there.
