Master Brazilian Guitar Soul and Feel
With Proven Method, Live Mentorship, and Real Feedback
With Proven Method, Live Mentorship,
and Real Feedback
Live
Mentorship
Sambafying
System
Video
Feedback
Exclusive
Community
Live
Mentorship
Sambafying
System
Video
Feedback
Exclusive
Community
Welcome to BGI:
The Brazilian
Guitar Institute
Your Complete Toolkit for Brazilian Guitar Mastery
BGI provides a comprehensive, structured, and supportive ecosystem designed for serious guitarists
What You Get
Inside BGI:
Live Mentorship
Get direct access to Gabriel in weekly live coaching and interactive sessions. Ask your burning questions, dive deeper into concepts, and receive real-time guidance.
Live Mentorship
Get direct access to Gabriel in weekly live coaching and interactive sessions. Ask your burning questions, dive deeper into concepts, and receive real-time guidance.
Original Method
Step-by-Step BGI method developed by Gabriel Santiago after years of experience.
No more spinning through random tutorials!
Original Method
Step-by-Step BGI method developed by Gabriel Santiago after years of experience. No more spinning through random tutorials!
Unlimited Feedback
This is crucial. Submit recordings of your playing anytime, and Gabriel personally provides detailed, actionable video critiques to break through plateaus and accelerate your progress.
Unlimited Feedback
This is crucial. Submit recordings of your playing anytime, and Gabriel personally provides detailed, actionable video critiques to break through plateaus and accelerate your progress.
The BGI AI Assistant
Your revolutionary 24/7 AI practice partner. Trained specifically on Gabriel's methods, it answers questions, suggests practice routines, and reinforces learning anytime you need it.
The BGI AI Assistant
Your revolutionary 24/7 AI practice partner. Trained specifically on Gabriel's methods, it answers questions, suggests practice routines, and reinforces learning anytime you need it.
Exclusive Community
Connect with a dedicated network of serious, like-minded guitarists from around the world on our private platform.
Exclusive Community
Connect with a dedicated network of serious, like-minded guitarists from around the world on our private platform.
At the BGI, you are going to learn the original methodology developed by Gabriel Santiago after years of experience.
The Sambafying System
Beyond Patterns, Into the Feel
The Challenge: Many guitarists learn Brazilian chord shapes or basic rhythmic patterns but still sound stiff or inauthentic. They miss the underlying groove – the characteristic syncopation, anticipation, and rhythmic phrasing that defines Brazilian music. Simply applying a generic "Bossa Nova strum" often falls short.
The BGI Solution: The "Sambafying System" isn't just about learning more patterns; it's a systematic method for analyzing any piece of music (Brazilian or not) and infusing it with authentic Brazilian DNA. It goes beyond surface-level imitation to teach you how to internalize and apply the core principles of Brazilian groove, harmony and feel.
The Three-Layer System
Crafting Rich Solo Guitar Arrangements
The Challenge: Creating convincing solo guitar arrangements, especially in harmonically and rhythmically rich styles like Brazilian music, is difficult. Many players default to simple "Chord Melody" where the harmony is often static or simplified, failing to capture the polyphonic depth and rhythmic drive inherent in the music.
The BGI Solution: Gabriel's "Three-Layer System" provides a structured approach to solo guitar arranging that treats the instrument polyphonically, ensuring clarity, independence, and authentic interaction between Melody, Harmony, and Bass – much like a small ensemble.
Besides the live mentorship, you'll have access to the Brazilian Basics Certificate and the BGI Graduate Certificate: The step-by-step method to master Brazilian guitar techniques & arranging
Brazilian Basics Certificate 🎖️
Your foundation in authentic Brazilian guitar:
Master essential grooves & comping techniques (Bossa Nova, Samba, Baião, etc.).
Develop right-hand coordination & rhythmic fluency.
Learn core Brazilian rhythms and how to apply them in real music.
Step-by-step video lessons, drills & exercises to solidify your playing.
BGI Graduate Certificate 🎓
The full mastery of Brazilian guitar techniques & arranging:
The Sambafying System —transform any song into a Brazilian groove.
Three-Layer System —solo arranging using melody, harmony, and bass.
Advanced comping & reharmonization techniques.
Building a Brazilian guitar repertoire — arrange & play full pieces.
Developing your unique sound & advanced rhythmic phrasing.
At the BGI, you are going to learn the original methodology developed by Gabriel Santiago after years of experience.
The Sambafying System
Beyond Patterns, Into the Feel
The Challenge: Many guitarists learn Brazilian chord shapes or basic rhythmic patterns but still sound stiff or inauthentic. They miss the underlying groove – the characteristic syncopation, anticipation, and rhythmic phrasing that defines Brazilian music. Simply applying a generic "Bossa Nova strum" often falls short.
The BGI Solution: The "Sambafying System" isn't just about learning more patterns; it's a systematic method for analyzing any piece of music (Brazilian or not) and infusing it with authentic Brazilian DNA. It goes beyond surface-level imitation to teach you how to internalize and apply the core principles of Brazilian groove, harmony and feel.
The Three-Layer System
Crafting Rich Solo
Guitar Arrangements
The Challenge: Creating convincing solo guitar arrangements, especially in harmonically and rhythmically rich styles like Brazilian music, is difficult. Many players default to simple "Chord Melody" where the harmony is often static or simplified, failing to capture the polyphonic depth and rhythmic drive inherent in the music.
The BGI Solution: Gabriel's "Three-Layer System" provides a structured approach to solo guitar arranging that treats the instrument polyphonically, ensuring clarity, independence, and authentic interaction between Melody, Harmony, and Bass – much like a small ensemble.
Besides the live mentorship, you'll have access to the Brazilian Basics Certificate and the BGI Graduate Certificate: The step-by-step method to master Brazilian guitar techniques & arranging
Brazilian Basics Certificate 🎖️
Your foundation in authentic
Brazilian guitar:
Master essential grooves & comping techniques (Bossa Nova, Samba, Baião, etc.).
Develop right-hand coordination & rhythmic fluency.
Learn core Brazilian rhythms and how to apply them in real music.
Step-by-step video lessons, drills & exercises to solidify your playing.
BGI Graduate Certificate 🎓
The full mastery of Brazilian guitar techniques & arranging:
The Sambafying System —transform any song into a Brazilian groove.
Three-Layer System —solo arranging using melody, harmony, and bass.
Advanced comping & reharmonization techniques.
Building a Brazilian guitar repertoire — arrange & play full pieces.
Developing your unique sound & advanced rhythmic phrasing.
Why Do So Many Guitarists Struggle with Brazilian Music?
You’re not alone if you’ve…
Played the Brazilian chords and groove but sounded too mechanical
Jumped between random videos and method books with no clear path
Felt stuck on rhythms that never
quite “lock in”
Confusing rhythms that don’t feel right
Don't worry, we can help you!
Is BGI Right For You?
Jazz
Guitarists
Jazz Guitarists
Ready to truly internalize Brazilian rhythm (going far beyond simplistic "Bossa patterns") and weave an authentic Brazilian vocabulary into your comping and improvisation? BGI provides the deep rhythmic and harmonic framework you need.
Classical
Guitarists
Classical Guitarists
Eager to break free from the constraints of sheet music in this style? Want to improvise confidently, master the subtle phrasing nuances, and embody the essential Brazilian groove? BGI systematically bridges that gap.
Fingerstyle &
Solo Arrangers:
Looking to significantly expand your harmonic palette and rhythmic toolkit specifically for crafting sophisticated, authentic-sounding Brazilian-style solo arrangements? Learn Gabriel's unique system here.
Brazilian Music Enthusiasts:
You love the sound of Bossa Nova, Samba, Choro, and MPB, maybe you've learned some basics, but you know there's a deeper level of authenticity and fluency you're missing? This is your path to playing it correctly and naturally.
Players Seeking Structure &
Proven Results:
Are you tired of disconnected lessons and guesswork? Do you want a clear, step-by-step system that blends street-earned authenticity with academic rigor, guided directly by an expert mentor? BGI offers the most direct path.
Who BGI is NOT for
Let's Be Honest: BGI Requires Commitment
You are a complete beginner
If you're still struggling with basic open chords or navigating the fretboard, build your foundation first.
You're looking for "quick fixes"
or magic shortcuts
Mastering this music requires consistent,
dedicated practice.
You only want pre-recorded
video lessons
BGI's power lies in the live coaching, personalized feedback, and community interaction – it’s active mentorship.
You're not genuinely serious about committing to Brazilian guitar
If you're just casually exploring styles, the depth and focus of this program won't be a good match.
TESTIMONIALS
What the students are saying
"I never thought I could actually play Brazilian music"
“I never thought I could actually play Brazilian music authentically until I joined BGI. Now, I’m confident in my comping, rhythm, and solo arrangements.” - Peter Dammann
"BGI is worth every penny"
"The live coaching and direct feedback are game-changers. Gabriel actually listens to what you play and helps you improve immediately. BGI is worth every penny." - Eugene Barkalov
"Gabriel’s system gave me the structure I needed"
"I used to feel lost when playing Brazilian music. Gabriel’s system gave me the structure I needed to truly understand groove and phrasing." - David Cousino
"Gabriel’s feedback changed everything for me."
“I learned more in three months with BGI than in three years of self-study. Gabriel’s feedback changed everything for me.” - Fredrik Gustafsson
guitarist and composer
Meet Gabriel!
Gabriel Santiago, a native of Brazil, is an accomplished composer, arranger, and skilled guitarist proficient in both acoustic and electric styles.
His notable career spans 14 albums, comprising CDs and DVDs, lauded for their captivating compositions as described by JazzTimes Magazine.
Brazilian Guitar Specialist
Doctoral Degree in Music Composition
Founder of The Brazilian Guitar Institute
guitarist and composer
Meet Gabriel!
Brazilian Guitar Specialist
Doctoral Degree in Music Composition
Founder of The Brazilian Guitar Institute
Gabriel Santiago, a native of Brazil, is an accomplished composer, arranger, and skilled guitarist proficient in both acoustic and electric styles.
His notable career spans 14 albums, comprising CDs and DVDs, lauded for their captivating compositions as described by JazzTimes Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Brazilian Guitar Institute (BGI)?
BGI is a comprehensive 12-month online mentorship program personally led by Gabriel Santiago, designed for experienced guitarists who want to achieve authentic mastery in Brazilian guitar styles (rhythm, harmony, arranging, and improvisation). It combines a structured curriculum, live coaching, personalized feedback, unique learning tools (like an AI coach), and a dedicated community. It's not just a pre-recorded course, but an active mentorship experience.
How is the program delivered?
BGI is delivered online through a combination of:
- Structured video lessons covering core concepts and techniques.
- Live weekly group coaching calls with Gabriel Santiago for Q&A and deeper dives.
- Personalized video feedback on your submitted playing.
- An exclusive online community platform.
- The Brazilian Guitar GPT AI tool for 24/7 support.
- Bonus mini-courses and access to the Founding Members Archive.
Do I need to be an advanced player?
No—but you should be comfortable with basic chords and the fretboard (intermediate level).
What if I can’t attend the live coaching calls?
No problem! All live sessions are recorded and uploaded to the platform, so you can watch them anytime. Plus, you can submit videos and questions even if you can’t attend live—you’ll still receive personalized feedback.
How long do I have access to the program?
You’ll have access to all core content, mini-courses, and the community for 12 months—including live coaching and feedback. After that, you can choose to renew your mentorship if you want continued support.
The Brazilian Guitar Institute | 2025