What first drew you to playing guitar, and how has that relationship with music evolved over the years?
I started playing because I was fascinated by how expressive the guitar could be. At first it was all about learning riffs and chasing the sounds of my favorite players- Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Albert King to name a few, but over time it became much more personal. These days I play because it's how I process ideas, relax, and express myself. I write lots of music and love trying to develop compositional and improvisational ideas over time.
What made you choose a Rocca guitar over other options you were considering?
I was looking for something that felt truly handmade rather than mass-produced. The Rocca stood out because of the attention to detail, the thoughtful ergonomic design, and the fact that it was clearly built by someone who understands what players actually need. The compact headless design was a bonus, but the craftsmanship is what really sold me.
Describe the moment you first played your Rocca guitar. What did you notice first — the sound, the feel, something else?
The first thing I noticed was how comfortable it felt. It almost disappeared in my hands, which let me focus entirely on playing. After that, the resonance stood out. Even unplugged it fees alive, and plugged in it had a warmth and clarity that made me want to keep exploring what it had to offer.
Which Rocca model do you own, and what's your favorite detail about how it's built?
I play the Rocca 1. My favorite detail is probably the neck—it has this really comfortable profile that feels natural no matter where you are on the fretboard. I also appreciate the rolled fingerboard edges and the hand-rubbed oil finish. It has a really organic feel that encourages you to keep playing.
How would you describe the sound of your Rocca guitar to someone who's never heard one?
I'd describe it as warm, articulate, and incredibly responsive. It has enough clarity that complex chords stay defined, but there's still a richness behind every note. It feels like the guitar rewards subtle dynamics instead of forcing you into one sound.
Is there a song, riff, or piece of music that feels like "your song" on this guitar?
Lately there have been a couple of original ideas that I feel "shine" with this instrument. Particularly for one of my solo projects, "Caiyoot," which is more fusion/rock leaning a lot of the straight ahead jazz I usually play. This guitar has a clarity to it that works really well regardless of clean or overdriven tones.
Tell us about a memorable moment you've had with your Rocca guitar — on stage, in the studio, or just at home.
One of my favorite moments was simply sitting down to test it for what I thought would be a few minutes, and suddenly realizing an hour had gone by. That's usually the sign of a great instrument; it gets out of the way and lets you focus on making music.
What's changed in how you play or write music since getting your Rocca guitar?
I've found myself experimenting more. The comfort and responsiveness make me want to explore different voicings, articulations, and melodic ideas instead of falling back on familiar habits. It's become a guitar that inspires creativity and experimentation instead of just reproducing what I already know.
If a friend were shopping for their first (or next) guitar, what would you tell them to look and listen for?
I'd tell them to pay attention to how a guitar makes them feel, not just the spec sheet. If it feels comfortable and inspires you to keep playing, that's worth more than chasing a particular brand or feature. The right guitar should make you forget you're evaluating it and just enjoy playing.
What surprised you most about owning a Rocca guitar?
How quickly it felt familiar. Even though it's a modern headless design, it never felt like something I had to "get used to." It immediately felt like a serious instrument built by someone who put function ahead of gimmicks.
Where do you see your music going next, and what role will this guitar play in that journey?
I'm looking forward to writing more original music and continuing to refine my own voice as a player. The Rocca will definitely be part of that because it's become one of the instruments I naturally reach for when I'm trying to create something new.
What's one word or phrase that captures what your Rocca guitar means to you?
"Creativity."
It makes me want to pick it up, play longer, and keep pushing myself to explore new ideas.
Thank you Cecil! We are proud of you being a Rocca Guitars artist!
Please check out Cecil’s recordings as a solo artist as well as his recordings with Chief Adjuah
Cecil’s website: https://www.cecilalexander.com/
Chief Adjuah’s website: https://www.chiefadjuah.com/stretchmusichome
Check Cecil Alexander playing his Rocca 1 in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCIj5l38lY