As 2026 gets underway, I want to look back on an important chapter of my musical journey: the time when I recorded my instrumental album Maître de ton destin.
Among the compositions on that album was a piece called Peanut Butter Man. An original instrumental guitar composition, energetic, melodic and a little offbeat, it was a track where I had fun exploring all kinds of ideas on guitar.
Back then, I even had a little mascot created to represent the song: a friendly character, electric guitar in hand, who captured its fun, rock ‘n’ roll side perfectly.
Peanut Butter Man: The Original and the New Mascot
When I recently came across that old illustration, I felt like giving it a second life. So I decided to modernize Peanut Butter Man while keeping the spirit of the original character. With his red cap, big shoes and yellow-and-black guitar, he’s back in a far more colourful and expressive version.
It’s a little nod to the past, but also a great way to connect with what I want to accomplish this year.
Getting Back to Composing
For a while now, I’ve felt a growing urge to start writing my own instrumental pieces again.
I’ve always loved working on my own melodies, exploring different techniques and blending my musical influences. Guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Paul Gilbert, Randy Rhoads and Gary Moore have had a big impact on the way I approach the guitar, but I’ve also always tried to develop my own ideas and my own style.
Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time playing, practising and refining certain techniques. Today, I want to put more of that energy into creating.
The goal isn’t necessarily to start working on a new album right away, but rather to rediscover the joy of composing — no pressure, just letting ideas grow naturally.
More Guitar Videos and New Projects
In 2026, I’ve also decided to produce and share more guitar videos.
I want to show different sides of my playing: solos, personal interpretations, practice sessions, musical ideas in progress and, of course, new original compositions.
Some videos will be more technical, featuring legato, tapping, fast picking or sweep picking. Others will focus more on melody, feel and musical expression.
I also want to show the creative process, not just the finished result. A musical idea can start with just a few notes, evolve through practice sessions and eventually become a complete composition.
That’s exactly the part of music that excites me most: starting from almost nothing and watching an idea take shape.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Bringing Peanut Butter Man back to life made me realize that some musical ideas never really disappear. They stay tucked away somewhere in our memories and can resurface many years later.
This old composition reminds me how much I enjoyed creating my own instrumental universe.
Today, with new experiences, new influences and new tools at my disposal, I want to keep moving in that direction.
So Peanut Butter Man is both a memory of my album Maître de ton destin and a small symbol of this new musical beginning.
A new year, new compositions, more videos and, above all, the same joy of playing guitar.
Welcome to my musical universe!
Donald Loignon – Donald Guitar
