Drawing from a broad knowledge of Brazilian folk music, his many influences include Chiquinha Gonzaga, Ernesto Nazareth, Catullo da Paixão Cearense, Anacleto de Medeiros, Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, Waldir Azevedo, and Villa-Lobos. He also admires other composer/guitarists such as Laurindo Almeida, João Pernambuco, Dilermando Reis, Baden Powell, and Luiz Bonfá.