Justin Derrico more than P!nk's axe-man

Justin Derrico He's known to millions as P!nk's guitarist, a self-styled showman who's become the subject of teenage fan sites himself.

But Justin Derrico's decision to go solo, starting with a series of shows around Australia, was born from something deeper than artistic frustration.

"The cool thing playing with P!nk is I'm offered so much musical freedom so I get to be myself on that gig," Derrico tells AAP.

"But to perform my own music and steer my own ship is a really rewarding thing and I can't wait to start it in Australia."

Play guitar he can but Derrico doesn't sing, instead relying on quick fingers and his backing band to weave songs instrumentally.

The majority are plucked from his debut album with a few covers thrown in, such as a riffing version of In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins.

Derrico first impressed while touring with rock band The Calling and performing with Beyonce and Tina Turner at the Grammys.

He joined P!nk on her 2009 Funhouse tour and, admired for a range of styles from hardcore shredding to flemenco, felt the full embrace of Australian music fans.

"I got featured quite a lot in the show and people in Australia pay more attention to that kind of thing compared to other countries, especially the States," he says.

Derrico vows he'll be back by P!nk's side whenever she returns to the live stage. Despite recently giving birth to her first baby, he's certain the `adopted Aussie' superstar will hit the road soon.

"It's P!nk man and she loves to do what she does and I know she really wants to get back out," he said.

"Saying that I've never seen her happier and she's loving being a mom."

For now P!nk is offering an influential leg-up by updating her Twitter fans on Derrico's progress.

He knows he has much to learn and admires the singer's ability to pace a show and maximise her impact.

"She starts up and it's really in your face and then she mellows out to let everyone catch their breath before kicking their ass on the way out," he says.

"She has something which is intangible in the fact that she really draws people in no matter what and that's a god given gift."