The Guitar Journal

Jesse Paliotto
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A weekly podcast on making music & fingerstyle guitar.

  1. 07/07/2025

    EP 16: Mike Dawes on Fingerstyle Microtechniques, Covers as Creativity, & The Algorithm Game

    In this episode of The Guitar Journal Podcast, we’re joined by fingerstyle virtuoso Mike Dawes—an innovator known for his percussive techniques, creative arrangements, and collaborations with legends like Tommy Emmanuel. Mike breaks down how he builds layered acoustic compositions using “microtechniques,” and why arranging cover songs is both a creative exercise and a career catalyst. We also dive into the realities of modern music distribution—how the algorithm shapes what we hear, why Spotify can feel like a double-edged sword for independent artists, and how Mike navigates the balance between artistic integrity and digital reach. If you’re a guitarist, creator, or just curious about where acoustic music fits in a world run by platforms, this one’s for you. Links www.mikedawes.comJamPlay course, USB stick version - This is the course material where Mike goes through the percussive techniques from the episode: https://www.mikedawes.com/products/usb-jamplay-courseMike's Truefire courses - https://truefire.com/search/?q=mike%20dawesTonewood Amp 2 - https://www.tonewoodamp.com/products/tonewoodamp2Neural DSP - Pliny plugin - https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/archetype-pliniIK Multimedia Tonex One pedal - https://amzn.to/44P0W1NMood Machine by Liz Pelly - https://amzn.to/3IdNlZeChapters 00:00 Introduction03:12 Mike's Journey from Electric to Acoustic Guitar05:59 The Evolution of Percussive Techniques in Fingerstyle09:03 The Importance of Covers in Learning and Discovery12:05 Collaborations and Community in Fingerstyle Guitar15:08 Practical Tips for Intermediate Guitarists17:58 The Art of Live Performance and Creating Moments28:36 The Art of Live Performance29:50 Innovations in Guitar Effects34:23 Navigating the Spotify Landscape40:11 The Future of Music and AI45:54 Exciting Collaborations and Upcoming Projects

    54 min
  2. EP15: Andrea Valeri on Groove, Guitar Tone, and Chasing Curiosity as a Composer

    06/11/2025

    EP15: Andrea Valeri on Groove, Guitar Tone, and Chasing Curiosity as a Composer

    In this episode of The Guitar Journal Podcast, I'm joined by Andrea Valeri, an internationally acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist who has graced stages around the world alongside legends like Tommy Emmanuel and Guthrie Govan. With nearly 20 years of professional performance and recording under his belt, Andrea brings a unique voice that seamlessly blends thumb picking, finger picking, and flat picking techniques into something entirely his own. We dive deep into Andrea's philosophy on tone and dynamics—what he calls the "fourth dimension" of music that you can actually hear and feel. He shares fascinating insights about his decade-long quest to achieve his signature sound, explaining how he spent years practicing 8-10 hours daily to develop the color and dynamics that define his playing today. From his early days as a rhythm player in an Italian singer-songwriter duo to discovering fingerstyle through Tommy Emmanuel DVDs at age 12, Andrea's journey reveals the dedication required to master multiple guitar techniques while maintaining that essential connection between soul and instrument. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Andrea reveals his ambitious plans for 2026—his 20th anniversary tour that will bring together musicians from every country he's visited over the past two decades. We also explore his home studio recording techniques (including his unique three-microphone setup that captures both the player's and listener's perspectives), his collaborations with film score legends like Hans Zimmer's percussionist Satnam Ramgotra, and why his cat Lilo serves as the ultimate quality control for his compositions 🙂 Whether you're interested in fingerstyle technique, recording philosophy, or the deeper emotional connections that make music transcend mere notes, this episode offers profound insights from a true master of his craft. Links Km184 Neumann mics - https://amzn.to/4kDCN3SLexicon rack unit reverb - https://reverb.com/p/lexicon-mx200-multi-effects-rackProTools - https://www.avid.com/pro-toolsValve Preamp - TL audio - https://reverb.com/item/89995273-tl-audio-dual-valve-mic-pre-amp-diSatnam Ramgotra - https://www.satnamramgotra.com/Maton Andrea Valeri model - https://maton.com.au/guitar/er90c/1073 Neve - https://www.sweetwater.com/neve-1073/seriesChapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrea Valeri01:51 Celebrating 20 Years of Music03:26 The Journey to Fingerstyle Guitar05:23 Developing a Unique Playing Style08:50 The Importance of Sound and Tone12:36 Connecting with the Instrument16:11 Recording Techniques and Studio Setup23:38 Collaborating with Other Musicians27:53 The Creative Process of Collaboration29:57 Understanding Composition and Creativity34:37 Translating Emotions into Music37:07 The Importance of Childlike Wonder38:41 The Role of Feedback in Music41:35 Choosing the Right Instruments46:26 Gear Wishlist and Musical Inspirations49:22 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

    58 min
  3. EP 14: Sean McGowan on Fingerstyle Jazz, Crafting the Music, and The Holistic Guitarist [New Book]

    05/26/2025

    EP 14: Sean McGowan on Fingerstyle Jazz, Crafting the Music, and The Holistic Guitarist [New Book]

    In this episode of The Guitar Journal Podcast, I’m joined by acclaimed fingerstyle jazz guitarist Sean McGowan. Known for his rich harmonic approach and inventive solo arrangements, Sean blends classical influences, jazz sophistication, and fingerstyle nuance into a deeply expressive style all his own. We talk through Sean’s musical journey—from discovering Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges as a teen to developing his signature technique and arranging process. He shares how he approaches solo guitar like composing for ensembles, why he sketches musical ideas away from the instrument, and how a cappella music and brass ensembles shaped his voice as a guitarist. Sean also introduces his brand-new book, The Holistic Guitarist, a guide to wellness, injury prevention, and sustainable musicianship that’s more relevant than ever in today’s high-pressure, screen-heavy world. Whether you're a performing guitarist or a bedroom player, this conversation is full of insights that will deepen your connection to your playing—and your body. Links 🔥🔥🔥The Holistic Guitarist, Sean's New book: https://amzn.to/4kfn4rwSean's Fingerstyle Jazz curriculum on Artistworks - artistworks.com/sean-mcgowanSean's Truefire Courses - truefire.com/sean-mcgowanSean's Portmanteau album - https://open.spotify.com/album/5g9nhpCjWPQpaIzmJgKik3?si=oCo_kza3SFKYN6OCojmAqABook: Free Play - https://amzn.to/43UxZA7Chapman Stick - https://stick.com/Note: Sean's Archtop dimensions: 25" scale length, 1.75" width at nutThe Performing Arts Medicine Assocation - https://artsmed.org/Hampton HawesFour - https://open.spotify.com/album/0kTwd8JPkvKEaQ1hjYkwdz?si=EQJrTXZVShylGM_KjzRVvQand All Night Sessions - https://open.spotify.com/album/1VIeZWeI5KH16yzp3FvRki?si=DYiYMckMQGamUjjUfX1-8wHerbie Hancock's book, Possibilities - https://amzn.to/45uvExZSean McGowan playing "All Blues" - https://open.spotify.com/track/3zlBxWo1KrThBtmEvXOKqm?si=684e62c0a84c49e6Wes Montgomery, The Wes Montgomery Trio - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WbUlW1uuChmQumXueDmgp?si=hdCiIdwITD-3B4vXEuVJrAGeorge Benson, Uptown - https://open.spotify.com/album/6haQ84o7v7VBAxC3sWH3Ml?si=mnuY1S29QhGPvjqD1R8F3wJesse Van Ruler - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mslSdrZRuMJURsuyHX9NU?si=M-nBjgTqQ8yp03Sav_XTrwChapters 00:00 Introduction to Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar04:59 Journey into Fingerstyle Jazz09:56 The Art of Solo Guitar Arrangements15:15 Recording Techniques and Approaches19:53 Picking Hand Technique and Philosophy27:31 The Tactile Connection to Guitar Playing29:01 Transitioning to Archtop Guitars32:51 The Holistic Guitarist: A New Approach41:25 Preventing Injuries and Cultivating Good Habits44:50 The Human Element in Music vs. AI46:13 Quick Hits: Personal Favorites and Recommendations

    54 min
  4. EP 13: Adam Levy on Songwriting, Musical Curiosity, and Making Albums

    05/19/2025

    EP 13: Adam Levy on Songwriting, Musical Curiosity, and Making Albums

    In this episode of The Guitar Journal podcast, I sit down with the incomparable Adam Levy—guitarist, songwriter, educator, and all-around creative force. You’ve likely heard Adam’s playing on Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me, or in collaborations with Tracy Chapman, Vulfpeck, or Liz Wright. Beyond his impressive credits, Adam has carved out a unique artistic voice that spans genres and mediums, from deeply personal solo records to his widely followed YouTube lessons and Patreon community. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation: from Adam’s thoughtful reflections on genre fluidity and songwriting practice, to the surprising backstory behind his Acoustic Sketches album (recorded entirely on an iPhone), to his upcoming project Household, and we even get into some deep waters asking: Does the world need more music? Whether you're a fingerstyle player, a jazz musician, or just someone trying to balance creative purpose with practical life, this episode is packed with Adam's insight, warmth, and humor. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Links Adam's website - https://www.adamlevy.com/Adam's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamLevyGuitarTipsSpry album - https://open.spotify.com/album/6h8cFbymARV81vhntvP4Uu?si=4kbw2LyESyO57di51W4upAAcoustic Sketches version - https://open.spotify.com/album/2RYqOGNaAtyNusAB6XaIys?si=rzVQ_xc8SL-uET_-2waAKgNoël Akchoté - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDA-e83rwufWKi3xpexqAhwAccidental Courage album - https://open.spotify.com/album/5N5TQTn8IYaVieQHz5qNDp?si=_MoA-N8YQqKS5zIlw_HSRAAdam's Patreon Channel - https://www.patreon.com/guitartipsproAdam's Truefire courses - https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011liVve/[p_id:1101l17789]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Fadam-levy%2Fe157String Theories book - https://amzn.to/4kpzAo0Brian Eno's Oblique Strategies cards - https://amzn.to/4mnZiLs and a website version! https://stoney.sb.org/eno/oblique.htmlChapters 00:00 Introduction to Adam Levy and His Musical Journey03:09 Exploring Musical Focus and Genre Diversity06:03 The Creation of the 'Spry' Album09:09 The Acoustic Sketches: A Unique Approach11:55 The Viability of Acoustic Guitar in Jazz15:10 The Dynamic Range of Acoustic Guitar in a Trio17:57 The Process of Producing Music and Its Value20:59 Existential Questions About Music Production29:56 The Move to LA and Reflection on Past Work31:33 Art for Art's Sake vs. Commercialization33:00 The Emotional Connection to Music34:48 The Overabundance of Music in Public Spaces36:59 The Role of Input in Artistic Creation38:04 Upcoming Album: Household40:54 Collaborative Recording Process43:58 Exploring the Dynamics of Larger Bands49:59 Songwriting Methods and Processes53:47 The Creative Process of Songwriting01:00:14 The Importance of Lyrics in Music01:05:40 Reinterpreting Contemporary Music01:10:11 Engaging with Fans on Patreon01:15:07 The Journey of Writing and Publishing a Book

    1h 17m

  5. 04/08/2025

    EP12: Can Guitar Amps Be Furniture? Mike Nopper Says Yes.

    In this episode of The Guitar Journal podcast, host Jesse Paliotto sits down with Mike Nopper, founder of Sonoforma, a company reimagining guitar gear through the lens of high-end furniture design. Mike shares his journey from engineering and pro audio to custom fabrication, explaining how Sonoforma's elegant furniture-quality guitar cabinets bridge the gap between musical function and sophisticated interior design. The conversation explores the philosophy behind creating guitar gear that looks beautiful in your living space while maintaining excellent sound quality. Mike details the development process of Sonoforma's flagship model, the Serenada, featuring teak hardwood construction, customizable speaker options, and thoughtful storage solutions including the somewhat contentious guitar drawer. They also discuss upcoming products like the compact Rhapsody side table amplifier and a custom pedal board. Whether you're a guitarist tired of hiding your gear away or someone looking to elevate your home playing experience, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how guitar equipment can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Links Sonoforma.coSerenada, Sonoforma's flagship product - https://sonoforma.co/products/serenadaRhapsody, The Serenade's smaller footprint little brother - https://sonoforma.co/products/rhapsodyCadence, Sonoforma's custom pedal board "coming soon" - https://sonoforma.co/products/cadence🔥 Reddit Links - these are the forum links where Sonoforma went viral! 🔥Can guitar amps be furniture?From Concept to Creation: The Journey of Crafting Sustainable Guitar FurnitureCan Guitar Amps Be Furniture? (7 Months Later… Yes, They Can.)Celestion 30 speaker - https://amzn.to/42eozykSkeuomorphism - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkeuomorphGuitar Center CEO comments on revamping their stores - https://www.guitarworld.com/music-industry/how-guitar-center-plans-to-beat-its-competitionStewart MacDonald DIY Guitar building kits - https://www.stewmac.com/kits-and-projects/instrument-kits/Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Guitar Gear and Design03:04 Mike Nopper's Journey in Music and Engineering06:09 The Birth of Sonoforma09:07 Blending Aesthetics with Functionality12:08 Target Audience and Market Trends14:56 Design Aesthetics and Materials Used18:19 Sound Quality and Customization Options22:29 The Quest for Acoustic Transparency25:21 From Concept to Creation: The Design Journey29:29 Prototyping and Testing: The Realization of Ideas33:53 Innovative Features and Future Products37:24 Community Engagement and Market Response39:29 Navigating the Niche Market of Musical Furniture

    44 min

  6. 03/28/2025

    EP11: Alex Misko on Pushing Guitar Boundaries, Creative Collaboration, and Finding Balance

    In this episode of The Guitar Journal podcast, host Jesse Paliotto sits down with modern fingerstyle prodigy Alex Misko to explore the boundaries of acoustic guitar innovation. Alex shares his journey from classical training to developing his unique approach to the instrument, including his custom "Frankenstein guitar" with triple detuning systems and creative percussion modifications. The conversation takes fascinating turns as they discuss the balance between technical experimentation and musical expression, the role of cover songs in building an audience, and the importance of collaborative projects within the fingerstyle community. Alex opens up about the challenges of being a touring musician, offering candid insights about mental health and the value of therapy for creative professionals. The episode concludes with thought-provoking reflections on how AI might transform the music industry and what it means to create truly exceptional music in an increasingly technological world. Whether you're a fingerstyle enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or simply curious about creative innovation, this conversation offers valuable perspectives from one of today's most innovative acoustic guitarists. Links Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - https://amzn.to/447srnc"Pirates on Chopsticks", Alex Misko - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTxdYHLYLoAlex's custom guitar by Baton Rouge - https://alexandr-misko.myshopify.com/products/alexandr-misko-signature-guitar-by-baton-rougeSchlagwerk SamJam Guitar Snare Schlagwerk SamJam Guitar SnareSchlagwerk RTBZ Frame Buzz https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RTBZ--schlagwerk-rtbz-frame-buzzEbow - https://www.schlagwerk.com/en/product/frame-buzz/"Drifting", Andy McKee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfF4QLO-L_4Candy Rat Records - https://www.candyrat.com/"No Woman No Cry", Thomas Leeb - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2WphiHHMds"Aint' Nobody", Jon Gomm - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vCcZIARw9k"Song for Max", Alex Misko and Dmitri Toporov - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrtIHwPaZ3YPeterson Auto Strobe Tuner 😊 - https://amzn.to/42c98a5Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex Misko and Fingerstyle Guitar02:18 The Journey of Self-Taught Fingerstyle Guitar06:05 Exploring Unconventional Techniques in Guitar12:49 The Importance of Visual Performance in Fingerstyle22:45 Covers vs. Original Music: A Marketing Tool28:17 The Emotional Power of Original Songs31:52 The Evolution of Covers in Music34:14 The Power of Collaboration43:54 Navigating Loneliness on the Road49:59 Mental Health Awareness in the Music Industry50:20 The Burden of Sensitivity in Fame53:29 The Illusion of Fulfillment Through Success56:50 Mental Health and the Creative Journey57:00 The Impact of AI on Music and Creativity

    1h 14m

  7. 03/06/2025

    EP10: Jon Gomm on Songwriting, Musical Storytelling, and Writing Your Own Rules

    The Guitar Journal podcast returns with a new episode featuring the extraordinary Jon Gomm, acclaimed singer-songwriter and virtuoso acoustic guitarist from Yorkshire, UK. In this wide-ranging conversation, host Jesse Paliotto and Jon explore fascinating insights into the guitarist's creative process—from developing song concepts before touching the guitar to his approach to alternate tunings and performance techniques. The discussion covers everything from the challenges of touring the US to Jon's unique method of handling online critics (hint: it involves his mom). This episode gets into both technical wisdom and some deep artistic philosophy. Also, check out Jon demoing his arranging method by deconstructing his song "Deep Sea Fishes", breaking down how he builds complex arrangements from simple elements. It's a masterclass in fingerstyle guitar that connects Jon's remarkable ability to balance technique with authentic emotional expression.  Links "A Little Respect" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHfbPBAGe4M"Deep Sea Fishes" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4nRyWV0GcJon's Instructional Videos - https://www.jongomm.com/video-lessonsJon's Guitar Bootcamp - https://www.jongomm.com/bootcampTracks 00:00 Introduction to Jon Gomm and His Music03:13 Experiences at NAMM and Music Trade Shows06:14 Challenges of Touring in the US08:54 The Art of Covering Songs11:37 Songwriting Process and Techniques12:20 Deep Dive into 'Deep Sea Fishes' Songwriting15:30 Technical Guitar Playing and Performance32:05 The Art of Tuning and Fingernails33:47 Songwriting Process: From Concept to Arrangement35:30 Production Techniques: Blending Acoustic and Synthetic Sounds37:24 The Importance of Originality in Music40:09 Navigating Creativity and Learning42:06 Exploring Alternate Tunings46:28 Texture and Expression in Fingerstyle Guitar54:46 Advice for Aspiring Guitarists01:02:40 Upcoming Projects and Events

    1h 5m

  8. 02/21/2025

    EP 9: Trevor Gordon Hall on Structured Spontaneity, Collaboration, & AI's Creative Role

    Join us for a chat with Trevor Gordon Hall, a guitarist and composer who's taken acoustic guitar into uncharted territory. Trevor breaks down his unique "structured spontaneity" practice approach, opens up about his recent trio work with Andy McKee and Callum Graham, and shares some real talk about making music in a digital world. We dig into the nuts and bolts of his reverb stacking experiments, his thoughts on AI in music, and what it takes to keep the creative fire burning. If you've ever wondered how to keep your practice sessions meaningful or how to embrace new tech without losing your musical soul, Trevor's got some hard-won wisdom to share. It's a conversation that gets into the heart of what it means to be a musician today - both the challenges and the opportunities. Links 🎸 Trevor Gordon Hall Online Lessons 🔥Truefire.com: https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011liVve/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Ftrevor-gordon-hall%2Fe4601JamPlay.com: http://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lja53/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fjamplay.com%2Fguitar-lessons%2Ftrevor-gordon-hallTriplicit Trio album - https://tripliciti.com/"Light Through Colored Glass" nylon string album, Trevor Gordon Hall: https://trevorgordonhall.com/latest-studio-albumAndy McKee, "For My Father" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAphofZCkfYCallum Graham, "Tabula Rasa" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXJ5fgadB2kSheldon Schwartz luthier - https://schwartzguitars.com/Vanguard Audio Stereo Mics - https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/Tommy Emmanuel, "Papa George" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1dBRQHpMZQThe Power Of Habit, Charles Duhigg - https://amzn.to/4kew2FZJack Grassel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Grassel Effortless Mastery, Kenny Werner - https://amzn.to/438E8JTThe War of Art, Stephen Pressfield - https://amzn.to/4kcPnXSEmily White on music management - https://amzn.to/4kaGjCLMood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist , Liz Pelly - https://amzn.to/3QsAPWmCaveman Country on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IXGR6Cfp1a9XOF4Q79fnv?si=rtrc8cDxQ5m25M88zuFY5APeter Thiel, Zero to One - https://amzn.to/3F1gKE7Corin Nelson, mixing and mastering - https://www.corinnelsen.com/"Returning", Will Ackerman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pUQNuiFuoQ&list=PLmxXxLpkLiHeflMb7kBba6OXsE6Cj2FhrNeural DSP Quad Cortex - https://neuraldsp.com/quad-cortex"This Beautiful Chaos", Trevor Gordon Hall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX1vs7RpWFo"Live From the Strand Theater", PBS - https://trevorgordonhall.com/new-live-album-orderChapters 00:00 Introduction to Trevor Gordon Hall01:10 Collaborative Projects and Trio Dynamics05:19 The Impact of COVID on Music Collaboration08:42 Exploring the Nylon String Guitar12:39 Creative Constraints and Mental Health18:27 Navigating Mental Health as a Musician25:40 Mindfulness and Mental Health27:09 The Pressure of Public Sharing28:36 Personal Resonance in Creativity29:14 Building Keystone Habits31:03 Morning Routines and Deep Work33:05 Structured Spontaneity in Practice39:10 Discipline vs. Passion in Music42:43 Long-Term Goals and Resistance46:05 Exploration and Enjoyment in Music48:51 The Impact of AI on Music49:48 Creative Collaboration with AI51:16 The Disruption of AI in the Arts52:46 Navigating the New Landscape of Music56:03 The Human Element in Music Creation59:42 Innovative Uses of AI in Live Performance01:05:00 Reverb Stacking: A New Frontier in Sound01:10:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Musicians

    1h 13m
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About

A weekly podcast on making music & fingerstyle guitar.

Information

  • Creator
    Jesse Paliotto
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2024 The Guitar Journal
  • Show Website
    The Guitar Journal