Ever find yourself in a situation so bizarre you just have to laugh? In this episode, we dive into one of the strangest stories Mike has ever encountered as a business owner. It all started with a mysterious flood of return-to-sender mail at the Songwriting for Guitar P.O. box—envelopes filled with stickers from an unexpected source.

In this episode, Mike shares how this series of events taught him that sometimes the hiccups in our creative lives can turn into advantages. This episode will remind you to embrace the oddities life throws your way.

 This podcast episode offers closing thoughts for the special audio release of “The Songwriting Guitarist” (available now in full exclusively on the SFG podcast)! In this essential book, Mike dives into the deep questions every songwriter should ask themselves, the role the guitar plays in our songwriting lives, how to improve our skills without spending frustratingly long hours each day, and the often-overlooked financial potential for guitarists. In this impactful conclusion to his book, Mike offers words of encouragement, emphasizing the power of perseverance in the face of creative challenges. You’ll also hear Mike’s personal reflections on overcoming obstacles in his career, and his take on the importance of taking action, even when it’s difficult, and why this first step is crucial to your growth. These chapters are a must-listen for any guitarist looking to turn their passion into a profitable career while staying motivated and supported along the way.

 Ready for this? We’re thrilled to announce the release of Chapter Five of Mike Meiers’ transformative book, “The Songwriting Guitarist,” now available for free on the SFG podcast!

In this essential chapter, Mike delves into the often-overlooked financial potential for guitarists.

In this installment you’ll:
- Explore the vast opportunities within the  music licensing industry, which includes music for film, TV, ads, and the web.
- Discover the money making custom songwriting and session work industry, where skilled guitarists can find rewarding work.
- Learn the importance of serving the song, communicating ideas effectively, and developing a practice routine that includes genre research, active listening, and skill enhancement.
- Understand the true financial potential for guitarists beyond streaming revenue and dispel common myths about the industry.

This chapter is a must-listen for any guitarist looking to turn their skills into a profitable career!

 We’re excited to announce the release of Chapter Four of Mike Meiers’ groundbreaking book, “The Songwriting Guitarist”, available for free on the SFG podcast!

In this pivotal chapter, Mike answers the big question -  "How much do I need to practice my guitar?". After listening to this chapter, you'll understand the quickest and most effective daily practice routine you can implement TODAY to improve your songwriting skills on guitar, without hours of concentration.

You'll learn:
- The secret of how professionals hone in and master the fundamentals that every guitarist needs
- The most effective way work on things like chord transitions, strumming patterns, and voicings.
- The key to understanding your target genre’s musical elements that you need to be practicing daily.
- And the What, How and Why, “Song Starters” can be one of the most useful tools in your songwriting toolbox when working with co-writers.

This systematic approach revealed in this chapter will help you steadily improve your songwriting abilities as a guitarist and continue improving!

 We’re excited to announce the release of Chapter Three of Mike Meiers’ groundbreaking book, “The Songwriting Guitarist”, available for free on the SFG podcast! In this pivotal chapter, Mike teaches the three key elements that can transform you as a songwriting guitarist in just 15 minutes a day: Voicings, Strumming, and Rhythm.

You’ll discover how to breathe new life into your songs by playing chords in different positions, move beyond default strumming patterns, and explore diverse rhythmic feels. These techniques are designed to unlock more unique and interesting melodies, make your songs sound fresh, and craft a guitar part that perfectly complements the vocalist.

You'll also learn how to avoid sounding dated in your playing, and ensure that your music continues to evolve!  Plus, he shares one crucial rule for learning that, if you didn't know it before, might have been holding you back all this time.

Don’t miss this chance to dive deep into the secrets of enhancing your songwriting guitarist skills and create music that resonates on a whole new level!

 We’re releasing the first two chapters of Mike Meier’s game-changing book, “The Songwriting Guitarist”, exclusively on on the SFG podcast! In these first two chapters, you’ll dive into the deeper "WHY" and purpose of creating music, the reason it's so important to know first, and learn how to discover yours.

These first mind blowing chapters are about transformation on deeper levels, how to steer clear of industry roadblocks and how to find fulfillment beyond the pursuit of money or creating “hits”.

You’ll uncover hidden obstacles that maybe holding you back, meet the number one enemy of every artist, and challenge some of the terrible advice that keeps your songs stuck in the same patterns! Most importantly, on this journey you’ll be learning the secrets of becoming a songwriting guitarist.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to immersive yourself in the wisdom and exercises that will revolutionize your songwriting journey!

 Guess what? The best guitarist in the room isn’t always the most valuable for songwriting! AND just because you aren’t totally confident in your guitar playing, doesn’t mean you can’t be a songwriting guitarist.

Songwriting is more about the collective creativity, teamwork and ultimately a finished song, which is why this podcast is so important to listen to if you're wavering in your worth because of your skill level.

In this episode we explore the art of leading with your guitar so you can discover how your instrument can set the tone, spark creativity, and enhance song arrangements, all while fostering collaboration.

Visit http://www.SongwritingGuitaristBook.com for your copy of The Songwriting Guitarist

 You know that putting in the work is important, but what does that really mean for your life? Mike Meiers and guest Heather Taylor team up to give you three simple things to fall back on when you're feeling lost in the process.

What are overwhelm, tiredness, or feeling unfulfilled telling you? It might be different than you think! Creating big songwriting goals for yourself also entails making some mindset goals and changes to the way you look at your schedule.

Tune in for the three tips on progressing towards songwriting wins - at any point in your journey.

 One choice can change everything - the decision that you make ultimately boils down to willingness. Willingness to put in the work marks the beginning and end of your songwriting woes. What will you miss out on by trying? Absolutely nothing.

Returning guest Josh Doyle and Mike Meiers argue that every ounce of effort you invest is worthwhile because it all contributes to discovering your process and uncovering the ease of creation.

What will you gain by seeking expert advice? Find out for yourself.

Don’t miss the opportunity to receive a song critique from SFG Coach Josh Doyle, someone who has put in the work and emerged with six-figure songs.

Visit https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/critiques to book at a special price.

 The finished product always sounds so flawless, so obvious, so easy, but behind the scenes of that creative project are blood, sweat, and tears—otherwise known as process and development over months and years.

In today’s dynamic episode, Coach Josh Doyle returns to chat with Mike Meiers about the importance of putting in the work. As we learn the craft of production or songwriting, it’s easy to gloss over the details or simply ignore them, but paying attention to the minutiae is what will set you apart from the rest.

The problem with quick solutions is that you’re competing with artists and talent from all over the world who are putting in the work and doing the difficult things. So, it's time to ask yourself: What does putting in the work look like, and how can you continue to improve your process?

Visit songwritingforguitar.com for more career changing tips and songwriting resources.