The Guitar Journal

The Guitar Journal

By Jesse PaliottoArtsPerforming Arts
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The Guitar Journal episodes

  • 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.com
    • JamPlay 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-course
    • Mike's Truefire courses - https://truefire.com/search/?q=mike%20dawes
    • Tonewood Amp 2 - https://www.tonewoodamp.com/products/tonewoodamp2
    • Neural DSP - Pliny plugin - https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/archetype-plini
    • IK Multimedia Tonex One pedal - https://amzn.to/44P0W1N
    • Mood Machine by Liz Pelly - https://amzn.to/3IdNlZe

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 03:12 Mike's Journey from Electric to Acoustic Guitar
    • 05:59 The Evolution of Percussive Techniques in Fingerstyle
    • 09:03 The Importance of Covers in Learning and Discovery
    • 12:05 Collaborations and Community in Fingerstyle Guitar
    • 15:08 Practical Tips for Intermediate Guitarists
    • 17:58 The Art of Live Performance and Creating Moments
    • 28:36 The Art of Live Performance
    • 29:50 Innovations in Guitar Effects
    • 34:23 Navigating the Spotify Landscape
    • 40:11 The Future of Music and AI
    • 45:54 Exciting Collaborations and Upcoming Projects
    54 min
  • 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/4kDCN3S
    • Lexicon rack unit reverb - https://reverb.com/p/lexicon-mx200-multi-effects-rack
    • ProTools - https://www.avid.com/pro-tools
    • Valve Preamp - TL audio - https://reverb.com/item/89995273-tl-audio-dual-valve-mic-pre-amp-di
    • Satnam Ramgotra - https://www.satnamramgotra.com/
    • Maton Andrea Valeri model - https://maton.com.au/guitar/er90c/
    • 1073 Neve - https://www.sweetwater.com/neve-1073/series

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Andrea Valeri
    • 01:51 Celebrating 20 Years of Music
    • 03:26 The Journey to Fingerstyle Guitar
    • 05:23 Developing a Unique Playing Style
    • 08:50 The Importance of Sound and Tone
    • 12:36 Connecting with the Instrument
    • 16:11 Recording Techniques and Studio Setup
    • 23:38 Collaborating with Other Musicians
    • 27:53 The Creative Process of Collaboration
    • 29:57 Understanding Composition and Creativity
    • 34:37 Translating Emotions into Music
    • 37:07 The Importance of Childlike Wonder
    • 38:41 The Role of Feedback in Music
    • 41:35 Choosing the Right Instruments
    • 46:26 Gear Wishlist and Musical Inspirations
    • 49:22 Final Thoughts and Future Projects
    58 min
  • 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/4kfn4rw
    • Sean's Fingerstyle Jazz curriculum on Artistworks - artistworks.com/sean-mcgowan
    • Sean's Truefire Courses - truefire.com/sean-mcgowan
    • Sean's Portmanteau album - https://open.spotify.com/album/5g9nhpCjWPQpaIzmJgKik3?si=oCo_kza3SFKYN6OCojmAqA
    • Book: Free Play - https://amzn.to/43UxZA7
    • Chapman Stick - https://stick.com/
    • Note: Sean's Archtop dimensions: 25" scale length, 1.75" width at nut
    • The Performing Arts Medicine Assocation - https://artsmed.org/
    • Hampton Hawes
      • Four - https://open.spotify.com/album/0kTwd8JPkvKEaQ1hjYkwdz?si=EQJrTXZVShylGM_KjzRVvQ
      • and All Night Sessions - https://open.spotify.com/album/1VIeZWeI5KH16yzp3FvRki?si=DYiYMckMQGamUjjUfX1-8w
    • Herbie Hancock's book, Possibilities - https://amzn.to/45uvExZ
    • Sean McGowan playing "All Blues" - https://open.spotify.com/track/3zlBxWo1KrThBtmEvXOKqm?si=684e62c0a84c49e6
    • Wes Montgomery, The Wes Montgomery Trio - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WbUlW1uuChmQumXueDmgp?si=hdCiIdwITD-3B4vXEuVJrA
    • George Benson, Uptown - https://open.spotify.com/album/6haQ84o7v7VBAxC3sWH3Ml?si=mnuY1S29QhGPvjqD1R8F3w
    • Jesse Van Ruler - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mslSdrZRuMJURsuyHX9NU?si=M-nBjgTqQ8yp03Sav_XTrw

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar
    • 04:59 Journey into Fingerstyle Jazz
    • 09:56 The Art of Solo Guitar Arrangements
    • 15:15 Recording Techniques and Approaches
    • 19:53 Picking Hand Technique and Philosophy
    • 27:31 The Tactile Connection to Guitar Playing
    • 29:01 Transitioning to Archtop Guitars
    • 32:51 The Holistic Guitarist: A New Approach
    • 41:25 Preventing Injuries and Cultivating Good Habits
    • 44:50 The Human Element in Music vs. AI
    • 46:13 Quick Hits: Personal Favorites and Recommendations
    54 min
  • 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/AdamLevyGuitarTips
    • Spry album - https://open.spotify.com/album/6h8cFbymARV81vhntvP4Uu?si=4kbw2LyESyO57di51W4upA
    • Acoustic Sketches version - https://open.spotify.com/album/2RYqOGNaAtyNusAB6XaIys?si=rzVQ_xc8SL-uET_-2waAKg
    • Noël Akchoté - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDA-e83rwufWKi3xpexqAhw
    • Accidental Courage album - https://open.spotify.com/album/5N5TQTn8IYaVieQHz5qNDp?si=_MoA-N8YQqKS5zIlw_HSRA
    • Adam's Patreon Channel - https://www.patreon.com/guitartipspro
    • Adam's Truefire courses - https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011liVve/[p_id:1101l17789]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Fadam-levy%2Fe157
    • String Theories book - https://amzn.to/4kpzAo0
    • Brian Eno's Oblique Strategies cards - https://amzn.to/4mnZiLs and a website version! https://stoney.sb.org/eno/oblique.html

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Adam Levy and His Musical Journey
    • 03:09 Exploring Musical Focus and Genre Diversity
    • 06:03 The Creation of the 'Spry' Album
    • 09:09 The Acoustic Sketches: A Unique Approach
    • 11:55 The Viability of Acoustic Guitar in Jazz
    • 15:10 The Dynamic Range of Acoustic Guitar in a Trio
    • 17:57 The Process of Producing Music and Its Value
    • 20:59 Existential Questions About Music Production
    • 29:56 The Move to LA and Reflection on Past Work
    • 31:33 Art for Art's Sake vs. Commercialization
    • 33:00 The Emotional Connection to Music
    • 34:48 The Overabundance of Music in Public Spaces
    • 36:59 The Role of Input in Artistic Creation
    • 38:04 Upcoming Album: Household
    • 40:54 Collaborative Recording Process
    • 43:58 Exploring the Dynamics of Larger Bands
    • 49:59 Songwriting Methods and Processes
    • 53:47 The Creative Process of Songwriting
    • 01:00:14 The Importance of Lyrics in Music
    • 01:05:40 Reinterpreting Contemporary Music
    • 01:10:11 Engaging with Fans on Patreon
    • 01:15:07 The Journey of Writing and Publishing a Book
    1 hr 17 min
  • 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.co
    • Serenada, Sonoforma's flagship product - https://sonoforma.co/products/serenada
    • Rhapsody, The Serenade's smaller footprint little brother - https://sonoforma.co/products/rhapsody
    • Cadence, 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 Furniture
      • Can Guitar Amps Be Furniture? (7 Months Later… Yes, They Can.)
    • Celestion 30 speaker - https://amzn.to/42eozyk
    • Skeuomorphism - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeuomorph
    • Guitar Center CEO comments on revamping their stores - https://www.guitarworld.com/music-industry/how-guitar-center-plans-to-beat-its-competition
    • Stewart MacDonald DIY Guitar building kits - https://www.stewmac.com/kits-and-projects/instrument-kits/

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Guitar Gear and Design
    • 03:04 Mike Nopper's Journey in Music and Engineering
    • 06:09 The Birth of Sonoforma
    • 09:07 Blending Aesthetics with Functionality
    • 12:08 Target Audience and Market Trends
    • 14:56 Design Aesthetics and Materials Used
    • 18:19 Sound Quality and Customization Options
    • 22:29 The Quest for Acoustic Transparency
    • 25:21 From Concept to Creation: The Design Journey
    • 29:29 Prototyping and Testing: The Realization of Ideas
    • 33:53 Innovative Features and Future Products
    • 37:24 Community Engagement and Market Response
    • 39:29 Navigating the Niche Market of Musical Furniture
    44 min
  • 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=TpTxdYHLYLo
    • Alex's custom guitar by Baton Rouge - https://alexandr-misko.myshopify.com/products/alexandr-misko-signature-guitar-by-baton-rouge
    • Schlagwerk SamJam Guitar Snare Schlagwerk SamJam Guitar Snare
    • Schlagwerk RTBZ Frame Buzz https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RTBZ--schlagwerk-rtbz-frame-buzz
    • Ebow - https://www.schlagwerk.com/en/product/frame-buzz/
    • "Drifting", Andy McKee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfF4QLO-L_4
    • Candy 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=mrtIHwPaZ3Y
    • Peterson Auto Strobe Tuner 😊 - https://amzn.to/42c98a5

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Alex Misko and Fingerstyle Guitar
    • 02:18 The Journey of Self-Taught Fingerstyle Guitar
    • 06:05 Exploring Unconventional Techniques in Guitar
    • 12:49 The Importance of Visual Performance in Fingerstyle
    • 22:45 Covers vs. Original Music: A Marketing Tool
    • 28:17 The Emotional Power of Original Songs
    • 31:52 The Evolution of Covers in Music
    • 34:14 The Power of Collaboration
    • 43:54 Navigating Loneliness on the Road
    • 49:59 Mental Health Awareness in the Music Industry
    • 50:20 The Burden of Sensitivity in Fame
    • 53:29 The Illusion of Fulfillment Through Success
    • 56:50 Mental Health and the Creative Journey
    • 57:00 The Impact of AI on Music and Creativity
    1 hr 15 min
  • 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=Ei4nRyWV0Gc
    • Jon's Instructional Videos - https://www.jongomm.com/video-lessons
    • Jon's Guitar Bootcamp - https://www.jongomm.com/bootcamp

    Tracks

    • 00:00 Introduction to Jon Gomm and His Music
    • 03:13 Experiences at NAMM and Music Trade Shows
    • 06:14 Challenges of Touring in the US
    • 08:54 The Art of Covering Songs
    • 11:37 Songwriting Process and Techniques
    • 12:20 Deep Dive into 'Deep Sea Fishes' Songwriting
    • 15:30 Technical Guitar Playing and Performance
    • 32:05 The Art of Tuning and Fingernails
    • 33:47 Songwriting Process: From Concept to Arrangement
    • 35:30 Production Techniques: Blending Acoustic and Synthetic Sounds
    • 37:24 The Importance of Originality in Music
    • 40:09 Navigating Creativity and Learning
    • 42:06 Exploring Alternate Tunings
    • 46:28 Texture and Expression in Fingerstyle Guitar
    • 54:46 Advice for Aspiring Guitarists
    • 01:02:40 Upcoming Projects and Events
    1 hr 5 min
  • 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%2Fe4601
      • JamPlay.com: http://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lja53/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fjamplay.com%2Fguitar-lessons%2Ftrevor-gordon-hall
    • Triplicit Trio album - https://tripliciti.com/
    • "Light Through Colored Glass" nylon string album, Trevor Gordon Hall: https://trevorgordonhall.com/latest-studio-album
    • Andy McKee, "For My Father" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAphofZCkfY
    • Callum Graham, "Tabula Rasa" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXJ5fgadB2k
    • Sheldon Schwartz luthier - https://schwartzguitars.com/
    • Vanguard Audio Stereo Mics - https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/
    • Tommy Emmanuel, "Papa George" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1dBRQHpMZQ
    • The Power Of Habit, Charles Duhigg - https://amzn.to/4kew2FZ
    • Jack Grassel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Grassel 
    • Effortless Mastery, Kenny Werner - https://amzn.to/438E8JT
    • The War of Art, Stephen Pressfield - https://amzn.to/4kcPnXS
    • Emily White on music management - https://amzn.to/4kaGjCL
    • Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist , Liz Pelly - https://amzn.to/3QsAPWm
    • Caveman Country on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IXGR6Cfp1a9XOF4Q79fnv?si=rtrc8cDxQ5m25M88zuFY5A
    • Peter Thiel, Zero to One - https://amzn.to/3F1gKE7
    • Corin Nelson, mixing and mastering - https://www.corinnelsen.com/
    • "Returning", Will Ackerman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pUQNuiFuoQ&list=PLmxXxLpkLiHeflMb7kBba6OXsE6Cj2Fhr
    • Neural 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-order

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Trevor Gordon Hall
    • 01:10 Collaborative Projects and Trio Dynamics
    • 05:19 The Impact of COVID on Music Collaboration
    • 08:42 Exploring the Nylon String Guitar
    • 12:39 Creative Constraints and Mental Health
    • 18:27 Navigating Mental Health as a Musician
    • 25:40 Mindfulness and Mental Health
    • 27:09 The Pressure of Public Sharing
    • 28:36 Personal Resonance in Creativity
    • 29:14 Building Keystone Habits
    • 31:03 Morning Routines and Deep Work
    • 33:05 Structured Spontaneity in Practice
    • 39:10 Discipline vs. Passion in Music
    • 42:43 Long-Term Goals and Resistance
    • 46:05 Exploration and Enjoyment in Music
    • 48:51 The Impact of AI on Music
    • 49:48 Creative Collaboration with AI
    • 51:16 The Disruption of AI in the Arts
    • 52:46 Navigating the New Landscape of Music
    • 56:03 The Human Element in Music Creation
    • 59:42 Innovative Uses of AI in Live Performance
    • 01:05:00 Reverb Stacking: A New Frontier in Sound
    • 01:10:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Musicians
    1 hr 14 min
  • EP 8: Chris Parks on The Barry Harris Method and Rethinking Jazz Guitar

    (Note: Reuploaded Feb 2 with improved audio so you can hear Chris's guitar.)
    Jazz guitarist Chris Parks discusses his musical journey, focusing on the Barry Harris method and its influence on his playing. He shares practice tips, explores learning fundamentals, and emphasizes community learning through platforms like Open Studio while developing individual style.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Chris Parks and His Journey
    • 05:08 Discovering Jazz and the Barry Harris Method
    • 10:05 Understanding the Barry Harris Methodology
    • 15:10 Integrating Barry Harris Concepts with Other Approaches
    • 19:57 The Freedom of Scales Over Chords
    • 25:11 The Unique Perspective of Harmony in Jazz
    • 37:01 Transforming Simplicity into Beauty in Music
    • 39:33 The Limitless Nature of Scales and Chords
    • 42:21 The Importance of Musical Practice and Accountability
    • 46:02 Finding Your Unique Voice on the Guitar
    • 51:42 Building a Community of Musicians
    • 54:17 Exploring Guitar Preferences and Techniques

    Links

    • Charlie Parker, "Embraceable You" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbT4JlDmjxg
    • Roni Ben-Hur - https://ronibenhur.com/home
    • Things I Learned From Barry Harris channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thingsivelearnedfrombarryh2616
    • Barry Harris videos from The Hague - https://www.youtube.com/@BarryHarrisVideos
    • Satriani interview - https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/joe-satriani-names-one-issue-with-modern-guitarists-that-jimi-hendrix-never-had-its-not-their-fault/
    • You'll Hear it Podcast - https://youllhearit.com/
    • Open Studio Program - https://www.openstudiojazz.com/
    • Lowden Acoustic Guitars - https://lowdenguitars.com/
    • Gibson L-5 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibson_L-5
    • Collings I-35 - https://collingsguitars.com/electrics/i-35/
    • Larrivee D-60 - https://www.larrivee.com/products/d-60-traditional-series
    • Telecaster Road Series - https://reverb.com/p/fender-road-worn-50s-telecaster
    • Tim Lerch - https://www.theguitarjournal.com/tim-lerch/
    • Pasquale Grasso - https://www.pasqualegrasso.com/
    • The Amazing Bud Powell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p38uSbPTyIQ&list=PLJPlEDxzQ3QZC55IC7yCKpCJWKL5BhUJo
    • Thomas Echols - https://www.thomasechols.com/
    1 hr 9 min
  • EP 7: Jocelyn Gould on Starting Late, Jazz Fundamentals, and Crafting Your Sound

    In this episode of the Guitar Journal podcast, Juno award-winning jazz guitarist Jocelyn Gould explores her journey into jazz guitar, the importance of transcription, and the role of live experience in jazz. Jocelyn shares insights on jazz theory, right-hand techniques, and her approach to gear and tone. The conversation also touches on current listening habits and favorite jazz standards, providing a comprehensive look at the world of jazz guitar.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Navigating the Jazz Landscape
    • 10:12 The Art of Transcription 
    • 13:20 Understanding Jazz Theory
    • 16:24 The Barry Harris Method
    • 19:21 Right-Hand Techniques in Jazz Guitar
    • 22:17 Tone and Gear for Jazz Guitar
    • 25:26 Exploring Jazz Musicians and Influences
    • 28:29 Jocelyn's Playlist and Recommendations
    • 31:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations
    • 39:55 Ending Logo.mp4

    Links

    • Book: Range - https://amzn.to/3PFWU3n
    • Barry Harris Method - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Harris
    • Bebop Scales - https://www.jazzguitar.be/blog/bebop-scale/
    • Hybrid Picking - https://www.pickupmusic.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-hybrid-picking
    • George Benson Picking - https://acousticguitar.com/weekly-workout-how-to-pick-like-jazz-great-george-benson/
    • "But Beautiful", by Jocelyn Gould - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpWuH0RpolM
    • Link to Adam Rafferty interview who talked about Wes Montgomery's sound
    • Benedetto Guitars - https://www.benedettoguitars.com/
    • Fender Tube Amps - https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/
    • Joe Pass - On playing loaned guitar: https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/players/36600-joe-pass-his-guitars.html,
    • Cordoba Mini II - https://amzn.to/3CesYIz
    • Thelonious Monk album recommendations
      • "Monk's Dream" - https://open.spotify.com/album/5VTlqV8lZH3YspQ1cDcjrL?si=BrwytREdQzCR9Xb7eHDGDA,
      • "Carnegie Hall with John Coltrane" - https://youtu.be/dgq_QZ74VI0?si=BhlVnUO7XnRyx0UX
    • Emily Remler, "Live at the 4 Queens, Las Vegas, May 28, 1984" - https://open.spotify.com/track/5RMRH2Gn5ZmWypjoNRAK6y?si=235c0547190c41e2
    • "My Shining Hour" - https://open.spotify.com/track/1SB2O48ynInev6U1kWIHJr?si=aec90e9032404d20
    41 min

About The Guitar Journal

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A weekly podcast on making music & fingerstyle guitar.