The Guitar Journal

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

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

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

(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/

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

Fingerstyle virtuoso Maneli Jamal joins Jesse Paliotto to share his musical journey, insights on practice routines, songwriting, improvisation, and his Fingerstyle Pro course. They explore digital collaboration, AI's role in music, and Maneli's upcoming projects. 

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Maneli Jamal and His Journey
• 05:56 The Role of Improvisation in Composition
• 12:07 The Four Pillars of Practice
• 17:59 The Future of Collaboration in Music
• 27:02 Optimizing Practice Techniques
• 33:45 The Role of Improvisation in Music Creation
• 40:10 The Impact of AI on Music Creation
• 48:44 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

Links

• ManeliJamal.com
• Fingerstylepro.com Maneli's online teaching masterclass
• Don Ross
• Don Ross Video Course
• 7 Popular Thumbpicks to Mix Up Your Solo Fingerpicking
• AudioMovers
• SonosBus
• Practice Framework: Accuracy, Timing, Speed, Dynamics
• Small diaphraagm mics
• Large diaphragm tube mics
• Great River preamp

In this episode of The Guitar Journal podcast, classical fingerstyle guitarist Will McNicol shares his musical journey, blending classical and contemporary styles. He discusses tone production, the evolution of fingerstyle guitar, and his "four hats" model for composition. Will and Jesse explore collaboration, community in music education, innovative teaching methods, and the psychological aspects of practice. The conversation touches on Will's Innotet project, his approach to composition, and the future of guitar design and live performance, emphasizing the value of original acoustic compositions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Will McNichol and His Journey
• 03:09 The Evolution of Guitar Playing and Composition
• 06:04 Classical vs. Acoustic Guitar Techniques
• 09:02 The Growth of Fingerstyle Guitar
• 12:06 The Process of Composition
• 18:04 The Importance of Editing in Music
• 24:07 The Four Hats of Composition
• 30:06 Arranging for Strings and Collaboration
• 34:06 The Collaborative Process of Music Arranging
• 39:19 Recording and Mixing: A Journey of Iteration
• 41:04 The Challenges of Touring with a String Quartet
• 44:24 Balancing Business and Creativity in Music
• 51:06 The Importance of Collaboration in Music Education
• 53:09 Building a Community Through Online Education
• 01:04:34 Expressive Techniques in Fingerstyle Guitar
• 01:05:53 The Magic of Scales in Music
• 01:10:28 Transforming Scales into Musical Expression
• 01:14:30 The Role of Originality in Guitar Music
• 01:16:01 Current Musical Influences and Discoveries
• 01:24:18 Innovative Guitar Designs and Gear Preferences

Links

• WillMcNicol.com.uk 
• Antonio Forcione 
• Ullapool Guitar Festival 
• Innis Watson 
• Albums: Innotet Volume 1 & Innotet Volume 2
• Album: Dragonflies, Frogs, and Bumblebees
• 'The College' - Will's online education platform 
• Book: Expressive Fingerstyle Guitar Techniques: 100 Exercises to Develop Dynamics, Tone, Articulation & Timing on Acoustic Guitar 
• New book on Scales... COMING SOON
• Sönke Meinen 
• Wolfgang Muthspiel
  • Album: Etudes, Quietudes 
• Verso Instruments in Germany
• StringBreak Guitar Event

In this episode of The Guitar Journal, Latin jazz guitarist Neff Irizarry discusses his journey from Virginia to Berklee, his album Cambio, and the importance of mentorship, style fusion, and transcriptions in music. Neff reflects on artistic integrity and musical connections across generations.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Neff Irizarry and His Journey
• 02:57 The Roots of Latin Jazz and Personal Influences
• 05:52 Education and Mentorship at Berklee
• 08:52 The Fusion of Cultures in Music
• 11:51 The Importance of Mentorship and Learning
• 14:58 Studying with Steve Kahn and Musical Development
• 18:03 The Role of Elders in Music
• 20:56 The Connection Between Musicians
• 23:56 Recording and Reflecting on Performance
• 26:58 The Creative Process and Composition
• 30:02 'Cambio (Change)': The New Album and Its Inspirations
• 33:59 The Creative Process of Composition
• 40:38 Navigating Collaboration and Production
• 43:57 Managing Expectations and Artistic Integrity
• 45:22 The Importance of Transcription in Music
• 51:28 Understanding the Legacy of Influential Musicians
• 57:01 Personal Music Preferences and Influences

Fingerstyle guitarist Adam Rafferty shares his journey from jazz roots to hip-hop influences and fingerstyle mastery. He discusses groove, mentorship, and the challenges of building a sustainable music career, with insights from legends like Tommy Emmanuel and Wes Montgomery.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Adam Rafferty and His Journey
• 00:48 Early Musical Influences and Beginnings
• 06:02 Transitioning to Jazz and Classical Guitar
• 12:08 The Hip-Hop Experience and Its Impact
• 18:02 The Unexpected Success of 'Edelweiss'
• 21:58 Finding a New Path in Jazz
• 30:09 Navigating the Jazz Scene in New York
• 33:39 Crossing Musical Boundaries
• 36:57 The Power of Blues
• 38:41 The Essence of Live Performance
• 41:54 The Groove and Its Origins
• 43:45 Finding My Path as a Guitarist
• 46:56 Discovering New Musical Influences
• 52:57 The Shift to Fingerstyle Guitar
• 58:46 Building a Sustainable Music Career
• 01:06:29 Exploring Fingerstyle Techniques and Influences
• 01:17:55 The Journey to Finding the Right Sound
• 01:28:39 Groove Over Speed: The Essence of Rhythm
• 01:32:12 Connecting with the Audience Through Music

Jesse Paliotto interviews fingerstyle guitarist Emil Ernebro about his journey, influences, and techniques. They discuss blending styles, Pro Guitar education, modern recording, and tips on improvisation and practice.

For show notes and other guests on The Guitar Journal, please visit https://theguitarjournal.com/emil-ernebro

Follow The Guitar Journal:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theguitarjournal
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/theguitarjournal

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Fingerstyle Guitar and Emil Ernebro
02:54 Emil's Musical Journey and Influences
05:42 Developing Fingerstyle Technique
08:50 The Impact of Tommy Emmanuel
11:49 Building Skills in Fingerstyle Guitar
14:58 Pro Guitar: An Online Learning Platform
18:02 Teaching and Learning Fingerstyle Guitar
28:24 The Endless Journey of Learning Music
30:14 Navigating Music Licensing Challenges
33:48 The Importance of Personal Guidance in Music Education
37:15 Recording Albums in the Modern Era
42:48 The Shift from Albums to Individual Songs
47:35 The Value of Focused Practice
52:41 The Reality Behind Effortless Playing
58:29 Creating Music You Love
59:18 Recording Electric Guitar: Simple Setup
01:00:59 Quick Hit Questions: Insights from Emil
01:02:40 Musical Inspirations: Current Playlist
01:05:44 Discovering New Musicians: The Milk Carton Kids
01:08:20 Improvisation and Risk-Taking in Music
01:11:43 The Importance of Key Changes in Performance
01:14:54 Guitar Gear Dreams: Emil's Ideal Guitar
01:25:07 Closing Thoughts and Online Presence

Jesse Paliotto chats with Tim Lerch about his journey, fingerstyle guitar, Ted Greene's impact, his new platform TimsGuitarWorkshop.com, and navigating music in the digital age. Discover insights on artistry, emotional connection, and the quest for the perfect guitar.

For show notes and other guests on The Guitar Journal, please visit https://theguitarjournal.com/tim-lerch

Follow The Guitar Journal:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theguitarjournal
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/theguitarjournal

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Tim Lerch and His Journey
09:04 - The Impact of Ted Greene on Tim's Career 
17:16 - Balancing Diverse Musical Projects
27:40 - Launching TimsGuitarWorkshop.com
34:36 - Teaching and Learning Approaches
41:27 - The Business of Music Distribution
58:25 - Staying True to Artistic Integrity
01:03:49 - The Influence of Bill Evans
01:10:24 - The Essence of Musical Restraint
01:18:44 - The Quest for the Perfect Guitar