Best Fingerstyle Podcasts (2025)

1
EP 16: Mike Dawes on Fingerstyle Microtechniques, Covers as Creativity, & The Algorithm Game 53:36

9d ago53:36

53:36

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 cre…

1
Puteaux Guitar Festival, Florent Monfort Interview 6:24

15d ago6:24

6:24

The Puteaux Guitar Festival / Festival Guitare de Puteaux (culture.puteaux.fr) will hold its 6th edition from October 10th to 12th, 2025. It will be the first under the direction of Florent Monfort, who is now the director of the Puteaux conservatory. I work for Florent again via The Guitar Channel, as organizer of the luthier show and also to advi…

1
EP15: Andrea Valeri on Groove, Guitar Tone, and Chasing Curiosity as a Composer 57:42

1M ago57:42

57:42

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 ble…

1
EP 14: Sean McGowan on Fingerstyle Jazz, Crafting the Music, and The Holistic Guitarist [New Book] 53:57

2M ago53:57

53:57

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 di…

1
EP 13: Adam Levy on Songwriting, Musical Curiosity, and Making Albums 1:16:39

2M ago1:16:39

1:16:39

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 …

1
Why Your 9-5 Job Is Your Superpower for Getting Paid to Play Guitar 7:43

3M ago7:43

7:43

Think your day job is holding you back from making money with your guitar? Think again. In this episode, I’m showing you why working a full-time career actually gives you a massive edge over other musicians — and how to use your professional skills, financial stability, and work ethic to start getting booked and building a music brand you’re proud …

1
How I Booked My First Gig (and Why It Almost Didn’t Happen) 9:07

3M ago9:07

9:07

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind my first-ever gig—how I went from being told I wasn’t “cut out” for music to performing at a friend’s wedding… terrified but determined. I’ll take you behind the scenes of the early days: the nerves, the doubt, the free gigs, the late-night cramming, and the moment I finally got paid to perform. Wh…

1
EP12: Can Guitar Amps Be Furniture? Mike Nopper Says Yes. 43:31

3M ago43:31

43:31

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 bridg…

1
Video Podcast 126 BB King Stormy Monday style Blues Lesson

3M ago

—

In this Lesson we’re going to take a look at a BB King Stormy Monday style solo.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
EP11: Alex Misko on Pushing Guitar Boundaries, Creative Collaboration, and Finding Balance 1:14:06

4M ago1:14:06

1:14:06

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 …

1
EP10: Jon Gomm on Songwriting, Musical Storytelling, and Writing Your Own Rules 1:04:53

4M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

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 th…

1
EP 9: Trevor Gordon Hall on Structured Spontaneity, Collaboration, & AI's Creative Role 1:13:24

5M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

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 n…

1
EP 8: Chris Parks on The Barry Harris Method and Rethinking Jazz Guitar 1:08:35

5M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

(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 in…

1
Video Podcast 123 Ronnie Earl Style Slow Blues Lesson

6M ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn a Ronnie Earl style slow blues solo inspired by Blues in D Natural. This lesson is in the key of D.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
EP 7: Jocelyn Gould on Starting Late, Jazz Fundamentals, and Crafting Your Sound 40:01

6M ago40:01

40:01

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 lis…

1
EP 6: Maneli Jamal on Songwriting, Guitar Journaling, Practice Tips, and AI 50:16

6M ago50:16

50:16

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 Improvis…

1
EP 5: Will McNicol on Composing, Tone, and Orchestral Collaborations in Fingerstyle Guitar 1:32:44

6M ago1:32:44

1:32:44

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, innovati…

1
EP 4: Neff Irizarry on Latin Jazz, Artistic Growth, and the Power of Transcriptions 1:05:54

7M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

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 …

1
Video Podcast 122 Unaccompanied Thrill is Gone Style Blues Lesson

7M ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn an Unaccompanied Blues Piece that is similar to the chord progression used in the Thrill is Gone. This lesson is in the key of B minor.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
EP3: Adam Rafferty's Wild Journey to Fingerstyle Guitar, Groove, & Building a Sustainable Music Career 1:35:19

7M ago1:35:19

1:35:19

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 …

1
EP 2: Emil Ernebro on Building Fingerstyle Guitar Technique, Creative Influences, Production & Performing 1:26:38

7M ago1:26:38

1:26:38

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 Jour…

1
EP 1: Tim Lerch on Fingerstyle Mastery, Musical Journeys, and Navigating the Digital Age 1:25:47

7M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

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://thegu…

1
Video Podcast 120 Acoustic Blues Lesson

9M ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn an acoustic blues solo played with a pick in the key of E.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Video Podcast 116 Unaccompanied Blues Lesson

1+ y ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn an unaccompanied blues solo.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Video Podcast 115 Stevie Ray Vaughan Blues Lesson

1+ y ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn a SRV inspired slow blues solo.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Video Podcast 114 Adding Attitude to a Slow Blues

1+ y ago

—

In this lesson you’ll about adding attitude to a slow blues.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
MIGS Academy: boost your guitar skills in Classical, Fingerstyle or Rock in Montreux 11:39

1+ y ago11:39

11:39

A major innovation for Montreux International Guitar Show aka the MIGS (migs.ch) is that this 2024 edition will be preceded by a guitar workshop with top Classical, Fingerstyle and Rock musicians! This is the MIGS Academy (migs-masters-camps.com) which will take place from Monday April 22 to Friday April 26 in Montreux. Here's an interview with org…

1
Video Podcast 113 Eric Clapton Style Blues Lesson

1+ y ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn an Eric Clapton inspired blues rhythm and solo.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Video Podcast 112 Lynyrd Skynyrd Style Blues Lesson

1+ y ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn a Lynyrd Skynyrd inspired blues rhythm and solo.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Nyl Guitars – Presentation and demo by Michel Gentils in Puteaux 35:41

1+ y ago35:41

35:41

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Nyl Guitars (fr.nylguitars.com) by musician Michel Gentils (michelgentils.com) in the presence of luthier Julien Jalaguier. Nyl Guitars demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and b…

1
CF Guitars – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 19:45

1+ y ago19:45

19:45

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by CF Guitars (Facebook page) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Fred Charpiot. Configuration: Amp: Kelt V-Twin Sound: Ox Box Universal Audio CF Guitars demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the v…

1
Criman Guitars – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 27:00

1+ y ago27:00

27:00

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Criman Guitars (criman.ro) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Christian Sandu. Configuration: Amp: Kelt V-Twin Sound: Ox Box Universal Audio Criman Guitars demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of…

1
Thomas Grumler Lutherie – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 18:14

1+ y ago18:14

18:14

Presentation and demonstration instruments by Thomas Grumler Lutherie (lutherieguitare.wordpress.com) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Thomas Grumler during the Puteaux Guitar Festival. Thomas Grumler Lutherie demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version…

1
Marine Guitars – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux 21:20

1+ y ago21:20

21:20

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Marine Guitars (marineguitars.com) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Marine Pacaut. Marine Guitars demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify a…

1
Tausch Guitars – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux 25:32

1+ y ago25:32

25:32

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Tausch Guitars (tausch-guitars.de) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Rainer Tausch. Tausch Guitars demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify a…

1
Boxis Guitars – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux 14:01

1+ y ago14:01

14:01

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Boris Guitars (boxisguitars.com) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Alexis Bonin. Boxis Guitars demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and b…

1
Video Podcast 111 BB King Style Blues Lesson

1+ y ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn a BB King inspired Three O'Clock blues solo.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Berg Guitares – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 25:40

1+ y ago25:40

25:40

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Berg Guitares (berg-guitares.com) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Jonathan Berg. Configuration: Amp: Kelt V-Twin Sound: Ox Box Universal Audio Berg Guitares demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio versio…

1
Micoud Guitares – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux 19:41

1+ y ago19:41

19:41

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Micoud Guitares (micoud-guitares.com) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Baptiste Micoud. Micoud Guitares demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spo…

1
TM Lutherie – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux 14:17

1+ y ago14:17

14:17

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by TM Lutherie (tmlutherie.fr) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Thomas Meuret. TM Lutherie demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below: …

1
Kopo Guitar – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 24:50

1+ y ago24:50

24:50

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Kopo Guitar (kopo.fr) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Fred Pons. Configuration: Kopo Guitar demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and…

1
Lame Horse Instruments – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 22:41

1+ y ago22:41

22:41

Presentation and demonstration of a Lame Horse Instruments (lamehorse.net) guitar by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Chris Jenkins. Lame Horse Instruments demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spot…

1
Dejardin Guitare – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 32:15

1+ y ago32:15

32:15

Presentation and demonstration of two Dejardin Guitare (dejardinguitare.be) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Ghislain Dejardin. Dejardin Guitare demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and …

1
Guitares Berdah – Presentation an demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux 25:25

1+ y ago25:25

25:25

Presentation and demonstration of two Guitares Berdah (guitaresberdah.com) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Michel Berdah. Guitares Berdah demo concert Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus The Guitar Channel podcast The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:…

1
Sam McClaren - North East UK Luthier 16:24

2y ago16:24

16:24

Sam builds guitars out of his workshop in Stockton on Tees. I met him at the Ullapool Guitar Festival in October 2022 and he very kindly agreed to sit down and have a chat with me on tape. Full show notes here: https://acousticguitar.io/?p=2589 Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LNjsUu-v0oA ▶LINKS AND THAT◀McClaren GuitarsKatherine P…

1
John Goldie, Scots Guitarist 28:52

2y ago28:52

28:52

Recorded at the Ullapool Guitar Festival in October 2019. Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tk55A3IrEEg Full Show Notes: https://acousticguitar.io/john-goldie/Links and that. https://www.johngoldie.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/johngoldieguitar/https://twitter.com/johnsgoldiehttps://www.youtube.com/c/JohnGoldieGuitarhttps://www.ins…

1
Video Podcast 106 Gibbons/Haynes Style Blues Rock Lesson

2y ago

—

In this lesson I want to show you how to play 3 Beginner Billy Gibbons/Warren Haynes style blues rock licks in the key of G. The entire solo uses 4 positions from the Minor Pentatonic Scale.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Video Podcast 107 Acoustic Blues Lesson in G

2y ago

—

In this lesson you’ll learn an Acoustic Blues piece in the key of G that has a lot of different elements played with a pick. Little bit of Robert Johnson style in this one as well.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
Tausch Guitars 665 Raw review of a great sounding German boutique guitar 9:51

2y ago9:51

9:51

German luthier Rainer Tausch (tausch-guitars.de) builds incredible guitars that are a successful blend of tradition and modernity. Indeed, the lines of his guitars are inspired by well-known American models, such as the Telecaster in the case of this 665 Raw. But Rainer doesn't just copy a well-known recipe - far from it! The 665 Raw…