Songwriting For Guitar Podcast

This week on the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, I’m joined once again by my friend Lij Shaw, award-winning music producer, host of the #1 iTunes podcast Recording Studio Rockstars, and owner of the Grammy-awarded The Toy Box Studio in East Nashville. Lij has been making records for over 30 years, working across rock, jazz, classical, and everything in between. In this conversation, we dive deep into Lij’s newest record and the wild, unexpected journey it took to make it, from creative risks and production choices to the mindset shifts that shaped the final result. If you’re an artist, producer, or songwriter who wants to.... Make braver creative decisions, this episode is for you. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Check out Lij's Podcast https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/category/podcast/ Listen to Lij's Newest Project https://open.spotify.com/album/5tI7MIlksBI1m7HN16urvP?si=ubsEeflcQAu4G9myYelmFg

Black Friday is here, but before you smash that “Add to Cart,” let’s talk. In this episode, Mike breaks down the real trap most songwriters and producers fall into this weekend, buying more gear instead of getting better. If you’ve ever convinced yourself that a new plugin, pedal, or shiny piece of equipment would finally “unlock your creativity,” this episode is a must-listen. You’ll also learn how to reflect on past Black Friday decisions so you can shop smarter, grow faster, and make choices that actually support your creative journey. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge

In this episode, Mike reveals the three most common songwriting mistakes that quietly sabotage your songs, and how to fix them. From overcomplicating your chords and cramming too many lyrics to ignoring dynamics, He breaks down how these habits disconnect emotion and dull great ideas.  Whether you’re working on your first EP or refining your catalog for sync, this episode will give you the tools to elevate your songwriting and arrangements. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/zIhqKNBN3og?si=PNuCblIIQjlbjlHs

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike dives into the transformative power of co-writing, one of the most effective tools a songwriter can utilize. Mike discusses how collaboration can help you overcome creative blind spots, expand your professional network, and fast-track your growth as a songwriter! Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/rKj-tm7Zv9E

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike dives into the skill of active listening and how it can transform your songwriting. Instead of passively enjoying music, he shows how dissecting melodies, rhythms, and lyrics can reveal the choices that make songs impactful. Drawing parallels to Michelangelo’s detailed study of anatomy, Mike emphasizes the value of analysis in honing artistry, while also sharing practical strategies you can use to make active listening part of your daily routine, helping you sharpen your ear, elevate your craft, and stand out in today’s crowded music landscape. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/F0G-li1Vh_A

Mike sits down with Emily Belue, who went from aspiring musician to Sync Creative Manager at Capitol Christian. Emily shares her journey through the competitive Nashville scene, the challenges she faced, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and why adaptability and strong relationships are essential in today’s fast-changing music industry Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here https://youtu.be/5I8k3DnHb4U

In this episode, Mike dives into the world of Musiversal, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing music production. Join us as we chat with Christian and David about how Musiversal connects producers with top-tier session musicians globally, offering a unique blend of remote collaboration and creative expertise. Discover how this platform is transforming the music industry by providing access to real musicians, enhancing the quality of productions, and fostering a global community of artists. Skip the waitlist and grab your 3 month discount of Musiversal 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2tx28v3j Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Subscribe To The Channel - https://youtu.be/1ci_Ji4DAZw

In this solo episode, Mike shares a fresh perspective inspired by Mark Hoppus’ new book Fahrenheit 182. After reading about Hoppus’ experience with cancer and Blink-182’s return to the stage, one phrase stuck: “the bonus round.” Mike explores how that idea applies to life as a songwriter—acknowledging the challenges we face, without sugarcoating them, but also recognizing the chance we have to keep moving forward. If you’re juggling creative goals with everyday responsibilities, this episode offers a practical mindset shift that might help you look at things a little differently.

This week, Mike sits down with Duncan and Aaron, the founders of Songwriting Magazine, a UK-based publication (available in both print and digital formats). But they’re more than just publishers —they’re creators in the trenches with us! That's what makes their magazine so good, they understand what songwriters and musicians need! They strive to deliver inspiration by bringing in working producers, industry professionals, and fellow artists to help navigate the ever-changing music landscape. Tune in to hear their passion for songwriting, the magazine’s mission, and why Songwriting Magazine is a must-read for songwriters everywhere! Grab Your Songwriting Magazine Discount Here

Consistency is a total game-changer. It’s your secret weapon in the music industry and it's THE difference between staying stuck and moving forward. If you want to build confidence as a musician and shake off imposter syndrome, commitment to consistency is the missing piece you need. And here’s the secret—consistency doesn’t mean buckling down, being miserable and doing it alone. Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded musicians will help you stay the course. Most people aren’t consistent, and that’s exactly why it’s your advantage, because it's actually rare. When you commit, you’ll build a network of collaborators who follow through, persist, and create real momentum. Ready to take that step? Email me at mike@songwritingforguitar.com, let me know you listened, and tell me you’re committing this year! Just announced: My 7 Day Mini-Course Challenge, From Chords to Songs That Connect was just released! Click here to get it at it's special launch price before it goes up. 

 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.

 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 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!