Songwriting For Guitar Podcast

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike dives deep into the demo process, a vital step in songwriting that can make or break your song's potential. Demos act as a crucial filter between initial voice memos and the polished studio product, helping songwriters determine which ideas are worth pursuing. 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/nCV8-LF7NuE

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

What if you had to start your music career from zero—no songs, no gear, no connections? In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Emmy-winning composer Mike Meiers unpacks what it takes to rebuild from scratch. From handling criticism and setbacks to sharpening your skills and building relationships on limited resources, Mike shares why resilience and mentorship are the fastest paths forward. Most importantly, he reminds us to enjoy the process—because the real magic is in the journey, not just the destination. 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/gLfDoJa_CwA

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

Join Mike as he sits down with Nick from Oneder Effects, explore the gritty, honest, and inspiring journey from punk rock stages to boutique pedalboards. In this episode, they dig into how life on tour with The Swellers prepared Nick for running a business, how storytelling fuels his creative process, and what it really means to stay connected in an ever-changing music world. Whether you're into guitar gear, punk DIY ethos, or just love hearing about turning passion into profession, this one’s for you. Check out Oneder Effect 👉 https://www.onedereffects.com/ 👉 https://www.instagram.com/onedereffects/ 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 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 episode, Mike sits down with Sean O’Keefe, producer, engineer, and creative force behind records from Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack, Beach Bunny, and more. Sean shares his journey from drummer to multi-platinum producer, opening up about what it really takes to build a lasting career in today’s constantly evolving music industry. Mike dives deep with Sean on the psychology behind great production, why authenticity matters more than ever in songwriting, and how to stay creatively inspired while continuing to grow with the times.   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://tinyurl.com/y45we4xr

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.

You’ve got one song you love. Maybe you’ve even started imagining what it’ll sound like fully produced. But before you drop serious cash on production, ask yourself—is it really ready?  In this episode, Mike gets real about the common trap songwriters fall into: rushing into production before the songwriting is ready. He shares the mindset shift that can save you literally thousands of dollars, weeks of time, help you write better songs, and build a more sustainable music career. If you’ve ever thought “this song just needs a producer to take it to the next level,” this one’s for you. Tune in to hear the hard truths—and the game-changing advice—you won’t get anywhere else.

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 key—but it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. This week, we’re exploring what truly fuels it: dreams. Dreams spark ambition, give us purpose, and makes commitment easier. Science backs it up—imagination boosts resilience and deepens creativity. When our goals are personally meaningful, staying consistent feels natural. I’ll share a moment from a recent trip home- how going through a literal dark tunnel became a metaphor for my evolving perspective on ambition. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this episode is for you. Let’s explore how small steps toward our dreams can unlock new ideas and fuel our creative journey.

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. 

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.