Songwriting For Guitar Podcast

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!