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 discovering Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges as a teen to developing his signature technique and arranging process. He shares how he approaches solo guitar like composing for ensembles, why he sketches musical ideas away from the instrument, and how a cappella music and brass ensembles shaped his voice as a guitarist.Sean also introduces his brand-new book, The Holistic Guitarist, a guide to wellness, injury prevention, and sustainable musicianship that’s more relevant than ever in today’s high-pressure, screen-heavy world. Whether you're a performing guitarist or a bedroom player, this conversation is full of insights that will deepen your connection to your playing—and your body.Links🔥🔥🔥The Holistic Guitarist, Sean's New book: https://amzn.to/4kfn4rwSean's Fingerstyle Jazz curriculum on Artistworks - artistworks.com/sean-mcgowanSean's Truefire Courses - truefire.com/sean-mcgowanSean's Portmanteau album - https://open.spotify.com/album/5g9nhpCjWPQpaIzmJgKik3?si=oCo_kza3SFKYN6OCojmAqABook: Free Play - https://amzn.to/43UxZA7Chapman Stick - https://stick.com/Note: Sean's Archtop dimensions: 25" scale length, 1.75" width at nutThe Performing Arts Medicine Assocation - https://artsmed.org/Hampton HawesFour - https://open.spotify.com/album/0kTwd8JPkvKEaQ1hjYkwdz?si=EQJrTXZVShylGM_KjzRVvQand All Night Sessions - https://open.spotify.com/album/1VIeZWeI5KH16yzp3FvRki?si=DYiYMckMQGamUjjUfX1-8wHerbie Hancock's book, Possibilities - https://amzn.to/45uvExZSean McGowan playing "All Blues" - https://open.spotify.com/track/3zlBxWo1KrThBtmEvXOKqm?si=684e62c0a84c49e6Wes Montgomery, The Wes Montgomery Trio - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WbUlW1uuChmQumXueDmgp?si=hdCiIdwITD-3B4vXEuVJrAGeorge Benson, Uptown - https://open.spotify.com/album/6haQ84o7v7VBAxC3sWH3Ml?si=mnuY1S29QhGPvjqD1R8F3wJesse Van Ruler - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mslSdrZRuMJURsuyHX9NU?si=M-nBjgTqQ8yp03Sav_XTrwChapters00:00 Introduction to Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar04:59 Journey into Fingerstyle Jazz09:56 The Art of Solo Guitar Arrangements15:15 Recording Techniques and Approaches19:53 Picking Hand Technique and Philosophy27:31 The Tactile Connection to Guitar Playing29:01 Transitioning to Archtop Guitars32:51 The Holistic Guitarist: A New Approach41:25 Preventing Injuries and Cultivating Good Habits44:50 The Human Element in Music vs. AI46:13 Quick Hits: Personal Favorites and Recommendations

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