EP 16: Mike Dawes on Fingerstyle Microtechniques, Covers as Creativity, & The Algorithm Game
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 creative exercise and a career catalyst.
We also dive into the realities of modern music distribution—how the algorithm shapes what we hear, why Spotify can feel like a double-edged sword for independent artists, and how Mike navigates the balance between artistic integrity and digital reach.
If you’re a guitarist, creator, or just curious about where acoustic music fits in a world run by platforms, this one’s for you.
Links
Links
- www.mikedawes.com
- JamPlay course, USB stick version - This is the course material where Mike goes through the percussive techniques from the episode: https://www.mikedawes.com/products/usb-jamplay-course
- Mike's Truefire courses - https://truefire.com/search/?q=mike%20dawes
- Tonewood Amp 2 - https://www.tonewoodamp.com/products/tonewoodamp2
- Neural DSP - Pliny plugin - https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/archetype-plini
- IK Multimedia Tonex One pedal - https://amzn.to/44P0W1N
- Mood Machine by Liz Pelly - https://amzn.to/3IdNlZe
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction
- 03:12 Mike's Journey from Electric to Acoustic Guitar
- 05:59 The Evolution of Percussive Techniques in Fingerstyle
- 09:03 The Importance of Covers in Learning and Discovery
- 12:05 Collaborations and Community in Fingerstyle Guitar
- 15:08 Practical Tips for Intermediate Guitarists
- 17:58 The Art of Live Performance and Creating Moments
- 28:36 The Art of Live Performance
- 29:50 Innovations in Guitar Effects
- 34:23 Navigating the Spotify Landscape
- 40:11 The Future of Music and AI
- 45:54 Exciting Collaborations and Upcoming Projects
