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/4kfn4rw
• Sean's Fingerstyle Jazz curriculum on Artistworks - artistworks.com/sean-mcgowan
• Sean's Truefire Courses - truefire.com/sean-mcgowan
• Sean's Portmanteau album - https://open.spotify.com/album/5g9nhpCjWPQpaIzmJgKik3?si=oCo_kza3SFKYN6OCojmAqA
• Book: Free Play - https://amzn.to/43UxZA7
• Chapman Stick - https://stick.com/
• Note: Sean's Archtop dimensions: 25" scale length, 1.75" width at nut
• The Performing Arts Medicine Assocation - https://artsmed.org/
• Hampton Hawes
  • Four - https://open.spotify.com/album/0kTwd8JPkvKEaQ1hjYkwdz?si=EQJrTXZVShylGM_KjzRVvQ
  • and All Night Sessions - https://open.spotify.com/album/1VIeZWeI5KH16yzp3FvRki?si=DYiYMckMQGamUjjUfX1-8w
• Herbie Hancock's book, Possibilities - https://amzn.to/45uvExZ
• Sean McGowan playing "All Blues" - https://open.spotify.com/track/3zlBxWo1KrThBtmEvXOKqm?si=684e62c0a84c49e6
• Wes Montgomery, The Wes Montgomery Trio - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WbUlW1uuChmQumXueDmgp?si=hdCiIdwITD-3B4vXEuVJrA
• George Benson, Uptown - https://open.spotify.com/album/6haQ84o7v7VBAxC3sWH3Ml?si=mnuY1S29QhGPvjqD1R8F3w
• Jesse Van Ruler - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mslSdrZRuMJURsuyHX9NU?si=M-nBjgTqQ8yp03Sav_XTrw

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar
• 04:59 Journey into Fingerstyle Jazz
• 09:56 The Art of Solo Guitar Arrangements
• 15:15 Recording Techniques and Approaches
• 19:53 Picking Hand Technique and Philosophy
• 27:31 The Tactile Connection to Guitar Playing
• 29:01 Transitioning to Archtop Guitars
• 32:51 The Holistic Guitarist: A New Approach
• 41:25 Preventing Injuries and Cultivating Good Habits
• 44:50 The Human Element in Music vs. AI
• 46:13 Quick Hits: Personal Favorites and Recommendations