Guitar Hang Podcast

🎸 The Guitar Hang Podcast: Season 10 • Episode 3
Guest: Michael Nielsen
Season 10 continues with a thoughtful and inspiring conversation featuring guitarist, composer, and creator Michael Nielsen.
In this episode, Jon sits down with Michael to explore the evolving life of a modern guitarist — from composing and producing original music to building sounds, profiles, and creative tools used by players around the world. Michael shares insight into his musical journey, his approach to tone and feel, and how curiosity and consistency have guided his work as both an artist and educator.
They also dive into creativity beyond the guitar — writing music for media, developing signature sounds, and staying inspired while navigating today’s ever-changing musical landscape. This is an honest, grounded conversation about growth, craft, and staying connected to the joy of making music.
A relaxed, musical hang filled with perspective, inspiration, and real-world experience.
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Jon’s Guitar Lounge SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge
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👉 https://www.youtube.com/@thejonstankorb
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Instagram:
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🔗 Michael Nielsen — Links & Music
MY SOUNDS
👉 http://www.bighairyprofiles.com
COMPOSER WEBSITE
👉 http://www.michaelnielsenmusic.com
FACEBOOK
👉 https://www.facebook.com/michael.nielsen.9889
INSTAGRAM
👉 https://www.instagram.com/michaelnielsenmusic
NINJA TRACKS
👉 http://www.NinjaTracks.com

🎵 Michael Nielsen on Spotify
👉 https://open.spotify.com/album/1KiGip
👉 https://open.spotify.com/album/301hV3
👉 https://open.spotify.com/album/5QwO3v

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Season 10, Episode 2 — Noel Johnston
In this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, Jon Stankorb sits down with guitarist, educator, and musical chameleon Noel Johnston.
Noel is a rare artist who seamlessly blends jazz, classical, blues, and rock into a voice that’s both deeply informed and unmistakably his own. His playing reflects a lifetime of study, performance, and thoughtful musical exploration — always in service of the music.
Noel is on the guitar faculty at the University of North Texas in the renowned Jazz Guitar Program, performs with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and is the owner of Lone Star Music Academy in Dallas, Texas. As both a performer and educator, he brings a uniquely holistic perspective to musicianship, technique, and musical growth.
In this conversation, Jon and Noel explore:
Developing a personal musical voice across multiple styles
The relationship between technique, theory, and expression
What it really means to understand the guitar neck
Teaching philosophy and long-term musical development
Bridging the worlds of classical music, jazz, and modern guitar
This episode is filled with insight for guitarists who are serious about growing — not just technically, but musically.
🎸 Join Jon’s Guitar Lounge Community
If you’re looking to go deeper on the instrument, check out Jon’s Guitar Lounge — a global community of like-minded guitarists featuring:
Online guitar lessons
Masterclasses with the greats
In-depth lessons on theory, improvisation, and understanding the guitar neck
Gear talk, inspiration, and real musical connection
👉 Join here:
 https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge/about?ref=b839ffbc42bd48d48b75d22f1469f978

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow guitarist who loves the craft.
Thanks for listening — and welcome to The Guitar Hang Podcast

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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

Season 10, Episode 1 – John Petrucci of Dream Theater
A Christmas Gift to the Guitar Hang Community
As a special thank-you to the loyal listeners of The Guitar Hang Podcast, this Season 10 premiere is offered as a Christmas gift — and there’s no better way to begin than with John Petrucci.
John Petrucci is one of the most influential guitarists of our time — an artist shaped by heroes, and now a hero to generations of players around the world. In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation, John opens up about the musicians who inspired him, the responsibility that comes with influence, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right creative team over a long career.
We also dive into Dream Theater’s powerful new release, Quarantieme: Live a' Paris — a stunning document of a band still connected, still inspired, and still performing at the highest level.
This episode isn’t about speed or technique — it’s about legacy, gratitude, discipline, and the long game of making music that matters.
In this episode, we discuss:
• The heroes who shaped John Petrucci’s musical voice
 • Becoming an inspiration to your own heroes
 • The value of long-term creative relationships
 • Leadership, humility, and artistic responsibility
 • Dream Theater’s Quarantieme: Live a' Paris album and tour
 • What it takes to sustain excellence over decades
Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting The Guitar Hang Podcast. Your loyalty makes these conversations possible.
🎸 Join Jon’s Guitar Lounge on SKOOL
Lessons, masterclasses, gear deep dives, recording workshops, and a global community of like-minded guitarists:
https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge/about?ref=b839ffbc42bd48d48b75d22f1469f978
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the guitar as much as you do.
I’m Jon Stankorb,
and this is The Guitar Hang Podcast.

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Episode Description — The Guitar Hang Podcast
Guest: Terence Reis (The Dire Straits Experience)
In this special episode of The Guitar Hang, I sit down with the incredible Terence Reis, the guitarist and vocalist carrying the torch for The Dire Straits Experience. Terence brings a rare blend of precision, sensitivity, and soul to Mark Knopfler’s music—honoring the legacy while offering his own depth and artistry.
We explore his journey into the Dire Straits world, the nuances of touch and tone, why restraint is often the most powerful musical choice, and how he approaches the emotional storytelling that defines Knopfler’s playing. It’s an inspiring, thoughtful hang with a musician who understands the heart of this music on a deep level.
Whether you’re a Dire Straits devotee, a tone chaser, or someone who simply loves hearing great players talk about the craft, this episode is a beautiful ride.
🎸 Reserve Your VIP Seat — Mark Knopfler Masterclass
If you’re a massive Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits fan, don’t miss this.
We’re hosting a LIVE online Mark Knopfler Masterclass inside Jon’s Guitar Lounge, and Terence Reis is joining us for this special session.
👉 Reserve your VIP seat here:
https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge/calendar

Seats are limited — grab yours now and be part of this unforgettable masterclass experience.

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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 9, Episode 9
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Join host Jon inside The Guitar Hang as he sits down with the extraordinary Angel Vivaldi — guitarist, composer, producer, and creative visionary — fresh off his tour performing with the Steve Morse Band.
In this inspiring conversation, Jon and Angel dive deep into:
🎶 Angel’s early musical beginnings and self-taught journey
🎸 His various creative projects and how he continues to evolve
📲 Social media, branding, and building an authentic artist identity
💡 Staying balanced as a modern guitarist in today’s music industry
Whether you’re a player, fan, or fellow creative, this episode delivers motivation, perspective, and plenty of guitar geekery to keep you inspired.
🔗 Links & Resources
👉 Join the Community: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

Connect with fellow guitarists, access exclusive lessons, live hangs, and courses.
🎸 Follow Angel Vivaldi:
Website: https://www.angelvivaldi.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/angelvivaldi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelvivaldiofficial

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Join the Lounge: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

Angel Vivaldi has carved a unique lane in the modern guitar world — blending technical mastery, cinematic songwriting, and a powerful message of artistic authenticity. In this episode, Jon and Angel unpack what it means to live as a creative today — from the grind of touring to the art of connecting with fans.
If you love thought-provoking conversations about music, creativity, and the mindset behind mastery — this is one you don’t want to miss.
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If you enjoyed the conversation, please like, comment, and share it with another guitarist.
Your support helps keep The Guitar Hang alive and growing!
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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"