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 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