Guitar Hang Podcast

The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 10, Episode 5
Special Guest: Ian Thornley (Big Wreck)
On this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, host Jon Stankorb sits down with Ian Thornley — guitarist, singer, songwriter, and the creative force behind Big Wreck — for an in-depth conversation about guitar, tone, songwriting, and the band’s powerful new album, The Rest of the Story.
Ian Thornley is widely regarded as one of the most respected and underrated guitarists in modern rock. Known for his massive tone, technical precision, deep musicality, and fearless approach to songwriting, Ian has built a career rooted in authenticity and musical integrity.
In this episode, we dive into:
Ian’s approach to guitar, tone, and feel
Writing and recording music with Big Wreck
A deep discussion of the new album, The Rest of the Story
How the band continues to evolve creatively while honoring its roots
Gear, guitars, amps, and the role of technology in modern recording
Lessons learned from decades of touring and making records
Why serving the song always comes before technique
This is not a surface-level interview. It’s an honest, thoughtful, and musical conversation with an artist who continues to raise the bar for rock guitar and songwriting.
Whether you’re a guitarist, songwriter, producer, or simply a fan of great rock music, this episode offers real insight into the mind and craft of Ian Thornley.
🎸 Listen in and enjoy the hang.
Follow Ian Thornley & Big Wreck:
🌐 Big Wreck Official Website:
 https://www.bigwreckmusic.com

📸 Big Wreck on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/bigwreckmusic

▶️ Big Wreck on YouTube:
 https://www.youtube.com/@BigWreckOfficial

🎵 Stream Big Wreck:
 Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music

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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

Season 10 • Episode 4
Ariel Posen — Tone, Feel, Slide Guitar & Serving the Song
On this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, host Jon Stankorb sits down with the incredible Ariel Posen — guitarist, singer, songwriter, and one of the most expressive voices in modern roots and blues-based music.
Ariel is known for his deeply emotional slide guitar work, vocal phrasing that feels inseparable from his playing, and a commitment to serving the song above all else. In this wide-ranging and honest conversation, we dig far beyond surface-level guitar talk.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Developing a personal voice on guitar
• Slide guitar approach, tone, and touch
• How songwriting shapes guitar choices
• Gear philosophy without chasing trends
• Touring, recording, and staying creatively grounded
• Why feel, space, and intention matter more than flash
This episode is a masterclass in musical maturity, tone, and emotional connection, and a must-listen for guitarists, songwriters, and anyone searching for authenticity in their playing.
🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube
About Ariel Posen:
Ariel Posen is a Canadian-born guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose work blends blues, roots, rock, and modern songwriting into a deeply personal and expressive sound. His playing is widely respected for its feel, restraint, and unmistakable voice.
Follow & Explore Ariel Posen:
🌐 Official Website: https://www.arielposen.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielposen

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArielPosen

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/ArielPosen

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arielposenmusic

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review The Guitar Hang Podcast — it helps support the show and keeps these conversations coming.
Follow The Guitar Hang on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for clips, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming guests.
Support the show
"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

🎸 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.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
Follow The Guitar Hang Podcast for weekly conversations with world-class guitarists, composers, educators, and industry voices.
🔗 Jon’s Links

Jon’s Guitar Lounge SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge
Jon’s Guitar Lounge (YouTube):
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@thejonstankorb
The Guitar Hang Podcast:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@thejonstankorb
Instagram:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/jonstankorb_jonsguitarlounge/

🔗 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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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

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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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"