Guitar Hang Podcast

Season 10, Episode 6 of The Guitar Hang features one of the most original and fearless guitarists on the planet — Mattias IA Eklundh.
Best known for his groundbreaking work with Freak Kitchen, Mattias has built a global reputation for combining jaw-dropping technical ability with humor, melody, and total creative freedom. His playing blends metal, fusion, funk, and progressive rock into something unmistakably his own — elastic phrasing, wild intervallic ideas, percussive technique, and absolute command of touch.
In this episode we dive into:
The philosophy behind the “Freak Guitar” approach
Breaking technical limitations without losing musicality
Right-hand control and articulation secrets
Practicing creativity (not just speed)
The mental game of originality
Touring stories and studio insights
Why tone, feel, and humor matter just as much as chops
Mattias also shares insights from decades of teaching and performing around the world, including his legendary Freak Guitar Camps.
If you’re serious about expanding your guitar vocabulary — this episode will stretch you in the best way possible.
🎟 Sponsored by The Woodshed Guitar Experience
This episode is brought to you in part by the Woodshed Guitar Experience — an immersive guitar workshop designed for passionate players who want real growth, community, and inspiration.
Enter PromoCode GUITARHANG for a $300 discount.
The Woodshed brings together world-class players and dedicated students for deep dives into technique, tone, phrasing, songwriting, and live performance — all in a supportive, creative environment.
Learn more here:
 👉 https://www.woodshedguitarexperience.com

(Be sure to check the episode description and show notes for any current promo codes.)
🎧 Listen & Follow The Guitar Hang
Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thejonstankorb

Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jonstankorb_jonsguitarlounge/

🎸 Jon Stankorb / Signs of Life:
 https://www.signsofloyd.com

🎶 Follow Mattias IA Eklundh
Official Website:
 https://www.freakguitar.com

Freak Kitchen:
 https://www.freakkitchen.com

Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/mattiasiaeklundh
https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge
Support the show
"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

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

Support the show
"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

Support the show
"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

Support the show
"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"