In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing: When getting started, were you mostly self-taught or did you take lessons? What got you to pick up the mandolin the first time? Magnus is sharing videos of himself testing out the entire mandolin family: mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, and mandocello. Hayes is sharing info and details about his new beginner course “Play Bluegrass Guitar in 30 days”. Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Visit our website for ...
Aug 19, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund interviews one of the young mandolin stars in the bluegrass scene, Tristan Scroggins. He is a musician based in Nashville, and we recorded this episode while he’s on tour with Missy Raines’ band. The episode is full of good tips from a professional music maker, and there is an exciting discussion about: Being on the road Women in bluegrass music Learning from other instruments like banjo and fiddle How to get the most out of camps and workshops + Much m...
Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing: What are your thoughts about the electric mandolin? Hayes’s new video lesson about The OTHER mandolin scale you need to know What is the most stupid comment you got when you said you play the mandolin? Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Jonathan Mann, Electric Mandolins http://www.manndolins.com/ Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast...
Jul 01, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing: Learning a new instrument. 5 Tips for Jam Sessions The great online resource for learning the bass guitar, Study Bass by Andrew Pouska Things to consider when purchasing an instrument. Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Study Bass, Andrew Pouska https://www.studybass.com/ Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast...
Jun 03, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this podcast episode, I(Magnus Zetterlund) am chatting with my student, David Betcher, from Michigan, USA. A few of the subjects we touched upon are: Taking one step back to take two steps ahead. Learning to play the mandolin as an adult differs from learning to play as a kid. Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast If you want personal guidance from Magnus, you can follow this link to book an intro call: https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/apply...
May 06, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing: What is your biggest struggle when it comes to fretboard knowledge? How do you visualize scales on the mandolin and guitar? Boxes, finger patterns, etc. Is there a book you’ve read that was valuable for your music playing? Magnus’s new video lesson shows a hero lick from Sierra Hull. The upcoming Fretboard Success program, in April 2025. Hayes’s one string guitar solo. Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Visit ...
Apr 08, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing: Where do you find the songs/tunes that inspire you? Do you have music goals for 2025? Magnus’s new YouTube video where he shows his pedal board with mandolin effects. Hayes’s new metal guitar arrangement of Big Sciota. Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast...
Mar 04, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this month’s episode, Magnus interviews one of the most innovative mandolin players on the world, Radim Zenkl, from the Czech Republic . He plays a variety of styles and genres and has a career in both USA and Europe. The episode is full of good tips from a professional music maker, and there is an exciting discussion about: Finding your own style Being influenced about different music genres Being a professional musician + Much more Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. The website of...
Jan 28, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this podcast episode, Hayes Griffin and Magnus Zetterlund are discussing: What music-related items are on your holiday wish list this year? Does your mood affect your music playing or practice? Are you joining the Mandolin Player’s Holiday Challenge? Magnus’s new three-part arrangement of We Wish You A Merry Christmas Hayes’s guitar arrangements of We Wish You A Merry Christmas Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show: Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcas...
Dec 23, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this podcast episode, Hayes Griffin and Magnus Zetterlund are discussing: The 5th anniversary of Mandolin Secrets Academy. How to use the powerful back-chaining technique while memorizing music. Playing baroque music on the mandolin while highlighting Magnus’s new classical mandolin lesson “ The prelude from Bach’s 1st Cello Suite ”. We asked our community: Do you mostly play by tabs, notation, or by ear? Do you mostly play by tabs, notation, by ear, or by eye and ear? Do you attend music cam...
Nov 26, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this podcast episode, Hayes Griffin and Magnus Zetterlund discuss the interesting subject of contest playing. Why do it? How to apply? What to focus on? It's not only a general discussion; they also look deeper at Hayes's successful adventure when he placed 2nd at Walnut Valley Festival, National Flat-Picking Championships, Winfield, KS, in September 2024. We are highlighting: The good reasons to attend a contest What makes a good contest repertoire How to craft a winning arrangement Hayes's ...
Oct 29, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Magnus interviews mandolin player Patricia Cleary from Seattle in this month's episode. She's a member of Mandolin Secrets Academy and talks about her way of keeping focus and showing up for the mandolin daily with Magnus's guidance. It's inspiring to listen to her interesting view on the mandolin as a great depressant and anti-anxiety. "You can't be angry or sad playing the mandolin; it evokes so much joy!" Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast If you want per...
Oct 01, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 33
This month’s episode was recorded in a car, and Magnus and Hayes are having a discussion about: Hayes’s visit to Sweden the Grenna Bluegrass Festival Leading workshops for players at different levels Playing good bluegrass breaks The art of slow and steady progress making + Much more Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast Grenna Bluegrass Festival https://www.grennabluegrass.se/...
Sep 03, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this month’s episode, Magnus interviews one of Europe’s top bluegrass musicians, Ondra Kozák, from the Czech Republic. He plays mandolin, guitar, fiddle/violin, dobro, bass, etc. The episode is full of good tips from a professional music maker, and there is an exciting discussion about: - Being a multi-instrumentalist - The bluegrass scene in the Czech Republic - Being a professional musician - + Much more Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show: The website of Ondra Kozák https://ondrako...
Aug 06, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this month’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: What is the best low-cost or "budget" instrument you've played? What is your favorite instrument shop and why? Do you perform any mandolin maintenance/repair yourself or take it to a luthier? Magnus's new lesson for the fiddle tune Red Haired Boy with some Adam Steffey Hero Licks. Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast...
Jul 09, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this month’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: How do you visualize scales on the mandolin and guitar? Boxes, finger patterns, etc. Anyone have a favorite app they use for practice? Magnus’s new lesson release for I’ve found a new baby Hayes’ guitar tube amps and the digital alternatives. Magnus’s shares a story when he became the national TV guitarist. Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast...
Jun 11, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this month’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: Do you use a tone-guard for your mandolin? Why or why not? Do you know how to learn a song by ear? If so, how did you acquire this skill? Magnus’s new lesson release for the Martin Taylor Jazz lick Guitar Club: Mickey Abraham Chromatic Connecting Lines Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast Martin Taylor Jazz Lick for Mandolin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l...
May 14, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: What is one of the most frustrating things you’ve had to overcome in music and how did you do it? What does your practice routine look like right now? What type of pick do you prefer and why? Magnus's new lesson for Swedish fiddle-tune Hultkläppens Am Polska. Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show. Visit our website for more episodes: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast Troy Grady https://troygrady.com/...
Apr 16, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: Do you have music goals for the New Year? What are your tips for learning music by ear? Do you play other mandolin family instruments? (Octave mandolin, mandola, mandocello, etc.) Here are weblinks mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Jan 25, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: What is your proudest moment as a mandolin player? Do you ever take breaks from playing music? For how long? Magnus's new album “Nordic Symphonic” Hayes teaching experience at “Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp” Here are weblinks mentioned in the show: Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast Nordic website: https://www.nordicmusic.nu/ Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp https://www.flatpik.com/steve-kaufmans-acoust...
Sep 08, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: What mandolin music are you listening to these days? Does your instrument need a setup now that the weather is warmer? New lesson with Nordic Folk Music, Vals efter Pål Karl Hayes’ new album release with Appalachian Swing Here are weblinks mentioned in the show: KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitors https://www.krkmusic.com/Studio-Monitors/ROKIT-5-G4 Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast...
Jun 04, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: How well do you know your mandolin fretboard? Do you have any fun musical plans now that spring is here? Mandolin Fretboard Webinar and Fretboard Success Program DJANGOLOGY, new lesson The travel vs music ration for the touring musician The best practices for songwriting and recording a one man band Here are weblinks mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast Learn more about Mandolin ...
Apr 21, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: What are your music goals for the New Year? Let us know what you're practicing right now! Guitar Club Transition Here are weblinks mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Jan 27, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: What got you to pick up the mandolin the first time? Is music a social activity for you? Or do you just play by/for yourself? Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Dec 09, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: Do you use a rounded pick or one with more of a point? What are the top 3 qualities of your favorite musician? Do you record yourself practicing or playing? What gear and/or software do you use? Gear, software and musicians mentioned in the show: - Olympus LS-14 hand recorder - Jacob Jolliff Band - Outbound Plane Here are weblinks mentioned in the show: Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast...
Oct 21, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: Hayes’ and Magnus’ reunion after 7 years! Highlights include: Swedish Midsummer Torsåker Bluegrass Festival and Jimmy Sunnebrandt Red Diamond Mandolins Bingjsö Stämman Ondra Kozak Here are weblinks mentioned in the show. https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Sep 09, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: • Take aways from the music-summer so far. • What is your favorite instrument that you own? • What's the worst musical advice you were ever given? Here are weblinks mentioned in the show: Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Aug 19, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: Hayes' upcoming Western Swing Rhythm Guitar Webinar Do you teach mandolin or guitar? Tell us your #1 tip for folks trying to learn! What mental tools do you rely on for improvisation? Arpeggios? Scales? Sounds inside your head? Magnus' upcoming Jazz Mandolin Webinar Here are weblinks mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/live Learn more about the upcoming Western Swing webinar on May 28th...
May 27, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this week’s episode, Hayes chats with special guest Marcel Ardans of Lessons with Marcel about transcription, the world of online content creation, and some tips for how to start working out music by ear. Here are the web links mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/live Lessons with Marcel https://lessonswithmarcel.com...
Apr 08, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing: Magnus’ new Academy release Covid Fever. This tune is a new composition and his first bluegrass fiddletune, inspired by Bill Monroe. If you could take a lesson with any player out there, who would it be and why? Do you use a metronome and/or backing tracks to practice? If so, what are some of your favorites? Here are weblinks mentioned in the show: Learn more about the upcoming Mandolin Bootcamp, March 2022 https://mandolinsecrets.com/boot...
Mar 11, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 15
