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This podcast is for every mandolin and guitar player that wants an inspiration boost. Hosts Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin share professional tips, experiences, and stories that will support every music maker on their journey.

Magnus Zetterlund & Hayes Griffin


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 41 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Mandolin Secrets LIVE

    #41 Learning a new instrument

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 40:53


    In this month's episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:Learning a new instrument.5 Tips for Jam SessionsThe great online resource for learning the bass guitar, Study Bass by Andrew PouskaThings to consider when purchasing an instrument.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.Study Bass, Andrew Pouskahttps://www.studybass.com/Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #40 Learning for the long term with David Betcher

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 20:26


    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/podcastIf you want personal guidance from Magnus, you can follow this link to book an intro call:https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/apply 

    #39 How to use the entire fretboard

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 36:53


    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 our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastFretboard Success - Master the mandolin fretboardhttp://www.mandolinsecrets.com/fretboardsuccess

    #38 Where do you find inspiration?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 30:42


    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

    #37 Finding your own style with Radim Zenkl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 35:00


    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 styleBeing influenced about different music genresBeing a professional musician + Much moreHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.The website of Radim Zenkl:https://zenkl.com/Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #36 Holiday greetings and gear talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 35:20


    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 ChristmasHayes's guitar arrangements of We Wish You A Merry ChristmasHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show:Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastWelcome to the MANDOLIN PLAYER'S HOLIDAY CHALLENGE (Your FREE 5-Day Video Course)https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/holiday

    #35 Play by tabs/notation vs by ear

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 33:41


    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 camps? If so, which ones?This week marks our 5th anniversary for our membership! Can you mention one thing that Mandolin Secrets Academy has done for you?Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #34 How to succeed with contest playing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 43:19


    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 contestWhat makes a good contest repertoireHow to craft a winning arrangementHayes's new Collings guitarHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.Walnut Valley Festival, National Flat-Picking Championships, Winfield, KS:https://www.wvfest.com/Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #33 Show up for the mandolin every day with Patricia Cleary

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 22:14


    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/podcastIf you want personal guidance from Magnus, you can follow this link to book an intro call:https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/apply

    #32 Play good bluegrass breaks with Hayes Griffin

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 35:36


    This month's episode was recorded in a car, and Magnus and Hayes are having a discussion about: Hayes's visit to Swedenthe Grenna Bluegrass FestivalLeading workshops for players at different levelsPlaying good bluegrass breaksThe art of slow and steady progress making+ Much moreHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastGrenna Bluegrass Festivalhttps://www.grennabluegrass.se/

    #31 Being a multi-instrumentalist with Ondra Kozák

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 34:04


    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 moreHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show:The website of Ondra Kozákhttps://ondrakozak.com/Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #30 What is your favorite instrument shop and why?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 39:46


    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

    shop instrument red haired boy
    #29 What's your favorite practice app?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 30:28


    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 babyHayes' 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

    #28 Do you know how to learn a song by ear?

    Play Episode Play 55 sec Highlight Listen Later May 14, 2024 31:20


    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 lickGuitar Club: Mickey Abraham Chromatic Connecting LinesHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastMartin Taylor Jazz Lick for Mandolin:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwO7tUv99Ng&t=2sMickey Abraham Chromatic Connecting Lines:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXt329eFu4

    #27 What is one of the most frustrating things you've had to overcome in music?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 36:38


    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/podcastTroy Gradyhttps://troygrady.com/

    #26 What are your tips for learning music by ear?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 32:16


    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

    #25 What is your proudest moment as a mandolin player?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 41:08


    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/podcastNordic website: https://www.nordicmusic.nu/Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp https://www.flatpik.com/steve-kaufmans-acoustic-kamp-overview

    #24 What instrument pair best with the mandolin? 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2023 50:40


    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 KarlHayes' new album release with Appalachian SwingHere are weblinks mentioned in the show:KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitorshttps://www.krkmusic.com/Studio-Monitors/ROKIT-5-G4 Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #23 How well do you know your mandolin fretboard?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 35:08


    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 ProgramDJANGOLOGY, new lessonThe travel vs music ration for the touring musicianThe best practices for songwriting and recording a one man bandHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastLearn more about Mandolin Fretboard Webinarhttps://mandolinsecrets.com/webinar

    #22 What are your music goals for the New Year?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 25:58


    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 TransitionHere are weblinks mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #21 What got you to pick up the mandolin the first time?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 25:53


    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 

    #20 What gear and software do you use for recording?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 36:54


    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

    #19 Magnus and Hayes Reunion

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 20:06


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:Hayes' and Magnus' reunion after 7 years! Highlights include:Swedish MidsummerTorsåker Bluegrass Festival and Jimmy SunnebrandtRed Diamond MandolinsBingjsö StämmanOndra Kozak Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    #18 What´s the worst musical advice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2022 26:36


    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

    #17 How to play swing rhythm?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2022 37:51


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:Hayes' upcoming Western Swing Rhythm Guitar WebinarDo 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 WebinarHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveLearn more about the upcoming Western Swing webinar on May 28th, 2022:https://mandolinsecrets.com/guitarwebinarLearn more about the upcoming Jazz Mandolin webinar on June 11th, 2022:https://mandolinsecrets.com/webinar

    #16 Transcription Tips with Marcel Ardans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2022 43:00


    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/liveLessons with Marcelhttps://lessonswithmarcel.com

    #15 How to play FAST & FLUENT?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 40:51


    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 2022https://mandolinsecrets.com/bootcampSign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/live

    #14 What is Crosspicking?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 29:16


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:  •   What are the most essential components of your practice space? •   Some favorite cleaning/maintenance products for your instrument.•   We are listening to Hayes new sophisticated arrangement of Angeline The Baker. Here are the web links mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveLearn more about the upcoming crosspicking webinar on January 29th, 2022:https://mandolinsecrets.com/webinarLearn more about our Mandolin Crosspicking Video Course:https://mandolinsecrets.com/crosspicking

    #13 Do you have any New Year's resolutions for music?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2022 41:32


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes catch up after the New Year, discussing:Do you have any New Year's resolutions for music?Do you have any tips for fingerboard mapping (memorizing the notes on the fingerboard)?Magnus new cross picking arrangement of Auld Lang SyneHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.Your Best Year Ever (book by Michael Hyatt): https://yourbestyeareverbook.com/Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/live

    #12 What´s on your holiday wish list?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 41:16


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:Any gear or other music-related stuff on your holiday wishlist this year?What guitar/mandolin case are you using?The new Jingle Bells Mandolin LessonThe Guitar Club is Officially launchedHere are weblinks mentioned in the show:Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/live

    #11 Playing through your mistakes with Lama Adam Berner

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 40:18


    In this week's episode, Hayes chats with special guest Lama Adam Berner about mindfulness, music, and playing through your mistakes:Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.Support Lama Adam:https://www.lamaadam.com/ Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveLearn more about the Mandolin Secrets Guitar Club:https://mandolinsecrets.com/guitar

    #10 The Mindful Music Maker - Posture

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 19:48


    In this week's  episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:What does it mean to be a mindful music maker?The importance of mindfulness, breathing, Alexander technique and yogaTips about postureHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.Book by Ellen J.LangerThe Power of Mindful LearningSign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/live

    #9 Sitting or Standing While You Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 18:32


     In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss: Have you ever played an instrument with torrefied wood? What did you think? Do you prefer sitting or standing while you play? Why? Do you want to improvise more freely?  Then join us in the upcoming Mandolin Fretboard Webinar Here are weblinks mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications: https://mandolinsecrets.com/live Learn more about the webinar: https://mandolinsecrets.com/webinar 

    #8 Best Tips for Recording Sessions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2021 36:54


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:Do you have any tips for recording sessions?What microphone/s do you prefer for live shows?Do you use a pickup on your acoustic mandolin? Magnus' new music video and lessons for Waltz of the DreamsMicrophones for recording sessionsHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.Listen to Waltz of the Dreams: https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/waltzofthedreams Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/live  

    #7 Where do you find the songs that inspire you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2021 35:28


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:Our Question of the Week:•   Do you do any mandolin maintenance/repair yourself or take it to a luthier?•   Where do you find the songs that inspire you?•   Hayes' new chord lesson for “It Don't Mean a Thing”•   Chromatic Embellishment of Static Harmony (CESH)•   Listen to Magnus Nordic Folk GuitarHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveIt Don't Mean a Thing - Youtube Lessonhttps://youtu.be/oAjd9I1ARsMRelated musicians:Duke Ellington

    #6 Do you have a successful practice routine you'd like to share?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 43:04


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:Do you have a successful practice routine you'd like to share?Do you play any non-mandolin family instruments? If so, which ones?Do you ever use alternate tunings for mandolin? If so, which ones?Hayes' new lesson for “It Don't Mean a Thing”Do you notate music? Any software you recommend?Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveIt Don't Mean a Thing - Yotube Lessonhttps://youtu.be/6X37UgDPZbQIpad Apps,Forscore, Symphony Pro, MusescoreHighlighted musicians:Duke Ellington, Jethro Burns

    #5 What's the most helpful tip you have gotten?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 40:22


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:What is the best practice advice or helpful tip you have gotten?What is your favorite accessory for your mandolin?We have a listen to Magnus new release: MandolifeMagnus shares the first sneak peaks of his 100 years old Levin Parlour Guitars.Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveMandolifehttps://www.mandolinsecrets.com/mandolife

    #4 How to make crosspicking arrangements?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2021 35:58


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:How to make crosspicking arrangements? What is a pick ornament?Do you use any non-musical practices like meditation/exercise/yoga to help your mandolin playing?What do you find most challenging about playing the mandolin?Here are weblinks mentioned in the show. Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/livePick Ornaments for Mandolin Playing - Tutorialhttps://youtu.be/irBbLGsonJo

    #3 Do you take the solo?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2021 48:14


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:Do you have a song/tune you're trying to master on mandolin right now?Who has a funny/odd/interesting mandolin story to tell? Please share below!

    #2 What motivates you to keep practicing?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 34:33


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:Do you play other mandolin family instruments?What motivates you to keep practicing the mandolin?Using the Crosspicking technique for accompaniment. Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveListen to Tremology by Magnus Zetterlund:https://mandolinsecrets.com/tremologyMentioned musicians: Alec Finn, Donnal Lunny, Andy Irvine

    #1 Who is the most underrated mandolinist?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 34:58


    In this week's episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:feeling overwhelmed when learning the mandolinyour top picks for the most underrated mandolinistMagnus' new release Tremologyand the new Mandolin Secrets lesson for jazz standard Avalon Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveListen to Tremology by Magnus Zetterlund:https://mandolinsecrets.com/tremologyHighlighted musicians:Petri Hakala, Johnny Gimble

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