Mandolin Secrets LIVE: Recent Episodes
Magnus Zetterlund & Hayes Griffin
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.
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:
- What are the best practice advice or helpful tips you have learned?
- Did you attend any good concerts this summer?
- Magnus biggest take aways from the workshops at Grenna Bluegrass Festival with Tristan Scroggins
- Magnus’s new video lesson for pinky power.
- Hayes’ new video for Northfield Signal Electric Guitar.
- Hayes’ new Bulas two-point mandolin.
Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Bulas Instruments
https://bulas.pl/en-us
Northield Mandolins
https://www.northfieldinstruments.com/
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 more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
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 more
Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
The website of Tristan Scroggins
https://tristanscroggins.com/
Grenna Bluegrass Festival 16 August 2025 Workshops 13th-15th.
https://www.grennabluegrass.se/
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
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
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
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
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/podcast
Fretboard Success - Master the mandolin fretboard
http://www.mandolinsecrets.com/fretboardsuccess
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
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 Radim Zenkl:https://zenkl.com/
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
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/podcast
Welcome to the MANDOLIN PLAYER'S HOLIDAY CHALLENGE (Your FREE 5-Day Video Course)
https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/holiday
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
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 new Collings guitar
Here 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
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 personal guidance from Magnus, you can follow this link to book an intro call:
https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/apply
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/
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://ondrakozak.com/
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
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
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
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
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/
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
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-acoustic-kamp-overview
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
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 Fretboard Webinar
https://mandolinsecrets.com/webinar
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
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
Quickly, Spice Up Your Mandolin Playing with the CROSSPICKING Technique!
Join Us for The Webinar!
https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/webinar
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
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
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
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, 2022:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/guitarwebinar
Learn more about the upcoming Jazz Mandolin webinar on June 11th, 2022:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/webinar
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
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/bootcamp
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/live
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/live
Learn more about the upcoming crosspicking webinar on January 29th, 2022:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/webinar
Learn more about our Mandolin Crosspicking Video Course:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/crosspicking
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 Syne
Here 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
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 Lesson
- The Guitar Club is Officially launched
Here are weblinks mentioned in the show:
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/live
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/live
Learn more about the Mandolin Secrets Guitar Club:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/guitar
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 yoga
- Tips about posture
Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.
Book by Ellen J.Langer
The Power of Mindful Learning
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/live
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
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 Dreams
Microphones for recording sessions
Here 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
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 Guitar
Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/live
It Don’t Mean a Thing - Youtube Lesson
https://youtu.be/oAjd9I1ARsM
Related musicians:
Duke Ellington
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/live
It Don’t Mean a Thing - Yotube Lesson
https://youtu.be/6X37UgDPZbQ
Ipad Apps,
Forscore, Symphony Pro, Musescore
Highlighted musicians:
Duke Ellington, Jethro Burns
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: Mandolife
- Magnus 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/live
Mandolife
https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/mandolife
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/live
Pick Ornaments for Mandolin Playing - Tutorial
https://youtu.be/irBbLGsonJo
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! 😀
New lessons: Bluegrass Stomp + 10 Minute Challenge
Do you take the solo?
Magnus shares his mandolin story that led him to meeting the love of his life
Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/live
Bill Monroe Lick - Bluegrass Mandolin Lesson
https://youtu.be/BHT8wIGFFGc
Highlighted musicians:
Jamey Aebersold, Mattias Perez, Malin Foxdal, David Rawlings
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/live
Listen to Tremology by Magnus Zetterlund:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/tremology
Mentioned musicians: Alec Finn, Donnal Lunny, Andy Irvine
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:
- feeling overwhelmed when learning the mandolin
- your top picks for the most underrated mandolinist
- Magnus’ new release Tremology
- and 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/live
Listen to Tremology by Magnus Zetterlund:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/tremology
Highlighted musicians:
Petri Hakala, Johnny Gimble