Mandolin Secrets Podcast

Mar 03 2025 38 ep. 34 mins 18
Mandolin Secrets Podcast artwork

This podcast is for every mandolin and guitar player who 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.

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#38 Where do you find inspiration?

Mar 03 2025 30 mins  
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: htt

#37 Finding your own style with Radim Zenkl

Jan 28 2025 35 mins  
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 differen

#36 Holiday greetings and gear talk

Dec 23 2024 35 mins  
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 Christma

#35 Play by tabs/notation vs by ear

Nov 26 2024 33 mins  
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 p

#34 How to succeed with contest playing

Oct 28 2024 43 mins  
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: T

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

Oct 01 2024 22 mins  
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 mandol

#32 Play good bluegrass breaks with Hayes Griffin

Sep 03 2024 35 mins  
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://mandolinsec

#31 Being a multi-instrumentalist with Ondra Kozák

Aug 05 2024 34 mins  
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 pr

#30 What is your favorite instrument shop and why?

Jul 09 2024 39 mins  
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. V

#29 What’s your favorite practice app?

Jun 11 2024 30 mins  
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