Join Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin as they wrap up 2025 and dive into the real work happening in practice rooms across the mandolin community. In this candid conversation, Magnus and Hayes get technical about pick slanting and escape motions—the breakthrough technique that's transforming their playing after decades of double-escaping. They also tackle practical questions from the community about practice routines, gear choices, and how to stay motivated on your musical journey.

Whether you're a beginner finding your way or an experienced player refining your technique, this episode offers honest insights into the practice process and what it takes to keep growing as a musician.

Topics Covered:

Pick Slanting & Single Escape Technique

• Magnus shares his breakthrough moment with pick slanting after 30 years of playing
• Understanding supination vs. pronation and rest strokes vs. escape strokes
• Why this isn't just about speed—it's about efficient, powerful single-note picking
• Practical demonstrations of two-note and four-note per string patterns
• How to build vocabulary from mechanical exercises

Practice Priorities

• Hayes on the importance of tracking your practice (and his 20-month tracking gap)
• Magnus's focus on right-hand technique and melodic adjustments
• Community members share their goals: learning scales, memorizing the fretboard, and diving into Nordic folk tunes

Gear Talk: Cases & Gig Bags

• Finding the right fit for different instruments and situations
• Hard cases vs. soft cases: when to use each
• Magnus's search for the perfect electric octave mandolin case (spoiler: Strandberg guitar bags might be the answer)
• Community recommendations including Colorado Case Company, Blue Heron, TKL, and Northfield cases

Looking Ahead to 2026

• Magnus's new Octave Mandolin Course now available
• Plans for a Nordic Folk Guitar course coming in spring 2026
• Hayes's upcoming European tour in May (details TBA)
• New Guitar Club content and guided courses on the horizon

Community Insights

• How joining Mandolin Secrets Academy increases practice frequency and commitment
• The power of putting "skin in the game" for your musical development

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Mandolin Secrets Academy (mandolinsecrets.com)
• Previous podcast episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
• Hayes's tour with Beppe Gambetta
• Magnus's collaboration with Johan Eriksson Rapp

Connect With Us: Watch the video version of this episode exclusively inside Mandolin Secrets Academy, or find all previous episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.

Visit our website for more episodes:

https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Beppe Gambetta website:

https://beppegambetta.com/

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 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

Martin Taylor Jazz Lick for Mandolin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwO7tUv99Ng&t=2s

Mickey Abraham Chromatic Connecting Lines:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXt329eFu4

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 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 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

• 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”

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 

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 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 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 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 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

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 episode:
Magnus Zetterlund takes a deep dive into his unique mandolin arrangement of the 1940 Disney classic. Using an AI-generated technical overview as a jumping-off point, he explores the intersection of music theory, instrument physics, and emotional delivery.

Technical Key Points Covered:

• The "Spice" of the A7#5: Why Magnus used an augmented dominant chord to create tension and Sophistication in the A-section.
• Harmonic Sophistication: A breakdown of the Dm7(b5) to G7 (ii-V-I) progression and how it adds a jazz flavor to the traditional melody.
• Position & Timbre: Why fretboard geography matters. Comparing the "warm, rounded" tones of the lower frets to the "bright, bell-like" quality of the higher fret voicings.

Resources Mentioned:

• Magnus Zetterlund’s Lead Sheet: The original PDF arrangement of When You Wish Upon a Star.
• AI Technical Overview: A digital analysis of the harmonic complexity within the manuscript.

>> Download free mandolin chord charts at my website:

https://mandolinsecrets.com/wish-upon-a-star

Visit our website for more episodes:

https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Go behind the scenes as Magnus Zeterlund breaks down his latest release, "Bingsjö Lilla Långdans"—a traditional Swedish tune reimagined on electric octave mandolin and guitar.

Discover how he adapted the melody, layered harmonies across different octaves, and programmed drums in Logic Pro.

Magnus shares his workflow for multitracking, why he chose certain tones, and the three biggest lessons learned: separating instrument sounds, editing drums at the event level, and deciding track length early.

Perfect for musicians curious about the creative and technical process of bringing traditional music into a modern recording.

Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.

Please watch video and listen to performance by following the link below.
https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/bingsjo-lilla-langdans

Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Join Magnus Zetterlund as he welcomes Swedish artist Malin Foxdal to discuss her journey with the octave mandolin, from knowing just four chords to performing solo concerts. Malin shares insights on her two new ensembles—one rooted in Swedish and Celtic folk, another exploring improvised poetry and jazz. Discover her philosophy of learning through doing, the liberating power of stage improvisation, and how the octave mandolin became her creative voice. Plus, hear live performances of "Ingens Lilla Flicka" and "I Sing" from her acclaimed music theater work about Swedish immigration, and learn Magnus's secret trait: unstoppable grit.

Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Malin Foxdal's website:
https://www.malinfoxdal.com/

Show Notes

Topics Covered:

Discovering the Octave Mandolin

• First encounter with Esbjörn Hazelius's instrument in 2009
• Buying an octave mandolin knowing only four chords—and never regretting it
• Why the octave mandolin creates a perfect "third voice" for singer-songwriters
• How it blends beautifully with violin, guitar, and other string instruments

Learning Philosophy: Be Brave & Curious

• Teaching yourself through performance rather than waiting to be "ready"
• The importance of getting on stage with whatever you know
• Adding songs one by one to build your repertoire
• Learning to fail forward and staying curious to avoid boredom

New Musical Projects

• Trio with Emma Reid (violin) and Dan Knagg (multi-instrumentalist): Swedish and Celtic folk with newly composed music rooted in tradition
• Experimental trio with Anders Hagberg (flute/sax) and Rickard Åström (piano): Improvising poetry live on stage, including audience-contributed words
• The art of trust, presence, and listening in live improvisation

20 Years as an Artist

• Celebrating two decades of building experience and tools
• Recent album receiving fantastic reviews and cultural awards
• The journey from experimental beginnings to confident improvisation

Music Theater & Social Commentary

• "På andra sidan Swede Hollow" (On the Other Side of Swede Hollow): A play about Swedish immigration to America
• Drawing parallels between historical Swedish emigrants and modern immigrants to Sweden
• Using music theater to cultivate sympathy and perspective

Instrument Spotlight: Weber Bridger A

• Custom-made octave mandolin from Weber factory (2009/2010)
• Tuned G-D-A-E with flatwound strings for a mellow tone
• Comparing sounds with Magnus's similar model
• One of only two octave mandolins in their household!

Current Practice Focus

• Developing more rhythmical playing patterns
• Experimenting with picking hand technique
• Playing the same songs with fresh presence each time

Featured Music (Live Performances):

• "Ingens Lilla Flicka Längre" (No One's Little Girl Anymore) - Original composition with lyrics by poet Kristina Lugn
• "I Sing" - From the music theater "På andra sidan Swede Hollow" about Swedish immigration

Magnus's Secret Revealed: Malin shares that Magnus's defining trait is his unstoppable persistence—once he decides to do something, he never gives up. Pure grit!

Connect with Malin Foxdal: Website: malinfoxdal.com Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms

Recommended Albums:

• Latest album celebrating 20 years as an artist
• "Natt Fjäril" (2010) - Gillian Welch songs interpreted in Swedish with an Americana vibe
• "Jag längtade" - Traditional Swedish folk songs with blues/Americana touch

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Esbjörn Hazelius (Swedish musician)
• Emma Reid (violinist from Newcastle, England)
• Dan Knagg (multi-instrumentalist)
• Anders Hagberg (flutist/soprano saxophonist)
• Rickard Åström (pianist)
• Gillian Welch (American songwriter)
• Kristina Lugn (Swedish poet)

Resources:

• Full video performances available exclusively in Mandolin Secrets Academy
• Previous podcast episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Join Magnus Zetterlund as he sits down with Swedish mandolin player, bandleader, and composer Karl Tirén to discuss his innovative Atlas project—a unique trio featuring mandolin, trombone, and double bass. Karl shares his compositional process, the journey from injury to inspiration with the tune "At Last," and how he practices through playing rather than drilling scales.

Links:

Visit our website for more episodes:

https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

Connect with Karl Tirén: Instagram: @karltiren.music 

https://www.instagram.com/karltiren.music

Bandcamp - Karl Tiren

https://karltiren.bandcamp.com/album/atlas

Music available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms Physical CDs available by contacting Karl directly

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rlnxnGG3xgGMG16lRIh7D?si=VxT_r2iJRQ-OoaEf0x8Ybg

Mandolin Secrets Academy

https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/academy

Topics Covered:

The Atlas Project

• Unique instrumentation: mandolin, trombone (Magnus Grumer), and double bass (Johan Lindblom)
• Released as three EPs, now available as a complete album
• Blending American mandolin traditions with Scandinavian sensibilities
• Modern approach to releasing music in the streaming era

Composition & Creative Process

• Karl's workflow: starting with instrumental phrases that "stick"
• Voice memos and long-form development (some tunes take years)
• Writing specifically for ensemble voices (like "Tromb" for trombone)
• Balancing melody and rhythm on the mandolin

Practice Philosophy

• "Practice listening" as the foundation
• Desire-driven rather than strictly disciplined approach
• Learning through playing tunes instead of isolated exercises
• Influences from David Grisman, Chris Thile, and Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda

Overcoming Injury

• Karl's tendonitis story and years away from playing
• How Atlas bandmates share a history of performance injuries
• The importance of listening to your body
• "At Last" as a turning point in regaining inspiration

Band Leadership

• Self-releasing music without a record label
• Building a touring quartet (adding trumpet player Karl Valmyr)
• Balancing music with day jobs
• Planning and sustaining a long-term project

Instruments

• Karl's Bouvier F-style mandolin (refinished from purple!)
• Also plays a Nordic flat-top mandola by Mats Nordvall
• Discussion of American vs. Nordic mandolin traditions

Featured Music:

• Åre Polskan (Swedish traditional, mandolin duo with Magnus)
• "At Last" (original composition that launched the Atlas project)
• "Tromb" (written specifically for trombone)
• Bridal march (Scandinavian-influenced original)
• Bach Menuet in G Major (duo arrangement)

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Johan Lindblom (double bass)
• Magnus Grumer (trombone)
• Karl Valmyr (trumpet)
• Former band: Primus Motor
• Hamilton de Holanda (Brazilian mandolinist)
• Mats Nordvall (Nordic mandolin builder)

Resources:

• Full video version available in Mandolin Secrets Academy
• Bach Menuet and Åre Polskan arrangements available in the Academy