In this mandolin video lesson, I give my best tips and exercises for going from backup to lead, chords to melody. This is an essential skill; we must practice it to be as fluent as we like. 

I’m demonstrating the exercise with the tune Bill Cheatham, but you can use this concept for any music you p...

In this mandolin video lesson, I show you how to play the chords and backup for a traditional Swedish fiddle tune called Vals efter Pål Karl. This dance tune is a waltz from the region of Älvdalen, Dalarna.

The chords used are A5, D, G, and C. The melody is archaic and raw, and the chords add a dri...

In this video, Hayes Griffin shows you how to play the simple melody to the swing standard “Right or Wrong.”

This tune was written in the 1920s, but made popular by Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys in the 1930s. By the end of the lesson, you will know how to play a single-note melody line with straig...

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 ar...

I want to share my experience with my new mandolin case from Hoffee Cases in this video. I’m delighted with this case; you can see some of the features in this video. 

It’s a hard-case made in carbon fiber and comparable with Calton Cases, Pegasus cases, and Northfield Airloom Tura to mention a few...

In this mandolin video lesson, I show you how to play a traditional Swedish fiddle tune called Vals efter Pål Karl. This dance tune is a waltz from the region of Älvdalen, Dalarna. The melody is archaic and raw yet groovy in the A-Dorian mode.

 Our arrangement is a three-part arrangement with a mel...

In this mandolin video lesson, I show you how to play the chords and rhythm track for the gypsy jazz classic ”Djangology” by Django Reinhardt/Stephan Grappelli.

Here you’ll find versatile shapes for diminished chords, Minor 7th chords, Major 6th chords, and Dominant 7th chords in different inversi...

In this video lesson, I show you how to play the harmony to a traditional Swedish fiddle tune called Årepolskan. This dance tune is a triplet polska from the region of Jämtland.

The harmony is quite interesting, following the melody in parallell movements. The intervalls mainly consist of thirds, f...

In this video, I will show you how to play the chords and backup rhythm for the old-time fiddle tune "Bill Cheatham" on the mandolin. This fiddle tune is a standard jam tune, and you will find it in bluegrass, old-time, and Irish music sessions. 

We use typical chop chord voicings for the following...

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 mu...

In this mandolin video lesson, I show you how to play the gypsy jazz classic ”Djangology” by Django Reinhardt/Stephan Grappelli. In this video, we’re focusing on the melody.

The melody is straightforward and outlines the chord change in a clever way.

I will also show you how this line builds you...

In this video, Karl Tiren and Magnus Zetterlund play play a traditional Swedish fiddle tune called Årepolskan. This dance tune is a triplet polska from the region of Jämtland.

The melody is interesting, wandering from G-major to E-minor in a typical way for this tradition. It is a soulful and elega...