This video shows you how to do the Ghost Note Strum, a percussive technique that I use a lot for a more expressive mandolin style.

A ghost note has a rhythmic value but not a pitch. So, when you mute the strings with your fretting hand and strike them with the pick, that is a ghost note.

We are do...

In this video, Hayes Griffin shows you how to spice up the fiddle tune “Angeline the Baker” with some right hand arpeggiation, also known as “crosspicking.”

In Mandolin Secrets Academy you’ll find:

• Sheet music/tabs
• Play-a-long track
• How-to-play-instructions

 Click Here To Watch Video

In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes discuss:  

•   What is crosspicking? 

•   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...

We want to embrace the opportunity with the start of a new year to set some good mandolin and guitar goals. In this video, I will share some tips for making your own SMARTER goals that will set you up for a successful 2022. 

Click the link to watch the video

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 web...

In this video, Hayes Griffin shows you how to play the chords to the swing standard “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

This song is nearly a century old and has become a favorite jam tune in jazz, swing, Western swing, and even bluegrass circles!

At the end of the lesson, you will know how to play the chords...

In this video, I play an arrangement of Auld Lang Syne. I’m using the cross-picking technique, including the melody in the top-line and the bassline. To learn more about the cross-picking approach, see our complete course, Mandolin Crosspicking.

In Mandolin Secrets Academy you’ll find:

• Sheet mus
...

Merry Christmas! Here is an easy-to-play solo arrangement for Silent Night that I play on my octave mandolin. This song is a Christmas tune everyone knows, and I guarantee you will make an impression and cheer up the holidays for your friends and family, playing this arrangement. In Mandolin Secrets...

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:

Sig...

Here is an easy-to-play solo arrangement for Jingle Bells. This is a Christmas tune everyone knows and I guarantee you will make an impression and cheer up the day for your friends and family, playing this arrangement. I’ve included some chord melody, cross picking, and harmonic ideas.

Merry Christm...

In this video I show a cool slide technique that I got from the bluegrass mandolin star, Sierra Hull. For me this technique is really a signature sound from players like her, Chris Thile and Adam Steffey.

We are playing a Three Octave Arpeggio in the key of G, playing the root(1), third(M3) and fif...

In this video, Hayes Griffin shows you how to play the melody to the swing standard “Sweet Georgia Brown.” This song is nearly a century old and has become a favorite jam tune in jazz, swing, Western swing, and even bluegrass circles!

At the end of the lesson, you will know how to play the melody t...