Sixty Scales and the Truth

Andy McKee, the fingerstyle guitar legend who went viral before the term even existed, shares his incredible life story in this in-depth podcast. From metalhead to acoustic master, from high school dropout to world star who played with Prince - but refused his iconic 50-foot cape!In this conversation, Andy reveals:-The moment Prince asked him to perform (and why he said NO to the cape)- His journey from Iron Maiden fan to fingerstyle innovator- Why he quit university after just one day- Tour stories with Tommy Emmanuel- The YouTube video that changed his life- His biggest influences: Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, Eric JohnsonAndy's percussive fingerstyle technique and melodic compositions have inspired millions worldwide. His tune "Drifting" was one of the first truly viral guitar videos on YouTube, leading to world tours, collaborations with music legends, and a lasting impact on the modern acoustic guitar world.

Learning jazz can feel like climbing Mount Everest without oxygen. In this episode, I sit down with Danish-born, Netherlands-based guitarist Jens Larsen, who started learning jazz at 22—when many thought he was "too old."From discovering Charlie Parker in a Danish library to busking on Copenhagen streets, from getting rejected by conservatories to building one of YouTube's most successful jazz guitar channels with over 500,000 subscribers, Jens shares his unconventional path to mastering bebop guitar.We discuss:Starting "too late" and practicing 8 hours a dayThe reality of studying at conservatoriesTeaching yourself vs. finding the right mentorBreaking down complex jazz into digestible chunksBuilding a sustainable career as a modern musician"I wish I had myself as a teacher," Jens reflects, explaining how he transforms overwhelming jazz concepts into approachable lessons. Whether you're a guitarist feeling stuck in your progress or simply curious about the dedication required to master jazz, this conversation offers valuable insights into persistence, learning, and finding your own path in music.Jens Larsen's YouTube channel has helped thousands of guitarists worldwide understand jazz guitar fundamentals and beyond.

If I were ever banished to a deserted island and could only bring one artist's complete discography, it would be Adrian Belew's. Why? Because then I'd have music from Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Talking Heads, King Crimson, Nine Inch Nails, Paul Simon, and of course, his own incredible solo albums.For me, Belew is the complete musician: he sings beautifully, plays otherworldly guitar, and writes stunningly beautiful and fascinating songs. He's someone who dares to color outside the lines. Or better yet: someone for whom there are no lines at all."You better make sure there's electricity on that island," Belew said right at the start of this candid conversation. It set the perfect tone for a wonderful discussion that I truly treasure, and I hope you'll get as much out of it as I did.

One of Europe's finest guitarists opens up about his musical journey - from singing Renaissance music with his family in Austria to becoming a jazz master in America. Wolfgang shares the moment his teacher Mick Goodrick told him "You sound exactly like Pat Metheny," how he learned to embrace discomfort in music, and why he believes playing fewer notes changed everything.Featuring stories about Gary Burton, Lionel Loueke, and insights on bridging classical and jazz guitar. Plus, Wolfgang discusses his new album "Etudes & Quietudes" - where technical exercises become concert pieces.Wolfgang gives authentic perspectives on mastery, collaboration, and finding your own voice.Episode Highlights:The "Unitar" method for learning scalesWhy good comping is the highest art in jazzBreaking free from musical heroesThe power of space and silenceFrom Austria to Boston: a musical journey

From the flat lands of Almere to the stages of major Dutch festivals, guitarist Eelco van Zanten has crafted one of the most diverse musical careers in the Netherlands. Eelco's journey reads like a masterclass in creative resilience and musical exploration.This conversation reveals the man behind albums like "Passion and Software" - a part-time librarian who's managed to work with hip-hop legends, create viral covers of guitar classics, and maintain an incredibly prolific output across genres from fusion to electronic to stoner rock.We dive deep into pivotal moments: the hand injury that forced him to rethink his entire approach to music, his formative years studying with renowned guitarist Richard Hallebeek, and his unexpected entry into Amsterdam's hip-hop scene working with acts like De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig.Perhaps most fascinating is Eelco's philosophy that "there are no boundaries" in music - a belief that's led him to create chiptune versions of Joe Satriani songs (which got Satriani's own approval), produce meditation music, score films, and now record a fusion album with some of the Netherlands' top jazz musicians.This is a story about finding your voice through adversity, the importance of creative community, and why sometimes the most interesting musical journeys happen when you're not trying to make it as a full-time musician.

One of the greatest gifts of discovering Frank Zappa’s music is the network of brilliant artists it leads you to. Mike Keneally is one of those rare musicians—virtuosic, funny, adventurous, and completely in his own lane.In this episode, I speak with Mike the day after he premiered The Moth with Devin Townsend in Groningen. He shares his musical journey, how Frank Zappa shaped his path, and what it means to stay true to your own artistic voice.A heartfelt and inspiring conversation filled with stories, insights, and a few goosebump moments. Enjoy listening.

The first bassist to grace this guitarist-focused series, Henrik Linder of Dirty Loops proves that bass can be just as captivating as any shredding guitar. Known for elevating pop music to new technical heights, Henrik shares the story behind Dirty Loops' unique sound and his journey as a musician.This conversation explores Henrik's collaborative relationship with his bandmates, the valuable lessons learned from playing with guitar legend Tim Miller, and his philosophy on continuous improvement. With characteristic honesty, he discusses his competitive nature, the importance of constructive criticism, and how Dirty Loops became what he calls "the geekiest way of doing a rebellion ever."An episode about growth, collaboration, and the art of turning pop music into something extraordinary.

🎸 Alex Skolnick — guitarist for thrash legends Testament and leader of his own jazz trio — joins Sixty Scales and the Truth for a deep, honest conversation about identity, improvisation, and breaking musical boundaries.We talk about:Life on the road with Testament vs intimate jazz toursDiscovering jazz in his 30s and studying in New YorkAlmost joining Ozzy Osbourne’s bandWhy improvisation requires full presenceThe meaning behind his new album Prove You’re Not a RobotBridging the gap between metal and jazz audiencesParental acceptance and finding his own pathWriting his memoir Geek to Guitar HeroWhether you’re into heavy riffs or complex harmonies, this episode dives into what it means to follow your true musical voice — no matter the genre.🎧 Stream now and don’t forget to follow Sixty Scales and the Truth for more guitarist deep-dives.#AlexSkolnick #Testament #JazzGuitar #ThrashMetal #GuitarPodcast #ProveYoureNotARobot #SixtyScalesAndTheTruth

🎧 New Episode – Mendel bij de LeijGuitarist, composer, producer—Mendel bij de Leij is a true multi-hyphenate. In this episode, we dive into his journey from touring with Aborted to building a solo career rooted in melancholy, metal, and musical freedom. Expect insights on downpicking, horror soundtracks, and why Rachmaninoff is part of his daily routine.An honest and inspiring chat about creativity, burnout, and finding your voice—on and off the fretboard.🖤 Available now on Sixty Scales and the Truth#MendelBijDeLeij #GuitarPodcast #MetalGuitarist #MusicProduction #FilmScoring #DeathMetal #SoloArtist #CreativeProcess #GuitarTechnique #SixtyScalesAndTheTruth

In this episode of Sixty Scales and the Truth, I’m joined by one of the most respected guitarists on the planet: Pete Thorn. From playing with Chris Cornell, Don Henley, and now Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, Pete’s journey is a masterclass in musicianship and dedication.We talk about that unforgettable call from Joe Satriani, Pete’s early obsession with tone and gear, and what he learned from his heroes. Pete also shares personal stories about his friendship with Eddie Van Halen, whom he calls his spiritual guitar godfather.You’ll also hear about the making of his albums Guitar Nerd and Pete Thorn II, and why now feels like the perfect time for album number three. Whether you’re a guitarist, a music fan, or just love a good story about following your passion, this one’s for you.Enjoy the conversation!

Jesse van Ruller: Jazz Guitar VirtuosoConsidered "jazz guitar royalty" in the Netherlands, Jesse van Ruller rose to international recognition after winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk Award in 1995, with a jury that included Pat Metheny, Jim Hall, and John Scofield. While Metheny personally called his mother urging him to move to New York, Jesse chose to build his remarkable career from the Netherlands.In this intimate conversation, Jesse discusses his musical journey from his early obsession with the guitar to his evolving approach to sound and composition. He shares insights about influential teachers like Wim Overgouw, his admiration for players like John Scofield, and his philosophy on balancing technical prowess with emotional expression.Beyond his acclaimed trio recordings, Jesse explores his recent collaborations and studio experiments that push beyond traditional jazz formats. With thoughtful reflections on teaching, family life, and artistic growth, this conversation offers rare insights into the mind of one of Europe's most distinctive jazz voices.

A deep dive with guitarist Rabea Massaad, whose musical journey has taken him from teenage obsession to becoming one of the most respected heavy-sounding six-stringers in modern guitar.In this conversation, Rabea shares insights on how his early exposure to bands like Extreme shaped his playing, the importance of "feeling" in tone, and how his father's tough love approach helped shape his growth as a musician. He discusses balancing content creation with artistic expression, the challenges of maintaining passion while turning guitar into a career, and his excitement about recording Vower's upcoming album in his own studio.Rabea also opens up about rediscovering his passion for playing guitar after periods of feeling like it had become "work," and his plans to possibly release a solo instrumental album and tour alongside artists like Plini. Whether discussing his signature Music Man guitar, his work with Neural DSP, or the current hostel lifestyle of touring with Vauer, Rabea's humility and genuine love for the instrument shine through.Join us for this candid conversation about guitar, creativity, and the ongoing evolution of a musician's life.

Guitar legend Scott Henderson joins the latest episode of Sixty Scales and the Truth! 🎸✨Recorded at his new California home, Scott opened up about his musical journey, from his early years to becoming one of the most respected guitarists in the industry. We discussed the importance of discipline, hard work, and maintaining a youthful spirit no matter your age.Every conversation in this podcast series reminds me how fortunate I am to sit down with these incredible musicians who each bring their unique perspective to the art of guitar.Listen now to hear Scott's wisdom, stories, and of course, plenty of guitar talk. Thanks Scott for the amazing conversation!Don't forget to subscribe if you like what you hear.

What does it take to carve out a unique voice in the world of progressive metal and jazz? In this episode of Sixty Scales and the Truth, I sat down with Joseph Anidjar, a guitarist whose journey from jazz school rejection to headlining major shows is quite inspiring. Born in Paris and raised in Montreal, Joseph has built a reputation for his intricate polyrhythms, unexpected grooves, and expressive melodies.We dove into his early influences, his transition from metalcore to jazz, and his deep musical connection with Joshua de la Victoria. Joseph shares what it takes to stay creative, push technical boundaries, and find artistic authenticity in a genre that demands both precision and emotion. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let me know your favorite part in the comments!

‘Standards is the gradual process of me tryingto accept who I am.’ Yes, we dove deep in this episode featuring Marcos Mena of ‘fruit rock’ band Standards. Marcos was kind enough to invite me to his home in Long Beach California. There we had an extended chat about many things: his youth, family, discovering your voice, doing what you really like and need to do in life and finally just trying to accept who you are. I considered cutting this episode in two parts, since it’s longer than most others. But then I figured:I consider these conversations in a way as an improvised musical conversation. Well prepared, but anything can happen. No sense of cutting an improvisation intwo, right? Again: I consider myself blessed for all the conversations I had thus far in this podcast series. All chats have been special to me, and this one is definitely no exception. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

One of my favorite things to do is visiting guitarists in their own space. Allen Hinds was kind enough to welcome me into his home in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. Not only did he treat me to the strongest coffee I’ve ever had, but also to a deeply honest conversation where he shared his life’s journey in a raw and vulnerable way.Allen has been through some of life’s darkest moments—and he came out on the other side. His latest album, The Good Fight, is a beautiful testament to that. If you ask me, Allen has one of the most elegant guitar tones you’ll ever hear. I got to see him live at The Baked Potato, and—wow—his improvisations are just as delicate as they are adventurous.More than anything, Alan turned out to be an incredibly kind and generous person. Oh, and if you’re a Jeff Buckley fan, make sure to listen to Allen’s stories—he’s got some amazing anecdotes!

In this episode of Sixty Scales and the Truth, I welcome the incredibly talented guitarist Alex Misko. From his roots in Krasnodar, Russia, to finding a new home in Germany, Alex opens up about his personal and professional journey. They discuss his transition from classical guitar to fingerstyle, his unique approach to composing music, and the struggles of being a musician in difficult times. Alex also shares his thoughts on why he prefers creating original music over performing covers, the philosophy behind his workshops, and how he found his voice in the guitar community. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe and give this episode a like if you enjoyed it.

Recently, I picked up my 4-year-old son from school and struck up a conversation with the father of one of his classmates. Before long, we found ourselves talking about this podcast series. The father mentioned that he was also a guitarist and, moreover, the son of a professional musician. "In my opinion, there’s one guitarist who stands head and shoulders above everyone else," he said. "And that’s Chris Buck.""Ha!" I replied. "I actually spoke to him just yesterday." Chris truly is a ‘one of a kind’ guitarist. Every note he plays sounds so beautiful, so precise, so charming, and expressive. His phrasing is incredibly delicate, he crafts his solos masterfully, and he never shows everything he’s got—though you know there’s more left in the tank. That always grabs my attention. And it moves me. Just like that father at the schoolyard. Speaking of fathers: in this candid conversation, we also talk about family and the influences we carry from the environment in which we were raised. Once again, I’m incredibly grateful for this encounter, the conversation, and the lessons I’ve learned by speaking with someone who masters his craft in such an extraordinary way.

Every now and then, I still discover guitarists the old-fashioned way—not through Instagram, Facebook, or Spotify's algorithm, but simply because they take the stage like a jack-in-the-box, completely unexpected. The phenomenal German guitarist Joscho Stephan is one such artist. I had never heard of him until he joined Tommy Emmanuel for a few songs during a concert in Eindhoven. I don’t often listen to gypsy jazz, but Joscho’s playing completely won me over. He builds a bridge to gypsy jazz for hardcore rock fans—a group I’m part of myself. Like many masters of the genre, Joscho is an incredibly virtuosic musician. He has a fresh perspective, an open mind, and isn’t constrained by the dogmas of gypsy jazz. Even John Petrucci is a fan! I read a few months after that show that Petrucci contributed to Joscho’s new album. Keep an eye on this German phenomenon!

Every guest on this podcast is a legend in their own way, and Al Di Meola is undeniably a living legend. Mention "Friday Night in San Francisco" to any guitarist, and you'll likely spark memories, anecdotes, and a deep sense of admiration. For my conversation with Al, I had planned to gently ask about the heart attack he suffered on stage in Romania last year. However, after simply asking, "Al, how are you?" he shared the entire story in vivid detail. Throughout this candid interview, Al surprised me multiple times. He revealed that rejection was a significant motivator early in his career. He was once kicked out of a band, only to see the group reassembled a week later. He channeled that pain into laser focus and determination. I'm always fascinated by how exceptional guitarists like Al achieve such hyperfocus and push their boundaries. As a bonus at the end of the episode, you'll hear a few questions from Harry Valentino, the guitarist of High Fade. Harry previously shared that Al Di Meola is his favorite guitarist. Thank you, Harry, and thank you, Al, for this inspiring conversation!