Sixty Scales and the Truth

Niels Guns
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

More than just a music podcast, Sixty Scales and the Truth reveals the human struggles, triumphs, and profound life lessons behind the strings of exceptional guitarists. It's an invitation to discover the truth behind the scales, one unforgettable face-to-face conversation at a time. Whether you're a die-hard guitar enthusiast, a casual music lover, or simply someone who appreciates craftmanship, resilience and creativity, this podcast will leave you inspired, enriched, and eager to uncover more of the wisdom and artistry that these guitar icons have to offer.

  1. Per Nilsson

    FEB 6

    Per Nilsson

    What happens when a guitar obsessed teenager practicing 10 hours a day suddenly can't play for over four years?In this honest conversation, Swedish guitar virtuoso Per Nilsson talks about the injuries that nearly ended his career, the dark period of depression that followed, and the unexpected discovery that transformed his playing forever.From filling in for Fredrik Thordendal in Meshuggah to building Scar Symmetry from his home studio, Per shares the untold story behind his unconventional path and why, at 51, he's never been happier.Whether you're battling your own playing injuries, questioning your musical identity, or simply curious about what drives one of metal's most underrated shredders, this episode will change how you think about practice, patience, and purpose.🎸 Recorded live at Guitar Summit 2025

    44 min
  2. Aaron Marshall (Intervals)

    FEB 6

    Aaron Marshall (Intervals)

    What does it really take to build a modern instrumental band—without labels, without shortcuts, and without burning out?In this episode of Sixty ......Intervals and the Truth, Intervals guitarist Aaron Marshall opens up about independence, touring economics, creative burnout, health scares, and why balance—not speed—is the real long game.#AaronMarshall #Intervals #GuitarPodcast #IndependentArtist #MusicBusiness #TourLife #ProgressiveMetal #InstrumentalMusic #GuitaristLife #CreativeBalance

    42 min
  3. Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation)

    JAN 9

    Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation)

    I’ve known Ruud Jolie since the short time I spent at the conservatory in Tilburg. I still clearly remember his graduation show, where he closed his exam by absolutely nailing Steve Vai’s Tender Surrender. Years later we reconnected, and since then Ruud has released his book In Spotlight and Shadow, in which he openly shares his journey in the music industry as guitarist for @wtofficial. He also speaks candidly about living with a functional tremor — a constant challenge for any guitarist — and the mindset that helps him keep moving forward. In this conversation, we catch up and dive into music, resilience, and turning obstacles into fuel.

    54 min
  4. Joey Landreth

    12/19/2025

    Joey Landreth

    Only about a minute or so after Joey and I met, we were sharing photos of our kids. Hey, that's what us proud dads do. No airs and graces for this talented Canadian. Joey said a lot of things during this episode that hit close to home. He shared openly about his role as a father besides being a musician. Conversations like this make this series worthwhile for me. Just as Joey would be making music regardless, I'm making this series regardless. In fact, damn, I'm only losing money making it. But I'm winning too. True connections, albeit brief—about 42 minutes in this case. Thanks so much, Joey, for sharing your story. And folks out there: thanks a lot for watching and listening. It means a lot!

    42 min

  5. 10/21/2025

    Bill Kelliher (Mastodon)

    Please note: this interview was recorded just a few days before Brent Hinds sadly passed away. I waited a while to publish because of that. 🎸 "If you're writing for the fans, you've already sold out." Bill Kelliher from Mastodon opens up about the band's biggest transformation in 25 years, the painful decision to part ways with their founding guitarist, and how sobriety saved both his life and his creativity.In this raw conversation, Bill reveals:- The REAL reason Mastodon made their lineup change- Why Nick Johnston was the only choice to join the band- How a $100 guitar changed everything at age 15- The hospital visit that forced him to quit drinking- Why punk rock (not metal) taught him how to play guitar- Writing music sober vs. drunk - the brutal truth- What happened at Ozzy's final show before he passed away- The moment his wife said: "What are you going to do with your life?"From basement studios to Grammy wins, from alcoholism to redemption, from underground Atlanta sludge to touring with Metallica - this is the unfiltered story of one of metal's most respected rhythm guitarists.

    36 min
  6. Richard Hallebeek

    10/07/2025

    Richard Hallebeek

    In this episode, I sit down with Richard Hallebeek - 8-time winner of Best Fusion Jazz Guitarist in the Netherlands and a guitarist who's played alongside legends like Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, Scott Henderson, and Frank Gambale.Richard shares his journey from discovering guitar at age 10 watching Talking Heads on TV, to becoming the youngest student ever admitted to the Amsterdam Conservatory at 17, to studying at GIT in Los Angeles during the golden era of fusion guitar.We dive into:- His morning guitar ritual and the never-ending tone quest- Transcribing 300 Wes Montgomery solos to find his voice- The reality check he got when moving from Holland to LA- Unforgettable stories about Shawn Lane (including the legendary recording session where Shawn fell asleep, then nailed it in one take)- His long friendship with Allan Holdsworth and what he learned from his stubbornness- The philosophy of "feel over flash" and why he prioritizes story over speed- How guitar practice is meditation and the importance of surrendering to the momentWhether you're a guitarist looking to develop your voice, a musician struggling with the balance between technique and feel, or just a fan of fusion guitar history - this conversation is packed with wisdom and incredible stories.

    47 min
  7. Andy McKee

    09/19/2025

    Andy McKee

    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.

    57 min
  8. Jens Larsen

    09/04/2025

    Jens Larsen

    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.

    57 min
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About

More than just a music podcast, Sixty Scales and the Truth reveals the human struggles, triumphs, and profound life lessons behind the strings of exceptional guitarists. It's an invitation to discover the truth behind the scales, one unforgettable face-to-face conversation at a time. Whether you're a die-hard guitar enthusiast, a casual music lover, or simply someone who appreciates craftmanship, resilience and creativity, this podcast will leave you inspired, enriched, and eager to uncover more of the wisdom and artistry that these guitar icons have to offer.

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