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PODCAST

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns

Niels Guns | Guitar Interview Podcast

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

music music interviews

All Episodes

00:43:50

Greg Koch on Connecting the Dots, the Lack of Rock &...

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2026/04/01

Greg Koch is one of the most unique voices in modern guitar — blending blues, rock, jazz, funk, and country into a style that's entirely his own. On the first day of his European tour, we sat down in a bar in Belgium to talk about what it really takes to make it as a musician.Greg opened up about growing up with a 14-year-older brother who introduced him to Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, how his dad tried to talk him out of a music career, and why he believes you need an almost dysfunctional

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00:39:42

Mattias IA Eklundh

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2026/03/13

He calls himself a cave troll and Swedish Viking metal god — and after one conversation, you understand why. In this episode, Mattias Eklund sits down for a wide-ranging talk: guitarist, composer, free thinker, and builder of his own universe.We dive into the world of Indian classical rhythms and how they completely transformed his approach to progressive metal and eight-string guitar playing. Mattias explains why time signatures like 81/16 and 65/16 aren't as crazy as they sound — and why most

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00:44:19

Per Nilsson

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2026/02/06

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

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00:42:27

Aaron Marshall (Intervals)

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2026/02/06

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

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00:53:58

Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation)

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2026/01/09

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

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00:42:27

Joey Landreth

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/12/19

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

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00:36:20

Bill Kelliher (Mastodon)

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/10/21

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

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00:46:49

Richard Hallebeek

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/10/07

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

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00:57:17

Andy McKee

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/09/19

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

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00:57:11

Jens Larsen

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/09/04

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

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00:46:19

Adrian Belew

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/08/26

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

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00:45:26

Wolfgang Muthspiel

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/08/19

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,

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00:53:46

Eelco van Zanten

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/08/06

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

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01:08:06

Mike Keneally

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/07/03

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

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00:35:16

Henrik Linder (Dirty Loops)

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/06/23

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

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00:51:58

Alex Skolnick

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/06/04

🎸 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

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00:45:35

Mendel bij de Leij

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/05/22

🎧 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

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00:58:51

Pete Thorn

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/05/09

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

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00:52:53

Jesse van Ruller

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/04/25

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

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00:39:30

Rabea Massaad

Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns ·

2025/04/02

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

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50 results

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