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Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns

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.

Latest Episodes:

Eelco van Zanten Aug 06, 2025

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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.

Mike Keneally Jul 03, 2025

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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.

Henrik Linder (Dirty Loops) Jun 23, 2025

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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: From Thrash Metal to Jazz — and Almost Joining Ozzy Jun 04, 2025

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🎸 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 tours
Discovering jazz in his 30s and studying in New York
Almost joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band
Why improvisation requires full presence
The meaning behind his new album Prove You’re Not a Robot
Bridging the gap between metal and jazz audiences
Parental acceptance and finding his own path
Writing his memoir Geek to Guitar Hero

Whether 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

Mendel bij de Leij: From Aborted to Film Scores and Rachmaninoff May 22, 2025

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🎧 New Episode – Mendel bij de Leij

Guitarist, 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

Pete Thorn May 09, 2025

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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 Apr 25, 2025

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Jesse van Ruller: Jazz Guitar Virtuoso

Considered "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.

Rabea Massaad Apr 02, 2025

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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.

Scott Henderson Mar 18, 2025

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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.

Joseph Anidjar Mar 10, 2025

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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!

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