Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns

Andy Timmons — guitarist's guitarist, known for instrumental rock, jazz, bossa nova and his Chopin-influenced nocturnes — joins us backstage on his European tour, recorded one hour before he walks on stage. In this episode, Andy Timmons explains why he treats every gig as the most important one he'll ever play, how he recovers when things go wrong mid-set, and why he believes "the gif...

Yes, you're listening to this on Spotify, Apple Music or one of the other big boys probably. Alex Machacek's music, however, is not here — and in this episode he explains exactly why. The Austrian-born, LA-based fusion guitarist quit school at 16 for the Vienna conservatory, got his break when Shawn Lane started telling everyone about his debut album, and went on to play with Terry Bozzio,...

This episodes guest is Drew Goddard, guitarist and songwriter of the Australian band Karnivool. The conversation takes place during their tour, after the release of In Verses (2026) – the band's first album in thirteen years, following Asymmetry (2013). Goddard talks about his life in Coolgardie, a small former gold-mining town about six and a half hours east of Perth, and about the trips that...

Kiko Loureiro spent almost nine years as the lead guitarist of Megadeth, co-wrote the Grammy-winning album Dystopia, and composed over 15 songs with Dave Mustaine. In this conversation, recorded backstage during his European solo tour, Kiko shares the full story of why he decided to step away — and what came next. We talk about the reality of touring five months a year with newborn twins at home,...

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 d...

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. Ma...

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 b...

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...

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...

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 m...

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 hi...

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 Conserv...

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 journ...

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 gu...

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 st...

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 st...

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 wi...

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...

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 less...

🎸 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 re...

🎧 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 creati...

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...

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...

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 sha...

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...