#46 Pick Slanting Breakthroughs & Practice Priorities for 2026

Join Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin as they wrap up 2025 and dive into the real work happening in practice rooms across the mandolin community. In this candid conversation, Magnus and Hayes get technical about pick slanting and escape motions—the breakthrough technique that's transforming their playing after decades of double-escaping. They also tackle practical questions from the community about practice routines, gear choices, and how to stay motivated on your musical journey.Whether you're a beginner finding your way or an experienced player refining your technique, this episode offers honest insights into the practice process and what it takes to keep growing as a musician.Topics Covered:Pick Slanting & Single Escape TechniqueMagnus shares his breakthrough moment with pick slanting after 30 years of playingUnderstanding supination vs. pronation and rest strokes vs. escape strokesWhy this isn't just about speed—it's about efficient, powerful single-note pickingPractical demonstrations of two-note and four-note per string patternsHow to build vocabulary from mechanical exercisesPractice PrioritiesHayes on the importance of tracking your practice (and his 20-month tracking gap)Magnus's focus on right-hand technique and melodic adjustmentsCommunity members share their goals: learning scales, memorizing the fretboard, and diving into Nordic folk tunesGear Talk: Cases & Gig BagsFinding the right fit for different instruments and situationsHard cases vs. soft cases: when to use eachMagnus's search for the perfect electric octave mandolin case (spoiler: Strandberg guitar bags might be the answer)Community recommendations including Colorado Case Company, Blue Heron, TKL, and Northfield casesLooking Ahead to 2026Magnus's new Octave Mandolin Course now availablePlans for a Nordic Folk Guitar course coming in spring 2026Hayes's upcoming European tour in May (details TBA)New Guitar Club content and guided courses on the horizonCommunity InsightsHow joining Mandolin Secrets Academy increases practice frequency and commitmentThe power of putting "skin in the game" for your musical developmentMentioned in This Episode:Mandolin Secrets Academy (mandolinsecrets.com)Previous podcast episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcastHayes's tour with Beppe GambettaMagnus's collaboration with Johan Eriksson RappConnect With Us: Watch the video version of this episode exclusively inside Mandolin Secrets Academy, or find all previous episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcastHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastBeppe Gambetta website:https://beppegambetta.com/