Sixty Scales and the Truth

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 — 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

🎧 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

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: 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.