Sixty Scales and the Truth with Niels Guns

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, the moment he knew it was time to leave, and why freedom over his schedule became more important than the biggest stage in metal. Kiko walks through his entire creative process as a composer: how he collects ideas, when he puts on "the judge hat," and why he tells his students that creating your own music is more fulfilling than playing fast.He also shares the story of being rejected from school because he wrote a metal festival essay, his first guitar — a Brazilian-made Giannini SG — and what it was like having dinner with Allan Holdsworth. We explore how Brazilian music quietly influenced everything from his Angra compositions to his solo work, and what Dave Mustaine's focused approach to songwriting taught him about the difference between creative freedom and creative discipline.Whether you play guitar or simply care about the choices that shape a creative life, this conversation delivers.Topics: Kiko Loureiro interview, why Kiko left Megadeth, Dave Mustaine songwriting, Megadeth Dystopia, Angra guitarist, creative process, guitar composition, Allan Holdsworth, Brazilian guitar music, instrumental guitar, guitar podcast, Kiko Loureiro solo career, prog metal, Kiko Loureiro tour 2026, guitar academy, music and family

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 prog bands are still just scratching the surface. His collaboration with percussionist BC Manjunath from Bangalore opens a window into a rhythmic language that goes far beyond Western notation.But this conversation is about much more than music. Mattias speaks openly about his parents — a father who listened to train sounds and did LSD at Harvard, and a mother who took him to see Kiss and Iron Maiden at age ten. About how Frank Zappa put him in his place during a concert in Gothenburg when he was just eleven. About the choice to never borrow money, to build everything himself, and to live financially free as a musician in a niche genre.He shares his perspective on fatherhood — how the birth of his son Gabriel didn't distract him, but actually sharpened his focus. About his home in the Swedish woods, where life costs 200 euros a month. About his Ulf guitar, built with Swedish wood, Swedish steel and pickups by Johan Lundgren — named after both the Old Norse word for wolf and a dear friend who passed away.And running through it all is one thread: gratitude. For the simple things. A cookie and a cup of coffee, as his mother would have put it. An evening walk with the dogs through the forest. The studio floor under your bare feet. The creative freedom of Freak Guitar Camp, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together through music."Music protects me from all the nonsense," Mattias says. "Jet lag, missed flights, bills — none of it matters. As long as I have music, I smile until my head is about to crack."A conversation about letting go, creating, and embracing life — the Eklund way.

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

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 it. But I'm winning too. True connections, albeit brief—about 42 minutes in this case. Thanks so much, Joey, for sharing your story. And folks out there: thanks a lot for watching and listening. It means a lot!

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 morning guitar ritual and the never-ending tone quest- Transcribing 300 Wes Montgomery solos to find his voice- The reality check he got when moving from Holland to LA- Unforgettable stories about Shawn Lane (including the legendary recording session where Shawn fell asleep, then nailed it in one take)- His long friendship with Allan Holdsworth and what he learned from his stubbornness- The philosophy of "feel over flash" and why he prioritizes story over speed- How guitar practice is meditation and the importance of surrendering to the momentWhether you're a guitarist looking to develop your voice, a musician struggling with the balance between technique and feel, or just a fan of fusion guitar history - this conversation is packed with wisdom and incredible stories.

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 guitar.We discuss:Starting "too late" and practicing 8 hours a dayThe reality of studying at conservatoriesTeaching yourself vs. finding the right mentorBreaking down complex jazz into digestible chunksBuilding a sustainable career as a modern musician"I wish I had myself as a teacher," Jens reflects, explaining how he transforms overwhelming jazz concepts into approachable lessons. Whether you're a guitarist feeling stuck in your progress or simply curious about the dedication required to master jazz, this conversation offers valuable insights into persistence, learning, and finding your own path in music.Jens Larsen's YouTube channel has helped thousands of guitarists worldwide understand jazz guitar fundamentals and beyond.

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, Wolfgang discusses his new album "Etudes & Quietudes" - where technical exercises become concert pieces.Wolfgang gives authentic perspectives on mastery, collaboration, and finding your own voice.Episode Highlights:The "Unitar" method for learning scalesWhy good comping is the highest art in jazzBreaking free from musical heroesThe power of space and silenceFrom Austria to Boston: a musical journey

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.

🎸 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 and jazz audiencesParental acceptance and finding his own pathWriting his memoir Geek to Guitar HeroWhether 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

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!

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.

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!

One of my favorite things to do is visiting guitarists in their own space. Allen Hinds was kind enough to welcome me into his home in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. Not only did he treat me to the strongest coffee I’ve ever had, but also to a deeply honest conversation where he shared his life’s journey in a raw and vulnerable way.Allen has been through some of life’s darkest moments—and he came out on the other side. His latest album, The Good Fight, is a beautiful testament to that. If you ask me, Allen has one of the most elegant guitar tones you’ll ever hear. I got to see him live at The Baked Potato, and—wow—his improvisations are just as delicate as they are adventurous.More than anything, Alan turned out to be an incredibly kind and generous person. Oh, and if you’re a Jeff Buckley fan, make sure to listen to Allen’s stories—he’s got some amazing anecdotes!