Get a Summer Gift | Free Strings or Rosin with Your Subscription
By: Dan Gabel
July 11, 2025
Save on an annual Peghead Nation subscription and get a free gift!
Alisa Rose with Scott Nygaard, Jesse Appelman, and Mark Schatz: “Jill’s Waltz”
By: Dan Gabel
June 6, 2025
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays an original tune at our 10th Anniversary Showcase.
John Reischman, Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Mike Witcher, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Little Pine Siskin”
By: Dan Gabel
May 23, 2025
The California Bluegrass Reunion band plays a John Reischman original tune at the Peghead Nation 10th Anniversary Party.
Joe K. Walsh Releases “Trust and Love”
By: Dan Gabel
April 10, 2025
A beautiful collection of original compositions from Peghead Nation mandolin and octave mandolin instructor.
Joe K. Walsh with Scott Nygaard, Alisa Rose, and Mark Schatz: “Clouds”
By: Dan Gabel
March 11, 2025
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an original tune with a great crew of his fellow Peghead instructors.
Stash Wyslouch with Zoe Guigueno and Bruce Molsky: “Prodigal Son”
By: Dan Gabel
February 14, 2025
A trio of Peghead Nation instructors play a traditional song made popular by Dock Boggs.
Bill Evans, John Reischman, Chad Manning, Mike Witcher, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Sierra Blanca”
By: Dan Gabel
February 14, 2025
The California Bluegrass Reunion band plays a Bill Evans original tune at the Peghead Nation 10th Anniversary Party.
Join Us at Wintergrass 2025
By: Dan Gabel
February 13, 2025
See you in Bellevue, Washington, February 20 - 23 for a weekend of great performances, workshops, and jamming!
Alisa Rose with Scott Nygaard, Jesse Appelman, and Mark Schatz: “The High Road”
By: Dan Gabel
January 3, 2025
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays a Tim O’Brien tune (with two O’Boys) at our 10th Anniversary Showcase.
Joe K. Walsh with Scott Nygaard, Alisa Rose, and Mark Schatz: “Juneau What it Means to Miss Alaska”
By: Dan Gabel
December 13, 2024
Founding member of Mr Sun plays an original tune with a great crew of his fellow Peghead instructors.
Dan Gabel with Chad Manning and Jason Loeks: “The Last Lamplighter”
By: Dan Gabel
December 13, 2024
Peghead Nation President and Co-founder plays an original song with our fiddle instructor during our 10th Anniversary Showcase.
Bill Evans, John Reischman, Chad Manning, Mike Witcher, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Stoney Lonesome”
By: Dan Gabel
December 6, 2024
A powerhouse group of Peghead Nation instructors plays a bluegrass classic at our 10th Anniversary Showcase.
Peghead Nation’s 10th Anniversary Party and Showcase!
By: Dan Gabel
October 17, 2024
We're celebrating our first decade of teaching the world to play on Wednesday, November 13 in downtown San Rafael, California. Email to get on the RSVP list.
Charlie Torch: “Red Rocking Chair”
By: Dan Gabel
October 12, 2024
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Chad Manning plays a traditional song with his band that includes siblings Jasper and Jayda Manning, Tyler Stengall, and Mark Schatz.
Peghead Nation’s 10th Anniversary | We Want to Hear from You
By: Dan Gabel
September 18, 2024
We’d love to hear what you’ve learned on Peghead Nation. Record a video of your playing and share it with us on our social media channels to help celebrate our 10th!
Mr Sun: “Blackbird” | Peghead Nation Exclusive
By: Dan Gabel
September 2, 2024
The virtuosic four-piece that includes Peghead instructors Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy showcases their playful arrangement of a Beatles classic.
Welcome to Peghead Nation | Site Tour
By: Dan Gabel
August 13, 2024
How to find your courses, lessons, My Account page, Play-Along Tracks, and more.
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway: “Crooked Tree”
By: Dan Gabel
July 3, 2024
The flatpicker, songwriter, and singer performs the title track to her Grammy-winning album at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California.
Join us at Wintergrass 2024
By: Dan Gabel
February 14, 2024
Peghead Nation will be on hand in Bellevue, Washington, February 22 - 25 for a weekend full of performances, workshops, jamming, and fun!
New Lessons for December 2023
By: Dan Gabel
December 6, 2023
New lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation instructors!
Bill Evans, John Resichman, Todd Phillips, Hayes Griffin: “Big Spike Hammer”
By: Dan Gabel
November 27, 2023
Peghead Nation banjo and mandolin instructors play an Osborne Brothers classic at Great Lakes Music Camp.
John Reischman, Bill Evans, and Friends: “Suzanne’s Journey”
By: Dan Gabel
October 20, 2023
John Reischman plays his tune “Suzanne’s Journey” at Great Lakes Music Camp 2023 with Bill Evans, Ethan Setiawan Jeremy Kittel, Hayes Griffin, and Todd Phillips.
Martin DJR-10E Bass
By: Teja Gerken
August 16, 2023
A compact acoustic bass guitar that’s easy to play and offers a big sound.
Joe K. Walsh, John Mailander, Todd Phillips, Paul Kowert: “Egypt”
By: Dan Gabel
June 30, 2023
An all-star band plays an iconic composition at Great Lakes Music Camp.
New Lessons and Courses for June 2023
By: Dan Gabel
June 9, 2023
New Tunes and Techniques from our instructors, available now!
New Lessons for April 2023
By: Dan Gabel
April 3, 2023
Peghead Nation instructors have released hours of new lessons with great tunes and helpful techniques!
Joe K. Walsh, John Mailander, Paul Kowert, Ross Martin: “You’re Going to Make Me Lonesome When You Go”
By: Dan Gabel
March 9, 2023
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a Bob Dylan song with some of his fellow teachers at the Great Lakes Music Camp concert.
Join Us at Wintergrass 2023
By: Dan Gabel
February 9, 2023
Peghead Nation will be on hand in Bellevue, Washington, February 23 - 26 for a weekend full of performances, workshops, jamming, and fun!
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Petersburg Gal”
By: Dan Gabel
December 21, 2022
A powerhouse band packed with Peghead Nation instructors plays an original tune from Bill Evans.
Sam Bush: “In Tall Buildings”
By: Dan Gabel
November 18, 2022
Peghead Nation's Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor Wes Corbett joins Sam Bush on a classic John Hartford song.
Peghead Nation Receives a 2022 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award
By: Dan Gabel
September 26, 2022
We’re honored to be recognized by bluegrass music’s leading industry organization and our community!
Zoe Guigueno: “Wastin’ Time”
By: Dan Gabel
May 20, 2022
Peghead Nation’s bass instructor plays a solo version of the popular Ron Sexsmith song.
Tags: Bass
Mr Sun: ”Farewell Trion”
By: Dan Gabel
March 11, 2022
The virtuosic string band plays an old-time favorite during the Wintergrass Festival.
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Suzanne’s Journey”
By: Dan Gabel
December 17, 2021
All-star band of Peghead Nation instructors Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Sharon Gilchrist, and John Reischman, along with Darol Anger and Jim Nunally, play one of John’s new original tunes.
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Roll On Buddy, Roll On”
By: Dan Gabel
November 18, 2021
Powerhouse band of Peghead Nation instructors Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Sharon Gilchrist, and John Reischman, along with Darol Anger and Jim Nunally, play a bluegrass classic.
New Lessons Added for November 2021
By: Dan Gabel
November 5, 2021
Take a look at new the new lessons just released in Peghead Nation courses!
Sierra Ferrell: “I’d Do It Again” | Thompson Guitars
September 29, 2021
The talented singer-songwriter plays an original song live in the Thompson Guitars shop.
Brittany Haas with Joe K. Walsh, Darol Anger, Missy Raines, Grant Gordy, and Ethan Setiawan: “Dry and Dusty”
By: Dan Gabel
September 15, 2021
Brittany Haas and an all-star band play a beautiful version of the popular Texas fiddle tune, live at the Great Lakes Music Camp 2019.
Hours of New Lessons and Tunes for August 2021
By: Dan Gabel
August 6, 2021
Take a look at new the new lessons just released in Peghead Nation courses!
Win a Spot at Great Lakes Music Camp 2021
By: Dan Gabel
July 16, 2021
Enter to win a Weekend Camper package at this inspiring camp, with instructors including Peghead Nation’s Joe K. Walsh, Evie Ladin, Bill Evans, Bruce Molsky, Mike Compton, and Zoe Guigueno.
New Lessons Released for July 2021
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2021
Hours of new tunes and techniques to learn in Peghead Nation courses!
New Lessons Released for June 2021
By: Dan Gabel
June 11, 2021
Great new tunes and techniques to learn in Peghead Nation courses.
Join the Porch Pride Beginner-Friendly Jam-Along with Luisa Lopez | Sunday, June 13
By: Dan Gabel
June 9, 2021
Peghead Nation is sponsoring Porch Pride 2021 and a special all-levels virtual jam.
Hawktail: “Antilopen”
By: Dan Gabel
May 21, 2021
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Brittany Haas plays a Swedish fiddle tune with her powerhouse garage band.
Taylor GS Mini-e Maple Bass
By: Teja Gerken
May 17, 2021
The maple version of Taylor’s short-scale bass packs a punch.
Tags: Bass, Taylor Guitars
New Lessons Just Released For May
By: Dan Gabel
May 3, 2021
Peghead Nation instructors have added new tunes and techniques for you to learn.
Garrison, Gordy, Hargreaves, Walsh: “Sports”
By: Dan Gabel
April 23, 2021
Watch a video of an original song from “Bluegrass and the Abstract Truth,” with mandolin from Peghead Nation instructor Joe K. Walsh, and illustration by our banjo instructor Danny Barnes.
New Lessons Released for April 2021
By: Dan Gabel
April 7, 2021
Great new tunes and techniques to learn, plus a brand new Octave Mandolin course.
New Lessons and Tunes Added to Peghead Nation Courses | March 2021
By: Dan Gabel
March 1, 2021
Our instructors have added great new tunes and techniques that you can jump into right now.
Hawktail Concert: Back Porch Festival
By: Dan Gabel
February 10, 2021
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor and her progressive acoustic band perform a great live set.
New Lessons in the String School for January
By: Dan Gabel
January 10, 2021
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Joe K. Walsh and Brittany Karlson: “When It’s Over”
By: Dan Gabel
December 26, 2020
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a beautiful tune he recently wrote for the “Top Shelf Sheffield” video series.
Welcome, Peghead Nation Subscribers, to Your New Website!
By: Dan Gabel
December 1, 2020
Watch a walk-through video with information about how to log in, navigate through your courses, use the new features, and more.
Watch Zoe Guigueno’s Concert and Songwriting Discussion
By: Scott Nygaard
November 19, 2020
Our Bass instructor celebrated her recent album “Secret Admirer” with a live concert and a look at how she wrote several of the songs.
Zoe Guigueno: “Radar Stations”
By: Dan Gabel
October 1, 2020
Peghead Nation’s bass instructor plays an original song during the Live From Mayne Island concert series.
Tags: Bass
California Banjo Extravaganza: “Chinquapin Hunting”
By: Dan Gabel
May 30, 2020
A performance from a Peghead-packed band of Bill Evans, Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Andrew Marlin with Eli West, Christian Sedelmyer, Clint Mullican: “Wooden Spoon Over by the Sink”
By: Dan Gabel
February 2, 2020
Andrew Marlin and his band plays an original tune from his instrumental album, “Buried in a Cape,” backstage at Terrapin Crossroads.
Derk’s Discoveries: Stunning Formations
By: Derk Richardson
January 31, 2020
The string quartet Hawktail soars above the New Acoustic Music plain.
Hawktail: “Annbjørg”
By: Dan Gabel
January 10, 2020
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Brittany Haas and her progressive acoustic band play an original tune from their new album, “Formations.”
Joe K. Walsh with Brittany Haas, Darol Anger, Missy Raines, and Grant Gordy: “Fiddler of Dooney”
By: Dan Gabel
January 2, 2020
Joe K. Walsh set a William Butler Yeats poem to music and plays it here with an all-star band, live at the Great Lakes Music Camp last fall.
Bass with Zoe Guigueno Now Accepting Students!
By: Dan Gabel
December 11, 2019
You can now learn to play upright bass from scratch on Peghead Nation in our fist bass course, taught by bassist Zoe Guigueno.
Tags: Bass
John Reischman with Joe K. Walsh, Darol Anger, Missy Raines, and Hayes Griffin: “Salt Spring”
By: Dan Gabel
October 29, 2019
John Reischman plays one of his popular original tunes with an all-star band at the Great Lakes Music Camp this fall.
Joy Kills Sorrow: “Such Great Heights”
By: Dan Gabel
August 29, 2019
Peghead Nation welcomes our two newest instructors, Zoe Guigueno and Wes Corbett, who played together in the influential stringband Joy Kills Sorrow.
Robert Earl Keen: “The Unknown Fighter” | LR Baggs
By: LR Baggs
April 22, 2019
The master songwriter plays an unreleased song live at Soundcheck in Nashville.
Ned Luberecki: “Take Five” | California Banjo Extravaganza
By: Dan Gabel
December 19, 2018
A performance of the jazz classic by the 2018 IBMA Banjo Player of Year, with Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
California Banjo Extravaganza: “Angeline the Baker”
By: Dan Gabel
November 14, 2018
A performance from Bill Evans, Chris Coole, and Ned Luberecki, with a Peghead-packed band of Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Della Mae: “Peg Monster” | Ear Trumpet Labs & D’Addario
By: Ear Trumpet Labs
October 15, 2018
The Americana powerhouse plays an original song in the Ear Trumpet Labs yurt at the Grey Fox Festival.
Bill Evans, Dan Crary, and Wally Barnick: “Long Journey Home”
By: Dan Gabel
September 5, 2018
The Peghead Nation banjo instructor plays the classic bluegrass song with flatpicking guru Dan Crary and singer/bass player Wally Barnick.
Bill Evans, John Reischman, and Kenny Smith: “Studebaker”
By: Dan Gabel
March 7, 2018
Flatpicking master Kenny Smith plays one of his original tunes with Peghead Nation banjo and mandolin instructors, along with bassist Max Schwartz and fiddler Nate Lee.
Revealing Frank Solivan and Jeremy Middleton | D’Addario
By: DAddario
December 21, 2017
D’Addario Nickel Bronze presents a moment with members of the 2016 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year, talking about the Dirty Kitchen name and more.
Derk’s Discoveries: Getting Better All the Time
By: Derk Richardson
September 16, 2017
May I introduce you to SF String Trio’s Lonely Hearts Club Band?
Derk’s Discoveries: Flying Home
By: Derk Richardson
August 28, 2017
John Reischman and the Jaybirds soar through gospel, old-time, bluegrass, and Beatles songs on their latest recording.
Matt Flinner Trio with Mike Compton, Scott Nygaard, and Sharon Gilchrist: “Trouble in Mind”
By: Dan Gabel
June 15, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play a blues standard with Matt Flinner’s talented trio.
Bill Evans, John Reischman, and Kenny Smith: “Petersburg Gal”
By: Dan Gabel
April 21, 2017
Peghead Nation banjo and mandolin instructors play Bill Evans’ original tune with flatpicking guru Kenny Smith, bassist Max Schwartz, and fiddler Nate Lee at the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse.
Taylor GS Mini-e Bass
By: Teja Gerken
April 17, 2017
New acoustic bass guitar offers big sounds from Taylor’s compact GS Mini body.
Evie Ladin: “Trouble On My Mind”
By: Dan Gabel
March 7, 2017
Peghead Nation’s clawhammer banjo instructor plays a tune by Kentucky fiddler John Salyer.
California Banjo Extravaganza: “The Train That Carried My Girl from Town”
By: Dan Gabel
January 12, 2017
Bill Evans, Joe Newberry, and Danny Barnes play a three-banjo version of the popular bluegrass song.
California Banjo Extravaganza: “Train 45 / Reuben’s Train”
By: Dan Gabel
December 23, 2016
A performance from Bill Evans, Joe Newberry, and Danny Barnes, with an all-star band of Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Brittany Haas on “A Prairie Home Companion”: “Fiddle Tune Medley”
By: Dan Gabel
December 13, 2016
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays in the new house band for the popular radio show, now hosted by mandolin master Chris Thile.
Banjo Extravaganza: “The Train That Carried My Girl from Town”
By: Dan Gabel
November 22, 2016
A performance from the 2016 CA Banjo Extravaganza, with Bill Evans, Joe Newberry, and Danny Barnes, and an all-star band of Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Joe K. Walsh and Sweet Loam with Darol Anger
By: Dan Gabel
October 26, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays his original tune “Pogo Big” with an all-star band at the 2016 IBMA World of Bluegrass festival.
Mike Compton with the Matt Flinner Trio and Scott Nygaard: “Sittin’ On Top of the World”
By: Dan Gabel
October 11, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play a Mississippi Sheiks song with Matt Flinner’s talented trio.
Evie Ladin Band: “Jump the Fire”
By: Dan Gabel
May 16, 2016
Peghead Nation's clawhammer banjo instructor plays the title song from her new album, "Jump the Fire."
Evie Ladin Band: “Ease On Down”
By: Dan Gabel
April 13, 2016
Peghead Nation's clawhammer banjo instructor plays a new song from her forthcoming album, "Jump the Fire," live in our studios.
LR Baggs Sessions | American Aquarium
By: LR Baggs
February 12, 2016
LR Baggs presents American Aquarium playing their song "Man I'm Supposed to Be" live in Nashville.
Brittany Haas with Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project
By: Dan Gabel
February 2, 2016
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Brittany Haas plays "What Is the Soul of Man" with Jayme Stone, Margaret Glaspy, Tim O'Brien, and Joe Phillips.
ChessBoxer | “Calon Lan”
By: LR Baggs
January 7, 2016
LR Baggs presents the progressive acoustic band ChessBoxer playing the tune "Calon Lan" live in Nashville.
Bill Evans: “The Distance Between Two Points”
By: Dan Gabel
November 24, 2015
A live performance from the 2015 California Banjo Extravaganza, with Bill Evans and an all-star band including Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Dave Rawlings Machine Performance
By: Dan Gabel
November 23, 2015
Watch a four-song performance by the Dave Rawlings Machine, including Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Brittany Haas, in the KEXP studio.
Albatross: “Hope You Find What You’re Looking For”
By: LR Baggs
October 29, 2015
LR Baggs presents Albatross performing "Hope You Find What You're Looking For" live in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Joes and Friends, “Missouri Borderland”
By: Dan Gabel
October 27, 2015
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe Walsh plays with Joe Newberry, Joe Craven, Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley, and others during a late-night session at the 2015 IBMA Conference.
Mr Sun: “The People Need Light”
By: Dan Gabel
September 2, 2015
Mr Sun is Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe Walsh, Darol Anger, Grant Gordy, and Ethan Jodziewicz. Watch them play a live version of the title track to their new album.
Haas Kowert Tice: “El Camino”
By: Scott Nygaard
May 21, 2015
Brittany Haas, Paul Kowert, and Jordan Tice perform Brittany’s original in the Peghead Nation studio.
Kala U-Bass Demo
By: Teja Gerken
February 3, 2015
Kala’s unique ukulele-size bass has convincing amplified bass tones.
