New Lessons for December 2024
By: Dan Gabel
December 5, 2024
Peghead Nation instructors have hours worth of new lessons, tunes, and techniques for you!
New Lessons for November 2024
By: Dan Gabel
November 5, 2024
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons from Peghead Nation instructors!
John Reischman, Ethan Setiawan, Mike Compton, and Kenny Smith: “Turkey in the Straw”
By: Dan Gabel
October 23, 2024
Three Peghead Nation mandolin instructors play a bluegrass classic at Great Lakes Music Camp.
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.
New Mandolin Music from Daniel Patrick, Mandolins and Beer Host
By: Dan Gabel
October 13, 2024
The host of the popular "Mandolins and Beer" podcast releases an album of mandolin and vocal duets that includes Peghead Nation instructors Sharon Gilchrist and Joe K. Walsh.
Tags: Mandolin
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.
New Lessons for October 2024
By: Dan Gabel
October 2, 2024
Great new tunes, techniques, and exercises from Peghead Nation instructors.
M5O Black-Top Octave Mandolin | Bourgeois Guitars
October 2, 2024
Bourgeois releases an A-style octave mandolin.
Aaron Weinstein: “A Foggy Day”
By: Dan Gabel
September 20, 2024
Our jazz mandolin instructor plays a great two-mandolin arrangement of the Gershwin song “A Foggy Day.”
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!
Creative Mandolin Backup with Sharon Gilchrist | New Live Workshop Series
By: Dan Gabel
September 2, 2024
Learn to vary your rhythm and backup playing by using double stops, walking lines, chord inversions, and more. Starts Wednesday, September 11, and includes video records of live sessions!
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.
New Lessons September 2024!
By: Dan Gabel
September 1, 2024
Peghead Nation instructors have hours of new lessons, tunes, and techniques for you!
Ethan Setiawan and Louise Bichan: “Elk River Blues”
By: Dan Gabel
August 16, 2024
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a beautiful tune with fiddler and duo partner in Hildland, Louise Bichan.
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.
August 2024 New Lessons!
By: Dan Gabel
August 1, 2024
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons from our Peghead Nation instructors.
Northfield Archtop Octave Mandolin Maple
By: Teja Gerken
July 17, 2024
Peghead Nation instructor Ethan Setiawan demonstrates his octave mandolin.
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.
Compton and Newberry: “Jenny Lynn”
By: Dan Gabel
July 3, 2024
Our Monroe-Style Mandolin instructor Mike Compton plays a Bill Monroe classic with his duo partner, Joe Newberry.
New Lessons! July 2024
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2024
New tunes, techniques, and exercises from our Peghead Nation instructors!
2000 Monteleone Grand Artist
By: Teja Gerken
June 19, 2024
Peghead Nation Weekly Mandolin Workout instructor Ethan Setiawan demonstrates his main instrument.
Compton and Newberry: “Death and Blues”
By: Dan Gabel
June 5, 2024
Mike Compton plays a powerful original song with his long-time duo partner Joe Newberry.
New Lessons! June 2024
By: Dan Gabel
June 3, 2024
New techniques, tunes, and lessons from Peghead Nation instructors
Get to Know Mandolinist Ethan Setiawan
By: Dan Gabel
June 1, 2024
Peghead Nation’s latest mandolin instructor talks about his history with the mandolin, his education at Berklee College of Music, his musical influences, and more.
Tags: Mandolin
New Course! Weekly Mandolin Workout with Ethan Setiawan
By: Dan Gabel
May 31, 2024
Learn the mandolin fingerboard, increase the dexterity of your fingers, and expand your knowledge of chord and scale theory in this series of structured exercises.
Enter to Win a Free Annual Subscription to Weekly Mandolin Workout with Ethan Setiawan
By: Dan Gabel
May 28, 2024
In this upcoming course, you'll learn the fingerboard, strengthen and increase your dexterity, and expand your knowledge of chord and scale theory. Course now available!
Tags: Mandolin
New Lessons for May 2024
By: Dan Gabel
May 1, 2024
New Tunes, Lessons, and Techniques from Peghead Nation instructors.
Flynn Cohen and Liz Simmons: “Wakes Up Man”
By: Dan Gabel
April 28, 2024
Peghead Nation’s Irish guitar instructor plays a tune from his new solo album with songwriter and guitarist Liz Simmons.
Peghead Nation Presents Compton & Newberry | San Rafael, CA, Wednesday, May 8
By: Dan Gabel
April 28, 2024
An evening of great traditional and new acoustic music, powerful songwriting, and the best in mandolin, clawhammer banjo, and guitar picking.
Scroggins and Rose: “St. Anne’s Reel Improvisation”
By: Dan Gabel
April 17, 2024
Alisa Rose and Tristan Scroggins explore the possibilities of a bluegrass and Irish music favorite.
“Landslide” | Northfield Mandolins
April 3, 2024
Brian Oberlin plays an instrumental take of an original tune on a Northfield Quickstep Mandola.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
New Lessons for April 2024
By: Dan Gabel
April 1, 2024
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques from Peghead Nation's Master Teachers
Joe K. Walsh and Andrew Marlin: “Cody Road”
By: Dan Gabel
March 26, 2024
Master mandolinists demonstrate the beauty of playing twin mandolin during Wintergrass 2024.
Tags: Mandolin, Wintergrass
John Doyle, Marla Fibish, and Mick McAuley: “Loftus Jones/A Fair Wind/The Collier’s Reel/Dan Breen’s”
By: Teja Gerken
March 14, 2024
Peghead Nation Irish Mandolin instructor joins former Solas members John Doyle and Mick McAuley for an impromptu set of tunes.
New Lessons for March 2024
By: Dan Gabel
March 12, 2024
Peghead Nation instructors have new lessons, techniques, and tunes to keep your musical journey on track!
2008 Duff F-5
By: Teja Gerken
February 28, 2024
Mike Compton demonstrates his F-5 mandolin built by Australian luthier Paul Duff.
Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy: “Sweet Georgia Brown”
By: Dan Gabel
February 19, 2024
Peghead Naiton mandolin instructor and his longtime collaborator play a classic standard in the studio.
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 | February 2024
By: Dan Gabel
February 3, 2024
New tunes, lessons, and techniques from Peghead Nation's talented instructors.
Northfield Flat Top Octave
By: Teja Gerken
January 17, 2024
Peghead Nation co-founder Dan Gabel and instructor Joe K. Walsh demonstrate Northfield’s popular octave mandolin.
John Reischman: “The Waves on the Sea”
By: Dan Gabel
January 13, 2024
Peghead Nation instructor plays an old-time tune on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Tags: Mandolin
New Lessons for January 2024
By: Dan Gabel
January 5, 2024
Peghead Nation instructors kick off the year with great lessons, tunes, and techniques for you to learn.
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” | Northfield Mandolins
January 5, 2024
Nate Roberts performs the Wizard of Oz classic on a Northfield WaveLength octave mandolin.
Aaron Weinstein (with Aaron Weinstein): “All of Me”
By: Dan Gabel
December 21, 2023
Peghead Nation's Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Essentials instructor plays both rhythm and melody/lead on the 1931 jazz standard.
New Lessons for December 2023
By: Dan Gabel
December 6, 2023
New lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation instructors!
EleOcto Demo | Northfield Mandolins
December 1, 2023
Adrian Bagale demonstrates the new electric octave mandolin's innovative electronics.
New Course! Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Essentials with Aaron Weinstein
By: Dan Gabel
December 1, 2023
Learn to play swing and jazz mandolin from scratch, with a step-by-step method for learning swing chord voicings and simple solos for popular songs in the repertoire.
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.
New Lessons for November 2023
By: Dan Gabel
November 2, 2023
New lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation instructors!
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.
New Lessons, October 2023
By: Dan Gabel
October 5, 2023
Peghead Nation instructors release great new lessons and tunes.
Northfield WaveLength
By: Teja Gerken
October 4, 2023
John Reischman demonstrates Northfield’s new compact octave mandolin.
Mike Compton: “Avalon Blues”
By: Dan Gabel
September 13, 2023
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a solo version of a tune by 1930s string band Narmour and Smith.
Tags: Mandolin
New Lessons for September 2023
By: Dan Gabel
September 12, 2023
Check out new lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation instructors.
Wavelength Octave Mandolin | Northfield Mandolins
August 24, 2023
Northfield's Adrian Bagale and Derek Smith discuss the company's new short-scale octave mandolin.
Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy: “Little White Lies”
By: Dan Gabel
August 18, 2023
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a great standard with his long-time musical collaborator in the Peghead Nation studio.
Collings MF5 Deluxe Varnish | Collings Guitars
By: Collings Guitars
August 2, 2023
Moriah Ozberkmen demonstrates a great F-Style mandolin at the Music Emporium.
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for August 2023
By: Dan Gabel
August 1, 2023
Peghead Nation instructors release hours of new material for you to dig into this month!
Joe K. Walsh and John Mailander, “Tennessee Waltz” | Northfield Mandolins
July 31, 2023
Peghead Nation instructor Joe K. Walsh plays Northfield's new electric octave mandolin in a duet with fiddler John Mailander.
Eight Mandolin Picks
By: Teja Gerken
July 20, 2023
Joe K. Walsh demonstrates eight of his favorite picks, including picks from Apollo, Bluebird, BlueChip, D’Andrea, and Wegen.
New Lessons Released for July 2023
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2023
New lessons, tunes, and techniques to propel your summer playing!
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.
Shubb Fine Tune Capo on Octave Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
June 14, 2023
Joe K. Walsh demonstrates using Shubb’s yoke-style capo on a Northfield octave mandolin.
Ian Coury: “Chorinho Na Gafieira”
By: Dan Gabel
June 12, 2023
Peghead Nation Brazilian Choro Mandolin instructor plays a beautiful choro/samba with a stellar band.
John Reischman and Scott Nygaard: “The Blackest Crow”
By: Dan Gabel
June 10, 2023
Mandolin master plays a Civil War-era tune that he also teaches in his Old-Time Mandolin course.
New Lessons and Courses for June 2023
By: Dan Gabel
June 9, 2023
New Tunes and Techniques from our instructors, available now!
Apollo John Reischman Picks
By: Teja Gerken
May 17, 2023
The mandolin legend and Peghead Nation instructor demonstrates his signature flatpicks.
Flynn Cohen, Marla Fibish, and Liz Simmons: Fred Finn’s and Sailing Into Walpole’s Marsh
By: Dan Gabel
April 13, 2023
Peghead Nation Irish Guitar and Irish Mandolin instructors play a great set of reels live in the studio.
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!
Ian Coury and Joe K. Walsh: “Receita de Samba” | Brazilian Choro Mandolin
By: Dan Gabel
April 1, 2023
Our Brazilian Choro Mandolin instructor plays a joyful duo version of a Jacob do Bandolim choro with his fellow Peghead Nation mandolin teacher.
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.
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for March 2023
By: Dan Gabel
March 3, 2023
Great new material from the Peghead Nation instructors available now!
New Course! Swing and Jazz Mandolin with Joe K. Walsh
By: Dan Gabel
March 1, 2023
Learn to play swing and jazz melodies and classic solos from jazz legends and swing mandolinists.
Flynn Cohen’s Mandolin Setup
By: Teja Gerken
February 23, 2023
Peghead Nation instructor demonstrates the Northfield F5S and other gear that he uses on tour.
Northfield 4th Gen F5 #25 | Northfield Mandolins
February 14, 2023
A special one-off version of Northfield's popular 4th Gen F5 Model.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
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!
Lawrence Smart Mandocello
By: Teja Gerken
February 9, 2023
Joe K. Walsh demonstrates his recently acquired mandocello.
Now Available for Subscription! Creative Jam Skills with Lauren Rioux and Brittany Haas
By: Dan Gabel
February 6, 2023
Up your game as a melody player, backup player, and improviser, exploring new tunes, embellishment ideas, accompaniment techniques and more!
New Lessons for February 2023
By: Dan Gabel
February 2, 2023
Great new tunes, techniques, and lessons from Peghead Nation instructors.
The Brazilian Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
January 5, 2023
Peghead Nation’s Brazilian Choro Mandolin instructor Ian Coury demonstrates eight-string and ten-string mandolins and discusses their roles in Brazilian music.
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.
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry: “Death and Blues”
By: Dan Gabel
December 14, 2022
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an original song with his duo partner, at the Great Lakes Music Camp concert.
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for December 2022
By: Dan Gabel
December 13, 2022
Great new lessons from the talented Peghead Nation instructors. Join us!
Bourgeois Aged Tone M5A
By: Teja Gerken
December 7, 2022
Bourgeois introduces its first mandolin in collaboration with Eastman Music.
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.
New Lessons for November 2022
By: Dan Gabel
November 10, 2022
New tunes, techniques, and exercises from Peghead Nation instructors!
Ian Coury e Estação do Choro: “Gostosinho” (Jacob do Bandolim)
By: Dan Gabel
October 7, 2022
Peghead Nation Choro Mandolin instructor plays a Jacob do Bandolim tune with a virtuosic Brazilian band.
Tags: Brazilian Music, Mandolin
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for October 2022
By: Dan Gabel
October 5, 2022
Check out hours of new lesson material in select courses on Peghead Nation.
Aged Tone M5A Mandolin | Bourgeois Guitars
October 3, 2022
Bourgeois introduces an A-Style mandolin.
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!
Joe K. Walsh and Scott Nygaard: “Dawg’s Waltz”
By: Dan Gabel
September 10, 2022
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play a David Grisman and Jerry Garcia tune.
New Lessons Released for September 2022!
By: Dan Gabel
September 9, 2022
Explore new lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation’s expert instructors.
John Reischman, “Little Pine Siskin” | Northfield Mandolins
August 24, 2022
Peghead Nation instructor John Reischman plays an original tune at the 2019 Marshall Mandolin Summit.
Ellis A-5 Special | Ellis Mandolins
By: Ellis Mandolins
August 24, 2022
A great A-style mandolin presented by Elderly Instruments.
Jake Howard and Grant Flick: “Morning Breaks” | Northfield Mandolins
July 22, 2022
An instrumental duet played on a pair of Northfield Archtop and Flattop Octave Mandolins.
Pedro Santos Ten-String Bandolim
By: Teja Gerken
July 13, 2022
Peghead Nation’s Brazilian Choro Mandolin instructor Ian Coury demonstrates his main instrument and talks about the history of the mandolin in Brazilian music.
Hours of New Lessons Released for July 2022!
By: Dan Gabel
July 10, 2022
Explore new lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation’s expert instructors.
2004 Gilchrist Model 4
By: Teja Gerken
June 22, 2022
Mike Compton demonstrates his oval-soundhole, F-4-style Gilchrist.
Joe K. Walsh and Bruce Molsky: “Walk Along John to Kansas”
By: Dan Gabel
June 10, 2022
Exclusive Peghead Nation video of our mandolin and fiddle instructors playing a great old-time tune at Wintergrass 2022.
Octave Mandolin Woods | Northfield Mandolins
June 9, 2022
Northfield's Derek Smith demonstrates three flattop octave mandolins with different wood combinations.
New Lessons Released for May 2022
By: Dan Gabel
May 2, 2022
New tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
Ian Coury: “Benzinho” | Brazilian Choro Mandolin
By: Dan Gabel
May 1, 2022
Peghead Nation’s new Brazilian Choro Mandolin instructor plays a traditional two-part choro written by the great choro mandolinist Jacob do Bandolim.
Joe K. Walsh and Bruce Molsky: “Solly’s Little Favorite”
By: Dan Gabel
April 26, 2022
Watch an exclusive Peghead Nation video of our mandolin and fiddle instructors playing a great old-time tune at Wintergrass 2022.
New Lessons Released for April 2022
By: Dan Gabel
April 9, 2022
New tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
Learning by Ear with Lissa Schneckenburger Now Available!
By: Dan Gabel
April 1, 2022
Learn to pick up tunes on the fly and increase your ability to interact with your fellow musicians with fun ear-training exercises and practice, applicable to all instruments.
1923 Gibson F-5 Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
March 15, 2022
John Reischman demonstrates a Lloyd Loar-signed F-5 that’s in nearly mint condition.
Mr Sun: ”Farewell Trion”
By: Dan Gabel
March 11, 2022
The virtuosic string band plays an old-time favorite during the Wintergrass Festival.
New Lessons Released for March 2022
By: Dan Gabel
March 11, 2022
Hours of new tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
Gilchrist/Northfield Tailpiece | Northfield Mandolins
March 3, 2022
Northfield's Kjell Croce demonstrates the installation of the new Gilchrist-designed mandolin tailpiece.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
New Lessons Added for February 2022
By: Dan Gabel
February 2, 2022
Hours of new tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
Now Available for Subscribers | Swing Mandolin: Rhythm and Chord Solos
By: Dan Gabel
February 1, 2022
Learn to play swing rhythm mandolin and how to create rhythmic chord solos, using eight classic jazz and swing tunes.
Aaron Weinstein: “Pennies From Heaven”
By: Dan Gabel
January 26, 2022
Our Chord Melody Mandolin instructor plays the jazz standard introduced by Bing Crosby in 1936.
2009 Gilchrist Model 1
By: Teja Gerken
January 5, 2022
John Reischman demonstrates his round soundhole Gilchrist.
Matt Munisteri and Joe K. Walsh: “Kentucky Waltz”
By: Dan Gabel
January 4, 2022
Peghead Nation instructors play a jazz-infused duo version of a classic Bill Monroe waltz.
Old-Time Mandolin with John Reischman is Now Available!
By: Dan Gabel
January 4, 2022
Learn to play old-time fiddle tunes and song melodies, with advice on picking technique and playing old-time rhythm on the mandolin.
Tags: Mandolin, Old-Time Music
Artist Series “4th Generation” F5 | Northfield Mandolins
January 3, 2022
Dan Bui demonstrates a Lloyd Loar-style F5 from Northfield Mandolins at the Music Emporium.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
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.
Hours of New Lessons for December 2021
By: Dan Gabel
December 1, 2021
Watch video examples from some of the latest lessons from Peghead Nation’s Instructrors!
Northfield Calhoun
By: Teja Gerken
November 21, 2021
A great-sounding US-made flattop mandolin at an affordable price.
Ellis F-5 Special | Ellis Mandolins
By: Ellis Mandolins
November 20, 2021
Tristan Scroggins plays a beautiful F-style mandolin at Carter Vintage Guitars.
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.
Collings MT2-V | Collings Guitars
By: Collings Guitars
November 15, 2021
Ethan Setiawan demonstrates a great A-Style mandolin at the Music Emporium.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Noctambule: “Murmuration”
By: Dan Gabel
November 5, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Irish Mandolin instructor and her duo partner play an original tune from their recently released album.
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!
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry: “Singing As We Rise”
By: Dan Gabel
October 30, 2021
The old-time duo plays the Joe Newberry original that won IBMA’s Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year for 2012, live in the Peghead Nation studio.
Aaron Weinstein: “The Folks Who Live On the Hill”
By: Dan Gabel
October 19, 2021
Peghead Nation's Chord Melody Mandolin instructor plays a beautiful version of the jazz standard written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein.
Now Available for Subscription! Improvising for Mandolin and Fiddle with Joe K. Walsh
By: Dan Gabel
October 1, 2021
Learn to improvise on fiddle tunes, create new melodies over chord changes, and more!
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.
John Reischman: ”Horses of Dorrigo”
By: Dan Gabel
September 27, 2021
Peghead Nation Melodic Mandolin Tunes instructor plays a new tune off of his latest album, “New Time and Old Acoustic.”
Ellis F-5 Special | Ellis Mandolins
By: Ellis Mandolins
September 16, 2021
Jake Workman plays a F-style Ellis mandolin at Carter Vintage Guitars.
Tags: Ellis Mandolins, Mandolin
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.
Sharon Gilchrist’s “Mandos, Cars and Coffee” | Episode #1 With Joe K. Walsh
By: Dan Gabel
September 14, 2021
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor announces the launch of a new mandolin-centric video podcast series.
Tags: Mandolin
John Reischman and Scott Nygaard: “Sarafina”
By: Dan Gabel
August 6, 2021
Mandolin master plays a new original tune that he recorded for his new album "New Time and Old Acoustic."
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!
John Reischman and the Slocan Ramblers: “Stoney Creek”
By: Dan Gabel
July 21, 2021
Our Melodic Mandolin Tunes instructor plays a bluegrass classic with the 2020 IBMA Momentum Band Award winners.
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.
Joe K. Walsh, Jake Howard, Ethan Setiawan, Grant Gordy, and Darol Anger: “E.M.D.”
By: Dan Gabel
July 16, 2021
A smoking triple-mandolin version of David Grisman’s tune “E.M.D.,” recorded at the Great Lakes Music Camp 2019.
Sharon Gilchrist: “Soldier’s Joy”
By: Dan Gabel
July 2, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Melodic Embellishment instructor demonstrates some of the improvisation techniques she teaches in this new mandolin course, now available for subscription.
Tags: Mandolin
New Lessons Released for July 2021
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2021
Hours of new tunes and techniques to learn in Peghead Nation courses!
Melodic Embellishment: A Doorway to Improvisation is Now Available for Subscription
By: Dan Gabel
June 30, 2021
Sharon Gilchrist teaches her systematic method of how to begin to improvise and vary melodies. Subscribe now!
Tags: Mandolin
Shubb Capos | Roger Tallroth and Mike Marshall | “Forslund”
By: Shubb Capos
June 24, 2021
A pretty polska played on mandolin and octave mandolin by Väsen guitarist Roger Tallroth and Mike Marshall.
Mike Compton and Scott Nygaard: “Tall Timber”
By: Dan Gabel
June 23, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Monroe-Style Mandolin instructor plays a smoking version of a Bill Monroe classic with our co-founder.
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.
Teja Gerken, Doug Young, Marla Fibish, and Bruce Victor: “Blind Mary/Cecily”
By: Teja Gerken
June 8, 2021
A guitar and mandolin quartet arrangement of the O’Carolan classic and an original tune.
John Reischman: “Yardbird Suite”
By: Dan Gabel
May 28, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Melodic Mandolin Tunes instructor plays an amazing solo version of a famed Charlie Parker composition.
Tags: Mandolin
Hawktail: “Antilopen”
By: Dan Gabel
May 21, 2021
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Brittany Haas plays a Swedish fiddle tune with her powerhouse garage band.
Register Now! Improvising for Mandolin and Fiddle with Joe K. Walsh | Live Workshop Series
By: Dan Gabel
May 20, 2021
Learn to improvise on fiddle tunes, create new melodies over chord changes, practice the arpeggios and scales you need to play jazz tunes, and more with Joe K. Walsh in this eight-week live workshop.
Tags: Mandolin
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry: “Last Chance”
By: Dan Gabel
May 15, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Monroe-Style Mandolin instructor and his duo partner play a classic banjo tune from Virginia old-time musician Hobart Smith.
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.
Flattop Octave Mandolin | Northfield Mandolins
April 30, 2021
Elderly Instruments demonstrates a great option for a low-tuned eight-string.
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.
Apitius Yorkville
By: Teja Gerken
April 12, 2021
Aaron Weinstein demonstrates his new jazz mandolin.
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.
Aaron Weinstein: “Can’t Give You Anything But Love”
By: Teja Gerken
April 3, 2021
Peghead Nation instructor plays the jazz standard on an Apitius acoustic-electric mandolin.
New Course! Octave Mandolin with Joe K. Walsh Now Available
By: Dan Gabel
April 1, 2021
Learn to transfer what you know on the mandolin to its bigger cousin, with lessons in technique, accompaniment, and great tunes.
Tags: Mandolin, Octave Mandolin
Brittany Haas and Chris Thile: “Shenandoah Valley Breakdown”
By: Dan Gabel
March 22, 2021
Peghead Nation's Fiddle Style Workshop instructor plays a bluegrass fiddle tune with the mandolin-master-host of Live From Here.
Don Stiernberg: “It’s a Good Day” | Northfield Mandolins
March 20, 2021
The jazz mandolin great performs at the Marshall Mandolin Summit.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
1921 Gibson A-4
By: Teja Gerken
March 15, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Irish Backup Guitar instructor Flynn Cohen demonstrates his vintage mandolin.
Octave Mandolin with Joe K. Walsh | New Course Coming Soon
By: Dan Gabel
March 15, 2021
Learn to transfer what you know on the mandolin to its bigger cousin, with instruction in octave mandolin tunes and accompaniment techniques. Sign up for email updates about the launch!
Tags: Mandolin
Flynn Cohen and Marla Fibish: “The Torn Jacket”/“Toss the Feathers”
By: Dan Gabel
March 2, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Irish Backup Guitar instructor plays a set of reels with our Irish Mandolin instructor.
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.
1910s Gibson H-1
By: Teja Gerken
February 15, 2021
Joe K. Walsh demonstrates his vintage mandola, which he set up with an old DeArmond pickup for playing electric.
John Reischman: “Grey Eagle”
By: Dan Gabel
February 12, 2021
The mandolin master plays a solo arrangement of the popular old-time fiddle tune.
Tags: Fiddle Tunes, Mandolin
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.
Jayson Bowerman Bambino
By: Teja Gerken
January 25, 2021
John Reischman demonstrates his flattop octave mandolin.
Dale Russ and Marla Fibish: “The Kerry Reel/The Beauty Spot”
By: Scott Nygaard
January 25, 2021
A medley of Irish reels from Peghead Nation’s renowned Irish fiddle and mandolin teachers.
Sierra Hull: “Grey Owl” | Northfield Mandolins
January 23, 2021
Sierra Hull plays a fiddle tune on her Northfield octave mandolin.
Session Video and Materials | Melodic Embellishment: A Doorway to Improvisation
By: Dan Gabel
January 20, 2021
Watch videos and download materials for sessions of Sharon’s workshop on improvising.
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.
John Reischman, Scott Nygaard, Sharon Gilchrist, Joe K. Walsh: “The Eighth of January”
By: Dan Gabel
January 8, 2021
A three-mandolin, one-guitar version of the popular fiddle tune, played by the instructors at the first Peghead Nation Mandolin Camp.
Sharon Gilchrist’s Melodic Embellishment Live Workshop | Introductory Video
By: Dan Gabel
January 1, 2021
Join Sharon’s live Zoom workshop, happening every other week, starting on Saturday, January 16 and ending on Saturday, April 24.
Tags: Mandolin
Materials for Melodic Embellishment Workshop with Sharon Gilchrist
By: Dan Gabel
December 30, 2020
Download the audio files and notation/tablature for the tunes that you’ll use in Sharon’s 8-session workshop.
Tags: Mandolin
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.
Tim O’Brien: “Grandma’s Hands” | Northfield Mandolins
December 23, 2020
The songwriter and multi-instrumentalist plays a Bill Withers song live at the Marshall Mandolin Summit.
Mike Compton and Scott Nygaard: “Bluegrass Special”
By: Dan Gabel
December 22, 2020
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play classic Bill Monroe boogie-woogie tune.
Watch John Reischman’s Double-Stops Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
December 12, 2020
Our Melodic Mandolin Tunes instructor walks through helpful exercises for working double-stops into your accompaniment and soloing in this workshop.
Martin Guitar Museum Tour with Chris Martin | Part 4
By: Martin Guitar
December 10, 2020
The Martin Guitar CEO talks about the introduction of mandolins and ukuleles in the early 1900s.
The Calhoun | Northfield Mandolins
December 9, 2020
The making of Northfield's great flattop mandolin.
Aaron Weinstein: “My Shining Hour”
By: Dan Gabel
December 8, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Chord Melody Mandolin instructor plays a Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer song from the 1943 film “The Sky’s the Limit.”
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.
Sarah Jarosz and Mike Marshall: “Mansinneedof” | Northfield Mandolins
November 30, 2020
A great mandolin duet of Sarah Jarosz’s original tune, recorded live at the Marshall Mandolin Summit.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
Don Stiernberg Trio: “I’m Old Fashioned” | Northfield Mandolins
November 13, 2020
The mandolin master plays a great version of the Jerome Kern classic with his trio, live at the Marshall Mandolin Summit.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
Joe K. Walsh, Bruce Molsky, Darol Anger, and Brittany Karlson: “Innisfree”
By: Dan Gabel
November 10, 2020
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an original composition set to a W.B. Yeats poem, with his fellow Peghead Nation and Berklee College of Music instructors.
Tags: Mandolin
Register for John Reischman’s Live Mandolin Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
November 2, 2020
Saturday, December 12 at 11 AM Pacific Time on Zoom
Tags: John Reischman, Mandolin
Flynn Cohen and Marla Fibish: “The Famous Ballymote” and “The Morning Star”
By: Dan Gabel
October 15, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Irish Backup Guitar instructor flatpicks a set of reels with our Irish Mandolin instructor.
Joe K. Walsh, Jake Howard, Ethan Setiawan, Grant Gordy, and Darol Anger: “Ricochet”
By: Dan Gabel
October 12, 2020
Joe K. Walsh gathered mandolin compatriots together with his Mr Sun bandmates for a fun take on David Grisman’s tune “Ricochet” at the Great Lakes Music Camp this fall.
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons Added for October
By: Dan Gabel
October 1, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Lawrence Smart A-Style Mandola
By: Teja Gerken
September 28, 2020
John Reischman demonstrates his mandola.
Alice Howe | The Shubb Partial Capo as a Songwriter’s Tool
By: Shubb Capos
September 16, 2020
The songwriter talks about using a partial capo to open up new songwriting ideas.
Aaron Weinstein: “Manhattan”
By: Dan Gabel
September 14, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Chord Melody Mandolin instructor dips into the Great American Songbook and plays a Rodgers and Hart classic.
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons Added for September
By: Dan Gabel
September 2, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Northfield Big Mon Comparison | Northfield Mandolins
September 2, 2020
Two Big Mon mandolins, one built with Engelmann, the other with an Adirondack spruce top, played back-to-back.
Teja Gerken, Doug Young, Marla Fibish, and Bruce Victor: “Here Comes the Sun”
By: Dan Gabel
August 25, 2020
An acoustic quartet arrangement of the Beatles classic.
John Reischman and Mike Marshall: “La Arboleda” | Northfield Mandolins
August 14, 2020
Two mandolin masters play a Puerto Rican tune that John learned from a recording of cuatro player Pedro Padilla.
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons Added for August
By: Dan Gabel
August 3, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Sarah Jarosz: “Build Me Up From Bones” | Northfield Mandolins
July 29, 2020
The songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist performs live at the Marshall Mandolin Summit.
Watch Our Soloing and Improvising Workshop | Joe K. Walsh and Scott Nygaard
By: Dan Gabel
July 23, 2020
Our mandolin and guitar instructors talk about their unique approaches to improvising and field questions from their students in this 90-minute workshop.
Chad Manning and Scott Nygaard: “Whiskey Before Breakfast”
By: Dan Gabel
July 22, 2020
Peghead Nation instructors play a mandolin and guitar version of the jam-session favorite.
John Reischman and Don Stiernberg: “Yardbird Suite” | Northfield Mandolins
July 16, 2020
Two mandolin masters play a great version of Charlie Parker’s classic 1946 bebop composition, live at the Marshall Mandolin Summit.
John Reischman, Sharon Gilchrist, and Scott Nygaard: “Midnight on the Water”
By: Dan Gabel
July 9, 2020
A beautiful performance of the bluegrass classic from the string trio, Harmonic Tone Revealers.
Watch Aaron Weinstein’s Live Chord Melody Mandolin Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2020
Our Chord Melody Mandolin instructor fielded questions from his students and other mandolin enthusiasts in a wide-ranging one-hour live session on Facebook. Check out the video here.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation for July
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Marla Fibish and Dale Russ: “Dever the Dancer” and “Hunting the Hare”
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Irish mandolin and fiddle teachers play a medley of Irish slip jigs.
Watch the Scroggins & Rose Live Event
By: Dan Gabel
June 30, 2020
The great violin and mandolin duo took over our Facebook feed recently to play a few tunes and talk about their fine new album, “Curios.”