Ethan Setiawan: “There Will Never Be Another You”
By: Dan Gabel
June 8, 2025
Our Weekly Mandolin Workout instructor plays a beautiful solo mandolin version of a jazz standard popularized by Chet Baker and others.
Tags: Mandolin
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.
Wavelength No. 68 | Northfield Mandolins
June 6, 2025
Northfield's Derek Smith demonstrated a special Wavelength octave mandolin.
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for June 2025
By: Dan Gabel
June 3, 2025
Peghead Nation instructors release hours of new material for you to dig into this month!
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.
New Lessons for May 2025
By: Dan Gabel
May 1, 2025
New Tunes, Lessons, and Techniques from Peghead Nation instructors.
Ethan Setiawan: “Capriccio do Carmo”
By: Dan Gabel
April 30, 2025
Our Weekly Mandolin Workout instructor plays a solo mandolin version of a piece based on Spanish folk melodies.
Tags: Mandolin
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.
Dan Gabel on The Fretboard Journal Podcast
By: Dan Gabel
April 10, 2025
Peghead Nation President and Co-Founder in discussion with Jason Verlinde, publisher of The Fretboard Journal.
New Lessons, Tunes and Techniques for April 2025
By: Dan Gabel
April 2, 2025
Peghead Nation instructors have hours worth of new lessons, tunes, and techniques for you!
Scott Nygaard and John Reischman: “I Am a Pilgrim”
By: Dan Gabel
March 24, 2025
Peghead Nation Co-founder plays an old-time tune with his fellow Harmonic Tone Revealer at our 10th Anniversary Showcase.
Marla Fibish and Flynn Cohen: The Blackbird / The Hag’s Purse / Bryan O’Lynn
By: Dan Gabel
March 17, 2025
Peghead Nation Irish mandolin and guitar teachers play a set dance and two jigs at our 10th Anniversary Party and Showcase.
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.
New Lessons and Tunes for March 2025
By: Dan Gabel
March 4, 2025
Peghead Nation instructors have new lessons, techniques, and tunes to keep your musical journey on track!
Big Mon Limited | Northfield Mandolins
March 4, 2025
Northfield's Derek Smith demonstrated a special version of the company's F5-style Big Mon model.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
Creative Mandolin Backup with Sharon Gilchrist | Now Available for Subscription
By: Dan Gabel
February 26, 2025
Tags: Mandolin
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!
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for February 2025
By: Dan Gabel
February 4, 2025
New Tunes, Lessons, and Techniques from Peghead Nation instructors.
Mike Compton: “Going Back to Vicksburg”
By: Dan Gabel
January 21, 2025
Our Monroe-Style Mandolin instructor plays an original tune at Great Lakes Music Camp.
Tags: Mandolin
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques to Kick Off Your Year
By: Dan Gabel
January 3, 2025
Peghead Nation instructors have great lessons to get your musical year going!
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.
Bourgeois Aged Tone M5O Black-Top Octave Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
December 18, 2024
Joe K. Walsh demos Bourgeois’ new A-style instrument.
Calhoun 2.0 | Northfield Mandolins
December 17, 2024
Northfield's Derek Smith introduces the re-launch of the affordable Calhoun mandolin.
Tags: Mandolin, Northfield
Scott Nygaard and John Reischman: “Little Liza Jane”
By: Dan Gabel
December 14, 2024
Peghead Nation Co-founder plays an old-time tune with his fellow Harmonic Tone Revealer 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.
Marla Fibish and Flynn Cohen: Rocky Road to Dublin, Comb Your Hair and Curl It, James Kelly’s
By: Dan Gabel
December 11, 2024
Peghead Nation Irish mandolin and guitar teachers play a set of hop jigs at our 10th Anniversary Party and 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.
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!
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.
Tags: Bourgeois Guitars, 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, Tunes, and Techniques for June 2022!
By: Dan Gabel
June 6, 2022
Explore Hours of New Lessons from Peghead Nation's Expert Instructors!
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.
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.”
Brittany Haas and Chris Thile: “Crow Molly”/“Ship in the Clouds”
By: Dan Gabel
June 6, 2020
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Brittany Haas and “Live From Here” host Chris Thile play tunes by their hero (and our co-founder) Scott Nygaard, during a show in San Francisco.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation for June
By: Dan Gabel
June 5, 2020
Kick-off your summer with new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
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.
Aaron Weinstein: “Tangerine”
By: Dan Gabel
May 28, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Chord Melody Mandolin instructor plays an improvisation on a jazz standard.
Ellis Mandolins | Custom A-Style Mandolin
By: Ellis Mandolins
May 21, 2020
An artful short film of Josh Lutrell going through the finishing process on a custom A-style Ellis Mandolin, shot on a RED Gemini 5K camera.
Small Town Therapy: “Ramona’s Waltz”
By: Dan Gabel
May 21, 2020
Adam Roszkiewicz and Leif Karlstrom play one of their original compositions from their first album.
Northfield Archtop Octave Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
May 20, 2020
Joe K. Walsh demonstrates his archtop guitar–inspired octave mandolin.
Watch Mike Compton’s Monroe-Style Mandolin Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
May 13, 2020
The mandolin master took over the Peghead Nation Facebook feed recently to answer questions from his students and play a few tunes. Watch it all here.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation for May
By: Dan Gabel
May 6, 2020
New lessons to keep your momentum going! Check out the lessons, tunes, and techniques to learn in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Kenny Smith: “Over the Waterfall” | Collings
By: Collings Guitars
May 1, 2020
The guitar master plays his arrangement of a traditional classic on a Collings 002H 14-Fret.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
John Reischman and Scott Nygaard: “In the Pines”
By: Dan Gabel
April 29, 2020
Two revealers of harmonic tone play a bluegrass classic.
Watch Marla Fibish’s Irish Mandolin Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
April 28, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Irish Mandolin instructor took over our Facebook feed recently for an hour-long Q&A session with her Peghead Nation students. Watch the whole video here.
The Evolution of the Collings T-Series
By: Collings Guitars
April 28, 2020
Collings Guitars’ Steve McCreary, guitarist Chris Eldridge, and other team members talk about how they developed the popular Traditional Series.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Derk’s Discoveries: Irish Comfort
By: Derk Richardson
April 19, 2020
Marla Fibish brightens our days with Irish mandolin music.
Tags: Irish Music, Mandolin
Watch Aaron Weinstein’s Live Mandolin Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
April 18, 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.
Kenny Smith: “Forked Deer” | Collings
By: Collings Guitars
April 16, 2020
The guitar master plays his arrangement of a bluegrass classic on a Collings D1 A T S.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Bluegrass Mandolin Fingerboard Method with Sharon Gilchrist Is Now Live!
By: Dan Gabel
March 16, 2020
Sharon Gilchrist teaches you to play solos to any bluegrass song in any key using her method based on arpeggios, double-stops, and chop-chord shapes.
Tags: Mandolin
Flynn Cohen and Marla Fibish: “Winnie Hayes” and “Anthony Frawley’s”
By: Dan Gabel
March 16, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Irish Mandolin instructor plays a set of jigs with our Irish Backup Guitar instructor.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation
By: Dan Gabel
March 5, 2020
What to do with all of that time? Check out the lessons, tunes, and techniques to learn in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
1928 Gibson F-5 Master Model “Fern”
By: Teja Gerken
March 2, 2020
A beautiful post–Lloyd Loar era F-5 mandolin.
Joe K. Walsh and Scott Nygaard: “Watson’s Blues”
By: Dan Gabel
February 13, 2020
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play a tune that Bill Monroe wrote and named after one of his favorite guitarists, Doc Watson.
Kenny Smith: “Angeline the Baker” | Collings
By: Collings Guitars
February 6, 2020
The guitar master plays his arrangement of a bluegrass classic on a Collings 001 14-Fret.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
New Album from Marla Fibish
By: Dan Gabel
February 2, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Irish Mandolin instructor releases “The Bright Hollow Fog,” an album of beautiful solo and duo performances on mandolin and mandola.
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.
David Howley and Seth Taylor: “Blackberry Blossom” | Collings
By: Collings Guitars
January 13, 2020
The guitarist from We Banjo 3 and the guitarist from Mountain Heart play a bluegrass favorite.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
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.”
Hours of New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation
By: Dan Gabel
January 8, 2020
The new year brings new tunes and techniques to learn on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass.
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.
Aaron Weinstein: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
By: Dan Gabel
November 29, 2019
Peghead Nation’s Chord Melody Mandolin instructor plays the theme song to “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
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.
Small Town Therapy: “33”
By: Dan Gabel
October 2, 2019
Adam Roszkiewicz and Leif Karlstrom play one of their original fiddle and mandolin compositions from their latest album, “Dreams and Circumstances.”
Shubb Capos | Roger Tallroth | “The Pearl Polska”
By: Shubb Capos
October 1, 2019
Väsen guitarist Roger Tallroth plays a solo version of a haunting polska on an octave mandolin.
John Reischman: “Little Pine Siskin”
By: Dan Gabel
September 10, 2019
Peghead Nation’s Melodic Mandolin Tunes instructor plays a solo version of an original tune he recorded on his stellar “Walk Along John” album.
Tags: Fiddle Tunes, Mandolin
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.
Aaron Weinstein: How to Tie a Bow Tie
By: Dan Gabel
August 28, 2019
On the eve of the release of his new album, Peghead Nation’s Chord Melody Mandolin instructor demonstrates a skill that every mandolin player should know.
Waterloo WL-M
By: Teja Gerken
August 26, 2019
A flattop mandolin inspired by budget instruments of the 1930s and ’40s.
Aaron Weinstein: Chord Melody Improv on “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me”
By: Dan Gabel
August 7, 2019
Peghead Nation’s Chord Melody Mandolin instructor plays an improvisation on the Duke Ellington classic.
Jerry Douglas & Tommy Emmanuel: “Halfway Home” | Ear Trumpet Labs
By: Ear Trumpet Labs
July 30, 2019
The dobro master and fingerstyle powerhouse play Tommy’s original tune in the Ear Trumpet Labs workshop.
Shubb Capos | Roger Tallroth and Olov Johansson | “Bison Polska”
By: Shubb Capos
July 30, 2019
Members of Väsen play an octave mandolin and nyckelharpa version of an original polska.
2000 Gilchrist F-5
By: Teja Gerken
July 22, 2019
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe K. Walsh demonstrates his new Gilchrist mandolin, which was previously owned by Andrew Marlin and Aubrey Haynie.
Shubb Capos | John Jorgenson Quintet: “Ghost Dance”
By: Shubb Capos
July 2, 2019
Watch a smokin’ live performance of John Jorgenson’s original tune, with his stellar gypsy jazz band.
Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy: “Daphne”
By: Dan Gabel
June 17, 2019
Peghead Nation’s mandolin instructor plays a Django Reinhardt tune with his bandmate and frequent duo partner.
Aaron Weinstein: “Over the Rainbow”
By: Dan Gabel
May 30, 2019
Peghead Nation’s new Chord Melody Mandolin instructor plays a beautiful version of a classic song from “The Wizard of Oz.”
Chord Melody Mandolin with Aaron Weinstein Now Available!
By: Dan Gabel
May 30, 2019
Sign up now for our latest mandolin course, and learn how to combine chords and melody to play jazz standards.
Tags: Mandolin
What is a Cittern? | Elderly Instruments
May 1, 2019
Elderly’s Chris Rietz demonstrates a Nyberg Short Scale Cittern, and discusses the instrument’s history and playability, and how to best use it in folk music.
Sharon Gilchrist and John Reischman: “The Road to Malvern”
By: Dan Gabel
April 30, 2019
A great mandolin duet from two masters and members of Peghead Nation's illustrious mandolin instruction staff.
Tags: Mandolin
Scroggins and Rose: “Marvel”
By: Dan Gabel
April 23, 2019
Tristan Scroggins and Alisa Rose play a new original composition in the Peghead Nation studio.
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.
Shubb Capos | Väsen, Mike Marshall, and Darol Anger | “Flippen”
By: Shubb Capos
March 22, 2019
A powerhouse collaboration on stage at Wintergrass 2018, playing the Väsen tune “Flippen” with a fun interlude of “Squirrel Hunters.”
Collings MT2 Quilted Maple Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
March 14, 2019
A great A-style mandolin built with premium woods.
Joe K. Walsh and Scott Nygaard: “Goodbye Liza Jane”
By: Dan Gabel
February 4, 2019
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play an old-time favorite.
Mike Compton and Scott Nygaard: “Bring Your Clothes Back Home”
By: Dan Gabel
January 22, 2019
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play John Hartford’s humorous blues song.
David Howley and Ross Holmes: “St. Anne’s Reel” | Collings
By: Collings Guitars
January 21, 2019
The guitarist from We Banjo 3 and the fiddle player from Cadillac Sky, Mumford and Sons, and others play an Irish music favorite at Collings headquarters in Austin, Texas.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
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.
Chris Eldridge: ”Church Street Blues” | Collings Guitar
By: Collings Guitars
November 20, 2018
Critter plays a solo version of the Norman Blake classic, live at the Collings Guitars’ IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
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.
John Reischman and the Jaybirds: “Little Pine Siskin”
By: Dan Gabel
October 30, 2018
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an original tune with his band at the IBMA World of Bluegrass festival.
Monroe Mondays: “Stoney Lonesome”
By: Tristan Scroggins
October 29, 2018
Another Bill Monroe Tune from the famed Road to Columbus.
Maegen Wells A-Style Mandolin and 15-Inch Archtop Guitar
By: Teja Gerken
October 25, 2018
Luthier Maegen Wells discusses two of her instruments in the Peghead Nation video studio.
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.
Banana Stand Media Presents Ear Trumpet Labs
By: Ear Trumpet Labs
October 8, 2018
Founder Philip Graham talks about the creation of the Ear Trumpet Labs company and his inspiration behind making the custom microphones.
John Reischman and the Jaybirds: “Hop High My Lulu Gal”
By: Dan Gabel
October 4, 2018
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a traditional favorite with his band at the IBMA World of Bluegrass festival.
Monroe Mondays: “Scotland”
By: Tristan Scroggins
September 17, 2018
Bill Monroe wrote this tune as a twin-fiddle homage to the sound of Highland bagpipes
Collings MT Torrefied | “Cherokee Shuffle”
By: Collings Guitars
August 30, 2018
Alex Rueb plays a rendition of the traditional favorite on a Collings MT featuring a torrefied Sitka spruce top.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Sharon Gilchrist Talks Mandolin
By: Dan Gabel
August 29, 2018
Our Beginning Mandolin and Intermediate Bluegrass Mandolin instructor played a few tunes and answered questions from her students on Facebook Live, and here's the whole video.
Mike Compton: “Rawhide”
By: Dan Gabel
August 29, 2018
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a blistering fast Bill Monroe tune.
Shubb C1 Standard Capo
By: Shubb Capos
August 24, 2018
A close-up look at the capo of choice for millions of musicians worldwide.
2007 Heiden Heritage F-5
By: Teja Gerken
August 10, 2018
Peghead Nation instructor John Reischman demonstrates his Michael Heiden F-Style mandolin.
Harmonic Tone Revealers: “Sail Away Ladies”
By: Dan Gabel
August 4, 2018
Peghead Nation instructors John Reischman, Sharon Gilchrist, and Scott Nygaard play the Kenny Baker version of this traditional favorite.
Shubb Capos | Väsen, Mike Marshall, and Darol Anger | “Egypt”
By: Shubb Capos
August 2, 2018
Exclusive video of the supergroup playing Mike Marshall’s tune “Egypt” live at Wintergrass 2018.
Monroe Mondays: “Ozark Rag”
By: Tristan Scroggins
July 16, 2018
One of the many tunes Bill Monroe wrote in his later years.
Keep Going!
By: John Bartmann
July 6, 2018
Practical tips on how to find the motivation to keep practicing when life, schedules, and distractions pull at you.
Nugget A-Style Standard Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
June 21, 2018
Joe K. Walsh demonstrates his 2016 Nugget, built by luthier Mike Kemnitzer.
Tags: Instrument Demo, Mandolin
2002 Gilchrist F-5
By: Teja Gerken
May 31, 2018
Mike Compton discusses and demos his primary mandolin, which was built to match the tone of Bill Monroe’s Gibson F-5.
Harmonic Tone Revealers: “It’s My Lazy Day”
By: Dan Gabel
May 8, 2018
Peghead Nation instructors John Reischman, Sharon Gilchrist, and Scott Nygaard play a Smiley Burnett song during a recent house concert.
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry, “Please Baby”
By: Dan Gabel
April 30, 2018
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor and his duo partner play “Please Baby” during a late-night set.
A. Lawrence Smart A-Style Mandola
By: Teja Gerken
April 27, 2018
Joe K. Walsh demonstrates his go-to mandola.
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.
John Reischman and Scott Nygaard: “The North Shore”
By: Dan Gabel
March 2, 2018
Peghead Nation instructors play a mandolin and guitar duet of John Reischman’s original waltz.
New Course! Bluegrass Mandolin Jam Favorites with Joe K. Walsh
By: Dan Gabel
March 1, 2018
Learn classic versions of the most popular tunes that show up at bluegrass jams all over the world. Join Joe now!
Tags: Mandolin
Monroe Mondays: “Northern White Clouds”
By: Tristan Scroggins
February 26, 2018
The toilet paper song.
Marla Fibish and Dale Russ: “The Killavil Jig/Banish Misfortune”
By: Scott Nygaard
February 22, 2018
Peghead Nation’s Irish fiddle and mandolin teachers play a medley of Irish jigs.
Scroggins and Rose: “Frayed Knot”
By: Dan Gabel
February 14, 2018
Tristan Scroggins and Alisa Rose play an original composition from their recent album of mandolin and fiddle duets.
Mike Compton: “Bluegrass Ramble”
By: Scott Nygaard
January 31, 2018
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a Bill Monroe cross-tuned instrumental.
Monroe Mondays: “The Lloyd Loar”
By: Tristan Scroggins
January 8, 2018
A tune of rebirth, named by the man who repaired Bill Monroe’s iconic mandolin.
Collings Guitars D1 A T | Bob Minner
By: Collings Guitars
January 5, 2018
Guitarist Bob Minner plays his original composition “Liam’s Lullaby” on his Collings D1 A T (Traditional Series).
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
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.
Joe K. Walsh and John Mailander: “Cold, Cold Heart”
By: Dan Gabel
December 19, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays a Hank Williams classic with bluegrass fiddler and multi-instrumentalist John Mailander on octave mandolin.
Now Live! Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning
By: Dan Gabel
December 6, 2017
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor’s new theory course covers chords, scales, arpeggios, and more for mandolin, fiddle, and other instruments tuned in fifths.
Collings Guitars OM1 A T | Carl Miner
By: Collings Guitars
November 28, 2017
Guitarist Carl Miner plays an original composition on a Collings OM1 A T (Traditional Series).
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Joe K. Walsh and Scott Nygaard: “East Tennessee Blues”
By: Dan Gabel
November 22, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play the popular old-time tune at our first Mandolin Camp.
Collings Guitars | Julian Lage Signature OM1
By: Collings Guitars
November 7, 2017
Julian Lage introduces his Collings OM1 JL signature model and explains how the development of the T-Series paved the way for its creation.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
D’Addario Accessories | Instrument Care Kit
By: DAddario
November 6, 2017
Everything you need to keep your instrument playing, looking, and sounding its best, in one portable, handy kit.
John Reischman, Scott Nygaard, Sharon Gilchrist, Joe K. Walsh: “Lonesome Moonlight Waltz”
By: Dan Gabel
November 3, 2017
The Peghead Nation Mandolin Camp instructor staff plays a beautiful Bill Monroe waltz at our Camp concert.
John Reischman, Scott Nygaard, Sharon Gilchrist, Joe K. Walsh: “Clinch Mountain Backstep”
By: Dan Gabel
October 25, 2017
The Peghead Nation Mandolin Camp instructor staff plays the Ralph Stanley classic at the Camp concert.
Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge: “Broadcast” | Collings Guitars
By: Collings Guitars
October 23, 2017
Two guitar masters perform perform an original tune from their latest album “Mount Royal.”
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Monroe Mondays: “Call of the Shepherd”
By: Tristan Scroggins
October 19, 2017
The least popular tune of the batch.
2017 Mandolin Camp Schedule
By: Dan Gabel
October 11, 2017
We have a full schedule of learning, playing, and jamming for your Mandolin Camp experience October 19 - 22.
Tags: Mandolin
Kym Warner | “After The Victory” | Collings MT2 V
By: Collings Guitars
October 5, 2017
Multi-instrumentalist Kym Warner of The Greencards plays his original composition “After The Victory” on his Collings MT2 V mandolin.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Scroggins and Rose: “Eagle’s Nest”
By: Dan Gabel
October 4, 2017
Congratulations to Tristan Scroggins on winning an IBMA 2017 Momentum Award in the Instrumentalist category. Watch Tristan and Alisa Rose play “Eagle’s Nest.”
Joe K. Walsh and John Mailander: “Seneca Square Dance”
By: Dan Gabel
September 26, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an old-time dance tune with bluegrass fiddler and multi-instrumentalist John Mailander on octave mandolin.
1914 Gibson H-1 Mandola Demo and Mini-Lesson
By: Teja Gerken
September 21, 2017
Peghead Nation Irish Mandolin instructor Marla Fibish demonstrates her vintage mandola and talks about her preferred tuning and some of the techniques and chord voicings she uses.
Your Free Lessons for Mandolin Camp Prep
By: Dan Gabel
September 21, 2017
Due to popular demand, we've released another five seats for a weekend of mandolin instruction with John Reischman, Sharon Gilchrist, and Joe K. Walsh, October 19–22, 2017.
Tags: Mandolin
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.
New Course! Theory for Mandolin and Fiddle with Chad Manning
By: Dan Gabel
August 25, 2017
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor launches new theory course in September. Sign up for email updates here!
Tags: Mandolin
Noctambule: “A Sweetish Tune”
By: Dan Gabel
August 22, 2017
Peghead Nation Irish Mandolin instructor Marla Fibish and Bruce Victor play the title track from their recently released Noctambule album.
Mowry F-Model
By: Teja Gerken
August 7, 2017
A vintage-style mandolin built by luthier Andrew Mowry
Tags: Instrument Demo, Mandolin
Monroe Mondays: “Monroe’s Hornpipe”
By: Tristan Scroggins
August 7, 2017
A jam standard on a non-standard instrument.
Joe K. Walsh: “Never More Will Roam”
By: Dan Gabel
July 26, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays his original song, inspired by a late-19th century Arctic explorer. With Brittany Haas on fiddle.
Monroe Mondays: “My Father’s Footsteps”
By: Tristan Scroggins
July 17, 2017
Paternalistic Picking from the Father of Bluegrass
Announcing the 2017 Peghead Nation Mandolin Camp
By: Dan Gabel
July 16, 2017
Join us in Yosemite for a weekend of mandolin instruction with John Reischman, Sharon Gilchrist, and Joe K. Walsh, October 19 – 22, 2017. Sign up for email updates!
Tags: Mandolin
Soggy Bottom Boys: “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow”
By: Dan Gabel
July 12, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Mike Compton plays this iconic song with the original band that gave “O Brother, Where Art Thou” its authentic sound.
1922 Gibson A Mandolin
By: Dan Gabel
July 6, 2017
Marla Fibish demonstrates the family heirloom that has become central to her musical voice.
Monroe Mondays: “The Tanyards”
By: Tristan Scroggins
July 3, 2017
A twisting tale of a Bill Monroe original he never personally recorded.
Monroe Mondays: “Blue Goose”
By: Tristan Scroggins
June 19, 2017
An unusual fiddle tune from the bluegrass master.
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.
Derk’s Discoveries: The Duo 2.0
By: Derk Richardson
June 12, 2017
Scroggins & Rose bring New Acoustic Music full circle and then take it beyond
Ellis Mandolins
By: Ellis Mandolins
May 31, 2017
Ellis Mandolins are built by Tom Ellis and small team of craftspeople, who create beautiful, wonderful sounding works of art that are enjoyed and played by musicians around the world.
Tags: Ellis Mandolins, Mandolin
Scroggins and Rose: “Grana”
By: Dan Gabel
May 19, 2017
Tristan Scroggins and Alisa Rose play "Grana," the title song from their new album of violin and mandolin duets exploring bluegrass and classical improvisation.
Northfield Archtop Octave Mandolins
May 3, 2017
Northfield’s Adrian Beagle tells the story of the company’s unique octave mandolin model. Demonstrated by Mike Marshall and Emory Lester.
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.
Clark GOM175 Octave Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
April 20, 2017
John Mailander demonstrates his archtop guitar–inspired octave mandolin.
John Reischman and Kenny Smith: “A Prairie Jewel”
By: Dan Gabel
April 12, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an original tune from the album “Walk Along John” with flatpicking guru Kenny Smith, fiddler Nate Lee, and bass player Max Schwartz.
Watch Marla Fibish’s Facebook Live Video
By: Dan Gabel
March 20, 2017
Irish Mandolin instructor Marla Fibish recently played tunes and fielded questions from her students during a Facebook Live event. Here's a replay of that 30 minute event.
Tags: Irish Music, Mandolin
Gilchrist F-Style Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
March 17, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Sharon Gilchrist demonstrates her primary instrument
John Reischman and Scott Nygaard: “Little Liza Jane”
By: Dan Gabel
March 2, 2017
Peghead Nation instructors play a mandolin and guitar version of the old-time favorite.
Melodic Mandolin Tunes with John Reischman Is Now Live!
By: Dan Gabel
February 20, 2017
Learn to play traditional and original tunes in a variety of styles from a modern mandolin master.
Elderly | Deering Maple Blossom
February 17, 2017
A demo of one of Deering's most popular banjos, with a radiused fingerboard, violin-grade 3-ply maple rim, and a bronze tone ring.
Dale Russ and Marla Fibish: “Lafferty’s/The Lady on the Island”
By: Scott Nygaard
February 2, 2017
Peghead Nation’s Irish fiddle and mandolin teachers play a medley of Irish reels.
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.
Elderly | National M1 Tricone Resonator Guitar
January 7, 2017
Mark Lavengood of Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys demonstrates a National wooden-body tricone from National Guitars.
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.
Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy: “Lulu’s Back in Town”
By: Dan Gabel
November 30, 2016
Mandolin/guitar duo play a tune popularized by Fats Waller in the 1930's.
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.
Weber Cutaway Red River Octave Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
November 10, 2016
Archtop guitar-shaped octave mandolin has stunning looks and rich tone.
Dale Russ and Marla Fibish: “Eddie Kelly’s/The Lark on the Strand”
By: Scott Nygaard
November 2, 2016
Peghead Nation’s Irish fiddle and mandolin teachers play a medley of Irish jigs.
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.
Molly Tuttle: “Gentle on My Mind”
By: Dan Gabel
September 29, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe K. Walsh joins Molly Tuttle and an all-star band to play a John Hartford classic live at Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week.
Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy: “The Stream”
By: Dan Gabel
September 12, 2016
Mandolin/guitar duo play a song from Joe’s new album, “Borderland.”
2016 Clark F5 Mandolin
By: Dan Gabel
September 12, 2016
A custom F-style mandolin built by Austin Clark using traditional methods.
Tags: Instrument Demo, Mandolin
Elderly Instruments | Eastman MD515 F-Style Mandolin
September 2, 2016
Mark Lavengood of Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys demonstrates an F-Style mandolin from Eastman.
Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy: “Storm of the Century of the Week”
By: Scott Nygaard
August 16, 2016
Mandolin/guitar duo play Gordy’s progressive bluegrass original.
Kentucky KM-505 Artist A-Model Mandolin
By: Dan Gabel
August 15, 2016
A great value in an A-style mandolin from Saga Music, with solid woods and vintage-style appointments.
Tags: Mandolin
Intermediate Bluegrass Mandolin with Sharon Gilchrist Is Now Live!
By: Dan Gabel
August 2, 2016
Peghead Nation adds to its mandolin instruction lineup with a course on playing Bluegrass Mandolin with Sharon Gilchrist.
Tags: Mandolin
Mike Compton and Scott Nygaard: “Cream and Sugar Blues”
By: Dan Gabel
June 28, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin and guitar instructors play classic blues mandolin tune.
The Peregrines: “Red Skies”
By: Scott Nygaard
June 21, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe K. Walsh sings an original song with this all-star touring group.
John Reischman’s 1924 Gibson F-5
By: Teja Gerken
June 2, 2016
Mandolin virtuoso discusses and demonstrates his legendary Lloyd Loar mandolin in this Fretboard Journal video.
Jordan Tice and Horse County: “Poor Me”
By: Scott Nygaard
May 24, 2016
Guitarist/singer’s new recording and band includes Peghead Nation dobro instructor Mike Witcher
Elderly Instruments | Eastman MD315C F-Style Mandolin
May 16, 2016
Watch Elderly Instruments' Robert McCloy demonstrate this great entry-level F-style mandolin from Eastman Strings.
Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy: “Cheyenne”
By: Scott Nygaard
April 26, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe K. Walsh plays the Bill Monroe classic with his Mr. Sun bandmate.
Inside Collings Mandolins
By: Teja Gerken
April 21, 2016
Mini-documentary provides a view of the Collings workshop.
Matt Flinner Trio: “Traveling Roots”
By: David McCarty
April 19, 2016
Tight ensemble playing and compositional brilliance from the mandolin whiz and his compatriots.
Arrow G-Style Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
April 7, 2016
Tim Connell demonstrates the mandolin he uses for his varied repertoire.
Bruce Molsky and Joe Walsh: “L&N Rag”
By: Scott Nygaard
March 29, 2016
Peghead Nation instructors play an old-time fiddle rag.
Frank Solivan: Family, Friends, and Heroes
By: David McCarty
March 22, 2016
Bluegrass mandolin star explores a range of musical styles with guest stars and family.
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry, “I Know Whose Tears”
By: Dan Gabel
March 22, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor and his duo partner play an original song during their recent West Coast tour.
Irish Mandolin with Marla Fibish Is Now Live!
By: Dan Gabel
March 9, 2016
Peghead Nation adds to its mandolin instruction lineup with a course on playing Irish music taught by Marla Fibish.
Tags: Irish Music, Mandolin
Marla Fibish: “Parnell’s March/Miss Walsh”
By: Dan Gabel
March 2, 2016
Peghead Nation’s Irish Mandolin instructor plays a set of Irish tunes.
Tags: Irish Music, Mandolin
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.
Mike Compton: “Tall Timber”
By: Dan Gabel
December 9, 2015
Peghead Nation's Monroe-Style Mandolin instructor takes a blazing run through Bill Monroe's "Tall Timber."
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.
Mike Compton’s Monroe-Style Mandolin Course Is Live!
By: Dan Gabel
November 24, 2015
Peghead Nation adds to its popular mandolin lineup with the great Mike Compton's Monroe-Style Mandolin course.
Mike Compton: “The Old Mountaineer”
By: Dan Gabel
November 17, 2015
Our new Monroe-Style Mandolin instructor plays a classic Bill Monroe tune and gives a preview of the traditional bluegrass mandolin style he’ll be teaching on Peghead Nation.
Tags: Mandolin
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.
Mike Compton Joins Peghead Nation
By: Dan Gabel
October 21, 2015
We're happy to announce that Mike Compton will be teaching Monroe-Style Mandolin on Peghead Nation beginning in late November.
D’Addario Clip-On Headstock Tuner
By: DAddario
September 24, 2015
D'Addario has updated their large-format headstock tuner with a flip-up display, rotating body, and more.
Sharon Gilchrist: “Squirrel Hunters”
By: Dan Gabel
September 11, 2015
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Sharon Gilchrist plays the old-time tune at Augusta Heritage Center's Bluegrass Week 2015 with her fellow instructors Darol Anger, Tyler Grant, Casey Henry, and Mary Burdette.
Peghead Nation is One Year Old!
By: Dan Gabel
September 9, 2015
September marks our one-year anniversary and we thank you for being a part of Peghead Nation.
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.
Godin A8 Mandolin
By: Teja Gerken
August 18, 2015
Acoustic-electric mandolin offers great tone at any volume.
Joe Walsh and Scott Nygaard: “You Win Again”
By: Dan Gabel
July 20, 2015
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe Walsh sings the Hank Williams classic with guitarist Scott Nygaard.
New Noctambule Album: “The Waking”
By: Dan Gabel
July 15, 2015
Marla Fibish and Bruce Victor release their second album as Noctambule. Listen to the title track and "Out of Time" here.
Nygaard, Gilchrist, Manning, and Walsh: “Long Journey Home”
By: Dan Gabel
May 4, 2015
Four bluegrass masters and Peghead Nation instructors play a classic song during their one-night stand in Fairfax, California.
Chris Thile Performs Bach
By: DAddario
March 19, 2015
D'Addario artist Chris Thile with a performance of Bach's Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, Andante
John Reischman, Sharon Gilchrist, and Scott Nygaard: “Sail Away Ladies”
By: Dan Gabel
February 10, 2015
Collings Mandolins: Inspiration by Design
By: Collings Guitars
January 30, 2015
Take an inside look at the art of crafting fine mandolins at Collings Guitars in Austin, Texas.
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
Godin Inuk Encore Steel SG
By: Teja Gerken
January 6, 2015
Godin creates a unique instrument by fusing elements of the Middle Eastern oud with standard guitar features.
Tim O’Brien Solo Set
By: Dan Gabel
January 1, 2015
Tim O'Brien performs at the Tennessee State Museum.
Brittany Haas, “Down the Hatch”
By: Dan Gabel
December 12, 2014
Here's our Fiddle Styles Workshop host and instructor, Brittany Haas, playing one of her original compositions, "Down The Hatch" on July 5, 2014, part of the Vero Beach International Music Festival, at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, FL. Brittany is joined by The Advancing Mandolinist instructor Joe Walsh and her talented sister, Natalie Haas.
Mr. Sun, “A Little Heart’s Ease”
By: Dan Gabel
December 4, 2014
Mr. Sun is Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe Walsh, Darol Anger, Grant Gordy, and Ethan Jodziewicz. Here they are playing one of Joe's new compositions.
NOCTAMBLOG: Getting to Do This…
By: Noctambule
October 27, 2014
Noctambule playing John Whelan's lovely tune "Trip to Skye" in one of our favorite nocturnal haunts.
Inside Collings Guitars: Instrumental
By: Collings Guitars
October 9, 2014
Filmmaker Tim Edwards takes an inside look at Collings Guitars with his documentary "Instrumental."
2007 Collings MT2 Mandolin
By: Dan Gabel
July 28, 2014
Peghead Nation's Dan Gabel demos his 2007 Collings mandolin
Tags: Collings Guitars, Mandolin
D’Addario NS Banjo/Mandolin Capo and NS Ukulele Pro Capo
By: Teja Gerken
July 18, 2014
A precise, lightweight capo with adjustable, spring-loaded tension.
