Episode summary
My guest on this episode of the podcast is Jarrod Walker. Jarrod talks about his journey playing mandolin for Billy Strings, learning to play plugged in and his approach to using effects pedals.
Playing with Billy Strings
Jarrod talks about getting his first gig with Billy, which he describes as both the most traditional and the most progressive thing he’d done at the same time.
He reveals how he almost ended up selling instruments for a living rather than playing them, the pros and cons of plugging in onstage and going from landscaping one day during the pandemic to playing a live streamed gig at Red Rocks the next.
Mandolin and effects pedals
Jarrod talks about having to get his first pickup for the Billy Strings gig, learning to play plugged ina and what he’s learned about experimenting with effects pedals on the mandolin, including which tend to work well and which don’t.
He also shares what he learned about playing fiddle tunes from Chris Thile.
Related to this episode
Jarrod also joined me to celebrate Mike Marshall and Chris Thile’s record Into the Cauldron for its 20th anniversary.
More on Jarrod Walker
For more info and updates on Jarrod, head to Jarrod Walker’s Facebook
How to listen
You can listen to this episode using the media player at the top of the page. You can also listen on:
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Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)
Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins