Mandolin Secrets Podcast

#47 Deconstructing a Classic: When You Wish Upon a Star


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In this episode:
Magnus Zetterlund takes a deep dive into his unique mandolin arrangement of the 1940 Disney classic. Using an AI-generated technical overview as a jumping-off point, he explores the intersection of music theory, instrument physics, and emotional delivery.

Technical Key Points Covered:

  • The "Spice" of the A7#5: Why Magnus used an augmented dominant chord to create tension and Sophistication in the A-section.
  • Harmonic Sophistication: A breakdown of the Dm7(b5) to G7 (ii-V-I) progression and how it adds a jazz flavor to the traditional melody.
  • Position & Timbre: Why fretboard geography matters. Comparing the "warm, rounded" tones of the lower frets to the "bright, bell-like" quality of the higher fret voicings.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Magnus Zetterlund’s Lead Sheet: The original PDF arrangement of When You Wish Upon a Star.
  • AI Technical Overview: A digital analysis of the harmonic complexity within the manuscript.

>> Download free mandolin chord charts at my website:

https://mandolinsecrets.com/wish-upon-a-star


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Mandolin Secrets PodcastBy Magnus Zetterlund & Hayes Griffin

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