Shows
Guitar Music TheoryEp180 Q&A Song Tempos - Warm-Ups - Ear Training - Modes - Chord Extensions & MoreIn this Q&A episode, Desi answers listener questions on a wide range of guitar topics—including how to choose the right song tempo, whether you need warm-ups, practical ear-training methods, when to use modes, and how chord extensions actually work. You'll also hear tips on improvisation, fretboard navigation, and developing better musical instincts. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of both the technical and musical sides of guitar, this episode is packed with clear explanations and real-world examples to help you grow as a player. FREE VIDEO COURSE https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com...
2025-11-2858 minGuitar Music TheoryEp179 Fixing the Worst Guitar Solo – Heat of the Moment by Asia (feat. Matt Reviere & Jon "HW" Sullivan)In this episode, Desi Serna is joined by friends and fellow guitarists Matt Reviere and Jon "HW" Sullivan for a lively discussion about one of the most debated solos of the 1980s — Steve Howe's guitar solo in "Heat of the Moment" by Asia. The trio breaks down why the solo doesn't quite hit the mark, exploring its phrasing, tone, and fit within the song. Along the way, they take a deep dive into Steve Howe's legendary work with Yes, examining how such a brilliant player could deliver something that feels so out of place. Then th...
2025-11-121h 24Guitar Music TheoryEp134 Q&A Chord Progressions - Modes - Chromatic Voice Leading - Bass PlayingIn episode 134 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about chord progressions, modes, chromatic voice leading, bass playing, and more. Save $20 at American Musical SupplyGo to AmericanMusical.com and use the promo code DESI to receive $20 off your next purchase over $100. FREE Video CourseWhat do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2022-11-151h 14Guitar Music TheoryEp133 Q&A Using a Pick - Modal Mixture - Chord Tone Soloing - Bass Arpeggios - Harmonic Minor - Guitar OverdriveIn my latest podcast episode, I answer listener questions about using a pick, modal mixture, chord tone soloing, bass arpeggios, harmonic minor, guitar overdrive, and more. $20 Off at American Musical Supply Go to American Musical Supply and use promo code DESI to receive $20 off your next purchase over $100. https://ter.li/AmericanMusicalSupply-DESI FREE VIDEO COURSE What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2022-10-2553 minGuitar Music TheoryEp130 Chord Tones and Extensions with Sandy WilliamsIn episode 130 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome Guitar Theory For Dummies technical editor Sandy Williams to talk about added chord tones, extensions, and naming chords. TODAY'S SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by American Musical Supply. Go to https://ter.li/AmericanMusicalSupply-DESI and use promo code DESI to receive $20 off a purchase over $100. FREE VIDEO COURSE 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2022-09-231h 07Guitar Music TheoryEp124 Agent Envy and Fretboard Theory Go Viral on TikTokMusic artist Agent Envy posted a video about my book Fretboard Theory to her TikTok profile that went viral and got a TON of views. She's a guest on this podcast episode and we discuss her music, how learning music theory helps her write songs, and how she built an influential presence on social media. Podcast Video Link https://youtu.be/wo-2lI4O0m0 *** 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE cus...
2022-06-302h 09Guitar Music TheoryEp112 Please Come Home for Christmas | How Does This Song Work?"Please Come Home for Christmas" by The Eagles includes some interesting twists and turns that leave your average guitarist wondering how the seemingly unrelated chords sound so good together. In this free guitar lesson, I explain how the song makes use of composition techniques such as chromatic voice leading and secondary dominants to create a soulful, rhythm and blues, Christmas classic. I explain everything from counting the 12/8 time signature to using the major pentatonic scale featured during the guitar solo. Instead of showing the specific guitar parts played in the song, I give you a general overview of the...
2021-12-181h 09Guitar Music TheoryEp97 Moondance | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work? featuring "Moondance" by Van Morrison. This song is in the general key of A minor and mixes chords from parallel scales including Aeolian mode (natural minor), Dorian mode, and harmonic minor. It is also played using a swing feel, which is based on the triplet shuffle rhythm. Learn to play the basic chord changes and follow the three sections of the song; verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. GEARPRS SE Angelus acoustic/electricFishman Aura Spectrum DI box Epiphone Dot...
2021-06-2529 minGuitar Music TheoryEp96 How to Use a Guitar Practice AmpIn this free guitar lesson, I explain how to use a guitar practice amp. Get to know how to set up a basic clean sound and properly adjust the Gain, Volume, and Master output knobs. Learn how to add overdrive and distortion by changing the Amp Type. Add effects such as reverb, delay, and chorus so you match the sounds of the songs you play. I use a Boss Katana Air in my example, but other types of desktop guitar practice amps work similarly including the Yamaha THR, Positive Grid Spark, Blackstar Fly 3, Vox Mini5, Fender Mustang...
2021-06-1745 minGuitar Music TheoryEp95 Sometimes You Gotta SimplifyIn this free guitar lesson, I explain how sometimes you gotta simplify. In order to be a good guitarist, you want your playing to sound smooth and in control. This means, when you're faced with a part that causes you to stumble, it's better to play a simplified version of it than to make noticeable mistakes. To demonstrate how this is done, I give you an example taken from Gary Moore's guitar solo in the song, "Still Got the Blues (For You)." 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://Gui...
2021-06-1020 minGuitar Music TheoryEp94 Q&A Fretboard Theory, alternate picking, blues rhythm, sustain, minor CAGED, Kemper with pedals, and moreAnswers to your questions including how to progress through Fretboard Theory, when to use alternate picking, how to jump into key instantly in any position, being a better blues rhythm guitarist, what to do after losing a finger, getting good sustain, minor CAGED chord forms, putting a pedalboard in front of a Kemper Profiling Amplifier, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. Visit today's sponsor, Lea...
2021-06-051h 02Guitar Music TheoryEp88 Joe Robinson's 4am Practice Routine🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. ————————— In today's podcast episode, super-skilled guitarist and singer/songwriter Joe Robinson discusses his diligent practice routine that begins at four o'clock in the morning. Joe is an Australian native but has been a resident of Nashville, Tennessee since 2010. Joe is well-known for both his electric guitar playing and his chord-melody fingerstyle acoustic skills. Visit Joe's website: https://www.joerobinson.com/
2021-03-171h 02Guitar Music TheoryEp87 Email Questions - Scale Patterns, Pickup Configurations, Amps, Recording Yourself, and MoreToday, I answer email questions about guitar scale patterns, pickup configurations, amps, recording yourself, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2021-03-101h 11Guitar Music TheoryEp86 What Does Playing Over Chords Mean?In this free guitar lesson, I answer the question, What Does Playing Over Chords Mean? If you're interested in soloing over chord changes, outlining chord progressions, or using chord tone soloing, I'll explain what you need to do. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2021-03-0439 minGuitar Music TheoryEp85 Former Classical Guitar Professor Keith StevensIn podcast episode 85, I sit down and talk with Keith Stevens. Keith used to teach classical guitar at James Madison University in Harrisburg VA and now owns and operates Stevens School of Music in Troy VA. We talk about the difference between classical and rock techniques, and the best way to learn guitar in general. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2021-02-241h 25Guitar Music TheoryEp84 Jungle Boogie | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work? featuring "Jungle Boogie" by Kool and The Gang. This song features a scratchy funk guitar, chords from Dorian mode, and a bass riff that makes use of chromatic passing tones and 3 over 2 polyrhythms. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2021-02-1843 minGuitar Music TheoryEp83 Guitar Amps and Effects with HW From Tone JunkieIn this free guitar lesson, I talk guitar amps and effects with HW from Tone Junkie. Tone Junkie is a company that makes amp profiles for the Kemper Profiling Amplifier. The owner, HW, is an expert on guitar amps, effects, modelers and more. We talk about the different types of setups guitarists use and the pros and cons of different pieces of gear. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your...
2021-02-101h 26Guitar Music TheoryEp82 Down Under | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work? featuring "Down Under" by Men at Work. This reggae-inspired song features great rhythm guitar tracks that make use of CAGED system chord shapes, sixteenth note strumming, and hybrid picking technique. Instead of using guitar tablature, I just show you the main chords and parts of the song and explain the music theory. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom vide...
2021-02-0538 minGuitar Music TheoryEp81 Hand Anatomy with Physiotherapist Mark TsaiIn this free guitar lesson, I talk with a physiotherapist about hand anatomy, why we have more control over some fingers than others, and things you can do to improve your hand dexterity and play to your strengths. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 5 min Real-Time Hand Warm-Up Program for guitarists and musicians https://youtu.be/BTJmydT_Ioc
2021-01-201h 15Guitar Music TheoryEp80 How to Correctly Play Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Cold Shot" RiffIn this free guitar lesson, I teach you how to play the opening riff heard in Stevie Ray Vaughan's song, "Cold Shot." I explain what you need to do to play it using the right tone, timing, and technique. I also answer some email questions. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. GEAR Bluesman Vintage Guitars Sedan (Stratocaster-style guitar) Kemper Profiling ampli...
2021-01-1549 minGuitar Music TheoryEp79 2021 Guitar PlanIn my latest podcast episode, I talk about different things you can do with your guitar playing in 2021. If you're looking to get more out of your playing but you're not sure what to do exactly, I give you several suggestions. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2021-01-061h 10Guitar Music TheoryEp78 Jingle Bell Rock LeadIn this free guitar lesson, I talk about the rockabilly lead guitar fills heard in the song "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-12-2342 minGuitar Music TheoryEp77 How to Play Legato on GuitarIn this free guitar lesson, I explain and demonstrate what it means to play legato on guitar. Legato refers to the smooth transition between notes using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-12-1851 minGuitar Music TheoryEp76 Walk Away James Gang | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I analyze the song "Walk Away" by Joe Walsh as recorded by his former band, James Gang. You get to know the key, chords, and progression as well as the scales used for the guitar solo. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-12-0942 minGuitar Music TheoryEp75 Gravity by John Mayer | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Gravity" by John Mayer. I give you an overview of the song including the chords, progression, composition techniques, and the scales used for the solos. I also demonstrate a part from the live version of the song. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-11-2542 minGuitar Music TheoryEp74 Email Questions: Learning Pentatonic Scale Patterns, Playing Country Guitar Solos, Identifying Roots and Modes, Practicing Picking Exercises, Changing Scales Over ChordsIn this free guitar lesson, I answer email questions regarding learning pentatonic scale patterns, playing country guitar solos, identifying roots and modes, practicing picking exercises, and changing scales over chords. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-11-181h 01Guitar Music TheoryEp73 Erich Andreas - What Made Eddie Van Halen So Great?In episode 73 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk with Your Guitar Sage, Erich Andreas. We talk about how we got started teaching guitar online and what made Eddie Van Halen so great. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-11-111h 16Guitar Music TheoryEp72 Should You Learn How to Read Music?Should guitar players learn how to read music? In this free guitar lesson, I discuss the pros and cons of reading standard musical notation. I talk about where your time might be better spent and how professional guitarists use their sight-reading skills. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-11-0558 minGuitar Music TheoryEp71 What Are Chord Inversions and Chord Voicings?In this free guitar lesson, I explain what chord inversions, chord voicings, and drop 2 chords are. I demonstrate how you can add variety to your playing with different chord shapes, and how these chord forms are used in familiar guitar songs. I make use of the CAGED chord system as taught in my course Fretboard Theory Chapter 3. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-10-2837 minGuitar Music TheoryEp70 You Don't Need to Use All 5 Pentatonic PatternsIn this free guitar lesson, I explain to you that it's not necessary to use all five pentatonic scale patterns. Most players have particular patterns and portions of patterns they favor and use most of the time. I'm going to show you why players do this and why you should do it too. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-10-2234 minGuitar Music TheoryEp69 Eruption Tapping | How Does It Work?In this free guitar lesson, I demonstrate part of the instrumental track, "Eruption," that is featured on the very first Van Halen record and performed by Eddie Van Halen. I explain how the finger tapping technique works, how the tapping uses arpeggios, and how those arpeggios create a chord progression that features modal interchange and harmonic minor. I also discuss how I dial in an Eruption tone and my reverb, delay, and phaser settings. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions abou...
2020-10-1649 minGuitar Music TheoryEp68 Fabio Marraccini From the Where Music Meets Technology PodcastInterview with Fretboard Theory student Fabio Marraccini from the Where Music Meets Technology podcast. We talk music theory, modes, rock music, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-10-061h 01Guitar Music TheoryEp67 Tips For Small-Handed Short-Fingered GuitaristsIn this free guitar lesson, I have tips for small-handed and short-fingered guitars. If you struggle to play guitar because you have little hands or stubby fingers, these tips will help you eliminate most of your problems. The four things I'm going to talk about include: What is the ideal hand size to play guitar? Which guitars are best for small-handed players? How should small-handed players hold their guitar? What can small-handed players do differently on the fretboard? 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need...
2020-09-291h 04Guitar Music TheoryEp66 Nashville Artist Development UniversityInterview with two special guests, Kory Brunson and Jason Wyatt from Nashville Artist Development University (NADU). https://naduniversity.com/ We talk about what it takes to become a successful music artist and how their program is putting many musicians on the fastback to living their dreams. If you've ever wondered how the music industry works, you're going to find this discussion interesting. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instr...
2020-09-231h 07Guitar Music TheoryEp65 Q&A Keeping Time, Using Modes Over Chords, Teaching Children, Playing What You Hear, Small HandsIn Episode 65 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer questions about keeping time, using modes over chords, teaching children, playing what you hear, small hands, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-09-161h 04Guitar Music TheoryEp64 Interview w/ Carrie Underwood Guitarist Matt ReviereIn episode 64 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk with Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere. I ask him what it's like being part of such a big live show, which pieces of gear he uses, and how he prepares for his performances. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-09-121h 17Guitar Music TheoryEp63 The Thrill is Gone | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. King. You get to know this song's key, chords, and chord progression, as well as the different ways you can approach the solo. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-09-0228 minGuitar Music TheoryEp62 Your Love | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Your Love" by The Outfield. You get to know this song's key, chords, and chord progression, as well as its use of pedal tones. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-08-251h 02Guitar Music TheoryEp61 Difference Between Major and Minor Pentatonic ScalesIn my latest podcast episode, I explain the difference between the major and minor pentatonic scales. You get to know how the two different tonalities are applied to music by listening to examples from Tom Petty and The Beatles. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-08-0736 minGuitar Music TheoryEp60 Top 10 Guitar Solos You Should LearnStruggling to play guitar solos? Do your lead lines sound like you're just playing up and down scales? Improve your soloing skills by learning my Top 10 Guitar Solos You Should Learn. Need help getting your playing skills in order? Visit my website to get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. I'll get you on the right track so you can fill gaps in your playing and reach your guitar soloing goals. https://GuitarMusicTheory.com #guitarsolo #howtoguitarsolo #top10guitarsolos
2020-07-3024 minGuitar Music TheoryEp59 Play That Funky Music | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry. Get to know the key, chords, and scales used in this song. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-07-231h 02Guitar Music TheoryEp58 Summer of '69 Chord Tone SoloingIn this free guitar lesson, you learn how to play over the song "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams using the chord tone soloing technique. You also learn how to play a solo by moving horizontally on one string. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-07-0833 minGuitar Music TheoryEp57 The Star-Spangled BannerIn this free guitar lesson, I answer email questions and I also talk about playing the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-06-3046 minGuitar Music TheoryEp56 Email Questions | Theory, Number System, Complex Chord Changes, Backing TracksIn this free guitar lesson, I answer emails questions about music theory, the number system, playing over complex chord changes, creating backing tracks, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-06-2557 minGuitar Music TheoryEp55 Runnin' Down a Dream | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Runnin' Down a Dream" by Tom Petty. You get to know how this song makes use of the blues scale, added chord tones, and modal interchange. I also answer a few email questions. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-06-2046 minGuitar Music TheoryEp54 Hard to Handle | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Hard to Handle" by The Black Crowes. You get to know how this song uses a blues-influenced composition technique that involves mixing major and minor tonalities. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-06-1141 minGuitar Music TheoryEp53 Email Questions | Kemper-Mode Intervals-Creative Genius-DGTIn this free guitar lesson, I answer email questions regarding the Kemper Profiling Amplifier, mode intervals, tapping into your creative genius, my PRS DGT guitar, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-05-281h 11Guitar Music TheoryEp52 Blues is Not 145In this free guitar lesson, I explain why a blues chord progression is not 1-4-5, technically. Blues is actually 5-5-5 and makes use of dominant 7th chords, Mixolydian mode, and dominant scales. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload #blues #bluesguitar #12barblues blues, blues guitar, blues chords, blues progression, 12 bar blues, Mixolydian mode, dominant scale, dominant 7 chords, music theory
2020-05-2053 minGuitar Music TheoryEp51 What Is "1 4 5" in Music?In this free guitar lesson, I explain what a "1 4 5" chord progression is and play some examples to help you train your ear. I also answer email questions. 🎸 Would you like to learn more about music theory for guitar and how it relates to popular songs? Visit my website, answer the questions I ask you about your playing and I'll send you FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. Go to: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-05-111h 11Guitar Music TheoryEp50 Ramblin Man | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Ramblin' Man" by The Allman Brothers Band. You get to know important details about the song's composition including the key, scales, modes, chords, and progression. 🎸 Would you like to learn more about music theory for guitar and how it relates to popular songs? Visit my website, answer the questions I ask you about your playing and I'll send you FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. Get to know how "Ramblin' Man" and similar songs work so you can imp...
2020-05-0152 minGuitar Music TheoryEp49 Lean On Me Bill Withers Guitar ChordsIn this free guitar lesson, I show you how to play the chords to "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers. I focus on the song's introduction. You play the same chord voicings played by the pianos on the recording. This requires a bit of fancy finger work that is best suited for guitar players who are beyond the beginning stage. 🎸 Get FREE guitar instruction to help you move beyond the basics and understand music theory. Go to: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2020-04-081h 11Guitar Music TheoryEp48 Twilight Zone | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Twilight Zone" by Golden Earring. I will go over the main sections of the song, and you will get to know the key, chords, progressions, scales, and modes used in the music. If you want to learn how to actually play this song, you can use the information I provide here along with the tablature which can be found online. If you'd like to learn more about music theory for guitar, or maybe back up and fill in gaps i...
2020-04-0128 minGuitar Music TheoryEp47 Still Got the Blues (For You) | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work? featuring "Still Got the Blues (For You)" by Gary Moore. I'm going to take a look at the general chord progressions and key as well as the scales used for the solos and how the main lead line connects to the chords. If you're a student of my Fretboard Theory program and you've advanced to Volume II, you're going to see many of the concepts I teach in the course at play in this song. If all this m...
2020-03-1851 minGuitar Music TheoryEp46 The Nature Versus Nurture DebateIs guitar talent something you're born with, or is it something you develop through study and practice? How do you know when you've reached your limits? When should you give up on something? I answer these questions and discuss how to make the best of your guitar playing in my latest podcast episode. What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website and click on the answer that best describes you. Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to y...
2020-03-111h 13Guitar Music TheoryEp45 House of the Rising Sun | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson you get to know how the chords in "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals fit together. This includes a discussion on parallel scales, modal interchange, and voice leading. I also answer email questions. 🎸 Would you like to learn more about music theory and how it relates to familiar songs? Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com, answer the questions I ask you about your playing, and receive a FREE 6-step lesson series on scales, chords, progressions, modes, composition techniques and more.
2020-03-0629 minGuitar Music TheoryEp44 What are Sus2 and Sus4 Chords?In episode 44 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I explain what sus2 and sus4 chords are and how they get used in familiar songs. What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website and click on the answer that best describes you. Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-02-2644 minGuitar Music TheoryEp43 Using Perfect 4th Intervals on IV ChordsWhat do the songs "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison, "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner, and "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses have in common? They all make use of a perfect 4th interval over the IV chord. Why do you need to know this? Because it's a common composition technique used in popular music and it helps you understand why songs often contain notes that are out of key. I explain all the details and play through examples in today's podcast episode. Wha...
2020-02-1239 minGuitar Music TheoryEp42 How to Put Together a Live Rig For Playing GigsWhat kind of guitar amplifier and effects pedals do you need to play a gig? Should you mic your amp or go direct using a digital amp emulation device? In this free guitar lesson, I tell you what you need to know in order to be prepared for your next live performance. What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website and click on the answer that best describes you. Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
2020-02-021h 15Guitar Music TheoryEp41 Tom Sawyer | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I analyze some of the guitar parts heard in the song "Tom Sawyer" by Rush and explain how the parts work. You get to know the song's music theory including the key, chords, chord progressions, scales, modes, and more. I also discuss guitarist Alex Lifeson's musical influences and how "Tom Sawyer" borrows ideas from music by The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Cream. What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website and...
2020-01-1618 minGuitar Music TheoryEp40 Q&A 12-31-2019 Part 3 of 3🎸 What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com and click on the answer that best describes you. In part 3 of 3 in this Q&A video, I answer more questions about guitar playing, practicing, gear, music theory, and more.
2020-01-101h 34Guitar Music TheoryEp39 Q&A 12-31-2019 Part 2 of 3🎸 What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com and click on the answer that best describes you. In part 2 of 3 in this Q&A video, I answer more questions about guitar playing, practicing, gear, music theory, and more.
2020-01-041h 04Guitar Music TheoryEp38 Q&A from 12-31-2019 Part 1 of 3🎸 What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com and click on the answer that best describes you. In part 1 of 3 in this Q&A video, I answer questions about guitar playing, practicing, gear, music theory, and more.
2019-12-311h 03Guitar Music TheoryEp37 Jingle Bell Rock | How Does This Song Work?In this free guitar lesson, I show you how to play the guitar chords to "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms. You see how the song makes use of jazzy composition techniques such as voice leading, secondary dominants, and diminished passing chords. Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website to enroll in a FREE guitar course and join the email list GUITAR GEAR PRS SE Mira Frost Blue Metallic w/ Mint Pickguard Kemper Profiling Amplifier
2019-12-1938 minGuitar Music TheoryEp36 Music Intervals (And Why Every Guitarist Needs to Know Them)In this free guitar lesson, you are taught music intervals and why it's so important for guitarists to learn them. Get to know interval shapes and interval names such as 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, and 7ths. Follow the exercises to become more familiar with identifying intervals on the guitar fretboard and recognizing their sound by ear. This lesson is suitable for guitarists from beginners to intermediate to advanced. Enroll in my FREE Music Theory course
2019-12-1239 minGuitar Music TheoryEp35 HW Talks Tone Junkie and the Kemper Profiling AmplifierIn episode 35 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk with HW from Tone Junkie. We discuss digital amp technology, the Kemper profiling amp, and how the Tone Junkie company got started. If you would like to learn how to play guitar better, go to the link below, answer the questions I ask you about your playing, and receive FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. FREE VIDEO 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload
2019-12-051h 59Guitar Music TheoryEp34 How to Use a Guitar Looper PedalIn this free guitar lesson, you learn how to use a guitar looper pedal. See how to start and stop your loop on time. Get ideas on how to practice and perform music with a looper pedal. What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction CALIBRATED to your current level and discover how to PROGRESSIVELY play and sound better—today—in as little as 33 minutes! https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaig...
2019-11-2348 minGuitar Music TheoryEp33 In What Key Is Sweet Home Alabama?In this free guitar lesson, you take a look at the key to "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. You see how some musicians hear the music as being in the key of G while other musicians hear the music as being in the key of D Mixolydian. You also take a look at the "Sweet Home Alabama" chords, chord progressions, and which scales to use for the guitar solos. 🎸 Visit the website and enroll in my FREE 6-step lesson series, Understand Music Theory and Master the Fretboard. https://www.guitarmusictheory.com...
2019-11-1524 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 32- Best Ear Training Exercise For Guitar.mp3In this free guitar lesson, you learn why playing songs and studying music theory is the best ear training you can do. Regularly playing music will benefit how you hear music far more than ear training exercises. Get help with MUSIC THEORY and PLAYING SONGS. Enroll in a FREE course at: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upload
2019-11-0732 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 31 "Thank You" Led Zeppelin | How Does This Song WorkIn this installment of How Does This Song Work?, you take a look at the song "Thank You" by Led Zeppelin. You get to know the music theory behind the song, including the key, why the chords work together, and which scales to use for soloing. Enroll in a free music theory course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-10-3136 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 30 #1 Best Exercise to Improve Your Guitar PlayingIf you want to get good at playing the guitar, you need to develop the right skills. Developing the right skills involves increasing your hand strength and finger dexterity. You also need to improve the coordination between your hands. Many guitarists look to guitar exercises to develop these skills. In this free guitar lesson, I explain the best exercise you can do. Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-10-2556 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 29 "Comfortably Numb" | How Does This Song Work?Learn the music theory behind the song "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd. Understand the keys, chords, and progressions, plus the scales used for the guitar solos. Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-10-1856 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 28 Everything You Need to Know About Guitar GearHow to choose the best electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and guitar practice amp so you sound great and make your practice time as effective as possible. Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-10-1056 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 27: 9 Ways to Become a Better and Happier Guitar PlayerAre you feeling dissatisfied with your guitar playing? Do you wish you could get better, but you're unsure what to do? If you'd like to make more progress with your guitar playing plus get more enjoyment out of the experience, here are nine ways to do it. Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-10-0531 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 26: Slow Down Music For GuitarMake your guitar learning easier and your practice more productive by slowing down songs, changing the pitch of the music, and looping song sections. Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-09-2642 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 25: The Importance of Learning SongsIn this podcast episode, you hear about the benefits of learning songs and how playing songs is the only way to get all aspects of your guitar playing in order so you sound like a real player. Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-09-2040 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 24: The History of Guitar Music TheoryHow did the Guitar Music Theory podcast get started? Why did it stop? Get all the history about Desi Serna, Fretboard Theory and more plus hear what's new and get ready for more episodes. Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2019-09-1256 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 23 New Pentatonic Scale Patterns Video.mp3Today's podcast episode is based on the newly updated Chapter 2 from my Fretboard Theory video series and deals with playing pentatonic scale patterns. This chapter update is also sold separately as a stand-alone course called, Pentatonic Scale Patterns: How to Easily Master the Patterns Used to Play Music's Most Iconic Guitar Riffs and Solos. The audio you hear in today's podcast is a collection of excerpts pulled directly from the video. If you would like to view the actual video lesson along with its added resources including pentatonic song lists, backing tracks, and tabs, go to: http://www.guitar-music-theory.c...
2018-03-0943 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 22 Guitar Picking MechanicsIn this free guitar lesson, you receive an overview of the book and video course, Guitar Picking Mechanics. This instruction features techniques and exercises for increasing your picking accuracy, speed, and comfort. Get equipped to play popular styles of music more proficiently so you can become a better and more confident guitarist. View the full course at: http://GuitarMusicTheory.com/pick
2018-01-1644 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 21 Playing Pedal Point and Pedal TonesIn this free guitar lesson you learn how play pedal points and pedal tones. Pedal points can add new chord tones to basic chord changes. This technique can help make a harmonically richer sound and musical texture. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1419 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 20 Using Harmonic Minor Scale Patterns For ImprovisationIn this free guitar lesson you learn how harmonic minor scale patterns are used in improvisation. This includes a review of building the harmonic minor scale, using pentatonic lead patterns in harmonic minor, and outlining V7 chords with arpeggios. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1439 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 19 Chord Tone Soloing and Outlining Chord ProgressionsIn this free guitar lesson you learn how to use chord tone soloing to connect scales more closely to their related chords, and outline particular chord progressions. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1447 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 18 Lead Patterns with Major Scales and ModesIn this free guitar lesson you learn how to use pentatonic lead patterns for playing major scales and modes. You learn how the pentatonic scale relates to the major scale. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1458 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 17 Pentatonic Lead PatternsIn this free guitar lesson you learn that when it comes to using the pentatonic scale, it's not necessary to utilize every position or every part of every pattern. Most guitar players, including some of the most famous ones, favor only a few particular sections of these different patterns that work well together. When viewed together, these sections are sometimes called "lead patterns". Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1435 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 16 Chromatic Passing Chords Diminished and AugmentedIn this free guitar lesson you learn how the spaces between chords are filled with passing chords. This includes a discussion on chromatic passing chords, diminished chords and augmented chords. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1442 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 15 Key Changes Borrowed Chords and Circle of FifthsIn this free guitar lesson you look at several related topics including: modulation, key changes, modal interchange, borrowed chords, and the circle of fifths. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1457 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 14 Dominant Function and Harmonic Minor Chord ProgressionsIn this free guitar lesson you learn about dominant function and using dominant seventh chords. This includes instruction on secondary dominants, voice leading and harmonic minor chord progressions. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1449 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 13 Scale Formulas and Renumbering Chord ProgressionsIn this free guitar lesson you take a look at the interval structure of the different modes of the major scale and how musicians would number chord progressions that are modal. This involves naming the tonic pitch in a mode "1" and then numbering its other pitches from there with consideration given to any change in interval structure like sharp and flat degrees. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1439 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 12 What Is the Key of a Song?This free guitar lesson answers the question "What is the key of a song?" You learn about tonic pitches, relative major and minor, modes and key signatures. You see that the key of a song doesn't always reflect the true parent major scale and it's up to you to go beyond the basic details and sort out the other components at play. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1442 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 11 Interview with Guitarist and Singer Songwriter Joe RobinsonAustralian guitarist and singer/songwriter Joe Robinson discusses his musical background, style and perspectives on music theory and guitar playing. Includes samples of his songs and recorded albums plus live playing and improvisations. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-131h 03Guitar Music TheoryEpisode 10 Blues Guitar Scales Chords Progressions and TheoryIn this free guitar lesson you learn about blues guitar theory including blues chords and blues progressions. You also hear examples of how blues guitarists mix major and minor pentatonic scale patterns and use Mixolydian mode. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1348 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 09 Playing Chords with Added Chord Tones and ExtensionsIn this free guitar lesson you learn how to add chord tones and extensions to chords including major and minor seventh chords. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1341 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 08 Playing Music Intervals On GuitarIn this free guitar lesson you learn how to play intervals such as thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, and sevenths. You get to hear what it sounds like to play harmonized guitar parts based on these intervals. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1339 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 07 Music Modes and Playing Modal Guitar ScalesLearn the music theory behind guitar modes and hear how they're used in popular music. Play modal scales including Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1328 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 06 Chord Progressions and Playing By Numbers For GuitarIn this free guitar lesson you learn how to build triads and chords with the major scale, and how these chords are used to play chord progressions and play by numbers. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1342 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 05 How to Learn Major Scale Patterns and Play Major Scale SongsThis lesson teaches how guitar players learn major scale patterns on the fretboard and how these patterns are used to play melodies, riffs, lead guitar solos, and bass lines. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-131h 02Guitar Music TheoryEpisode 04 Using Guitar CAGED Chord Forms to Play Arpeggios and Chord InversionsThis free lesson focuses on how guitar players use the CAGED system to play various chord shapes, chord voicings, chord inversions, and arpeggio patterns. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1343 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 03 How to Learn Pentatonic Scale Patterns and Play Pentatonic SongsHow to learn one of the most commonly used scales on guitar, the pentatonic scale. The five pentatonic scale patterns are used to play melodies, riffs, solos, and bass lines. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-1343 minGuitar Music TheoryEpisode 02 Learn the Notes On the Guitar FretboardGuitar players typically use the sixth and fifth strings to keep track of notes and keys while playing chords, scales, and progressions on the fretboard. For this reason, it's important to memorize the notes along these strings, which is the focus of this podcast episode. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.
2017-12-131h 01Guitar Music TheoryEpisode 01 What is Guitar Theory?In this free guitar lesson, you get an introduction to applying music theory to the guitar fretboard. You learn how knowledge of scales, chords, and progressions can help you understand music and become a better player. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com and author of Fretboard Theory.
2017-12-1324 min
Worship Artistry PodcastThe Music Theory That Really Matters with Desi SernaToday we are joined by author of Fretboard Theory Volumes 1 and 2, Desi Serna, to talk about the music theory that really matters.
2017-02-0846 min