This podcast features free audio guitar lessons that teach music theory for guitar. Listeners learn how scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more get applied to the fretboard and familiar songs. This includes a focus on compositional and improvisational techniques used in popular styles of music…
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The Guitar Music Theory podcast, hosted by Desi Serna, is an invaluable resource for guitarists of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this podcast will deepen your understanding of music theory and the fretboard. Desi has a unique ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes perfect sense, using song examples to train your ears and connect theory to real-world application. His teaching style is engaging and enjoyable, making it easy to absorb the information. I wish I had discovered this podcast sooner in my musical journey!
One of the best aspects of The Guitar Music Theory podcast is Desi's ability to relate music theory to practical playing. He emphasizes the importance of learning songs and playing with intention, rather than mindlessly running through scales and modes. This approach not only helps improve your technical skills but also enhances your musicality and creativity. Additionally, Desi's use of clear and detailed instructions ensures that listeners can easily follow along and apply what they've learned.
While The Guitar Music Theory podcast is highly informative and effective at teaching music theory, some listeners may find the introduction too upbeat or "happy" for their liking. However, it's important to note that this is just a minor personal preference and doesn't detract from the quality of the content itself.
In conclusion, The Guitar Music Theory podcast is a must-listen for any guitarist looking to expand their knowledge and improve their playing. Desi Serna's expertise in explaining music theory in relation to the fretboard is unparalleled, and his emphasis on learning through song examples adds practicality to his teachings. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player seeking further growth, this podcast will undoubtedly benefit your musical journey. Don't hesitate to download it today!
In episode 175 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener emails about: Using your thumb to fret the 6th string in barre chords and possible workarounds How to improve your rhythm and memorize songs more effectively The G form barre chord and how it's used in modern playing A theory-based analysis of Foo Fighters' use of pedal tones in chord progressions Why sus4 and minor 6 chords don't naturally occur in certain scale degrees Why guitarists sometimes play notes like F# over A minor—mixing scales in blues-based rock Plus, I mention the JamZone app and how it can help you practice and play along with real songs. Zoom Classes https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/zoom/ Quiz and Free Video Course https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
In episode 174 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I chat with Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere about recreating classic 80s guitar tones for the Kemper Profiling Amplifier and Line 6 Helix using the new Inspired by the 80s pack from Tone Junkie. We discuss his workflow for analyzing songs, dialing in tones, and jamming on iconic riffs from artists like Dire Straits, The Police, Bon Jovi, and more.
In episode 173 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I sit down with Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn to talk about the art of recording and producing music. Jason shares his journey from singer and songwriter to becoming a sought-after producer helping both aspiring artists and hobbyist songwriters bring their music to life. We discuss what it's like working in the studio, how the production process unfolds, and the critical role a producer plays in shaping a song's final sound. You'll even hear before-and-after audio examples that reveal the dramatic transformation from raw work tape to polished master. Jason Wyatt Kuhn - We the People Music https://wethepeople.music/ Lexi Lew https://linktr.ee/lexilewmusic Brooks Herring https://brooksherringmusic.com/ FREE GUITAR VIDEO COURSE
In episode 172 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about playing styles, overcoming physical limitations, key changes in songs, barre chord techniques, music theory exercises, slowing down music, and more. Riff Rockers Zoom class details: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/riff-rockers-zoom-class/ Enroll in a free video course and join the email list: https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
In episode 171 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions on a variety of guitar topics, including:
Visit https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com/zoom for more information about my upcoming lead guitar Zoom classes.
In episode 170 of the Guitar Music Theory audio podcast, I look back at some of the top songs from 2024 with a very special guest, my 12-year-old daughter, Lila!
In episode 169 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I review some Christmas song guitar lessons I've previously posted on YouTube. These lessons feature great Christmas songs to learn, and I'll break down the nuggets of music theory wisdom each one provides. Topics include passing chords, chord melody, playing in sixths, and more. Join the email list by subscribing at the https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com website.
In episode 168 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I announce my new coaching program and answer listener questions about bass playing, playing with confidence, the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures, my old cover band setlist, and the song "Runnin' with the Devil" by Van Halen. Are you ready to invest in a structured coaching program to take your guitar playing to the next level? Fill out the contact form on my website and share your music goals with me: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/contact/
In episode 167 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I guide you through my process of learning songs, using "It Hit Me Like a Hammer" by Huey Lewis and The News as an example. This track showcases chunky '80s rock power chords and a bluesy minor pentatonic guitar solo. I play it on my new PRS SE NF3 guitar, using a profile of a Mesa Boogie Mark 3 amp.
In episode 166 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about rhythm and timing, playing horizontal pentatonic patterns, selecting good bass notes, and more. I also recap my recent gigs and discuss how I prepare for performances.
In episode 165 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I prepare to play upcoming gigs with the Huey Lewis and The News tribute band, The Heart of Rock and Roll. I walk you through the process I go through when I'm reviewing for a show and discuss the songs I'll be performing.
In episode 164 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I interview Scott Williamson, a top-tier studio drummer in the Nashville area for decades. In addition to his drumming career, Scott is a mixing engineer and music producer. He'll provide insights into life as a studio musician, answer listener questions, and reveal his favorite guitar parts.
How does the song "Jack and Diane" work? Listen to episode 163 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast to hear how this John Mellencamp classic features memorable acoustic guitar riffs that make great use of different chord shapes and chord voicings.
"Knights of Cydonia" by Muse is an epic rock anthem that blends various musical influences to create a unique and powerful listening experience. The song stands out for its grandiose and cinematic feel, drawing inspiration from progressive rock, space rock, and spaghetti westerns. In Episode 162 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I break the music down and explain how its puzzling chord changes follow a logical pattern.
In episode 161 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about Hot For Teacher, multitracks, bass rigs, Funk #49, mastering songs, major and minor pentatonic, CAGED, hand soreness, Knights of Cydonia, and more.
In episode 160 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I demonstrate a technique for improvisation over jam tracks, drawing inspiration from the iconic song "Refugee" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Leveraging guitar licks from renowned tracks like this can infuse your improvisations with creativity and flair, elevating your playing to new heights.
In episode 159 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I discuss every type of seventh chord and how to use it. Seventh chords are made when you extend a triad with an additional third. There are five qualities of seventh chords that appear in music. They are Major seven, Minor seven, Dominant seven, Minor seven flat five (a.k.a. Half diminished), and Diminished seven (also called fully diminished). I explain how these chords are built and which familiar guitar songs use them. I play songs from the Eagles, the Doobie Brothers, Garth Brooks, and more.
In Episode 158 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I discuss the harmonic minor scale and its use in familiar guitar songs. This includes common harmonic minor chord progressions and how to incorporate the scale in your lead lines and guitar solos. For more information, see my book Fretboard Theory Volume 2 or my video course Fretboard Theory Video Pro Pack.
In episode 157 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about the circle of fifths, playing left-handed, Squier guitar mods, playing and singing, intervals, and more.
In episode 156, keyboardist Scott Sheriff and I break down the song "Biggest Part of Me" by Ambrosia. We talk about the chords used in this song and how they're based on a chromatic line cliché and include various extensions common to jazz and R&B music. ********************************* Scott's Links Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oLy2MY8Qdaq4epJzOdilz?si=67856935ae5d438c Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/biggest-part-of-me/1732619282?i=1732619284 Classic Tribute Bands https://primrose-armadillo-xkwc.squarespace.com/ ********************************* Free Video Course
In episode 155 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about modes, major scale patterns, memorizing songs, effects pedals, foot tapping, Rocksmith, and the song "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette. #fretboardtheory #guitartheoryfordummies #desiserna
"Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses features prominent guitar work by Slash, including the iconic opening riff and memorable solos. The song uses the guitar scales D Mixolydian mode, E Aeolian mode, E harmonic minor, and E minor pentatonic. In this podast episode, I explain each scale and its use in this quintessential rock anthem.
Which guitar scales, amps, and effects does Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash use? Matt Reviere and I discuss Slash's style and break down his tone in episode 153 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast.
Why does Keith Richards use open G tuning, what's the difference between a cheap and expensive acoustic guitar, should songs be memorized, and what are sus4 chords? Get answers to these questions and more in episode 152 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast.
In episode 151 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere and I talk about our favorite Christmas songs. We play together and analyze some holiday classics that are rich in music theory and composition techniques.
In my latest audio podcast, I answer listener questions about guitar modelers, PRS guitars, scales, beginner struggles, slide, Drop-D tuning, and playing acoustic guitar gigs.
Guitarists often use octave shapes to play rhythm guitar parts, riffs, and lead lines. In this podcast episode, I explain how octaves are formed on the guitar fretboard and which popular guitar songs use them.
Music with changes or accents that fall on something other than the most predictable beats is said to be syncopated. I discuss this in episode 148 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast. Listen to song examples from Neil Young, KT Tunstall, Herbie Hancock, Adele, and more.
In episode 147 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I interview Carrie Underwood keyboardist Scott Sheriff. Scott is a veteran touring musician who was also the musical director for Kenny Loggins and the bandleader for Steven Curtis Chapman. Scott has other projects on the side when he's not on the road, including the Huey Lewis & The News tribute act, The Heart of Rock and Roll. I recently began playing with this act and sharing the stage with Scott. This podcast talks about touring, playing live, arranging background vocals, music theory, our love of yacht rock music, and more.
In episode 146 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about chord tones and extensions, the song White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane, playing with injuries and hand limitations, keeping track of measures while soloing, applying pentatonic scale patterns, reaquiring your chops after time off, and more.
In episode 145 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work? featuring "Satellite" by Dave Matthews Band. I discuss the key, scale, chords, and progression, plus explain the 3/4 time signature. View the video, tab, and neck diagrams on my website here: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/dave-matthews-satellite-guitar-riff-tab/
Which scales should you learn if you want to play popular styles of music on guitar such as pop, rock, blues, and country? I tell you in this podcast episode and play examples from familiar songs.
The ii chord in music is naturally minor, but here I explain how it often gets switched to major to produce a bright, uplifting sound. This happens in songs such as "Eight Days a Week," "American Girl," and others. Watch the video version of this lesson on YouTube. https://youtu.be/JylyPkwhn34 Check out the song "Headin' to the Beach" by Carl Wayne Meekins. https://youtu.be/Lc3xvRHBJx
The music of Huey Lewis and the News frequently features the modal scale Mixolydian mode. In this podcast episode, I discuss the songs "I Want a New Drug," "Back in Time," and "If This Is It." View the related blog post, videos, and tabs.
In episode 141 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer questions about chord recognition, chord fills, Halfway Gone by Lifehouse, online versus in-person lessons, purchasing a looper pedal, sharps and the circle of fifths, playing faster on an Ibanez guitar, flat sevenths, learning songs, and more.
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot uses sus2 chords, alternate bass notes, Mixolydian mode, plus half-step and whole-step bends. I discuss all the details in episode 140 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast.
"No More Mr. Nice Guy" by Alice Cooper uses modal mixture, chromatic voice leading, and pentatonic scales. Listen to this podcast episode for a complete music theory breakdown.
In my latest podcast episode, I answer listener questions about arpeggios, practicing, strumming and singing, 5/4 time signature, parallel modes, REM's King of Birds, and more.
My latest podcast episode discusses a useful guitar hack where major triads can be used as minor 7th chord inversions. I also answer listener questions about looper pedals, exercises, stage fright, ADHD, and more.
In my latest podcast episode, I demonstrate the sound of an acoustic guitar with added effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and others. Learn how to use these effects to spice up your sound on stage and in the studio.
In episode 135 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome back Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere to discuss the genius of Christmas music. Matt talks about some of his favorite Christmas songs and how much modern pop music pales compared to the holiday compositions from past eras.
In 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.
In 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.
In my latest podcast episode, I answer listener questions plus talk about the guitar part in "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon.
"Stay (I Missed You)" by Lisa Loeb features nice guitar work that uses a capo and unconventional chord shapes. I break down the song for you in this podcast episode and explain how I approach learning a song that uses a capo. VIDEO https://youtu.be/4kWhUffbKzU
In 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://www.americanmusical.com/?src=W2209PODM00CASTS and use promo code DESI to receive $20 off a purchase over $100. FREE VIDEO COURSE
In my latest installment of How Does This Song Work, Matt Reviere (Carrie Underwood guitarist) and I give you a music theory breakdown of "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News. We take a look at some of the key parts played by guitarist Chris Hayes and explain the key, chords, progressions, and scales used for the guitar solo. This song uses a mixture of major and minor, a bit of the Dorian and Mixolydian modes, and the minor pentatonic blues scale. The bridge features some beautiful extended chords with 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. I have also created a separate video with guitar tablature and posted it on YouTube.
In episode 128 of my Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk about "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World, playing guitar technique exercises, creating cover band tracks, picking with your fingers, using modes, tenor guitars, and more.
In my latest podcast episode, I talk about my recent cover band gigs. I used tracks and performed a variety of popular songs.
In episode 126 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I'm joined by my friend Adam Hatfield to talk about the Line 6 Helix Stomp plus answer listener questions. We answer questions about applying pentatonic scale patterns, using dominant function, playing fingerstyle chord melody guitar, using 4th and 5th harmony, and more plus we talk about gear and amps. This is an audio-only podcast episode. You won't find videos online but I have been posting lots of new videos to my social media profiles. Be sure to like and follow my pages at the links below including my brand new TikTok profile. https://www.youtube.com/user/GuitarMusicTheoryTab?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.facebook.com/desisernaguitar https://www.instagram.com/desisernaguitar/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@desisernaguitar https://twitter.com/desisernaguitar
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