Guitar Music Theory (Desi Serna)

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In this free guitar lesson, I show you how to make a groovy guitar loop based on Bob Marley’s “Exodus.” I show you how to record several layers using a looper effects pedal. The parts include a scratchy set of chord changes, a thumping bass line, some popcorn picking technique, and part of the vocal melody.

🎸 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.

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https://www.youtube.com/user/GuitarMusicTheoryTab?sub_confirmation=1

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/desisernaguitar

In this podcast episode I answer listener questions about finding keys, the construction of the pentatonic scale, how to practice major scale patterns, guidelines for teaching, Family Tradition by Hank Williams Jr., Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms, playing and singing at the same time, 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.

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

🎸 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 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.

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. 

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

Tone Junkie INSPIRED BY SLASH (HELIX)
https://tonejunkiestore.com/inspiredby/inspired-by-slash-helix

Tone Junkie INSPIRED BY SLASH (KEMPER)
https://tonejunkiestore.com/inspiredby/inspired-by-slash-kemper

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.

"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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

Today, 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.

🎸 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.

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/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

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.

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 click on the answer that best describes you. Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 

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

In my latest podcast episode, I examine the song "Wonderwall" by Oasis. This popular guitar song features a challenging syncopated strumming pattern plus makes use of pedal tones and a capo.

This episode is supported in part by Hosa Cables. Visit hosatech.com and use code THEORY30 to get 30% off your next order.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com, answer the question about your playing, and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

GEAR
PRS SE Angelus acoustic/electric guitar
Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp

🎸 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.

In this podcast episode, I talk tech with my friend and sound man, Joel Hilsden. Joel has extensive experience running sound in various types of venues and over the course of our conversation, we talk about things guitar players should know in order to get great live sound. We talk about running your acoustic guitar direct using a DI box, miking your amplifier, using a digital device such as a Line 6 Helix or Kemper profiling Amplifier, and more. Joel and I covered so much ground that I split the audio up into two podcasts. This is part one. The next podcast episode will feature part two, so stay tuned for that.

🎸 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 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.

🎸 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 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.

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.

🎸 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 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

In my latest podcast episode, I discuss the top 10 fingerpicking songs you should learn. If you want to develop the fingerpicking techniques commonly used in popular styles of music, these songs are some of the best to learn.

🎸 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 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

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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In 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.

In 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

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.

In my latest podcast episode, I answer listener questions about fretboard positions, scale patterns, acoustic guitar strings, Carlos Santana guitar tone, ear training, and more plus I share some hate mail.

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.

EAR TRAINING GAMES
https://fretshare.com/games

GEAR
PRS DGT
Seymour Duncan APH-1 pickups
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
67 PRO VERB KEMPER PROFILE PACK from Tone Junkie

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.

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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

#musictheory #musictheoryforguitar #guitartheory #fretboardtheory #desiserna #guitarlesson #guitarcourse #guitarteacher #guitartechnique #guitaronline #learningguitar #guitarsoloing

In 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.

In 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.

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.

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. 

🎸 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 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

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://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.

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 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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

#musictheory #musictheoryforguitar #guitartheory #fretboardtheory #desiserna #guitarlesson #guitarcourse #guitarteacher #guitartechnique #guitaronline #learningguitar 

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. 

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. 

Interview 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 instruction calibrated to your current level.

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 Supply
Go to AmericanMusical.com and use the promo code DESI to receive $20 off your next purchase over $100. 

FREE Video Course
What 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 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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In 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.

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. 

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. 

🎸 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 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_campaign=upload

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 this free guitar lesson, I explain what slash chords are in music, why composers use them, and when you might choose to skip them while reading a chart. Slash chords do not refer to the guitarist known as Slash of Guns N’ Roses fame. The term slash refers to the use of a forward slash in a chord name such as G/B, C/G, or D/F#. Whenever a chord name includes a forward slash, the letter before the slash is the basic chord and the letter after the slash is the alternate bass note. Normally, when you play a G chord, you have a G note in the lowest or bass position. The chord G/B is a G chord but with a B note in the bass position. This means you would begin strumming on B and leave the G note below it (as well as the 6th string) out. You would call any version of a G chord with B in the bass “G with B in the bass” or “G over B” or “G/B.”

🎸 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.

How 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.

Music 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

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🎸 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.

***

Agent Envy TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@agent.envy/video/7076867526180834606?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en

Desi Serna Guitar TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@desisernaguitar?lang=en

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Hospital Sox Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/2UrMgiWNQkgovhFtFENLOj?si=e3bdfa1c7af54795

Hospital Sox Spotify
https://music.apple.com/us/album/hospital-sox/1535493112?i=1535493113

Hospital Sox YouTube
https://youtu.be/pyGby6yA2o4

"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.

🎸 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.

Is 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 your current level. Get on a plan to progressively play and sound better today. 

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.

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.

Today’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.com/pentatonic/

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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

The Heart of Rock and Roll info and schedule: hueytribute.com 

In 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

"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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

Music Theory 101 Group Zoom Class https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/zoom-class-music-theory-101/

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

🎸 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.

"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

🎸 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 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.

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 improvise and compose music like a pro. Go to: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

In 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. 

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "All Right Now" by Free. I examine this song's music theory by taking a look at the key, chords, progression, mode, and the different types of scales used in the guitar solo. You see how this song fits into the A Mixolydian mode and makes use of both the major pentatonic scale and the minor pentatonic scale.

🎸 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
PRS McCarty 594
Seymour Duncan SH-1 59 pickups
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
Top Jimi '68 Sup Ld Profile Pack

Some people say the guitar CAGED system sucks and is harmful to your playing, but 99.99% of the guitar-playing community disagrees with this assertion and finds the CAGED system to be an important part of understanding the fretboard and playing music. Find out how the CAGED system is useful for navigating the neck, playing chords, and playing scale patterns in this free guitar lesson.

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🎸 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.

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Fretboard Theory Course
https://guitarmusictheory.teachable.com/p/fretboard-theory/

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Guitar Picking Mechanics Course
https://guitarmusictheory.teachable.com/p/guitar-picking-mechanics-video

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GEAR
Epiphone Dot semi-hollow body electric guitar
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
Top Jimi '68 Sup Ld Profile Pack

In 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.

In 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

🎸 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.

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.

In 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

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!

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

Australian 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.

In 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 current level.

What 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. 

In this free guitar lesson, I explain why you should use a capo. Some people think using a capo on guitar is a sissy way to transpose a piece of music. But using a capo on guitar is about more than just playing in different keys–it’s about making use of chord shapes that make your playing sound better.

🎸 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 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.

🎸 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.

Make 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.

🎸 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.

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"Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers features chords that don't seem to fit together in any one key. In this lesson, I show you how guitarist John Frusciante makes use of pedal tones and modal interchange (also called modal mixture or borrowed chords) to compose this 90s classic. I break down the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge and explain the music theory behind the chord progressions.

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OTHER VIDEOS
https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/under-the-bridge-chords-and-tab/

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GEAR
Bluesman Vintage Guitars Sedan (Stratocaster-type guitar)
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
Top Jimi '68 Sup Ld Profile Pack

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.

🎸 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 episode 125 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome back Physiotherapist Mark Tsai to discuss some recent problems I've had with my hands. We talk about how the way you hold your guitar determines the amount of flexion in your wrists which could cause issues that lead to cramping. I play a little bit of the bass line from Journey's "Don't Stop believing" and explain how my hand locked up halfway through the song at a recent gig. We even get off into the weeds a bit and talk about chronic pain and the books of Dr. John Sarno and Alan Gordon that have helped heal so many people.

Video
https://youtu.be/pA3-aWo13F4

Physiotherapist Mark Tsai
https://www.woodbinephysiotherapy.com/

Podcast Ep81 Hand Anatomy with Physiotherapist Mark Tsai
https://guitarmusictheory.libsyn.com/ep81-hand-anatomy-with-physiotherapist-mark-tsai

Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by John E. Sarno MD
https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446557684

The Way Out: A Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven Approach to Healing Chronic Pain by Alan Gordon
https://www.amazon.ca/Way-Out-Revolutionary-Scientifically-Approach/dp/059308683X/

FlexEx Patented Hand Exerciser https://www.amazon.com/FlexEx-Patented-Hand-Exerciser-Strengthener/dp/B075H8GDLT

🎸 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 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 

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.

🎸 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 this podcast episode, you hear Part 2 of my tech talk with sound man, Joel Hilsden. We continue our conversation about things guitar players should know in order to get great live sound, and we get to answering email questions. We talk about running your acoustic guitar direct using a DI box, miking your amplifier, using a digital device such as a Line 6 Helix or 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.

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.

🎸 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.

Dare to Be Seen : From Stage Fright to Stage Presence: Command the Stage and Magnify Your Presence in Ten Easy Steps. https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Seen-Performance-Transformational-Hypnotherapy-ebook/dp/B07Z452PZ5

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.

🎸 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.

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How 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.

In 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

What 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. 

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. 

In 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.

In episode 111 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer questions about major 7 chords, upgrading inexpensive guitars, structuring practice time, and more.

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🎸 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.

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In I Am Mine, the latest edition of Audible’s Words + Music series, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder reflects on a life at the intersection of art, sensitivity, and masculinity. Listen now at audible.com/Vedder

Today, I answer more listener questions about memorizing notes, practicing with limited time, fingering the C form barre chord, strumming with your thumb, choosing your neck shape, using Fretboard Theory, 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.

In this free guitar lesson, I’m going to show you how the major scale contains six different pentatonic scales. Knowing this will help you understand the construction of scales, keys, and how you might want to change pentatonic scales over chords like Jimi Hendrix.

🎸 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.

🎸 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.

Have a question or comment to submit? Go here: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/contact/

Want to connect for a private online lesson? Book here: https://desiserna.as.me/schedule.php

Ready for my Fretboard Theory video course? Enroll here: https://guitarmusictheory.teachable.com/p/fretboard-theory/

Looking for Guitar Picking Mechanics? Enroll here: https://guitarmusictheory.teachable.com/p/guitar-picking-mechanics-video

"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. 

🎸 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 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.

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.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.