Guitar Music Theory

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. 

? 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.

"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.

"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.

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.

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 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 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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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 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. 

? 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.

"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 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 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. 

? 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 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.

? 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 talk about my recent cover band gigs. I used tracks and performed a variety of popular songs.

? 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 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.

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.

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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

What?s a circle chord progression? I discuss this composition technique in my latest podcast episode and explain how it relates to the Circle of Fifths used in music. I give you a few examples based on familiar songs and demonstrate how playing the 5th cycle backward creates the circle of 4ths. 

? 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.

Click here to view the video version of Fretboard Theory online.

In episode 122 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome my friend David Lund to talk about the Line 6 Helix plus answer questions about shopping for a guitar, learning songs, playing modes, 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 my latest podcast episode, I discuss the Dadd4add9 chord. This is a complex-sounding chord that is actually very easy to play. Use it to spruce up your playing and make things sound more interesting. It also goes by the name Dadd2add4 and even D11. I explain where its names come from and give you examples of how it's used in familiar songs.

The following songs are good examples that use the shape in its entirety as Dadd4add9.

"Man on the Moon" REM
"Closer to Fine" Indigo Girls
"Jumper" Third Eye Blind
"Sugar Mountain" Neil Young (tune down whole step)
"Engine Driver" The Decemberists

These songs omit the E note creating the simpler Dadd4 chord.

"Why Georgia" John Mayer
"Crossroads" John Mayer
"Hysteria" Def Leppard
"2000 Miles" The Pretenders
"Hosanna" Paul Baloche
"Songs She Sang in the Shower" Jason Isbell
"#41" Dave Matthews Band
"Have a Cigar" Pink Floyd
"Bigmouth Strikes Again" The Smiths

? 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 SE Angelus acoustic/electric guitar
Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp

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 my latest podcast episode, Matt Reviere and I answer questions about pinch harmonics, thumb placement, hearing protection, pentatonic scales, E flat tuning, and more. Additionally, we get a voicemail message from Dan Daniels who informs me about a problem with the shipping rates on my website.

? 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 show you an easy way to play the Pink Panther Theme on guitar. This song makes use of the pentatonic scale, blues scale, minor scale, and harmonic minor scale. There's also good use of chromatic half-step movement and a tritone substitution. I also discuss my new Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) and answer a question about when to change guitar strings.

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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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GEAR
Epiphone Dot semi-hollow body electric guitar
PRS 57/08 pickups
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
EMPIRE KEMPER PROFILE PACK from Tone Junkie

In my latest podcast episode, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Blackbird" by The Beatles. This song was written, sung, and played by Paul McCartney. It features a combination of finger picking and finger strumming plus compound 3rd intervals, chromatic voice leading, and a key change. I teach these types of composition techniques in my Fretboard Theory books and video courses. Gear used includes a PRS SE Angelus acoustic/electric guitar and a Fishman Aura Spectrum DI.

? 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 116 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome back Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere. We talk about how Matt got started with playing guitar as a beginner and what he had to do to become good enough to play at a professional 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.

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

In my latest podcast episode, I give you 7 ways to improve your guitar playing for songwriting. It's difficult to write songs and perform when your guitar skills are weak or nonexistent. This is especially true for newcomers to the songwriting world who have little to no experience playing an instrument. By following my seven recommendations, you can get your guitar skills in order so that nothing holds you back from writing great-sounding, meaningful music.

? 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 SE P20 Parlor Guitar Antique White
Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp

In this free guitar lesson, I give you an overview of the song ?Thunderstruck? by AC/DC. You get to know the key and chords. You see the scales and modes used to play the main riff and lead guitar solo. You may be surprised to find out that Angus Young and his brother Malcolm managed to use a bit of harmonic minor and mixolydian mode, proving that AC/DC's music is more than just your typical three-chord rock. Most of the rhythm guitar parts played throughout ?Thunderstruck? are simple, but there's a lot to learn about tone, technique, and timing.

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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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Basketball History 101 Podcast

https://anchor.fm/rick-loayza

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GEAR

?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 music by explaining the basic chords, song structure, and music theory. I position the chords in my version a little differently from the recording in order to make it easier for you to see the musical movement on the guitar fretboard.

CHORDS AND TABLATURE
https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/please-come-home-for-christmas-how-does-this-song-work/

OFFICIAL SHEET MUSIC
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/409582/Product.aspx

FOX TRACKS MUSIC
Get a complimentary Direction + Sound call to talk through whatever might be keeping your music from hitting the world?s eardrums, along with a free, downloadable home recording guide so you can set up a pro studio at home.
foxtracksmusic.com/desi

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.

GEAR
Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster (hardware, pickups, and wiring upgrades by Bluesman Vintage Guitars)
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
Top Jimi '68 Sup Ld Profile Pack
Tone Junkie Tweed Deluxe Profile Pack

Let It Be is known as The Beatles? breakup record: the one where squabbles among John, Paul, George, and Ringo began to overtake the music, resulting in their darkest, most divisive set of songs. In our season 2 premiere, Paul and Ringo join best-selling author and Rolling Stone writer Rob Sheffield to take us step-by-step through the making of the album, from the failed back-to-basics concept to the famous 1969 rooftop gig to the bitter feud over producer Phil Spector?s involvement. Listen only on Amazon Music. Listen to Rolling Stone 500: http://wondery.fm/RS500_Music_Theory

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

In my latest podcast episode, I talk about the *2nd edition* release of my book, Guitar Theory For Dummies. This book covers scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more for guitar and has been a good-enough seller to warrant a second printing. Yay!

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.

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

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.

VIEW BEGINNER GUITAR PRIMER HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0941VSZYZ

Today, I want to talk about my latest book, Beginner Guitar Primer: Everything You Should Know BEFORE You Begin to Play Guitar.

There are a lot of guitar books available to teach you the basics of playing guitar, but there aren?t many to explain what the process is like and how you should get prepared to take your first steps.

This is where my book comes in. It?s not a beginner guitar method. Instead, I talk about what you can expect during the learning process, how to get in the right state of mind, and what you need to know about the guitar?s role in music. I also explain how to select the best gear to start with, whether or not you should begin on an acoustic or electric guitar, and whether or not you should read music.

People often dive straight into playing guitar without knowing enough about what they?re getting into. As a result, they make mistakes, get confused and frustrated. This hurts their progress and can even cause them to quit. I wrote Beginner Guitar Primer so that newcomers can avoid these mistakes and get on the right track right out of the gate.

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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.

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TODAY'S GUITAR

PRS P20 Parlor Acoustic Guitar https://prsguitars.com/acoustics/se_p20_2021

In episode 106 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, Fretboard Theory student, Stephen Brutscher, talks about how he used what he learned about music composition to record his own instrumental guitar tracks using GarageBand for Mac. Check out his album, Doomed Paradise by Ghost Knives, here: https://ghostknives.hearnow.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.

? 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

? 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

Can you hear the difference between a single-coil guitar pickup and a humbucker? Test your ear by listening to my blind samples played in the style of familiar songs. You should notice that the lower output single-coil pickups sound thinner, brighter, and with less depth but more clarity. The higher output humbuckers sound thicker with more midrange, depth, and sustain. The twangy, snappy sound of single-coil pickups typically work better for clean tones and when light to moderate overdrive is in use. Humbucking pickups typically work better for higher gain tones. Humbuckers are actually two single-coils wired together. Humbuckers get their name because they cancel the 60-cycle hum that can be an issue with single-coil pickups in some settings where electronic interference is present. All these sound samples are played through a Kemper Profiling Amplifier using profiles from Tone Junkie and Top Jimi. I used the same settings for both guitars in each example. What are your favorite tones? Let me know in the comments!

? 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
Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster (hardware, pickups, and wiring upgrades by Bluesman Vintage Guitars)
PRS McCarty 594 (Seymour Duncan SH-1 59 pickups)
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
Top Jimi '68 Sup Ld Profile Pack (1968 Super Lead)
Tone Junkie PLEXI SL KEMPER PROFILE PACK (1971 Marshall Super Lead 1959SL)
Tone Junkie TWEED DELUXE KEMPER PROFILE PACK (Fender Tweed Deluxe)
Tone Junkie 67 PRO VERB KEMPER PROFILE PACK (Fender Pro Reverb)

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

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.

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 this episode, I answer email questions about half-step movement, 251 chord progressions, sharps and flats, recording basics, playing bass with a pick, dominant 5 chords, altered harmony, 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.

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, 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.

GEAR
PRS SE Angelus acoustic/electric
Fishman Aura Spectrum DI box
Epiphone Dot with PRS 57/08
Kemper Profiling Amplifier
Empire Profile Pack from Tone Junkie

? 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, Lead Guitar Player's Toolkit from Ninebuzz. http://www.leadguitartoolkit.com/desi

In 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 GT, and Roland Cube.

? 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, Lead Guitar Player's Toolkit from Ninebuzz. http://www.leadguitartoolkit.com/desi

In 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://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

Visit today?s sponsor, Lead Guitar Player's Toolkit from Ninebuzz. http://www.leadguitartoolkit.com/desi

Answers 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, Lead Guitar Player's Toolkit from Ninebuzz. http://www.leadguitartoolkit.com/desi

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.