Guitar Music Theory

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.

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.

🎸 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 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. 

🎸 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 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/

🎸 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.

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.

🎸 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 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.

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 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.

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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 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.

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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

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

“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.

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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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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.

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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.

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.

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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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.

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 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.

🎸 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 today’s podcast episode, super-skilled guitarist and singer/songwriter Joe Robinson discusses his diligent practice routine that begins at four o’clock in the morning. Joe is an Australian native but has been a resident of Nashville, Tennessee since 2010. Joe is well-known for both his electric guitar playing and his chord-melody fingerstyle acoustic skills. Visit Joe’s website: https://www.joerobinson.com/

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.

In this free guitar lesson, I answer the question, What Does Playing Over Chords Mean? If you’re interested in soloing over chord changes, outlining chord progressions, or using chord tone soloing, I’ll explain what you need to do.

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

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 “Jungle Boogie” by Kool and The Gang. This song features a scratchy funk guitar, chords from Dorian mode, and a bass riff that makes use of chromatic passing tones and 3 over 2 polyrhythms.

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

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.

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work? featuring “Down Under” by Men at Work. This reggae-inspired song features great rhythm guitar tracks that make use of CAGED system chord shapes, sixteenth note strumming, and hybrid picking technique. Instead of using guitar tablature, I just show you the main chords and parts of the song and explain the music theory.

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

#menatwork #downunder #downunderchords

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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 

In this free guitar lesson, I teach you how to play the opening riff heard in Stevie Ray Vaughan’s song, “Cold Shot.” I explain what you need to do to play it using the right tone, timing, and technique. I also answer some email questions.

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

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#srv #stevierayvaughan #coldshot

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 talk about the rockabilly lead guitar fills heard in the song “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms.

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

In this free guitar lesson, I explain and demonstrate what it means to play legato on guitar. Legato refers to the smooth transition between notes using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

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

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 this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring “Gravity” by John Mayer. I give you an overview of the song including the chords, progression, composition techniques, and the scales used for the solos. I also demonstrate a part from the live version of the song.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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 this free guitar lesson, I demonstrate part of the instrumental track, “Eruption,” that is featured on the very first Van Halen record and performed by Eddie Van Halen. I explain how the finger tapping technique works, how the tapping uses arpeggios, and how those arpeggios create a chord progression that features modal interchange and harmonic minor. I also discuss how I dial in an Eruption tone and my reverb, delay, and phaser settings.

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

#eruption #vanhalen #eddievanhalen

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Interview with Fretboard Theory student Fabio Marraccini from the Where Music Meets Technology podcast. We talk music theory, modes, rock music, and more.

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

In this free guitar lesson, I have tips for small-handed and short-fingered guitars. If you struggle to play guitar because you have little hands or stubby fingers, these tips will help you eliminate most of your problems. The four things I’m going to talk about include:

What is the ideal hand size to play guitar?

Which guitars are best for small-handed players?

How should small-handed players hold their guitar?

What can small-handed players do differently on the fretboard?

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need 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.

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 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 episode 64 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk with Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere. I ask him what it’s like being part of such a big live show, which pieces of gear he uses, and how he prepares for his performances.

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

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King. You get to know this song’s key, chords, and chord progression, as well as the different ways you can approach the solo.

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

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.

In my latest podcast episode, I explain the difference between the major and minor pentatonic scales. You get to know how the two different tonalities are applied to music by listening to examples from Tom Petty and The Beatles.

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

Struggling to play guitar solos? Do your lead lines sound like you’re just playing up and down scales? Improve your soloing skills by learning my Top 10 Guitar Solos You Should Learn.

Need help getting your playing skills in order? Visit my website to get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. I’ll get you on the right track so you can fill gaps in your playing and reach your guitar soloing goals. https://GuitarMusicTheory.com

#guitarsolo #howtoguitarsolo #top10guitarsolos

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry. Get to know the key, chords, and scales used in this song. 

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

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

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 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

In this free guitar lesson I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty. You get to know how this song makes use of the blues scale, added chord tones, and modal interchange. I also answer a few email questions.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. 👉 https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes. You get to know how this song uses a blues-influenced composition technique that involves mixing major and minor tonalities. 

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

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 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

In this free guitar lesson, I explain what a "1 4 5" chord progression is and play some examples to help you train your ear. I also answer email questions. 

🎸 Would you like to learn more about music theory for guitar and how it relates to popular songs? Visit my website, answer the questions I ask you about your playing and I’ll send you FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. Go to: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

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 this free guitar lesson, I show you how to play the chords to “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. I focus on the song’s introduction. You play the same chord voicings played by the pianos on the recording. This requires a bit of fancy finger work that is best suited for guitar players who are beyond the beginning stage.

🎸 Get FREE guitar instruction to help you move beyond the basics and understand music theory. Go to: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring “Twilight Zone” by Golden Earring. I will go over the main sections of the song, and you will get to know the key, chords, progressions, scales, and modes used in the music. If you want to learn how to actually play this song, you can use the information I provide here along with the tablature which can be found online.

If you’d like to learn more about music theory for guitar, or maybe back up and fill in gaps in your playing so you can play better at this level, visit my website, answer the questions I ask you about your playing, and I’ll send you FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. Go to: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode&utm_campaign=upload

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work? featuring "Still Got the Blues (For You)" by Gary Moore.

I’m going to take a look at the general chord progressions and key as well as the scales used for the solos and how the main lead line connects to the chords.

If you’re a student of my Fretboard Theory program and you’ve advanced to Volume II, you’re going to see many of the concepts I teach in the course at play in this song. 

If all this music theory talk goes over your head, visit my GuitarMusicTheory.com website, answer the questions I ask you about your playing, and I'll recommend a FREE course 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 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 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. 

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. 

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 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. 

🎸 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.

🎸 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.

🎸 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 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

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In this free guitar lesson, you are taught music intervals and why it’s so important for guitarists to learn them.

Get to know interval shapes and interval names such as 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, and 7ths.

Follow the exercises to become more familiar with identifying intervals on the guitar fretboard and recognizing their sound by ear.

This lesson is suitable for guitarists from beginners to intermediate to advanced.

Enroll in my FREE Music Theory course

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 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 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

In this free guitar lesson, you learn why playing songs and studying music theory is the best ear training you can do.

Regularly playing music will benefit how you hear music far more than ear training exercises.

Get help with MUSIC THEORY and PLAYING SONGS. Enroll in a FREE course at: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/play-better-guitar/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upload 

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.

If you want to get good at playing the guitar, you need to develop the right skills.

Developing the right skills involves increasing your hand strength and finger dexterity.

You also need to improve the coordination between your hands.

Many guitarists look to guitar exercises to develop these skills.

In this free guitar lesson, I explain the best exercise you can do. 

Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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.

How to choose the best electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and guitar practice amp so you sound great and make your practice time as effective as possible. 

Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.

Are you feeling dissatisfied with your guitar playing?

Do you wish you could get better, but you're unsure what to do?

If you'd like to make more progress with your guitar playing plus get more enjoyment out of the experience, here are nine ways to do it.

Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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.

In this podcast episode, you hear about the benefits of learning songs and how playing songs is the only way to get all aspects of your guitar playing in order so you sound like a real player. 

Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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.

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 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 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 this free guitar lesson you learn how harmonic minor scale patterns are used in improvisation. This includes a review of building the harmonic minor scale, using pentatonic lead patterns in harmonic minor, and outlining V7 chords with arpeggios. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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 use pentatonic lead patterns for playing major scales and modes. You learn how the pentatonic scale relates to the major scale. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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.

In this free guitar lesson you learn how the spaces between chords are filled with passing chords. This includes a discussion on chromatic passing chords, diminished chords and augmented chords. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 this free guitar lesson you learn how to add chord tones and extensions to chords including major and minor seventh chords. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

In this free guitar lesson you learn how to play intervals such as thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, and sevenths. You get to hear what it sounds like to play harmonized guitar parts based on these intervals. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

Learn the music theory behind guitar modes and hear how they're used in popular music. Play modal scales including Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

In this free guitar lesson you learn how to build triads and chords with the major scale, and how these chords are used to play chord progressions and play by numbers. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

This lesson teaches how guitar players learn major scale patterns on the fretboard and how these patterns are used to play melodies, riffs, lead guitar solos, and bass lines. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

This free lesson focuses on how guitar players use the CAGED system to play various chord shapes, chord voicings, chord inversions, and arpeggio patterns. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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.

Guitar players typically use the sixth and fifth strings to keep track of notes and keys while playing chords, scales, and progressions on the fretboard. For this reason, it’s important to memorize the notes along these strings, which is the focus of this podcast episode. Taught by Desi Serna of http://GuitarMusicTheory.com.

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.