In episode 190 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I share an update on my Fretboard Theory books, including the newly redesigned covers and updated Amazon listings. I also look back at how the books got started, how they developed over the years, and the role they played in the growth of Guitar Music Theory.

Then I answer listener questions about pentatonic scales, scale fingerings, building calluses, and picking technique.

Topics include:

• What scales can you play over a 1-6-5-4 chord progression in E major?

• What's the relationship between E major pentatonic and C# minor pentatonic?

• How often should you practice to build and maintain calluses without tearing up your fingertips?

• Do pentatonic scale fingerings really matter?

• Why your fingerings change when you start playing actual riffs and solos.

• Should an experienced fingerstyle guitarist learn to use a flatpick for lead guitar?

• When does it make sense to work specifically on picking mechanics?

• How can you adapt your guitar playing when dealing with de Quervain's tenosynovitis or other hand and wrist limitations?

FREE CUSTOM VIDEO COURSE 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Visit the website, answer the question about your playing, and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

NEW FRETBOARD THEORY BOOK COVERS Check out the newly redesigned Fretboard Theory books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fretboard-Theory-Volumes-Combined-progressions/dp/1542403227/

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a recent performance with Nashville-based cover band Party of 5. I share how I prepared for a 40-song setlist, what the band expected from me, how I organized and learned the music, the guitar gear and live rig I used, and what it was like performing the show.

Along the way, I discuss some of the songs and guitar parts I found especially fun or challenging, a few surprises from the gig, and lessons that can help any guitarist become a more prepared, versatile musician.

Whether you're interested in playing live, joining a cover band, or simply learning songs more efficiently, you'll pick up practical tips you can apply to your own guitar playing.

In this episode:

• How I prepared for a 40-song cover band gig

• Learning a large setlist efficiently

• Organizing charts and setlists for live performance

• My guitar, Kemper, and live rig

• Songs that were especially fun or challenging to learn

• What surprised me about the performance

• Lessons every guitarist can take away from the experience

🎸 Ready to make serious progress on guitar?

My annual Fall Guitar Intensive is opening soon. It's a 12-week coaching program designed for hobby guitarists who love classic rock, blues, country, and related styles and are ready to stop spinning their wheels. If you're looking for structure, accountability, expert guidance, and a supportive community, be sure to sign up for my email list so you don't miss the announcement.

Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com and click Subscribe at the top of the page, or enroll in one of the free video courses featured on the home page.

In this episode of the Guitar Music Theory Podcast, Carrie Underwood keyboardist Scott Sheriff returns to help me break down one of the Eagles' most beloved songs, "New Kid in Town."

Together, we explore the key, chord changes, harmony, tones, and techniques that make this classic recording so memorable. From sophisticated chord changes and beautiful voice leading to tasteful guitar fills and layered vocal harmonies, this song is a masterclass in musical craftsmanship.

Scott previously joined me on: • Ep147 Scott Sheriff - Keyboardist For Carrie Underwood and Huey Lewis Tribute • Ep156 Biggest Part of Me - How Does This Song Work? - Scott Sheriff

FREE GUITAR TRAINING Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com to enroll in a free video course calibratd to your current level.

Episode 187 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast features the return of Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn from We The People Music.

Jason first appeared on Episode 173, "From Demo to Radio – Inside Music Production," where we discussed songwriting, studio production, and the process of turning musical ideas into professional recordings. Since then, one of my students, Charles Vincent, has worked with Jason and his team to record several original songs, and I was invited to contribute lead guitar solos to two tracks: "Pretty Little Thing" and "The Way She Moves."

In this episode, Jason and I discuss the recording and production process behind these songs, from rough demos and arrangement ideas to polished final mixes. We also listen to sections of the tracks and break down my guitar solo approach from both a theoretical and artistic perspective, including melodic phrasing, chord tone targeting, emotional pacing, and building solos that support the overall song.

If you've ever wondered how original songs come together in the studio, how professional music production works, or how to craft memorable guitar solos that truly serve the music, this episode gives you an inside look at the creative process.

Jason Wyatt Kuhn and his team are also available for hire, whether you're a hobbyist looking to professionally record your music or an artist pursuing a serious music career. If you have song ideas, demos, riffs, or unfinished material you'd like developed into polished recordings, visit: https://www.wethepeople.music/

Get free guitar training customized to your skill level and musical interests at: https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and professional guitarist Ryan Jones.

Ryan shares his journey from Fort Wayne, Indiana to studying music in California, connecting with Christian artist Tommy Walker, and eventually touring and recording at a professional level.

We talk about what it's really like to work as a guitarist on the road and in the studio, including Ryan's move to Nashville in 2014, where he built a career doing session work and collaborating with producer and drummer Scott Williamson.

Then everything changed.

When COVID hit, the music industry ground to a halt overnight. Ryan shares how that disruption forced him to rethink his path, leading him to develop new skills as a software developer and eventually land a role at Sweetwater—bringing him full circle back to his hometown.

Along the way, we also dig into:

• What the recording process is really like for working guitarists • Amp tones and how pros think about sound • Real amps vs. modelers—what actually matters • How to adapt when your music career takes an unexpected turn

This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a working guitarist—and what it takes to keep moving forward when things don't go as planned.

Summer Jams Zoom Class (2026)https://desiserna.as.me/schedule.php

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

In episode 185 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, Desi Serna answers listener questions and breaks down how 6 chords are built, why the 5th is sometimes omitted, and examples of their use in familiar songs.

Desi also plays and discusses the PRS Myles Kennedy Signature model guitar, highlighting its features and tonal range.

If you want to expand your chord vocabulary and better understand how chords function in real songs, this episode will help you connect the dots.

🎸 Get your FREE guitar video course https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

📕 Get your copy of Lead Guitar Unlocked: Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP

In episode 184 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, Desi Serna breaks down the most important scale shape on the guitar: Pentatonic Pattern 1. This versatile pattern forms the foundation of countless riffs, licks, and solos across blues, rock, and country.

Desi explains how the pattern is constructed, why it's commonly labeled "Pattern 1," how it connects to the CAGED system, and how guitarists actually use it in real music. Along the way, you'll hear familiar song examples that demonstrate how this simple shape becomes the backbone of expressive lead guitar playing.

LEAD GUITAR UNLOCKED This lesson is based on Chapter 2 of Desi's book Lead Guitar Unlocked: Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP

FREE VIDEO COURSE If you're not sure what you should practice next, visit Desi's website and receive free custom video instruction tailored to your current skill level: https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

BEST GUITAR TAB WEBSITE https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/

The pentatonic scale is one of the most essential tools in a guitarist's toolkit. In this episode, we break down what the pentatonic scale is, why it shows up in so many styles of music, and why it sounds so natural on the guitar. From Asian music to African drumming and Native American flute traditions, and then from blues and rock to country, pop, funk, and even metal, this simple five-note scale forms the foundation of countless riffs, solos, melodies, and hooks. If you want to improvise with confidence and move freely across the fretboard, mastering the pentatonic scale is a must.

Lead Guitar Unlocked Book https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP

Free Video Course https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

In episode 182 of the Guitar Music Theory Podcast, I sit down with Mike Valeras, an adjunct guitar instructor at Belmont University here in Nashville, where he teaches commercial music and improvisation. Mike shares his guitar learning journey, early band experiences, and his formal music education, including earning both a music education degree and a master's degree. We talk about how he made the move from Boston to Nashville and ultimately landed his teaching position at Belmont. Growing up, Huey Lewis and the News was his favorite band, and today Mike is one of the guitarists in The Heart of Rock and Roll, the Huey Lewis and the News tribute band that I occasionally play with as well. It's a great conversation about musicianship, education, and carving out a career in music.

Free Video CourseAnswer the question on my website to get a free video course calibrated to your current level. https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

New Book: Lead Guitar Unlocked Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale. From basic patterns to pro-level phrasing—learn to play licks that speak and solos that sing. https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP

"Migus fa Dingus" by Mike Valeras Listen to Mike's music on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/track/0EPzrL1s8Fc1V3OFr6nqYn?si=e1598c276fe54b38

In this episode of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, Desi is joined by his daughter Lila to look back at some of the biggest pop hits of 2025.

Together, they explore why these songs connect so strongly with listeners and what guitarists can learn from them. From chord progressions and melodies to groove, phrasing, and feel, this conversation pulls musical ideas out of modern pop songs and translates them into concepts you can apply to guitar.

Even if pop is not your main genre, these songs offer valuable lessons in simplicity, songwriting, and musical impact. Plus, this episode features a fun and honest father-daughter discussion that gives a fresh perspective on today's music.

Whether you are curious about current pop trends or looking for new inspiration for your guitar playing, this episode offers insight, analysis, and plenty of takeaways.

Email Desi https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/contact/

Free Video Course https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

New Book: Lead Guitar Unlocked: Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP

Backing Tracks https://www.karaoke-version.com/