Guitar Music Theory

By Desi Serna

This podcast features free audio guitar lessons taught by Desi Serna, author of Fretboard Theory and Guitar Theory For Dummies. Learn how scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more get applied to t... more

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How many episodes does Guitar Music Theory have?

The podcast currently has 204 episodes available.

Best of Guitar Music Theory

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Ep184 Pentatonic Pattern 1 – The Foundation of All Great Guitar Solos
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/
March 05, 202655min
Number 2: Ep185 Q&A 6 Chords – PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Model Guitar
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
April 03, 20261h 3min
Number 3: Ep189 How I Prepared for a 40-Song Cover Band Gig
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.
August 06, 20261h 16min
Number 4: Ep188 The Genius Behind New Kid in Town with Scott Sheriff
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.
June 06, 20261h 31min
Number 5: Ep187 The Art of Recording Guitar Solos with Jason Wyatt Kuhn
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
May 24, 20261h 46min