Guitar Music Theory

Ep190 Q&A New Fretboard Theory Covers Pentatonic Scales Calluses & Picking

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 al

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 b

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 K

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 Episod

Ep186 Lessons from the Studio with Ryan Jones

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, conn

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 exa

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

Ep183 What Is the Pentatonic Scale and Why Every Guitarist Should Master It

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

Ep182 From Boston to Belmont – Mike Valeras on Guitar Education and Finding Your Lane

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 co

Ep181 Top Hits of 2025 with Lila

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

Ep180 Q&A Song Tempos - Warm-Ups - Ear Training - Modes - Chord Extensions & More

In this Q&A episode, Desi answers listener questions on a wide range of guitar topics—including how to choose the right song tempo, whether you need warm-ups, practical e

Ep179 Fixing the Worst Guitar Solo – Heat of the Moment by Asia (feat. Matt Reviere & Jon "HW" Sullivan)

In this episode, Desi Serna is joined by friends and fellow guitarists Matt Reviere and Jon "HW" Sullivan for a lively discussion about one of the most debated solos of t

Ep178 Tribute to Ace Frehley – Favorite Guitar Solos

In episode 178 of the Guitar Music Theory Podcast, I pay tribute to Kiss lead guitarist Ace Frehley with some of my favorite guitar solos he recorded. Free Video Course

Ep177 Man on the Silver Mountain – How Does This Song Work?

In this episode, I break down the 1975 Rainbow classic featuring Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. I take you through the signature opening riff, the shifting minor

Ep176 How to Build a Pro Tribute Band- Inside The Heart of Rock and Roll with Roger and Tony Langdon

In episode 176 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk with Roger and Tony Langdon, founders of The Heart of Rock and Roll—America's #1 Huey Lewis tribute band. We div

Ep175 Q&A Thumb Chords - Song Memory - Rhythm Tips - and Foo Fighters Fretboard Tricks

In episode 175 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener emails about: Using your thumb to fret the 6th string in barre chords and possible workarounds How

Ep174 Recreating Iconic 80s Tones For Kemper and Helix with Matt Reviere

In episode 174 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I chat with Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere about recreating classic 80s guitar tones for the Kemper Profiling

Ep173 From Demo to Radio - Inside Music Production with Jason Wyatt Kuhn

In episode 173 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I sit down with Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn to talk about the art of recording and producing music. Jason

Ep172 Q&A playing style - physical limitations - key changes - bar chord techniques - music theory exercises - slowing down music

In episode 172 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about playing styles, overcoming physical limitations, key changes in songs, barre chord te

Ep171 Q&A Practice Plan-Joe-Bonamassa Rhythm-Take On Me Chords-Numbering Modes-G Chord Fingerings-Best Practice Amp

In episode 171 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions on a variety of guitar topics, including: 🎸 Assessing your guitar practice plan 🎸 Joe Bon