Guitar Music Theory

Latest Episodes:

Ep180 Q&A Song Tempos - Warm-Ups - Ear Training - Modes - Chord Extensions & More Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

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 ear-training methods, when to use modes, and how chord extensions actually work. You'll also hear tips on improvisation, fretboard navigation, and developing better musical instincts.

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of both the technical and musical sides of guitar, this episode is packed with clear explanations and real-world examples to help you grow as a player.

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

Ep179 Fixing the Worst Guitar Solo – Heat of the Moment by Asia (feat. Matt Reviere & Jon "HW" Sullivan) Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

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 the 1980s — Steve Howe's guitar solo in "Heat of the Moment" by Asia.

The trio breaks down why the solo doesn't quite hit the mark, exploring its phrasing, tone, and fit within the song. Along the way, they take a deep dive into Steve Howe's legendary work with Yes, examining how such a brilliant player could deliver something that feels so out of place.

Then things get creative — each guitarist reveals and plays a replacement solo they composed themselves, reimagining what the song could sound like with a stronger melodic statement.

It's equal parts music theory, guitar nerdery, and good humor between three friends who love to analyze and play great guitar music.

🎧 Listen to Our Solos

🎵 Get the Backing Track: Asia – "Heat of the Moment" Guitar Backing Track (Karaoke-Version.com)

🎚️ Tone Used: Inspired by the 80s – Kemper Pack by Tone Junkie

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

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

Ep178 Tribute to Ace Frehley – Favorite Guitar Solos Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

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 https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

Huey Tribute Come see me play live on 11/21/2025 https://cainarts.org/event/heart-of-rock-roll-the-authentic-tribute-to-huey-lewis-the-news/cain-center-for-the-arts/north-carolina/

Ace Frehley Guitar Solos ⚡️ Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ZfV8unmk7W4Y5F4mKbw78?si=48235bd7b3244c51

Backing track courtesy of Karaoke Version https://www.karaoke-version.com/

Ep177 Man on the Silver Mountain – How Does This Song Work? Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

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 key changes, the alternate-picked arpeggios, and the fiery solo that defines the track. I also talk about Blackmore's Strat/Marshall setup and show you how studying this song can improve your technique, deepen your understanding of music theory, and boost your confidence as a guitarist.

Free Custom Video Course

Be sure to visit https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and answer the question about your playing. I'll send you a free custom video course with a clear, step-by-step plan to help you reach your guitar goals and start sounding like the player you've always wanted to be.

Ep176 How to Build a Pro Tribute Band- Inside The Heart of Rock and Roll with Roger and Tony Langdon Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

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 dive into what it takes to run a high-level tribute act, including building a band, nailing the sound, preparing for gigs, and delivering a polished live show.

The Heart of Rock and Roll Learn more about the band at https://hueytribute.com/

Free Guitar Video Course Enroll in a free video course at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get custom instruction based on your current playing level.

Ep175 Q&A Thumb Chords - Song Memory - Rhythm Tips - and Foo Fighters Fretboard Tricks Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

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 to improve your rhythm and memorize songs more effectively
The G form barre chord and how it's used in modern playing
A theory-based analysis of Foo Fighters' use of pedal tones in chord progressions
Why sus4 and minor 6 chords don't naturally occur in certain scale degrees
Why guitarists sometimes play notes like F# over A minor—mixing scales in blues-based rock

Plus, I mention the JamZone app and how it can help you practice and play along with real songs.

Zoom Classes https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/zoom/

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

Ep174 Recreating Iconic 80s Tones For Kemper and Helix with Matt Reviere May 15, 2025

Show notes

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 Amplifier and Line 6 Helix using the new Inspired by the 80s pack from Tone Junkie. We discuss his workflow for analyzing songs, dialing in tones, and jamming on iconic riffs from artists like Dire Straits, The Police, Bon Jovi, and more.

🎛️ Check out the Tone Junkie pack here: tonejunkiestore.com/inspiredby/p/inspired-by-the-80s-kemper

🎸 Get started with a free video course tailored to your current level at GuitarMusicTheory.com

Ep173 From Demo to Radio - Inside Music Production with Jason Wyatt Kuhn May 02, 2025

Show notes

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 shares his journey from singer and songwriter to becoming a sought-after producer helping both aspiring artists and hobbyist songwriters bring their music to life. We discuss what it's like working in the studio, how the production process unfolds, and the critical role a producer plays in shaping a song's final sound. You'll even hear before-and-after audio examples that reveal the dramatic transformation from raw work tape to polished master.

Jason Wyatt Kuhn - We the People Music https://wethepeople.music/

Lexi Lew https://linktr.ee/lexilewmusic

Brooks Herring https://brooksherringmusic.com/

FREE GUITAR VIDEO COURSE 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

00:00 "Recording Insights with Jason Kuhn"

05:30 "Jason Wyatt's Musical Journey"

12:51 "We the People" Music Company

16:49 Finding Success in Music Industry

22:28 Musician's Dilemma: Confidence and Choices

28:35 From Rough Tapes to Studio Pros

35:37 80s Fan Reflects on Nirvana Shift

39:12 "Creating Musical Hooks"

43:51 Creative Process in Songmaking

54:34 Pre-Production Essentials Explained

58:54 Musical Collaboration Process

01:04:15 First Nashville Recording Session Experience

01:05:49 Impressive On-the-Spot Musicianship

01:16:13 Post-Production Sound Editing

01:19:32 Episode 173 Wrap-Up

Ep172 Q&A playing style - physical limitations - key changes - bar chord techniques - music theory exercises - slowing down music Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

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 techniques, music theory exercises, slowing down music, and more.

Riff Rockers Zoom class details: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/riff-rockers-zoom-class/

Enroll in a free video course and join the email list: https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

Ep171 Q&A Practice Plan-Joe-Bonamassa Rhythm-Take On Me Chords-Numbering Modes-G Chord Fingerings-Best Practice Amp Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

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 Bonamassa's rhythm guitar playing 🎸 Breaking down the key to "Take on Me" by A-ha 🎸 Understanding mode numbering 🎸 Different ways to finger a G chord and which one is best for you 🎸 Choosing the best guitar practice amp for your needs

Tune in to get practical guitar advice, improve your playing, and gain new insights into music theory and technique!

🔗 Enroll in a FREE video course at GuitarMusicTheory.com 🎧 Listen now and don't forget to subscribe!

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