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Guitar Music Theory

Music Talk

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 the fretboard and familiar songs. Hear how to best get your playing skills in order. Begin to improvise and compose. Understand why your favorite songs sound so good. ➝ What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website to get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. Discover how to progressively play and sound better—today, in as little as 33 minutes!

Location:

United States

Description:

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 the fretboard and familiar songs. Hear how to best get your playing skills in order. Begin to improvise and compose. Understand why your favorite songs sound so good. ➝ What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website to get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. Discover how to progressively play and sound better—today, in as little as 33 minutes!

Language:

English


Episodes

Ep149 Guitar Octaves and Songs That Use Them

11/30/2023
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.

Duration:00:48:55

Ep148 What Is Syncopation?

11/15/2023
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.

Duration:00:29:11

Ep147 Scott Sheriff - Keyboardist For Carrie Underwood and Huey Lewis Tribute

11/10/2023
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.

Duration:01:28:51

Ep146 Q&A Chord tones and extensions - white rabbit - playing with injuries and hand limitations - keeping track of measures while soloing - applying pentatonic scale patterns - requiring your chops after time off

10/12/2023
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.

Duration:00:55:04

Ep145 "Satellite" Dave Matthews Band - How Does This Song Work?

10/5/2023
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.

Duration:00:39:20

Ep144 What Guitar Scales Should I Learn?

9/13/2023
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.

Duration:00:46:42

Ep143 Using the Major 2 Chord in Music

8/15/2023
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.

Duration:00:36:57

Ep142 Mixolydian Mode in Huey Lewis and the News

6/27/2023
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.

Duration:00:36:21

Ep141 Q&A 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

5/24/2023
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.

Duration:00:50:30

Ep140 The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - How Does This Song Work?

5/15/2023
"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.

Duration:00:39:38

Ep139 No More Mr. Nice Guy - How Does This Song Work?

4/15/2023
"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.

Duration:00:42:17

Ep138 Q&A arpeggios from hell - practice structure - strumming and singing - 5/4 time signature - parallel modes - King of Birds

3/10/2023
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.

Duration:00:52:21

Ep137 Minor Seven Chord Hack and Q&A looper pedals - exercises - stage fright - ADHD - and more

2/3/2023
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. Dare to Be Seen : From Stage Fright to Stage Presence: Command the Stage and Magnify Your Presence in Ten Easy Steps. https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Seen-Performance-Transformational-Hypnotherapy-ebook/dp/B07Z452PZ5

Duration:00:44:03

Ep136 Adding Effects to Acoustic Guitar

1/19/2023
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.

Duration:00:51:29

Ep135 Matt Reviere Christmas Music

12/9/2022
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. Instagram Facebook

Duration:01:17:03

Ep134 Q&A Chord Progressions - Modes - Chromatic Voice Leading - Bass Playing

11/15/2022
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 Supply Go to AmericanMusical.com and use the promo code DESI to receive $20 off your next purchase over $100. FREE Video Course What 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.

Duration:01:13:48

Ep133 Q&A Using a Pick - Modal Mixture - Chord Tone Soloing - Bass Arpeggios - Harmonic Minor - Guitar Overdrive

10/24/2022
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. $20 Off at American Musical Supply Go to American Musical Supply and use promo code DESI to receive $20 off your next purchase over $100. https://ter.li/AmericanMusicalSupply-DESI 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.

Duration:00:53:50

Ep132 Q&A Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes - Running Down a Dream - Modes - Worship Guitar

10/14/2022
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.

Duration:00:51:40

Ep131 "Stay" Lisa Loeb - How Does This Song Work?

9/30/2022
"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.

Duration:00:32:42

Ep130 Chord Tones and Extensions with Sandy Williams

9/23/2022
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.

Duration:01:07:03