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Guitar Music Theory

Guitar Music Theory

By: Desi Serna
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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!© 2025 Desi Serna Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Music
Episodes
  • Ep181 Top Hits of 2025 with Lila

    Ep181 Top Hits of 2025 with Lila
    Jan 3 2026

    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/
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Ep180 Q&A Song Tempos - Warm-Ups - Ear Training - Modes - Chord Extensions & More

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

    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

    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • Ep179 Fixing the Worst Guitar Solo – Heat of the Moment by Asia (feat. Matt Reviere & Jon "HW" Sullivan)

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

    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

    • Desi: Heat of the Moment Solo – Desi

    • Jon "HW": Heat of the Moment Solo – HW

    • Matt: Heat of the Moment Solo – Matt

    🎵 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
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 25 mins
All stars
Most relevant
years of experience are showing. this is a podcast for chilling out while doing chores etc. awesome insights and easy to follow instructions wit a lot of examples.

great podcast!

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The material in these podcasts is relevant to guitar players of all levels. Theory combined with songs is the best way to learn music and Desi does that with great clarity.

Best Guitar Theory podcast

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I always read the titles to these things and think, do I really care about that? The answer is YES! With Desi it's not just the main subject but all the ancillary info that I find so useful...every time! great job Desi, I really appreciate your work! keep it up, PLEASE KEEP IT UP!

As usual, Excellent Podcast

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Like the narrator comment you can take a two hundred and when you get the money replace the stock tunners with locking ones, and replace the bridge pickup. I also sent two days setting it pickup a set of diamond covered files and really spent time beveling, triming, and taking the edges off the frets to make it like an instrument which had money spent on it.

Cheap Ibenze Too upgraded main guitar.

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