Episodes
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...
Published 02/03/23
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.
Published 01/19/23
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...
Published 12/09/22
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...
Published 11/15/22
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...
Published 10/25/22
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.
Published 10/14/22
"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.
Published 09/30/22
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 -...
Published 09/23/22
In my latest installment of How Does This Song Work, Matt Reviere (Carrie Underwood guitarist) and I give you a music theory breakdown of "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News. We take a look at some of the key parts played by guitarist Chris Hayes and explain the key, chords, progressions, and scales used for the guitar solo. This song uses a mixture of major and minor, a bit of the Dorian and Mixolydian modes, and the minor pentatonic blues scale. The bridge features some beautiful...
Published 08/26/22
In episode 128 of my Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk about "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World, playing guitar technique exercises, creating cover band tracks, picking with your fingers, using modes, tenor guitars, 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.
Published 08/16/22
In my latest podcast episode, I talk about my recent cover band gigs. I used tracks and performed a variety of popular 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.
Published 08/05/22
In episode 126 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I’m joined by my friend Adam Hatfield to talk about the Line 6 Helix Stomp plus answer listener questions. We answer questions about applying pentatonic scale patterns, using dominant function, playing fingerstyle chord melody guitar, using 4th and 5th harmony, and more plus we talk about gear and amps. This is an audio-only podcast episode. You won't find videos online but I have been posting lots of new videos to my social media profiles....
Published 07/22/22
In episode 125 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome back Physiotherapist Mark Tsai to discuss some recent problems I've had with my hands. We talk about how the way you hold your guitar determines the amount of flexion in your wrists which could cause issues that lead to cramping. I play a little bit of the bass line from Journey's "Don't Stop believing" and explain how my hand locked up halfway through the song at a recent gig. We even get off into the weeds a bit and talk about...
Published 07/15/22
Music artist Agent Envy posted a video about my book Fretboard Theory to her TikTok profile that went viral and got a TON of views. She's a guest on this podcast episode and we discuss her music, how learning music theory helps her write songs, and how she built an influential presence on social media. Podcast Video Link https://youtu.be/wo-2lI4O0m0 *** 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about...
Published 06/30/22
What’s a circle chord progression? I discuss this composition technique in my latest podcast episode and explain how it relates to the Circle of Fifths used in music. I give you a few examples based on familiar songs and demonstrate how playing the 5th cycle backward creates the circle of 4ths.  🎸 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...
Published 05/19/22
In episode 122 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome my friend David Lund to talk about the Line 6 Helix plus answer questions about shopping for a guitar, learning songs, playing modes, 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.
Published 05/12/22
In my latest podcast episode, I discuss the Dadd4add9 chord. This is a complex-sounding chord that is actually very easy to play. Use it to spruce up your playing and make things sound more interesting. It also goes by the name Dadd2add4 and even D11. I explain where its names come from and give you examples of how it's used in familiar songs. The following songs are good examples that use the shape in its entirety as Dadd4add9. "Man on the Moon" REM "Closer to Fine" Indigo Girls "Jumper"...
Published 04/29/22
In my latest podcast episode, I discuss the top 10 fingerpicking songs you should learn. If you want to develop the fingerpicking techniques commonly used in popular styles of music, these songs are some of the best to learn. 🎸 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.
Published 04/04/22
In my latest podcast episode, Matt Reviere and I answer questions about pinch harmonics, thumb placement, hearing protection, pentatonic scales, E flat tuning, and more. Additionally, we get a voicemail message from Dan Daniels who informs me about a problem with the shipping rates on my website. 🎸 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...
Published 03/20/22
In my latest podcast episode, I show you an easy way to play the Pink Panther Theme on guitar. This song makes use of the pentatonic scale, blues scale, minor scale, and harmonic minor scale. There's also good use of chromatic half-step movement and a tritone substitution. I also discuss my new Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB Audio Interface (Gen 3) and answer a question about when to change guitar strings. *** 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit...
Published 03/08/22
In my latest podcast episode, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Blackbird" by The Beatles. This song was written, sung, and played by Paul McCartney. It features a combination of finger picking and finger strumming plus compound 3rd intervals, chromatic voice leading, and a key change. I teach these types of composition techniques in my Fretboard Theory books and video courses. Gear used includes a PRS SE Angelus acoustic/electric guitar and a Fishman Aura...
Published 02/21/22
In Episode 116 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I welcome back Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere. We talk about how Matt got started with playing guitar as a beginner and what he had to do to become good enough to play at a professional level. 🎸 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.
Published 02/07/22
In my latest podcast episode, I answer listener questions about fretboard positions, scale patterns, acoustic guitar strings, Carlos Santana guitar tone, ear training, and more plus I share some hate mail. 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. EAR TRAINING GAMES https://fretshare.com/games ...
Published 01/27/22
In my latest podcast episode, I give you 7 ways to improve your guitar playing for songwriting. It's difficult to write songs and perform when your guitar skills are weak or nonexistent. This is especially true for newcomers to the songwriting world who have little to no experience playing an instrument. By following my seven recommendations, you can get your guitar skills in order so that nothing holds you back from writing great-sounding, meaningful music. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need...
Published 01/18/22
In this free guitar lesson, I give you an overview of the song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. You get to know the key and chords. You see the scales and modes used to play the main riff and lead guitar solo. You may be surprised to find out that Angus Young and his brother Malcolm managed to use a bit of harmonic minor and mixolydian mode, proving that AC/DC's music is more than just your typical three-chord rock. Most of the rhythm guitar parts played throughout “Thunderstruck” are simple, but...
Published 12/30/21