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Guitar Music Theory

Desi Serna
Guitar Music Theory
Latest episode

188 episodes

  • Guitar Music Theory

    Ep187 The Art of Recording Guitar Solos with Jason Wyatt Kuhn

    24/05/2026 | 1h 45 mins.
    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 Episode 173, "From Demo to Radio – Inside Music Production," where we discussed songwriting, studio production, and the process of turning musical ideas into professional recordings. Since then, one of my students, Charles Vincent, has worked with Jason and his team to record several original songs, and I was invited to contribute lead guitar solos to two tracks: "Pretty Little Thing" and "The Way She Moves."
    In this episode, Jason and I discuss the recording and production process behind these songs, from rough demos and arrangement ideas to polished final mixes. We also listen to sections of the tracks and break down my guitar solo approach from both a theoretical and artistic perspective, including melodic phrasing, chord tone targeting, emotional pacing, and building solos that support the overall song.
    If you've ever wondered how original songs come together in the studio, how professional music production works, or how to craft memorable guitar solos that truly serve the music, this episode gives you an inside look at the creative process.
    Jason Wyatt Kuhn and his team are also available for hire, whether you're a hobbyist looking to professionally record your music or an artist pursuing a serious music career. If you have song ideas, demos, riffs, or unfinished material you'd like developed into polished recordings, visit:
    https://www.wethepeople.music/
    Get free guitar training customized to your skill level and musical interests at:
    https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
  • Guitar Music Theory

    Ep186 Lessons from the Studio with Ryan Jones

    17/04/2026 | 1h 46 mins.
    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, connecting with Christian artist Tommy Walker, and eventually touring and recording at a professional level.
    We talk about what it's really like to work as a guitarist on the road and in the studio, including Ryan's move to Nashville in 2014, where he built a career doing session work and collaborating with producer and drummer Scott Williamson.
    Then everything changed.
    When COVID hit, the music industry ground to a halt overnight. Ryan shares how that disruption forced him to rethink his path, leading him to develop new skills as a software developer and eventually land a role at Sweetwater—bringing him full circle back to his hometown.
    Along the way, we also dig into:
    • What the recording process is really like for working guitarists • Amp tones and how pros think about sound • Real amps vs. modelers—what actually matters • How to adapt when your music career takes an unexpected turn
    This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a working guitarist—and what it takes to keep moving forward when things don't go as planned.
    Summer Jams Zoom Class (2026)
    https://desiserna.as.me/schedule.php

    Free Video Course
    What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
  • Guitar Music Theory

    Ep185 Q&A 6 Chords – PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Model Guitar

    03/04/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
    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 examples of their use in familiar songs. 
    Desi also plays and discusses the PRS Myles Kennedy Signature model guitar, highlighting its features and tonal range.
    If you want to expand your chord vocabulary and better understand how chords function in real songs, this episode will help you connect the dots.
    🎸 Get your FREE guitar video course
    https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
    📕 Get your copy of Lead Guitar Unlocked: Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP
  • Guitar Music Theory

    Ep184 Pentatonic Pattern 1 – The Foundation of All Great Guitar Solos

    05/03/2026 | 54 mins.
    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 the foundation of countless riffs, licks, and solos across blues, rock, and country.
    Desi explains how the pattern is constructed, why it's commonly labeled "Pattern 1," how it connects to the CAGED system, and how guitarists actually use it in real music. Along the way, you'll hear familiar song examples that demonstrate how this simple shape becomes the backbone of expressive lead guitar playing.
    LEAD GUITAR UNLOCKED
    This lesson is based on Chapter 2 of Desi's book Lead Guitar Unlocked: Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP
    FREE VIDEO COURSE
    If you're not sure what you should practice next, visit Desi's website and receive free custom video instruction tailored to your current skill level: https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
    BEST GUITAR TAB WEBSITE
    https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
  • Guitar Music Theory

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

    12/02/2026 | 49 mins.
    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 styles of music, and why it sounds so natural on the guitar. From Asian music to African drumming and Native American flute traditions, and then from blues and rock to country, pop, funk, and even metal, this simple five-note scale forms the foundation of countless riffs, solos, melodies, and hooks. If you want to improvise with confidence and move freely across the fretboard, mastering the pentatonic scale is a must.
    Lead Guitar Unlocked Book
    https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP
    Free Video Course
    https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
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About Guitar Music Theory
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!
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