Ep180 Q&A Song Tempos - Warm-Ups - Ear Training - Modes - Chord Extensions & More
Release Date: 11/28/2025
Ep181 Top Hits of 2025 with Lila
Guitar Music Theory
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...
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Ep180 Q&A Song Tempos - Warm-Ups - Ear Training - Modes - Chord Extensions & More
Guitar Music Theory
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 NEW BOOK: Lead...
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Ep179 Fixing the Worst Guitar Solo – Heat of the Moment by Asia (feat. Matt Reviere & Jon “HW” Sullivan)
Guitar Music Theory
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...
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Ep178 Tribute to Ace Frehley – Favorite Guitar Solos
Guitar Music Theory
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 Huey Tribute Come see me play live on 11/21/2025 Ace Frehley Guitar Solos ⚡️ Spotify Playlist Backing track courtesy of Karaoke Version
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Ep177 Man on the Silver Mountain – How Does This Song Work?
Guitar Music Theory
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 and answer the question about your playing. I’ll send you a free custom video course with a...
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Ep176 How to Build a Pro Tribute Band- Inside The Heart of Rock and Roll with Roger and Tony Langdon
Guitar Music Theory
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 Free Guitar Video Course Enroll in a free video course at and get custom instruction based on your current playing level.
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Ep175 Q&A Thumb Chords - Song Memory - Rhythm Tips - and Foo Fighters Fretboard Tricks
Guitar Music Theory
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...
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Ep174 Recreating Iconic 80s Tones For Kemper and Helix with Matt Reviere
Guitar Music Theory
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: 🎸 Get started with a free video course tailored to your current level at
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Ep173 From Demo to Radio - Inside Music Production with Jason Wyatt Kuhn
Guitar Music Theory
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...
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Ep172 Q&A playing style - physical limitations - key changes - bar chord techniques - music theory exercises - slowing down music
Guitar Music Theory
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: Enroll in a free video course and join the email list:
info_outlineIn 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.
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NEW BOOK: Lead Guitar Unlocked: Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale
https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP