Ep183 What Is the Pentatonic Scale and Why Every Guitarist Should Master It
Release Date: 02/12/2026
Ep187 The Art of Recording Guitar Solos with Jason Wyatt Kuhn
Guitar Music Theory
Episode 187 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast features the return of Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn from . 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...
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Ep186 Lessons from the Studio with Ryan Jones
Guitar Music Theory
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...
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Ep185 Q&A 6 Chords – PRS Myles Kennedy Signature Model Guitar
Guitar Music Theory
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 📕 Get your copy of Lead Guitar Unlocked: Master Expressive Soloing With the...
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Ep184 Pentatonic Pattern 1 – The Foundation of All Great Guitar Solos
Guitar Music Theory
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...
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Ep183 What Is the Pentatonic Scale and Why Every Guitarist Should Master It
Guitar Music Theory
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...
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Ep182 From Boston to Belmont – Mike Valeras on Guitar Education and Finding Your Lane
Guitar Music Theory
In episode 182 of the Guitar Music Theory Podcast, I sit down with Mike Valeras, an adjunct guitar instructor at Belmont University here in Nashville, where he teaches commercial music and improvisation. Mike shares his guitar learning journey, early band experiences, and his formal music education, including earning both a music education degree and a master’s degree. We talk about how he made the move from Boston to Nashville and ultimately landed his teaching position at Belmont. Growing up, Huey Lewis and the News was his favorite band, and today Mike is one of the guitarists in The...
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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
info_outlineThe 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