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.

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

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/

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

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 Heart of Rock and Roll, the Huey Lewis and the News tribute band that I occasionally play with as well. It's a great conversation about musicianship, education, and carving out a career in music.

Free Video Course
Answer the question on my website to get a free video course calibrated to your current level. https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

New Book: Lead Guitar Unlocked
Master Expressive Soloing With the Pentatonic Scale. From basic patterns to pro-level phrasing—learn to play licks that speak and solos that sing. https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Guitar-Unlocked-Expressive-Pentatonic/dp/B0FY4XH4TP

"Migus fa Dingus" by Mike Valeras
Listen to Mike's music on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/track/0EPzrL1s8Fc1V3OFr6nqYn?si=e1598c276fe54b38

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/

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

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.

• 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