Guitar Music Theory

In this episode of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I break down the 1994 alternative rock hit "Backwater" by Meat Puppets. Discover how the song combines major and minor harmony, borrowed chords, and unusual chord progressions to create its distinctive sound. You'll also learn how the lead guitar uses pentatonic scales, string bends, and chord tones to follow the changing harmony. Plus, a look at the guitar tones, rhythm techniques, and surprising twists that make this song so interesting.
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In episode 190 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I share an update on my Fretboard Theory books, including the newly redesigned covers and updated Amazon listings. I also look back at how the books got started, how they developed over the years, and the role they played in the growth of Guitar Music Theory.
Then I answer listener questions about pentatonic scales, scale fingerings, building calluses, and picking technique.
Topics include:
• What scales can you play over a 1-6-5-4 chord progression in E major?
• What's the relationship between E major pentatonic and C# minor pentatonic?
• How often should you practice to build and maintain calluses without tearing up your fingertips?
• Do pentatonic scale fingerings really matter?
• Why your fingerings change when you start playing actual riffs and solos.
• Should an experienced fingerstyle guitarist learn to use a flatpick for lead guitar?
• When does it make sense to work specifically on picking mechanics?
• How can you adapt your guitar playing when dealing with de Quervain's tenosynovitis or other hand and wrist limitations?
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🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Visit the website, answer the question about your playing, and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level. https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
NEW FRETBOARD THEORY BOOK COVERS
Check out the newly redesigned Fretboard Theory books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fretboard-Theory-Volumes-Combined-progressions/dp/1542403227/

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a recent performance with Nashville-based cover band Party of 5. I share how I prepared for a 40-song setlist, what the band expected from me, how I organized and learned the music, the guitar gear and live rig I used, and what it was like performing the show.
Along the way, I discuss some of the songs and guitar parts I found especially fun or challenging, a few surprises from the gig, and lessons that can help any guitarist become a more prepared, versatile musician.
Whether you're interested in playing live, joining a cover band, or simply learning songs more efficiently, you'll pick up practical tips you can apply to your own guitar playing.
In this episode:
How I prepared for a 40-song cover band gig

Learning a large setlist efficiently

Organizing charts and setlists for live performance

My guitar, Kemper, and live rig

Songs that were especially fun or challenging to learn

What surprised me about the performance

Lessons every guitarist can take away from the experience

🎸 Ready to make serious progress on guitar?
My annual Fall Guitar Intensive is opening soon. It's a 12-week coaching program designed for hobby guitarists who love classic rock, blues, country, and related styles and are ready to stop spinning their wheels. If you're looking for structure, accountability, expert guidance, and a supportive community, be sure to sign up for my email list so you don't miss the announcement.
Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com and click Subscribe at the top of the page, or enroll in one of the free video courses featured on the home page.

In this episode of the Guitar Music Theory Podcast, Carrie Underwood keyboardist Scott Sheriff returns to help me break down one of the Eagles' most beloved songs, "New Kid in Town."
Together, we explore the key, chord changes, harmony, tones, and techniques that make this classic recording so memorable. From sophisticated chord changes and beautiful voice leading to tasteful guitar fills and layered vocal harmonies, this song is a masterclass in musical craftsmanship.
Scott previously joined me on:
• Ep147 Scott Sheriff - Keyboardist For Carrie Underwood and Huey Lewis Tribute
• Ep156 Biggest Part of Me - How Does This Song Work? - Scott Sheriff
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Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com to enroll in a free video course calibratd to your current level.

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