Guitar Music Theory – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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
https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

Huey Tribute
Come see me play live on 11/21/2025 
https://cainarts.org/event/heart-of-rock-roll-the-authentic-tribute-to-huey-lewis-the-news/cain-center-for-the-arts/north-carolina/

Ace Frehley Guitar Solos ⚡️ Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ZfV8unmk7W4Y5F4mKbw78?si=48235bd7b3244c51

Backing track courtesy of Karaoke Version 
https://www.karaoke-version.com/

In episode 169 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I review some Christmas song guitar lessons I've previously posted on YouTube. These lessons feature great Christmas songs to learn, and I'll break down the nuggets of music theory wisdom each one provides. Topics include passing chords, chord melody, playing in sixths, and more.

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In this free guitar lesson, I teach you how to play the opening riff heard in Stevie Ray Vaughan's song, "Cold Shot." I explain what you need to do to play it using the right tone, timing, and technique. I also answer some email questions.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

GEAR
Bluesman Vintage Guitars Sedan (Stratocaster-style guitar)
Kemper Profiling amplifier
'64 Verbrovibe + Steel String Dual Pack (early 80s SRV)
https://guitarforhisglory.com/product/64-verbrovibe-steel-string-dual-pack/

#srv #stevierayvaughan #coldshot

In my latest podcast episode, I talk about different things you can do with your guitar playing in 2021. If you're looking to get more out of your playing but you're not sure what to do exactly, I give you several suggestions.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In this free guitar lesson, I talk about the rockabilly lead guitar fills heard in the song "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In this free guitar lesson, I explain and demonstrate what it means to play legato on guitar. Legato refers to the smooth transition between notes using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In this free guitar lesson, I analyze the song "Walk Away" by Joe Walsh as recorded by his former band, James Gang. You get to know the key, chords, and progression as well as the scales used for the guitar solo.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In this free guitar lesson, I have another installment of How Does This Song Work featuring "Gravity" by John Mayer. I give you an overview of the song including the chords, progression, composition techniques, and the scales used for the solos. I also demonstrate a part from the live version of the song.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.

In this free guitar lesson, I answer email questions regarding learning pentatonic scale patterns, playing country guitar solos, identifying roots and modes, practicing picking exercises, and changing scales over chords.

🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit https://GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.