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Guitar Music Theory

Ep175 Q&A Thumb Chords - Song Memory - Rhythm Tips - and Foo Fighters Fretboard Tricks

Guitar Music Theory

Desi Serna

Musictheoryforguitar, Guitar, Guitarscales, Performing Arts, Guitarmusictheory, Music, Guitarlessons, Arts, Guitarchords, Guitartheory

4.6931 Ratings

🗓️ 17 June 2025

⏱️ 60 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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 practice and play along with real songs.

Zoom Classes
https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/zoom/

Quiz and Free Video Course
https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

In episode 175 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about using your thumb on bar chords, memorizing songs, finding the right rhythm theory podcast. If you're captivated by the magic of guitar music and eager to unravel the mysteries of music theory, you're in the right place. I'm Desi Cerna, your host fellow guitar enthusiast and author of fretboard theory, guitar theory for dummies, guitar picking mechanics, and more. Today, in episode 175, I'm answering

0:57.3

a variety of listener questions. We'll talk about using your thumb for bar chords, tips for

1:02.9

improving your rhythm and memorizing songs, the G-form barcord shape, and how the foo fighters

1:09.0

use open-string pedal tones to create their signature sound.

1:12.9

I'll also touch on sus-4 and minor six chord theory and explain why certain lead guitar licks

1:18.5

mix major and minor intervals. Lots of great stuff packed into this one. But before we jump in,

1:24.6

I've got a couple of quick announcements. First, I'm launching two all-new Zoom classes starting the first week in July, 2025.

1:33.7

Riff Rockers and Looper Jams.

1:36.2

Riff Rockers meets Tuesdays at noon central and is all about building your tone, timing, and technique

1:42.3

by learning legendary guitar riffs from classic and hard rock songs.

1:47.2

We'll break down famous parts from bands like Let Zeppelin, Van Halen, ACDC, and more,

1:52.6

not just to play them, but to use them as powerful exercises that sharpen your skills and connect

1:58.3

theory to the frontboard.

2:00.7

Looper jams meets Wednesday at noon central and focuses on how to use a looper pedal to create layered guitar jams.

2:08.6

You'll learn how to build chord progressions, add lead lines, and create full musical compositions in the style of classic rock, blues, and pop, all with just your guitar and a looper pedal.

2:19.8

Each Zoom class runs for 12 weeks in a small group format.

2:23.9

You'll get weekly live instruction, access to a member area with lesson materials and Zoom

2:28.6

recordings, and a private forum to stay connected and motivated.

2:32.8

Spots are limited, so head over to Guitarmusictory.com

2:36.4

and click on the Zoom Lessons link in the navigation. If you need more information, see the link

2:42.9

in the podcast show notes or shoot me an email. And finally, don't forget to take the free

2:49.0

quiz at Guit theory.com.

...

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