music theory

Latest about music theory

Jimmy Brown
How creating chains of dotted-eighth syncopations can revolutionize your rhythm playing

By Jimmy Brown Published

It's time to go against the grain with some tricky rhythmic phrasing

Lessons
Vinnie Moore
Vinnie Moore shows you how combining 5th intervals with open strings can provide fresh phrasing ideas

By Vinnie Moore Published

The UFO guitarist takes a closer look at the E Mixolydian mode and finds new approaches for rhythm and lead playing

Lessons
Close-up of hands playing electric guitar
How to master arpeggios built from 7th chords

By Andy Aledort Published

A little bit of theory goes a long way and can add tension and intrigue to your lead playing

Chords
Joel Hoekstra
How to craft chord progressions using 10th intervals

By Joel Hoekstra Published

Joel Hoekstra walks us through the acoustic section of Whitesnake's After All for a fingerstyle lesson in music theory

Chords
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How to use the major hexatonic scale of a I-IV progression

By Andy Aledort Published

Learn to implement the scale beloved of Dickey Betts, Duane Allman and Eric Clapton into your playing

Lessons
Fredrik Thordendal
Give your solos a sinister edge with the diminished scale

By Charlie Griffiths Published

Explore the scale beloved of Fredrik Thordendal and Allan Holdsworth with symmetrical fretboard shapes, Dim7 chords and a fresh perspective on major triads

Techniques
Young woman playing her guitar at home
Beginner guitar: how to play minor chords

By Total Guitar editors Published

Improve your playing and get to grips with the theory behind minor chords

Beginner Lessons
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