Why Is Music Theory So Hard?

Have you ever wondered why Music Theory feels so complicated—or if it’s even worth the effort? You're not alone! But here’s the truth: once you crack the code, it can transform your entire guitar journey.

Today, you have the chance to unlock some Theory secrets with Justin himself in this interactive session:

The biggest myths about Music Theory—and why they’re wrong
Simple, practical ways to apply Theory to your guitar playing
How understanding Theory can make learning songs so much easier

This is more than a lesson—it’s your chance to connect live with Justin and fellow students, ask questions, and unlock skills that can take your playing to the next level. We can’t wait to see you there!

Curious About the PMT Course?

The PMT course includes:

7 Grades with structured content
Monthly live classes
eBooks and quizzes
Everything you need to unlock your fretboard

Want to try it first? The first 2 Grades are FREE! Learn more here.

Submitted Questions

Beginner Questions:

David: Can you show fun, practical ways to use triads (especially for soloing) that will help me remember and enjoy using them? I'm finishing the beginner stage.
Ragha: When I try to put my thumb behind the fretboard as suggested, I feel pain behind my knuckles instead of tension in the right muscle. Am I doing it wrong? Any tips to improve this?

Theory Questions:

Jeff: Why is music theory so hard?
Dana: Is there such a thing as a diminished chord in the key of F# minor? Also, could you explain how F#dim (F#, A, C) fits into the theory?
Raymond: Why is Bdim in the key of C major sometimes called Bmin7b5?
James: When playing extended chords (like 7, 9, 11), is it okay to omit certain notes, like leaving out the 5th but keeping the root, 3rd, and 7th?

Scale-Related Questions:

Carl: Is there an easy mnemonic for remembering the sharp/flat sequence in scales?
Michal:
- How can I learn to play scales horizontally across the fretboard? Should I focus on this after learning the C major and E minor pentatonic scales?
- What's the difference between the C major scale and the E minor pentatonic scale? Why isn’t it called the "C major pentatonic scale"?
- What does "pentatonic" mean, and why can't all scales follow the same naming logic?