The Guitar Underground

The Guitar Underground is a podcast about guitar, creativity, and inspiration. Hosted by guitarist and educator Neil Santos, the show explores smarter ways to practice, think, and grow on the instrument while connecting guitar to life, mindset, and community.

The Guitar Underground is a music podcast hosted by Neil D Santos, with 29 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Neil D Santos hosts The Guitar Underground, a music show with 29 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #29

  The Secret to Unlocking Guitar Modes Using Pentatonics

  Jul 31, 202650 minS1

  Are you struggling to understand guitar modes and tired of memorizing endless scale shapes? Discover how to use the pentatonic scale as your master roadmap to unlock modal soloing effortlessly! In this episode of Guitar Underground, Neil Santos breaks down why learning seven completely new scales is holding you back and how your trusted pentatonic boxes are actually the key to making modes click. Stop aimlessly running up and down the fretboard and start target-hitting the specific "personality notes" that give each mode its distinct, emotional color. Whether you're trying to master Dorian, Lydian, or Mixolydian, this practical breakdown will give you complete fretboard clarity. What You'll Learn: Modes vs. Shapes: Why modes are about perspective, not new fretboard patterns. Danger Notes: How pentatonics naturally eliminate harsh musical tension. Personality Notes: The single note trick to transform any pentatonic shape into modal magic. Chord Context: Why backing tracks matter more than scale formulas. Superimposing Pentatonics: How stacking two pentatonic scales unlocks full modal soloing. Take the Pentatonic Personality Quiz: Head over to https://pentatonicway.com/pentatonic-personality-quiz/?source=YouTube to find your personality type and get your immediate next steps in a FREE 3-day course! Subscribe to the Guitar Underground so you never miss a lesson on mastering the neck! NEIL'S MUSIC Random Song Generator - RSG1: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vh18GjU86yALZvarx4ihaNeil D Santos - Found Art: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sBzdvFdkgfiRp9AuR4tToWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps - Beatles Jam Band: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3aEaXwykLlZJ1C4v8ZR6JT NEIL'S BOOKS: The Guitar Simplified - https://amzn.to/3Mz7KupThe Lefty Guitarist's Survival Handbook - https://amzn.to/4tZHolY STUFF NEIL USES: Fender 57’ Reissue Stratocaster - https://amzn.to/4tL5MYlVega Trem VT1 Special Standard Tremolo Bridge for Strat-Style Guitars - https://amzn.to/4awaYYFMichael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar - https://amzn.to/4aOdQyQLine 6 HX Stomp XL - https://amzn.to/3MEsIbcHeadRush FRFR108 MKII - 2000W Guitar Amp - https://amzn.to/4tZpwYqTC Electronic DITTO+ LOOPER - https://amzn.to/3MtnNtDTech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig v3 Multi-effects Pedal - https://amzn.to/4kMdZaAGravity Guitar Picks - https://amzn.to/4cFUG0DObsidianWire Custom '5-Way' Solderless Wiring Harness - https://amzn.to/46lKJScCanon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/4rAmBD7Shure MV7X XLR Dynamic Microphone - https://amzn.to/4aU6A5TBehringer UMC202HD Audiophile USB Audio Interface - https://amzn.to/4crblFfBehringer XENYX 802S Analog 8-Input Mixer - https://amzn.to/4ryJLtL Chapters 00:00 - Intro: Unlock Modes Using the Pentatonic Scale 02:48 - Fact 1: Modes Are Perspectives, Not New Shapes 06:50 - Fact 2: How Pentatonics Remove "Danger Notes" 11:01 - Fact 3: The "Personality Note" of Every Mode 17:43 - Fact 4: Why Chords Dictate the Modal Sound 22:08 - Fact 5: Hear the Emotion Before Memorizing Theory 24:19 - The Pentatonic Way Quiz & Free Course 25:19 - Method 1: Adding Personality Notes to Pentatonics 33:39 - Method 2: Combining Two Pentatonic Scales for One Mode 48:21 - Final Thoughts & Season Wrap-Up #GuitarModes #PentatonicScale #GuitarLessons #MusicTheory #FretboardMastery

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #28

  Why Thinking Like a Painter Will Improve Your Guitar Playing

  Jul 24, 202636 minS1

  Stuck in a rut with your guitar solos and tired of endless scale memorization? Discover how thinking like a visual artist can transform your guitar playing, simplify the fretboard, and make your improvisation feel completely natural. In this episode of Guitar Underground, host Neil Santos explores how core artistic principles—like big shapes, negative space, limited palettes, and overall composition—directly apply to mastering the guitar. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by theory or looking for fresh inspiration, learning to approach your instrument through the lens of visual art will change how you see the fretboard forever. What You’ll Learn: Big Shapes Over Details: Why focusing on broad musical ideas beats note-by-note thinking. Negative Space: How intentional silence adds emotion and depth to your solos. Limited Palettes: How restricting your options unlocks deeper creativity. Composition First: Why listeners remember the overall song, not just fast licks. 5 Practical Exercises: Actionable ways to train your brain and fretboard visualization away from the guitar. Take the Pentatonic Personality Quiz:Head over to https://pentatonicway.com/pentatonic-personality-quiz/?source=YouTube to find your personality type and get your immediate next steps in a FREE 3-day course! Subscribe to the Guitar Underground so you never miss a lesson on mastering the neck! NEIL'S MUSIC Random Song Generator - RSG1: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vh18GjU86yALZvarx4ihaNeil D Santos - Found Art: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sBzdvFdkgfiRp9AuR4tToWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps - Beatles Jam Band: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3aEaXwykLlZJ1C4v8ZR6JT NEIL'S BOOKS: The Guitar Simplified - https://amzn.to/3Mz7KupThe Lefty Guitarist's Survival Handbook - https://amzn.to/4tZHolY STUFF NEIL USES: Fender 57’ Reissue Stratocaster - https://amzn.to/4tL5MYlVega Trem VT1 Special Standard Tremolo Bridge for Strat-Style Guitars - https://amzn.to/4awaYYFMichael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar - https://amzn.to/4aOdQyQLine 6 HX Stomp XL - https://amzn.to/3MEsIbcHeadRush FRFR108 MKII - 2000W Guitar Amp - https://amzn.to/4tZpwYqTC Electronic DITTO+ LOOPER - https://amzn.to/3MtnNtDTech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig v3 Multi-effects Pedal - https://amzn.to/4kMdZaAGravity Guitar Picks - https://amzn.to/4cFUG0DObsidianWire Custom '5-Way' Solderless Wiring Harness - https://amzn.to/46lKJScCanon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/4rAmBD7Shure MV7X XLR Dynamic Microphone - https://amzn.to/4aU6A5TBehringer UMC202HD Audiophile USB Audio Interface - https://amzn.to/4crblFfBehringer XENYX 802S Analog 8-Input Mixer - https://amzn.to/4ryJLtL Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & Why We're Doing Things Differently 04:09 - Concept 1: See Shapes Before Details 09:08 - Concept 2: Master Negative Space in Music 12:12 - Concept 3: Limit Your Palette to Gain Focus 16:39 - Concept 4: Composition Matters More Than Technique 19:57 - Concept 5: How Professionals Study Other Artists 22:20 - Free Pentatonic Quiz & Resource 23:33 - Tip 1: Sketch Your Solos Before You Play 25:20 - Tip 2: Leave Intentional Silence (The 2-Beat Rule) 27:38 - Tip 3: Restrict Your Notes and Techniques 29:56 - Tip 4: Analyze Solos Like a Visual Masterpiece 31:41 - Tip 5: Draw the Fretboard Away From the Guitar 33:55 - Final Takeaway & Closing Thoughts #GuitarLessons #GuitarSolo #Improvisation #GuitarTips #PentatonicScale

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #27

  How to Bridge Pentatonic Positions Effortlessly (No More Getting Stuck!)

  Jul 17, 202630 minS1

  Are you struggling to connect your pentatonic positions and feel like you're constantly trapped inside one small rectangle? In this video, we reveal the ultimate secrets to bridging the pentatonic positions so you can finally stop playing separate boxes and start seeing one connected, beautiful fretboard! Too many intermediate players memorize all five shapes but end up sounding completely mechanical when it's time to improvise. Guitar Underground host Neil Santos breaks down the 5 crucial facts of fretboard geometry—like how to use slides as natural bridges and find "hidden doorways" with shared notes—before walking you through 5 actionable practice tips. You'll learn exactly how to transition smoothly, build emotional momentum using pitch direction, and implement "connecting licks" to play more fluid, expressive guitar solos. 🎸 What You’ll Learn: Why the 5 pentatonic positions are just 5 views of the same landscape. How to use slides as natural roadways to glide between shapes seamlessly. The "Home Base" method for training your ears to hear overlapping notes. A step-by-step breakdown of the "Pentatonic Superhighway" in A minor. How to utilize direction and pitch to communicate emotion to your band. 🎸Take the Pentatonic Personality Quiz:Head over to https://pentatonicway.com/pentatonic-personality-quiz/?source=YouTube to find your personality type and get your immediate next steps in a FREE 3-day course!👉 Subscribe to the Guitar Underground so you never miss a lesson on mastering the neck! NEIL'S MUSIC Random Song Generator - RSG1: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vh18GjU86yALZvarx4ihaNeil D Santos - Found Art: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sBzdvFdkgfiRp9AuR4tToWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps - Beatles Jam Band: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3aEaXwykLlZJ1C4v8ZR6JT NEIL'S BOOKS: The Guitar Simplified - https://amzn.to/3Mz7KupThe Lefty Guitarist's Survival Handbook - https://amzn.to/4tZHolY STUFF NEIL USES: Fender 57’ Reissue Stratocaster - https://amzn.to/4tL5MYlVega Trem VT1 Special Standard Tremolo Bridge for Strat-Style Guitars - https://amzn.to/4awaYYFMichael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar - https://amzn.to/4aOdQyQLine 6 HX Stomp XL - https://amzn.to/3MEsIbcHeadRush FRFR108 MKII - 2000W Guitar Amp - https://amzn.to/4tZpwYqTC Electronic DITTO+ LOOPER - https://amzn.to/3MtnNtDTech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig v3 Multi-effects Pedal - https://amzn.to/4kMdZaAGravity Guitar Picks - https://amzn.to/4cFUG0DObsidianWire Custom '5-Way' Solderless Wiring Harness - https://amzn.to/46lKJScCanon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/4rAmBD7Shure MV7X XLR Dynamic Microphone - https://amzn.to/4aU6A5TBehringer UMC202HD Audiophile USB Audio Interface - https://amzn.to/4crblFfBehringer XENYX 802S Analog 8-Input Mixer - https://amzn.to/4ryJLtL CHAPTERS 00:00 – Bridging the Pentatonic Positions 01:49 – 5 Crucial Facts About the Fretboard 03:00 – Fact 2: Slides as Natural Bridges 04:01 – Fact 3: Hidden Doorways & Overlapping Notes 04:44 – Fact 4: Why Phrases Beat Patterns 06:18 – Fact 5: Pitch Direction & Musical Emotion 09:32 – Finding Your Guitar Personality (Free Lesson Course) 11:05 – Tip 1: Practice Connecting Only Two Boxes 16:06 – Tip 2: Using a Single Note as Home Base 19:00 – Tip 3: Forcing One Position Change Per Solo 22:48 – Tip 4: Connecting Scales with Slides Only 23:48 – Tip 5: The Pentatonic Superhighway (A Minor Connection Lick) 28:39 – Unlock Your Fretboard Freedom #GuitarLessons #PentatonicScale #FretboardFreedom #GuitarSoloing

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #26

  The John Mayer Pentatonic Secrets (They're Simpler Than You Think)

  Jul 10, 202641 minS1

  Looking to master John Mayer pentatonic scale secrets to take your guitar solos to the next level? In this episode of The Guitar Underground, your host Neil Santos breaks down the exact musical phrasing strategies that make John Mayer sound incredible using the exact same notes you already know. Too many intermediate guitarists make the mistake of hunting for exotic scales when the real magic lies right inside your basic pentatonic shapes. By shifting your focus from note quantity to emotional depth, you can stop running predictable fretboard patterns and start playing phrasing that breathes like a singer. We break down a legendary tapping lick, explore the hidden power of a micro-bend, and look at the exact practice routines that will build your improvisational confidence today. What You’ll Learn: The major misconception about John Mayer's "secret scales". How to utilize phrasing and massive pauses to build tension. A step-by-step breakdown of John Mayer’s unique tapping and sliding concept. 5 practical practice routines to instantly unlock your creativity with fewer notes. Why having "big ears" makes you a better collaborator on stage. 🎸Take the Pentatonic Personality Quiz:Head over to https://pentatonicway.com/pentatonic-personality-quiz/?source=YouTube to find your personality type and get your immediate next steps in a FREE 3-day course!👉 Subscribe to the Guitar Underground so you never miss a lesson on mastering the neck!NEIL'S MUSICRandom Song Generator - RSG1: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vh18GjU86yALZvarx4ihaNeil D Santos - Found Art: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sBzdvFdkgfiRp9AuR4tToWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps - Beatles Jam Band: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3aEaXwykLlZJ1C4v8ZR6JTNEIL'S BOOKS:The Guitar Simplified - https://amzn.to/3Mz7KupThe Lefty Guitarist's Survival Handbook - https://amzn.to/4tZHolYSTUFF NEIL USES:Fender 57’ Reissue Stratocaster - https://amzn.to/4tL5MYlVega Trem VT1 Special Standard Tremolo Bridge for Strat-Style Guitars - https://amzn.to/4awaYYFMichael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar - https://amzn.to/4aOdQyQLine 6 HX Stomp XL - https://amzn.to/3MEsIbcHeadRush FRFR108 MKII - 2000W Guitar Amp - https://amzn.to/4tZpwYqTC Electronic DITTO+ LOOPER - https://amzn.to/3MtnNtDTech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig v3 Multi-effects Pedal - https://amzn.to/4kMdZaAGravity Guitar Picks - https://amzn.to/4cFUG0DObsidianWire Custom '5-Way' Solderless Wiring Harness - https://amzn.to/46lKJScCanon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/4rAmBD7Shure MV7X XLR Dynamic Microphone - https://amzn.to/4aU6A5TBehringer UMC202HD Audiophile USB Audio Interface - https://amzn.to/4crblFfBehringer XENYX 802S Analog 8-Input Mixer - https://amzn.to/4ryJLtLCHAPTERS00:00 Is John Mayer Using Secret Scales? 01:59 Concept 1: Squeezing Expression From the Pentatonic Scale 04:44 Breakdown: Transcribing Mayer's Unique Tapping Lick 11:08 Concept 2: Phrasing Like a Singer (The Power of Pauses) 13:05 Concept 3: Targeting Emotion Through Micro-Bends and Vibrato 16:11 Concept 4: Connecting Fretboard Shapes and Boxes 20:00 Concept 5: Reacting to the Band (The Iceberg Theory) 24:00 Mid-Show Read: Unlocking Your "Pentatonic Wave" 25:16 Tip 1: The 5-Note Solo Challenge 28:28 Tip 2: Singing Your Phrases Before Playing 30:25 Tip 3: Master Perfect Intonation With One Bend 34:00 Tip 4: Connecting Just Two Fretboard Positions 38:05 Tip 5: The Two-Beat Silence Rule 39:45 Why Familiarity Isn't a Limitation #JohnMayer #GuitarLesson #PentatonicScale #GuitarPhrasing #BluesGuitar

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #25

  The Ultimate Vibrato Masterclass for Intermediate Guitarists

  Jul 3, 202634 minS1

  Master the art of guitar vibrato and stop playing lifeless solos. If your guitar solos sound flat and mechanical, the issue usually isn’t your note choices—it’s how you finish them. In this episode of The Guitar Underground, host Neil Santos breaks down why vibrato is the absolute DNA of your musical signature. Many intermediate guitar players spend years frantically chasing new scales and modes, completely overlooking the one technique that actually connects your entire vocabulary and makes the listener feel something. By learning to shift your focus from speed to emotional delivery, you can command attention with just a single, beautifully executed note. Whether you want to emulate the legendary control of players like David Gilmour and BB King, or discover your own unique voice on the fretboard, this deep dive provides the exact framework you need. What You’ll Learn: Why expression matters vastly more to listeners than the number of notes you play. The biggest mistake intermediate guitarists make when trying to sustain notes. How to build unshakeable confidence in your solos without playing faster. A 5-minute practical breakdown using the "friction of the fret" technique. 5 actionable practice tips to instantly bring your guitar playing to life. 🎸Take the Pentatonic Personality Quiz: Head over to https://pentatonicway.com/pentatonic-personality-quiz/?source=YouTube to find your personality type and get your immediate next steps in a FREE 3-day course! 👉 Subscribe to the Guitar Underground so you never miss a lesson on mastering the neck! NEIL'S MUSIC Random Song Generator - RSG1: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vh18GjU86yALZvarx4iha Neil D Santos - Found Art: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sBzdvFdkgfiRp9AuR4tTo While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Beatles Jam Band: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3aEaXwykLlZJ1C4v8ZR6JT NEIL'S BOOKS: The Guitar Simplified - https://amzn.to/3Mz7Kup The Lefty Guitarist's Survival Handbook - https://amzn.to/4tZHolY STUFF NEIL USES: Fender 57’ Reissue Stratocaster - https://amzn.to/4tL5MYl Vega Trem VT1 Special Standard Tremolo Bridge for Strat-Style Guitars - https://amzn.to/4awaYYF Michael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar - https://amzn.to/4aOdQyQ Line 6 HX Stomp XL - https://amzn.to/3MEsIbc HeadRush FRFR108 MKII - 2000W Guitar Amp - https://amzn.to/4tZpwYq TC Electronic DITTO+ LOOPER - https://amzn.to/3MtnNtD Tech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig v3 Multi-effects Pedal - https://amzn.to/4kMdZaA Gravity Guitar Picks - https://amzn.to/4cFUG0D ObsidianWire Custom '5-Way' Solderless Wiring Harness - https://amzn.to/46lKJSc Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/4rAmBD7 Shure MV7X XLR Dynamic Microphone - https://amzn.to/4aU6A5T Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile USB Audio Interface - https://amzn.to/4crblFf Behringer XENYX 802S Analog 8-Input Mixer - https://amzn.to/4ryJLtL CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Why Great Guitarists Stand Out 02:35 - Fact 1: Expression Over Notes 06:54 - Fact 2: Confidence Without Speed 11:01 - Fact 3: Controlled vs. Random Vibrato 15:08 - Fact 4: Your Musical Fingerprint 17:57 - Fact 5: Connecting Your Vocabulary 21:56 - Tip 1: The 5-Minute One-Note Drill 25:24 - Tip 2: Copying Vocalists 26:56 - Tip 3: The Recording Reality Check 28:21 - Tip 4: Master Different Speeds 31:01 - Tip 5: Ending Practice with Expression #GuitarVibrato #LeadGuitarTips #GuitarUnderground

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The Guitar Underground. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.