The Steve Stine Podcast
The Steve Stine Podcast is about more than just music — it’s about life, faith, and finding meaning in the everyday. Join Steve as he shares honest stories from decades of experience as a musician, educator, husband, father, and believer navigating the highs and lows of life. Each episode offers heartfelt conversations about purpose, spirituality, personal growth, and staying inspired — even when life gets messy or uncertain.
Whether you’re picking up a guitar, walking through a season of change, or just looking for encouragement to keep going, you’ll find something here to lift your spirit. With special guests, personal reflections, and real-world insights, this podcast is for anyone seeking a deeper connection to their creativity, their calling, and their faith.
Episodes
376 episodes
The FIRST STEP in Learning to Play Authentic Sounding Solos
Ever run the pentatonic scale perfectly and still wonder why your solo doesn’t sound like a song? We shine a light on the missing link: groove and phrasing. Starting with a deep soul A minor backing track, we walk through how to hear the downbe...
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13:33
Four Guitar Patterns That Break Pentatonic Ruts
Tired of solos that feel stuck in the same box? We dig into four compact shapes in E that instantly add color, movement, and melody—without burying you in theory. You’ll hear how each pattern sits over familiar E major pentatonic territory, the...
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10:20
New Year, New Goals - Stop Old Habits and Make a Change
You know that feeling when a year goes by and your playing sounds the same? We’ve been there—wanting confidence, freedom on the fretboard, and finished songs, yet slipping back into the same routines that never moved the needle. Today we draw a...
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5:49
Learn A Simple Three-String Shape To Add Power, Groove, And Flow To Your Solos
Want a soloing shortcut that actually sounds bigger, bolder, and more musical? We break down a simple three-string shape in A—5-7-8 across the third, second, and first strings—and turn it into patterns that inject rock grit into blues vocabular...
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12:06
Do You Really Need Music Theory?
Ever wonder if learning more music theory will actually make your playing better, or just add noise to your practice? We unpack the real value of theory for guitarists by separating the essential language—keys, diatonic chords, song form, and c...
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16:18
From Noodling To Noticing: Long-Term Plays And Short Wins For Guitarists
Ever feel like your practice sessions are busy but not better? We dig into a simple, reliable way to turn scattered effort into musical progress by pairing long-term plays with short-term wins—and then slicing through both to make actual songs ...
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11:12
How To Grow As A Guitarist Without Touching The Guitar
We break down the hidden skills that make guitar progress stick: deep listening, patience, consistency, mindset, and confidence. Then we connect theory and fretboard knowledge to real musicality so you can play with certainty and stop getting l...
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17:21
Learn The Vocal Tools That Turn Scales Into Music
One note can say everything—if you know how to shape it. We dig into the practical craft of turning scales and theory into expression by focusing on what we call vocal tools: bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato. The thread running...
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4:38
Chord Chasing Made Simple
Your solos don’t have to sound like scale drills. We dive into chord chasing—the practical way to switch your note choices with each chord—and show how a handful of smart targets can transform C–G–Am–F into a melodic story. Instead of sprinting...
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18:13
Finding Major And Minor Pentatonics From The Sixth String
Want that gritty, blues-soaked lead tone that just works over almost anything? We walk through the simple logic behind the pentatonic scale and show how one movable shape can unlock both minor bite and major sweetness without drowning you in th...
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3:26
Learn Every Note On Your Fretboard In Minutes
Forget memorizing the entire fretboard at once. We start where it counts most: the sixth string, the low E. You’ll learn a practical map that turns guesswork into certainty by pairing the chromatic scale with the guitar’s visual cues. We break ...
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10:46
Music Lives Between The Notes, Not Just On The Page
What if your next gig felt clear before you even picked up the guitar? Steve walks through his complete prep system for tackling a massive score like Jesus Christ Superstar with a small ensemble and tight rehearsal window, turning complexity in...
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21:01
Five Hidden Practice Mistakes That Hold Guitarists Back
Stuck practicing the same riffs and wondering why your playing won’t budge? We dig into the real reasons progress stalls and share a step-by-step way to turn scattered effort into steady gains. This isn’t about buying another pedal or memorizin...
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13:55
Two Essential Exercises to Get Your Technique Optimized
Tired of a stubborn pinky, tangled timing, and runs that fall apart when you speed up? We walk through a compact, repeatable practice plan that fixes the real causes of sloppy playing: uneven finger strength and poor synchronization between fre...
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9:19
What Is The Music Asking Of You? A Guide to Authentic Guitar Soloing
What makes a guitar solo truly musical? Is it technical prowess, scale knowledge, or something deeper? In this revelatory exploration of improvisation, Steve Stine strips away the technical complexities to focus on what really matters: creating...
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29:26
Authentic Expression: The Missing Piece in Guitar Improvisation
Moving beyond scales in improvisation requires balancing technical knowledge with creative expression. We need to develop both our "guitar brain" and our "music brain" to create authentic musical moments.• The guitar brain encompasses t...
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9:36
Start Playing Guitar at 40, 50, 60 & Beyond
Steve Stine shares seven essential tips for older adults beginning their guitar journey. The focus is on creating sustainable practice habits, maintaining physical comfort, and finding joy in the learning process regardless of age.• Sta...
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9:59
Guitar Tips I Would Tell My Younger Self
What would a seasoned guitarist tell their younger self after decades of playing? Steve Stine from GuitarZoom Academy dives deep into this thought-provoking question, offering valuable insights for players at any stage of their journey....
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6:50
What IS the GuitarZoom Academy (and can it help me)?
Ever felt stuck in your guitar journey despite watching countless tutorials or taking sporadic lessons? Steve Stine unpacks a revolutionary approach to guitar education that's transforming how passionate players finally break through their plat...
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16:30
Four Proven Techniques to Improve Your Guitar Playing Precision
Steve Stine shares four practical methods to improve finger dexterity that can be practiced in short bursts throughout the day without overwhelming yourself. These focused exercises target specific skills with both hands while emphasizing quali...
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17:59
The Day I Almost Quit Playing Guitar Forever
Two pivotal moments almost made me quit playing guitar – These challenges taught me valuable lessons about persistence, plateaus, and reconnecting with passion after difficult times.• Progress isn't linear – plateaus are normal and requ...
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12:37
Strings, Stages, and Smiling: My Guitar Journey
What does it really take to build a sustainable career in music while maintaining your sanity and relationships? In this revealing episode, Steve Stine pulls back the curtain on his musical journey and sets the record straight about a common mi...
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17:14
Your 30 Minutes of Guitar Practice Can Be More Effective Than You Think
Setting up the proper mindset for guitar practice transforms how effectively you use your available time. We explore strategies to optimize practice sessions regardless of whether you have 20 minutes or 2 hours to play.• Begin with a pr...
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10:02
Exploring Guitar Versatility: Miguel Navarro's Path Across Classical, Tango, and Rock
What happens when curiosity meets musical passion? For Miguel Navarro, it sparked a remarkable journey across genres, techniques, and even countries. In this captivating conversation with Steve, Miguel reveals the winding path that brought him ...
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22:07
Stop Playing Randomly and Start Practicing With Purpose
Creating an effective practice routine is essential for guitar progress. Daily and weekly practice structures help overcome the feeling of being lost and ensure you're working on the right things.• Practice fundamentals daily, focusing ...
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10:57