Beginner Guitar Academy

Celebrating a huge milestone, Paul Andrews marks the 250th episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast by launching a brand-new two-part series: "10 Albums Every Guitar Player Should Listen To." In this first instalment, Paul dives into the history, lasting impact, and key guitar lessons from five essential albums. If you’re looking for inspiration, fresh practice ideas, or just an excuse to revisit some legendary records, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for guitarists of any level. What’s Inside This Episode A Heartfelt Thank You Member Update The First 5 Essential Albums for Guitarists 1. Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix (1967) Key Lesson:https://youtu.be/cJunCsrhJjg?si=3VFxAsDiXLbCVVBH 2. Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin (1971) Key Lesson:https://youtu.be/6tlSx0jkuLM?si=SSNlFxv8s9yvxm38 3. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977) Key Lesson:https://youtu.be/ozl3L9fhKtE?si=nj8fRxrfJCSyMRhQ 4. Texas Flood – Stevie Ray Vaughan (1983) Key Lesson:https://youtu.be/kfjXp4KTTY8?si=pXyMMp7KigtpDSDX 5. Nevermind – Nirvana (1991) Key Lesson:https://youtu.be/R3XIGon2RjY?si=Wt91k_VJd5ePcQn5 Useful Links & Resources Catch up on the latest member Q&AJoin Beginner Guitar AcademyVisit beginnerguitaracademy.com Coming Up Next Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where Paul will reveal five more classic albums every guitarist should listen to! Thanks...

In this week’s episode, Paul dives into a common question from students: “Where can I find decent, authentic tabs to learn songs?” Building on last week’s three-step song-learning system (practice, playthrough, perform), Paul takes a deep look at both free and paid online resources for guitar tabs, discusses their pros and cons, and gives expert advice on what to trust when searching for accurate music. Key Topics Covered 🎸 Beginner Guitar Academy News 🖥️ Top Online Resources for Guitar Tabs 1. Ultimate Guitar (ultimate-guitar.com) 2. Songsterr (songsterr.com) 3. GuitarProTabs.org 4. “Classic” Sites 💰 Paid & Official Sheet Music 1. MusicNotes.com 2. SheetMusicDirect.com 3. GuitarInstructor.com (Paul’s Top Pick) 📚 Old-School Physical Books Paul’s Recommendations & Pro Tips For beginners:For teachers or those seeking authenticity:For multi-guitar/tabbed arrangements:Physical copies: Listener Q&A Join...

In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews addresses a common challenge among beginner guitarists: learning and actually remembering songs. Paul shares a structured approach to not just learning new songs but maintaining and improving them over time. Whether you’re struggling to recall previously learned tunes or looking to build a solid repertoire, this episode offers practical tips and actionable steps to level up your song practice routine. Key Topics Covered Community Update: Practicing Songs vs. Practicing Skills: A System for Learning Songs Efficiently: Step One: Pick the Right Song: Step 2: The 3 Ps System for Maintaining Songs: PracticePlaythroughPerform Step 3 - Balancing New Songs and Old Songs (The 50/50 Rule): Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them): Action Plan for This Week: Takeaways Resources Mentioned Beginner Guitar Academy Next Steps: Ready to make progress with your song repertoire? Follow Paul’s five-step plan this week and...

In this week’s episode, Paul dives into the moody and expressive world of minor blues progressions. Building on last week’s look at soloing over major blues, this episode walks you through the structure, chord options, and soloing approaches for a classic 12-bar minor blues. By the end, you'll know how to play and solo over a minor blues progression, select the right scales, and discover great artists and tracks for inspiration. Key Topics Covered What is a Minor Blues Progression? Common Minor Blues Variations Beginner-Friendly Approaches Soloing Over Minor Blues Listening for Inspiration Song recommendations to practice and internalise the sound of minor blues: Click here to access it Homework for the Week Resources Mentioned Spotify Playlist: 25 Minor Blues Tracks – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5M3zmU5zHT7d1h5sNWtG3l?si=sr3fLJRXSqqcT6yrL9vX3g Video Version: Watch Paul’s finger placement and demonstrations here. Beginner Guitar Academy: Try the Academy for two weeks for just $1 and get access to step-by-step courses, songs, and community support.

This week, Paul continues the deep dive into blues guitar, building on foundation concepts from Episode 245. The focus shifts to soloing over a major blues progression—specifically, what scales to use, how to target chord tones, and the techniques that legendary blues artists like B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan employ in their solos. Key Topics Covered Recap: Major vs. Minor Blues (12-Bar Blues Structure) Foundational Scale for Soloing Targeting Chord Tones for More Musical Solos Making Your Solos Sound More Interesting: Advanced Scale Choices Major Pentatonic Scale:Blues Scale:Mixolydian Mode: Blues Soloing Approaches of the Legends B.B. King:Stevie Ray Vaughan:Eric Clapton: Practice Tips Resources & Recommendations Backing Tracks & Playlists:Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qoEzDgKllxygGKgQGjei4?si=Nj7PFvFKREiOvbi8OmZy4QJoin the Discussion: Not Yet a Member? beginnnerguitaracademy.com Final Thoughts The essence of blues soloing is feel—the right note, at the right time, with the right emotion. Start with the basics, experiment slowly, and let the greats inspire you. Subscribe, leave a review, and—most importantly—keep practicing!

In this week’s episode, Paul tackles a common question from Beginner Guitar Academy members: What exactly does it mean when someone says “a blues”—is it a minor blues, and is there such a thing as a major blues? Paul breaks down the differences between major and minor blues progressions, walks you through classic chord sequences, offers examples of famous songs you can listen to and learn, and shares practical tips for practicing both styles. Key Topics Covered: Community Updates: Main Topic: Blues Explained Examples of Major Blues Songs: What is a Minor Blues? Examples of Minor Blues Songs: Major vs. Minor Blues at a Glance: Why This Matters for Beginners: Practice Tips: Extensions/Chord Choices: Links & Resources: BGAPodcast.com/245beginnerguitaracademy.com Enjoying the Show? If you’ve been finding these episodes valuable, please rate and review the podcast on your listening app or at bgapodcast.com. Thanks for tuning in to the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast!

In this week’s episode, Paul dives into the fourth part of the British Guitar Music series, spotlighting the vibrant era of Brit Pop and the indie rock revival of the 1990s and early 2000s. These decades brought guitar music back into the mainstream, known for their catchy hooks, jangly chords, and a strong sense of attitude, along with many riffs and techniques that are highly accessible to beginner guitarists. Paul explores iconic bands like Oasis, Blur, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, and The Libertines, highlighting the essential gear and tones of the era, breaking down famous songs and riffs, and sharing practical takeaways that you can apply to your playing. Additionally, he concludes with a challenge for listeners to work on during the week. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Brit Pop & Indie Rock Essentials: Key Guitar Gear of the Era: Essential Songs & Riffs to Try: Learning Takeaways: Paul’s Challenge for You: Member Updates New riffs added to the Academy: Upcoming Live Q&A: Resources & Links Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/049CCrxBQTqkuV2WW5jnNA?si=LNrEU2-AS7KZzJVuVRIAcQ Academy Members: “How to Play Like Oasis” Recap of the British Guitar Music Series Ep 241: The 1960s & The British InvasionEp 242: 1970s Rock Legends & British Metal

In the third instalment of the special British Music Series, Paul Andrews takes us on a deep dive into the raw, rebellious, and energetic music scene of 1980s Britain. This episode delves into how British punk evolved into new wave, introducing iconic bands, innovative guitar techniques, and essential songs for beginner guitarists. What You’ll Learn The Rise of British Punk: Transition to New Wave & Post-Punk: Essential Guitar Skills: Key Bands & Songs Mentioned The Clash:Sex Pistols:The Damned:Joy Division:The Police:The Cure:The Jam: Practice Tips & Takeaways Keep It Simple, but Tight: Play with Effects: Blend Rhythm & Melody: Embrace Attitude: Listener Challenge Pick a punk or new wave song from this episode, record yourself playing it, and share in the Beginner Guitar Academy community. Bonus: Try one of the new riffs being released in the Academy this week! Resources & Extras Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1nGUtAR2T6wTArc09PnKzt?si=5dqmbL_8TWak2vf6RV1ETA Beginner Guitar Academy: beginnerguitaracademy.com Next Episode Stay tuned for the fourth and final episode in this British Music Series! Thanks for tuning in! Keep strumming, keep experimenting, and don’t forget to check out the playlist for this week’s musical inspiration!

Welcome back to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast with your host, Paul Andrews! In this second instalment of the British Guitar Music series, Paul takes us on a journey through the iconic 1970s—a decade defined by stadium rock, legendary guitarists, and the birth of British heavy metal. If you missed last week's trip through the swinging '60s and the British Invasion, don’t forget to catch up and check out the new riffs added to the Academy from The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks. This episode explores the rise of guitar heroes, how massive riffs filled arenas, and the revolutionary new sounds that came from some of the UK’s most influential bands. Get ready for practical tips, classic riffs to try this week, inspiration from rock greats, and a peek at what’s happening inside the Beginner Guitar Academy community. What’s New in Beginner Guitar Academy? New Riffs Added: All available now in the Academy’s riff section, complete with a new lesson format: riff introduction, playthrough, breakdown, and various practice speeds with scrolling tab. Main Topics Covered 1. The Rise of Stadium Rock Led Zeppelin / Jimmy Page:Queen / Brian May:Pink Floyd / David Gilmour: 2. The Birth of British Heavy Metal Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath):Deep Purple / Ritchie Blackmore:Judas Priest: 3. Beginner Tips for Playing 70s Rock & Metal 4. Homework – Riffs To Practice This Week Resources & Links British Music Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1c4k92MPjuDPXVSPnHLz19?si=315535319c304f89Workshop Section: Beginner Guitar Academy Membership: beginnerguitaracademy.com Community Question Which 1970s British rock or metal guitarist inspires you the...

This week, Paul kicks off a special month-long series delving into British guitar music, decade by decade. In this episode, the focus is on the iconic 1960s British Invasion — exploring how UK bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who reshaped the guitar world, and what beginner guitarists can take from their classic styles and songs. What’s Inside Series Preview: All of July, Paul is exploring the evolution of British guitar music: Spotify Decade Playlists: Check the show notes or visit bgapodcast.com/241 for the accompanying playlist and blog post for this episode. Academy Updates: Deep Dive: The 1960s British Invasion What Was the British Invasion? https://youtu.be/b-VAxGJdJeQ?si=9-hMhjB5MqEogN1J Key Artists & Their Contributions: The Beatles:The Rolling Stones:The Kinks:The Who: Beginner Lessons from 60s UK Bands: Keep it Simple:Master Simple Riffs:Explore Power Chords:Add Style: Gear Talk: Song Suggestions for Beginners Paul recommends working these classics into your routine (and they’re all available with tutorials in the Academy): Love Me Do (The Beatles):You Really Got Me (The Kinks):(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones): Challenge of the Week Pick one of the featured 1960s songs and add it to your practice! If you’re a member, share your progress in the community. Bonus Resources Not a Member?

Welcome to another value-packed episode with Paul Andrews! This week, we're focusing on something every guitarist—no matter what stage they're at—should care about: How to get better. Paul shares a comprehensive list of 20 actionable strategies designed to make you a better guitar player, whether you’re brand new or have been strumming for a while. From crucial practice habits and mindset shifts to practical tips you may not expect, this episode is packed with inspiration and detailed advice to elevate your playing to the next level. Key Highlights & Takeaways Beginner Guitar Academy News 20 Ways to Be a Better Guitar Player 1. Practice Consistently, Not Endlessly 2. Use a Metronome 3. Slow It Down 4. Focus on Technique 5. Record Yourself 6. Play with Others 7. Learn Songs You Love 8. Practice Ear Training 9. Master the Basics 10. Work on Your Chord Changes 11. Keep a Practice Journal 12. Don’t Chase Too Much at Once 13. Learn Some Music Theory 14. Memorize the Notes on the Fretboard 15. Play Standing Up 16. Change Your Strings Regularly 17. Listen to Great Guitar Players 18. Learn to Use Dynamics 19. Play in Different Styles 20. Be Patient and Enjoy the Ride Additional...

In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews breaks down everything beginners need to know about transitioning to their first electric guitar. Suppose you’re moving from acoustic or want a deeper understanding of what makes an electric guitar tick. In that case, this episode is packed with valuable insights—from body types and pickups to must-have accessories and practical buying advice. Key Topics Covered 1. Acoustic vs. Electric Guitars 2. Types of Electric Guitar Bodies Solid Body:Semi-Hollow Body:Hollow Body: 3. Important Components & Controls Pickups:Volume & Tone Controls:Pickup Selector:Bridge Types:Strings: 4. Pickups Explained Single-Coil:P90:Humbucker:Active Pickups: 5. Neck Profiles, Scale Length & Action Neck Profile:Scale Length:Action: 6. Woods Used Maple vs. Rosewood Fingerboards: 7. What to Look For in a Beginner Electric Guitar Playability:Tunability:Brand Matters:Budget Bundles: 8. Recommended Guitars Budget:Mid-Range:Higher-End: 9. Essential Accessories Amplifier:Cable:Tuner:Strap, Picks,...

Episode Overview: This week, Paul dives into one of the most fundamental and beloved guitar chords, the G chord! Whether you're picking up the guitar for the first time or looking to solidify your chord-changing skills, this episode covers everything you need to know about the G chord. Paul breaks down the most common G chord shapes, offers song suggestions featuring the G chord, shares practice tips, explores chord progressions in the key of G, and tackles common struggles (with solutions!) players face with the G chord. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: 1. Essential G Chord Shapes Paul walks you through multiple ways to play the G chord, starting from the simplest forms to the more full-sounding variations: TIP: Don’t forget to download the chord shape sheet here! 2. Songs Using the G Chord Paul highlights several beginner-friendly songs that feature the G chord and are perfect for practicing changes: All these songs (and more) are available in the Academy’s song section! 3. Key of G – Chord Progressions and Creativity Learn how the G chord fits within its key and which chords naturally pair with it: Paul gives practical advice on experimenting with these chords. Play around with progression ideas like G–D–Em–C or G–Em–C–D. 4. Popular Chord Progressions Featuring G Paul breaks down some of the most common and useful progressions: 5. Troubleshooting: Common Struggles and Solutions Paul provides practical solutions to help you: Resources Mentioned: Chord Shape Sheet:BGAPodcast.com/238Video Version:Beginner Guitar Academy: Final Thoughts: Learning the G chord is a must for all beginner guitarists. It’s versatile, appears in countless songs, and is foundational for unlocking the full world of rhythm guitar. Take your time, be patient with your progress, and remember: repetition, good technique, and thoughtful practice are your best friends.

Episode Summary: This week, host Paul Andrews dives deep into the world of learning guitar on YouTube—exploring the pros and cons, the pitfalls of unstructured learning, and why having a step-by-step plan is the key to real progress. With May’s “Five Minutes a Day Challenge” just wrapped up, Paul offers guidance on what to do next for beginners, whether you’re considering YouTube lessons or seeking something more structured. Key Topics Covered: Beginner Guitar Academy Updates: YouTube vs. Structured Learning: The Downside of Random Learning: The Power of Structure: Making YouTube Work for You: Options for Serious Learners: Paul’s Advice: If you want serious results, find a program that offers structure, feedback, and community. Random lessons might scratch an itch, but only a guided method will truly take you from beginner to confident player. And remember: skills pay the bills! Call to Action: beginnerguitaracademy.com Next Episode: Check back next week for a fresh guitar lesson and more actionable tips! Loved the Episode? Please rate and review the podcast wherever you listen—it helps others discover the show! Connect with Us: For questions, updates, or to start your membership: www.beginnerguitaracademy.com

In this episode, Paul Andrews wraps up the Beginner Guitar Academy’s “Learn to Play Five Minutes a Day in May” challenge by recapping week four, focused on lead guitar skills. Paul guides listeners through key lessons from the challenge, including the importance of the minor pentatonic scale, practicing with a metronome, playing classic riffs, taking first steps into improvisation, and essential lead guitar techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. As the month-long challenge concludes, Paul shares tips for building a regular practice routine and explains how to continue your learning journey with Beginner Guitar Academy. Key Topics Covered Recap of the May Challenge: Week Four Focus: Lead Guitar Day 22:Day 23:Day 24:Improvisation Basics: Lead Guitar Techniques Hammer-ons: Pull-offs: Slides: Putting It All Together: Challenge Recap & What’s Next Resources Mentioned Beginner Guitar Academy – Join & Try for $1 Takeaways

In this episode, Paul Andrews recaps week three of the “5 Minutes a Day in May Guitar Challenge,” focusing on strumming and rhythm, key skills for any beginner (and even more advanced) guitarists. Paul breaks down the daily lessons, shares practical tips on building solid rhythm foundations, and highlights essential strumming patterns. Plus, he shares some academy news and encourages listeners to join the challenge, reminding everyone that it's not too late to start! Key Points Covered Academy Updates: bgachallenge.com Week 3 Focus: Strumming & Rhythm Day 15:Foot Tapping & Internalizing the Beat:Day 16:Day 17:Day 18:Day 19:Day 20: Practical Tips: Next Week Teaser Week four will introduce improvisation, playing with backing tracks, and lead guitar techniques, so stick around and keep practicing! Links & Resources Join the 5 Minutes a Day Challenge

Episode Overview In this episode, Paul Andrews recaps week two of the "Learn to Play Five Minutes a Day in May" challenge. If you're participating, congratulations—you're halfway through! Not involved yet? No worries, you can join anytime at bgachallenge.com and start from day one. What’s Covered This Week This week focuses on chords—a fundamental skill for every beginner guitarist. Paul introduces a range of strategies and techniques designed to make chord learning smoother and more effective. Key Points Discussed The Three S’s to Good Chord Playing: Shape:Sound:Speed: Chord Breakdown and Transition Techniques: E Minor, A Minor, C, and G chords:Pivot Fingers:Folded Corners Technique:Air Forming: Practice Application: Song Example:Learning Chord Order: Additional Resources Podcast Episode 47:bgapodcast.com/47 Join the Challenge! Ready to build a daily practice routine? Sign up for the 5 Minutes a Day in May challenge at bgachallenge.com and get started with day one right away. Closing Thought: Keep practicing, be patient with your progress, and remember—slow, consistent repetition is the key to mastering chords! Catch you next week for another episode!

Episode Overview: In this special episode, Paul Andrews recaps the first week of the “Five Minutes a Day Guitar Challenge,” which is designed to help beginner guitarists practice daily and build strong foundational skills. Whether you’re keeping up with the challenge or just tuning in, this episode is packed with techniques and exercises to improve your picking and overall guitar playing. Key Topics Covered: Introduction to the Challenge: Week 1 Theme – Picking Fundamentals: Essential Picking TechniquesThe 5 Essential Picking ExercisesIsolation Practice Fretting Technique: Applying Techniques with Iconic Riffs: Practice what you’ve learned with riffs such as: Spider Exercise (1-2-3-4 Exercise): Progress and Recap Structure: Community Updates Academy Show: Live Office Hours: Beginner Guitar Academy Community: Resources & Links: Join the Challenge Anytime: bgachallenge.com Video Version: bgapodcast.com/233 Become a Member: Beginner Guitar Academy If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Keep practicing, and stay tuned for next week’s episode.

In this inspiring episode, Paul Andrews sits down with Malte, the very first student to complete all five levels of the Beginner Guitar Academy program. Malte shares his unique guitar journey, the ups and downs of learning through structured levels, and how the academy helped him close gaps in his musical foundation, even after decades of prior experience! Highlights: - Meet Malte: Discover Malte’s musical background, including his love for Metallica and Nirvana, and how early lessons lacked the structure he later found crucial for solid progress. - The Power of Structure: Malte discusses the importance of a clear, step-by-step method (with a dash of gamification!) for staying motivated and achieving real results. - Closing the Gaps: Hear how ear training, music theory (hello, Circle of Fifths!), and learning about keys transformed Malte’s understanding of the guitar — skills he never gained from years of traditional lessons. - Facing Challenges: Malte opens up about his struggles with note reading and ear training, and how tackling these head-on became some of his most rewarding accomplishments. - Day-to-Day Practice: Get insights into Malte’s practice routine as a busy professional and family man—how just 30 minutes a day, plus mini “guitar grabs,” kept his skills sharp and progress moving. - Words of Wisdom: Malte shares top advice for beginners, emphasizing the value of mastering foundational skills, staying patient through tough beginnings, and embracing structured learning to accelerate progress. - What’s Next: Find out about Malte’s future guitar goals—from mastering Metallica’s downstroke technique to speed picking—and how the Beginner Guitar Academy laid the groundwork for advanced growth. Episode Links: - 5 Minutes a Day Challenge - Beginner Guitar Academy Mentioned in This Episode: - Metallica, Nirvana - The importance of the CAGED system (and requests for a Level 6!) - Ear training tools and resources - Motivating practice equipment (like the Boss Waza Air headphones) Listener Challenge: If you’re working your way through the BGA course, what’s the biggest gap you want to fill in your guitar knowledge? Tag us on social or write in – we’d love to hear your story! Connect With Us: - Instagram - Facebook Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow guitar enthusiasts who need a boost of inspiration! Thanks for tuning in, and a special thanks to Malte for sharing his journey! Stay tuned for more student stories and expert tips on the next Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast.

**Episode Summary:** Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of guitar chords to learn? Not sure which chords to start with, when to attempt barre chords, or how to tackle power chords and sevens? In this episode, Paul Andrews breaks down a clear, step-by-step roadmap to demystify chords for beginner guitarists. He shares which chords are essential, the logical order to learn them, and tips to avoid frustration and burnout as you build your skills. **Announcement** - Join Paul’s free “Five Minutes a Day in May Guitar Challenge” for daily, bite-sized video lessons and a printable practice tracker. Sign up at bgachallenge.com. - New song study: “Take It Easy” by the Eagles—perfect for Level 1 students inside the Academy. - Upcoming Live Q&A session (via Zoom), with a recording available afterward for members. **Main Content:** - **Overwhelm from Too Many Chord Options** How to avoid confusion from chord charts and what you really need to know as a beginner. - **The “Basic Eight” Chords** These are the essential A, C, D, E, G majors, and A, D, E minors that form the backbone of most popular music. - **Open Power Chords** Simple, great for rock styles, and a logical next step after open chords. - **Dominant 7, Major 7, and Minor 7 Chords** How and when to add sevens to your chord vocabulary. - **Four-Finger Chords** Shapes like G, Em7, Cadd9, and A7sus4—essential for Level 2. - **Half-Barre Chords** Introduction to partial barres and why they’re easier than full ones. - **Movable Power Chords** Taking chord shapes further up the neck; understanding how theory and fretboard knowledge come into play. - **The Big Bad Barre Chords** When to start, why beginners struggle, and advice for building up to them the right way. - **Importance of Order and Practice Approach** Why following a progression prevents overwhelm and keeps learning enjoyable. - **Tips & Resources:** - Follow the recommended order: don’t jump ahead to barre chords until you’ve mastered open and partial chords. - Check the resource section on Beginner Guitar Academy for chord sheets and workshops. - “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Wish You Were Here” song tutorials for practicing seven and four-finger chords. **Resources Mentioned:** - Five Minutes a Day in May Challenge - Beginner Guitar Academy **Takeaway:** Start with a solid foundation: learn the basic eight chords, then gradually expand into power chords, sevens, and beyond. Master each step before moving forward to stay motivated and frustration-free on your guitar journey.