Are you ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're exploring five essential practice habits that will set you up for long-term success. These are the habits I've seen countless students struggle with, and addressing them early can make a world of difference in your musical jour…

In this week's episode of the podcast, we're diving deep into mastering one of the most challenging chords for beginner guitarists: the F major bar chord. We'll discuss why the F major bar chord is tricky, introduce some simpler alternative shapes, and go over essential techniques for building the strength and accuracy needed to play it with ease.…

Are you curious about the latest and greatest in the guitar world? Get ready for an exciting journey through the recent NAMM show, where the music industry's biggest names unveiled their newest creations! In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're diving into the world of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) and explori…

Get ready to strum along with some of the most legendary guitars in music history! In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're taking a musical journey through the stories behind iconic guitars and the famous players who wielded them. Ever wondered why B.B. King named all his guitars Lucille? Or how Eric Clapton's Blackie came to …

Are you ready to take your guitar jamming skills to the next level? In this final episode of our five-part series on jamming, we're wrapping up with essential tips and strategies to help you progress from beginner to advanced levels. We'll kick things off with a quick recap of the previous episodes, ensuring you haven't missed any crucial informati…

Are you ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're diving into five easy songs that are perfect for beginner jams. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build on your existing skills, these tunes offer something for everyone. As part of our January jamming theme, we're…

Are you ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're diving into the exciting world of jamming with other musicians. Whether you're a complete novice or have been strumming for a while, you'll discover how playing with others can boost your skills, creativity, and confidence. Why…

Are you ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of solo jamming - a crucial skill for every guitarist, whether you're a beginner or have been strumming for years. Solo jamming isn't just about playing alone; it's about unleashing your creativity, building confidence, and developing esse…

In this episode, Paul kicks off January with a special theme focused on jamming for guitarists. He discusses the importance of jamming and its benefits for guitar players of all levels, especially beginners. Throughout January, the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast will explore various aspects of jamming, including solo jamming, group jamming, and so…

As we approach a new year, it's the perfect time to set our sights on success in 2025. In this episode, Paul shares seven essential tips and strategies to help you make significant progress with your guitar playing. From reflecting on the past year's achievements and challenges to setting SMART goals and creating a consistent practice routine, Paul…

In this special episode, we continue looking back at the most downloaded episodes of 2024. Join me as we countdown the third, second, and most popular episodes, starting with a fan-favourite, "Five Tips to Help You Succeed with Online Guitar Lessons." With over 500,000 total downloads and a dedicated listener base, we are incredibly thankful for yo…

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast! In this episode, we're taking a look back at 2024 with a special "wrapped" edition, inspired by Spotify's annual wrap-ups. Join your host, Paul Andrews, as we count down the six most downloaded episodes of the year. We'll dive into highlights from episodes where we've explo…

In this episode, we're diving into the festive spirit as host Paul Andrews takes you through five must-know Christmas songs on the guitar. Perfect for impressing friends and family during the holiday gatherings, Paul will explore the history of each song, break down various techniques, and provide strumming and fingerpicking tips to rock your Chris…

In this week's episode, we're diving into the excitement and potential pitfalls of the Black Friday shopping frenzy, specifically for guitar enthusiasts. Host Paul Andrews is here to guide you through some standout Black Friday deals on guitars, accessories, and gear, perfect for both the novice and the seasoned player.…

Welcome to Episode 209 of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast! Today we're celebrating a significant milestone—the 4th anniversary of BeginnerGuitarAcademy.com, our online guitar school that's been helping guitar enthusiasts from beginners to intermediates across the globe. In this special episode, we'll take a trip down memory lane to explore the …

In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast, host Paul Andrews dives into a comprehensive song study of the classic hit "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the album "Reckless." Paul explores each section of the song, breaking down the techniques involved and providing practical tips for both rhythm an…

In Episode 207 of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, host Paul Andrews tackles some of the most pervasive myths surrounding the world of guitar playing. Whether you're a complete newbie or an intermediate player, this episode aims to clear up misconceptions that might hold you back in your musical journey. Here's what you can expect from the epis…

In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the "3 T's" that every aspiring guitarist should focus on: Tone, Technique, and Timing. These fundamental elements will enhance your playing, whether you're practicing solo or performing. I outline what each of these aspects entails and provide practical tips to incorporate them into your practice sess…

In this week's episode, we're exploring "Five Rock Albums Every Guitarist Should Hear." Join us as we uncover the classic rock albums that are essential listening for inspiration, mastering song structures, rhythm, timing, and essential rock techniques. We'll discuss iconic records like "Led Zeppelin IV," Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced," "The …

In today's episode, we're turning our focus to one of rock music's most iconic songs—Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Join us as we dive deep into the history, guitar work, and structure of this legendary track, continuing our Rocktober series where we celebrate the essence of rock music all month long. Whether you're a beginner looking to under…

This week, we're diving into the electrifying world of rock music with our second instalment of the Rocktober series. If you missed Episode 202, where we explored 7 must-know beginner rock riffs, make sure to check it out. Today, we're shifting gears to cover "Power Chords 101, the backbone of rock music". We'll explore their history, theory, famou…

Welcome to this week's episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, episode 202! I'm kicking off Rocktober with a bang by exploring 7 must-know beginner guitar riffs that every aspiring rock guitarist should have in their repertoire. As part of our rock-themed series throughout October, each episode will bring you exciting content tailored to he…

In today's episode, we're celebrating a remarkable milestone in guitar history: the 70th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, the Stratocaster's legacy is sure to fascinate you. We'll delve into its rich history, the legendary players who've made it famous, classic songs …

Today we are celebrating a special milestone—our 200th episode and our very first video podcast. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, we're thrilled to have you join us on this incredible journey. In this episode, we'll reflect on the transformative power of looking back at past struggles to measure your progress, and we'll dive in…

In this week's episode, I dive deep into Green Day's iconic song "Wake Me Up When September Ends," dissecting its structure, guitar parts, and rich history. Whether you're a fan of Green Day or just discovering their music, I walk you through everything from the song's poignant backstory to practical tips on executing its guitar parts, including ho…

In today's podcast episode, we delved into the world of scales—what they are, why they're essential, and how to master them effectively. Host Paul Andrews eloquently unravelled the significance of scales in music, demystifying their patterns and intervals and shedding light on the major, minor, and pentatonic scales and the blues scale. Not only di…

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, where we dive into all things guitar! In today's episode, we're taking a deep dive into the iconic band Oasis. We'll explore their history, their most iconic songs, and the lead guitar style of Noel Gallagher. From their debut album to their rise to international fame, we'll uncover the secrets behind…

In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, host Paul Andrews delves deep into the importance and versatility of the major pentatonic scale. He breaks down the theory behind the scale, its patterns, and its applications in popular songs. Listeners will learn why the major pentatonic scale is essential, how to use it in different keys, a…

In this week's episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we take a deep dive into the world of guitar effects. Host Paul Andrews introduces 5 classic effects - distortion, reverb, delay, wah-wah, and chorus - and delves into famous riffs that showcase each effect. Learn how to use and dial in these effects, the different controls they offer, …

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, where we explore effective strategies for mastering the guitar. In today's episode, we delve into the 100-hour rule, a simple yet powerful concept that can revolutionize your guitar learning journey. Host Paul Andrews breaks down the math, explaining how dedicating just 17 minutes a day to practice ca…

This episode is the audio from our recent member Q&A. I cover an array of topics and listener questions, delving into everything from mastering guitar picks and improvisation techniques to chord transitions and the upcoming plans for the Academy. I share insight on everything from using digital equipment for recordings to strengthening little finge…

In this week's episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're diving into the world of blues music. Host Paul Andrews takes us through 5 classic blues songs that will inspire, motivate, and help us add some new licks to our guitar playing. From iconic tracks like "Crossroads" by Cream to "Hey Joe" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, each song is…

In today's episode, we dive into the topic of learning the notes on the guitar neck. Host Paul Andrews discusses the significance of understanding musical notes and how it transcends the limitations of playing by tablature. He unravels the benefits of knowing notes, and the pitfalls of learning them too quickly. Paul shares valuable insights on whe…

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast! In this episode, we'll dive into the 10 essential things every beginner guitar player should know. Host Paul Andrews shares expert insights on finger placement, fretting techniques, the importance of rhythm, the significance of posture, and the distinction between practicing and playing. Join us as we…

In this week's podcast episode, we're diving into the fundamentals of rhythm and timing. I go through the essential strum patterns every beginner guitarist must know, from whole notes to 16th notes. As well as some tips and techniques for improving your strumming skills.Von Beginner Guitar Academy

In this episode, host Paul Andrews walks you through the essential steps to becoming a better lead guitar player and improving your improvisational skills. Paul delves into the key components of improvisation, emphasizing the importance of melody, rhythm, and expression. He provides a structured approach to developing your improvisation skills and …

In today's episode, we delve into the hotly debated topic of the hardest guitar songs to play. Host Paul Andrews shares his thoughts on the top 5 most challenging guitar songs, including iconic tracks by Van Halen, Dragonforce, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, and Racer X. Through a detailed breakdown of each song's technical components, you'll gain insigh…

In today's episode, I delve into teaching yourself guitar versus seeking professional guidance. I break down the pros and cons of self-teaching, highlighting the importance of structure, feedback, and effective learning strategies. From the convenience of online resources to the potential pitfalls of developing bad habits, I provide valuable insigh…

In this episode, we deep dive into the A major chord, a staple for many songs and a fundamental chord for all guitar players. I take you through various ways to play the A chord and provide tips for mastering it, including hand positioning and common mistakes to avoid. I also share a list of popular songs that use the A chord, giving listeners the …

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and music of the legendary guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan. From his early influences to his groundbreaking albums and signature playing style, we explore the impact of his music and his journey through addiction and recovery. Join us as we uncover the remarkable story of this influential blues rock icon an…

In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we'll explore the benefits and challenges of learning multiple musical instruments. I delve into the question of whether guitarists should pursue learning other instruments, drawing from the community's curiosity and experiences. Whether you're considering picking up a new instrument or want t…

In this episode, I take us through the fantastic albums released in 1984. From Steve Vai's debut album to classics by Van Halen, Queen, Prince, and U2, I explore the standout albums and artists of that year. With fascinating tidbits and insights on the music and artists, this episode is a must-listen for any guitar enthusiast. Whether you're a seas…

In this week's episode, we are taking a trip into the vault and dusting off episode 128; '5 Ways To Become More Confident On Video.' In the episode, we discuss something that can make any beginner guitarist a little nervous - recording yourself on video. But don't worry, I've got you covered with five tips to increase your confidence on camera.…

This week's episode features the audio from a recent member live Q&A. Some of the topics covered include; how many songs should you learn at one time? How do you memorise so many scales? How to feel more comfortable recording videos? And more.Von Beginner Guitar Academy

Welcome to episode 179 of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast! Today, we're wrapping up our acoustic April series by spotlighting 10 awesome acoustic guitar players you need to know about. From innovative techniques to viral releases, we've got a diverse lineup for you. We'll dive into the unique styles and musical accomplishments of artists like M…

In this podcast episode, I dive into the world of open tunings. I provide a clear definition of open tunings, explain their benefits, and share popular artists and songs that use open tunings. Furthermore, I walk listeners through popular open tunings such as open G, open E, open D, and more.Von Beginner Guitar Academy

In this episode, I count down the top 5 acoustic guitar riffs, offering insights and tips on mastering each one. From Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" to Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line," these riffs are perfect for beginners and can be simplified to match various skill levels. To access the tab for the riffs mentioned in this episode, head over to ww…

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast episode 176. In this episode, host Paul Andrews takes a deep dive into all things acoustic guitar. He discusses the origins and evolution of the acoustic guitar, iconic players who have shaped its development, the anatomy and types of acoustic guitars, as well as recommended guitar brands. Listeners ca…

In this episode, I delve into a common question among guitarists: "How many guitars do you actually need?" I share insights on why guitarists own multiple instruments, the disadvantages of owning many guitars, and the average number of guitars owned by different levels of guitar players. I also provide tips for justifying the need for new guitars a…

In this week's episode 'Understanding the Circle of Fifths', I break down this important concept in a way that demystifies the complexities of this essential theory. I provide a step-by-step explanation of the circle, how it relates to key signatures, and how you can use it to understand chord progressions. If you want to understand the circle of f…