Beginner Guitar Academy

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 journey of the academy from its inception in 2016 to the thriving community it is today. We'll discuss the structured lessons, unique features, and supportive community that make Beginner Guitar Academy stand out. Plus, I'm excited to announce an exclusive giveaway for a chance to win a brand-new Beginner Guitar Academy t-shirt. Stick around for all the details and more exciting updates, including upcoming changes and enhancements to the academy. Whether you're a member or a regular listener, there's something for everyone in this celebratory episode. Let's dive into the evolution of Beginner Guitar Academy and what the future holds!

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 and lead guitar parts, including the guitar solo. Discover the nuances of barre chords, suspended chords, and the art of palm muting while gaining insights into the historical context and fun facts about the song's lyrics. Don't miss Paul's expert guidance as he also highlights the unique resources and features available in the Beginner Guitar Academy to elevate your guitar learning experience. Check out Podcast+ here www.bgapodcast.plusStart your Beginner Guitar Academy membership here www.beginnerguitaracademy.com

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 episode:**Myth 1: You Must Start on an Acoustic Guitar**Paul explains why starting with any guitar—acoustic or electric—can be suitable, depending on your musical style, preferences, and budget.**Myth 2: Small Hands Can't Play Guitar**Learn why hand size isn't a barrier to playing guitar. Paul shares anecdotes of students with small hands or even missing fingers who have successfully learned to play, and highlights famous guitarists like Angus Young and Prince who didn't let small hands hold them back.**Myth 3: Practice Makes Perfect**Discover why "perfect practice makes perfect" is a more accurate mantra, and understand the importance of proper technique to avoid reinforcing bad habits.**Myth 4: You Don't Need Theory to Play Guitar**Paul examines this partial myth, explaining how understanding music theory can significantly ease the learning process and improve your playing, especially for those serious about advancing their skills.Plus, this episode introduces valuable November updates:**Academy Announcements**: Celebrate the 4th anniversary of Beginner Guitar Academy with numerous updates.**Song Study**: A detailed tutorial on "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams releases on November 14th.**Live Lessons and Q&A**: Join a live lesson on rhythm improvement on November 21st and a live Q&A session on November 28th.Paul also debunks other myths like the necessity of expensive gear, mastering a song before learning another, and the false need to play fast to be a good guitarist. He provides actionable advice on multi-task learning, building confidence through consistent practice, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.Tune in for insightful tips, practical advice, and a realistic approach to becoming a well-rounded guitarist.For more information, and updates, or to start a membership, visit beginnerguitaracademy.com. Don't miss this engaging and informative episode!

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 sessions effectively. Plus, hear the latest updates from the Beginner Guitar Academy, including a successful charity campaign and new resources available for members. So, grab your guitar, and let's elevate your skills to the next level!

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 Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd, Nirvana's "Nevermind," and AC/DC's "Back in Black." These albums offer a masterclass in everything from expressive solos and powerful simplicity to rhythmic intensity and melodic excellence. Stay tuned for details about our advanced "Stairway to Heaven" song study for Beginner Guitar Academy members and get the scoop on our Podcast+ membership for exclusive content. Let's get rocking!

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 understand the basics or you're itching for some intriguing facts about this classic tune, we've got you covered.

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, famous riffs, variations, and expert tips for mastering them. Plus, learn how to take your playing to the next level with exciting variations and power chord innovations. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player looking to expand your rock repertoire, this episode is packed with valuable insights and essential lessons. And don't forget to explore Podcast+ for exclusive content, including video versions of our episodes, downloadable PDFs, and more. Check it out here: www.bgapodcast.plus

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 help you rock out on your guitar journey. You can support the podcast and access exclusive content with our Podcast Plus+ membership. Check it out here www.bgapodcast.plus

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 and riffs you should know, and the innovations that have kept it at the forefront of music for over seven decades. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey through seven decades of guitar excellence! If you want to get more from the podcast check out our new Podcast+ membership at www.bgapodcast.plus

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 into the vibrant and supportive community we've built together. With plans for future online meetups, new features like scrolling tab play-through videos, and innovative content updates, there's so much to be excited about. We'll also delve into essential learning strategies, answering common questions about how long to stay in a guitar class before moving on, balancing song learning without becoming a "riff junkie," and achieving different levels of song mastery. Plus, hear personal anecdotes from my own guitar journey, including my early inspirations and the lessons learned from my teachers. We'll address listener questions about progressing beyond the Beginner Guitar Academy's 5-level system and share updates on merchandise, including our new guitar-themed T-shirts available at guitarshirts.shop with a special discount!

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 how to master finger positioning and barre chords. Plus, I offer valuable advice on dynamic range and transitioning between chords to elevate your guitar playing skills. Don't forget, for our Beginner Guitar Academy members, the detailed tutorial, tabs, and play-along tracks for this song can be found in the Academy. And if you're not yet a member, you can join with a 2-week trial for just $1 here. Get ready to enhance your guitar skills with expert guidance on one of Green Day's most beloved tracks. Now, let’s get started!

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 did Paul provide insights into the technical aspects of practising scales, but he also explored ways to infuse creativity and musicality into your scale exercises. If you've ever felt daunted by scales or wondered how to make your practice sessions more engaging, this episode is your gateway to honing your skills and unleashing your musical potential.

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 their music. We'll also discuss the essential techniques used by Noel Gallagher and the gear he prefers to create their signature sound. So, if you're a fan of Oasis or interested in learning more about their music, this episode is perfect for you. Stay tuned as we unravel the magic of Oasis right here on the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast!

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, and even get practical tips for daily practice. By the end of this episode, you'll have a solid understanding of the major pentatonic scale and be ready to take your guitar skills to the next level. Tune in to discover the power of this fundamental scale for beginner guitarists!

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, and how they can enhance your guitar playing.

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 can lead to 100 hours of practice over a year. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, and regular practice, and how they build muscle memory, mental engagement, motivation, and momentum. Paul also shares practical tips for integrating the 100-hour rule into your busy life and highlights the inspiring progress of a BGA member who achieved a 300-day practice streak. Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of the 100-hour rule and its impact on your guitar skills.

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 finger, chord movement, and string muting techniques.

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 a treasure trove of techniques, styles, and inspiration for guitar players of all levels. If you're a member of Beginner Guitar Academy, there's a special treat in store with transcribed licks from each of these songs available in the new "Quick Licks" section. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, these tracks have something for everyone. So tune in, get inspired, and let's dive into the world of blues guitar!

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 when and how to learn the notes, providing practical exercises to reinforce your mastery. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the musical alphabet, octave shapes, and valuable resources to boost your fretboard knowledge. Let's jump into the world of notes on the guitar neck and take our playing to new heights!

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 explore the fundamentals that will set you on the path to becoming a proficient and well-rounded guitar player.