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.

• Reminder for BGA members: the live Q&A session is scheduled for Sunday, 31st August, at 9pm GMT. Members can join the Zoom meeting to ask Paul questions or submit questions in advance by email if they are unable to attend live. Recordings and audio will be available afterwards via the Academy platform.

1. Ultimate Guitar (ultimate-guitar.com)

• Largest online tab database.
• Mostly user-submitted tabs; quality varies.
• Ratings help determine accuracy.
• Paid version (Pro/Ultimate) includes playback, looping, and may have more professionally transcribed tabs.
• App available for mobile practice.

2. Songsterr (songsterr.com)

• Interactive tabs with playback, loop, and speed control (more features with Plus subscription).
• Transcriptions often superior since they include rhythm information.
• App available.

3. GuitarProTabs.org

• Download Guitar Pro files (.gp3, .gp4) for use with Guitar Pro software (which Paul highly recommends for creating, playing back, and slowing down tabs).
• Great for multi-guitar songs.
• BGA members get a Guitar Pro discount.

4. “Classic” Sites

• GuitarTabs.cc, 911Tabs.com, Guitar E-Tab: Longstanding online databases with extensive archives. Mostly user-submitted—so always double-check for accuracy.

1. MusicNotes.com

• Professionally published, highly accurate digital sheet music, often by Hal Leonard and Cherry Lane.
• Preview first page for free; pay (approx. €4/song) for full versions.
• Monthly pro membership brings discounts.

2. SheetMusicDirect.com

• UK-based; offers a subscription “Pass” with access to a vast catalogue (print/download options require a higher plan or extra charge).
• Student discounts available.

3. GuitarInstructor.com (Paul’s Top Pick)

• Official Hal Leonard website; highly accurate, downloadable PDF tabs.
• Video lessons from pro instructors included.
• Annual subscription available; best value for teachers and students wanting authentic, printable tabs.

• Remember the value of physical songbooks available from Amazon, MusicRoom (UK), and SheetMusicPlus (US). Sometimes importing is less expensive!

• For beginners: Use Ultimate Guitar or Songsterr for exploring a wide variety of songs, but always verify accuracy.
• For teachers or those seeking authenticity: GuitarInstructor.com offers the best official tabs with PDF downloads, and lessons bundled in.
• For multi-guitar/tabbed arrangements: Invest in Guitar Pro software; BGA members can get a significant discount.
• Physical copies: Books are still a great, reliable option and sometimes offer the most precise transcriptions.

• Thanks to Mark Old for inspiring this episode’s topic with his question about finding authentic tabs.

If you’re enjoying the podcast and Paul’s teaching style, consider joining Beginner Guitar Academy! Members get structured lessons, song libraries, workshops, live Q&As, and access to a vibrant community. Try it for just $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com.

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.

Community Update:

• Paul announces a live Zoom Q&A taking place on Sunday, 31st August at 9 pm GMT for Beginner Guitar Academy members. He details how to join, submit questions, and access the recorded session if you can’t attend live.

Practicing Songs vs. Practicing Skills:

• Songs are a collection of different skills (chords, rhythms, techniques).
• Key tip: Break songs down into their skill components to assess if they’re suitable for your current level.
• Avoid picking songs that are too far above your ability; focus on skills first, then songs.

A System for Learning Songs Efficiently:

Step One: Pick the Right Song:

• Choose a song that aligns with your current skillset.
• Listen to the original, identify sections (intro, verse, chorus), and loop those sections in practice.
• Start with simplified versions and play the song slowly. Only increase tempo as you gain confidence.

Step 2: The 3 Ps System for Maintaining Songs:

1. Practice – For new or challenging songs/sections. Loop and break down tricky parts.
2. Playthrough – For songs you can mostly play but need to keep fresh.
3. Perform – For songs you know inside out; these are gig-ready or can be played start to finish confidently.

• Rotate songs between these categories as your abilities improve.

Step 3 - Balancing New Songs and Old Songs (The 50/50 Rule):

• Don’t just chase new songs or only maintain old ones. Spend half your practice on new material and half on revisiting and maintaining what you already know.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them):

1. Always starting at the beginning of a tune.
2. Not listening to the original recording.
3. Neglecting old songs.
4. Not keeping a song log.
5. Collecting snippets instead of completing full songs.
6. Practicing without a clear goal.

Action Plan for This Week:

1. Make a list of every song you can (or almost can) play.
2. Categorize each into Practice, Playthrough, or Perform.
3. Schedule a setlist run-through (like a mini gig at home).
4. Add a new, suitable song to your practice pile, balance new and old (50/50).
5. Track your song practice and progress.

• Focus on skill-appropriate songs, break them down, and use a structured maintenance method to truly own your repertoire.
• Rotate between learning new material and refreshing old songs to keep your playing both exciting and reliable.
• Set clear intentions with every song practice session to avoid getting stuck or demotivated.
• Celebrate your progress as songs move from “Practice” to “Playthrough” and finally “Perform”.

• Beginner Guitar Academy: Join for a structured, supportive approach to learning, with access to live Q&As, workshops, a song library, and two weeks of access for just $1.

Next Steps:

Ready to make progress with your song repertoire? Follow Paul’s five-step plan this week and start building a song list you can truly play and enjoy!

Don’t Forget:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review, subscribe for future episodes, and check your email for details about the upcoming live Q&A.

Stay Tuned:

New episodes drop every Friday with actionable tips to help you become a better guitarist. Until next week, keep practicing and have fun!

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.

What is a Minor Blues Progression?

• Explained as a 12-bar blues that swaps dominant 7th chords for minor chords, resulting in a darker, more emotional feel.
• Variations include using minor 7th chords or introducing a dominant 7th on chord 5 for extra bluesy tension.

Common Minor Blues Variations

• Paul demonstrates the classic A minor progression and a B.B. King-inspired variation (“The Thrill Is Gone”) that introduces a major 7th chord for extra drama.

Beginner-Friendly Approaches

• Tips on using open chords (A minor, D minor, E minor, D7, E7, and Fmaj7) for easier playability.
• How to simplify strumming and tempo for beginners.

Soloing Over Minor Blues

• Introduction to the A minor pentatonic scale—your go-to for minor blues soloing.
• Shows both open and fifth-fret positions.
• Expressive techniques: bends, vibrato, slides, and targeting root notes (A notes).
• Advanced flavour: how to add blues scale notes and natural minor notes for richer phrasing.

Listening for Inspiration

Song recommendations to practice and internalise the sound of minor blues:

• “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King
• “Still Got the Blues” by Gary Moore
• “Tin Pan Alley” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Curated Spotify playlist with 25 minor blues classics. Click here to access it

Homework for the Week

1. Practice playing the minor blues progression in A using both open and minor 7th chords.
2. Improvise with the A minor pentatonic, starting with simple phrases and working up to bends and slides.
3. Listen to the Spotify playlist and focus on picking out phrasing, note choice, and expressive techniques from the pros.

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.

Recap: Major vs. Minor Blues (12-Bar Blues Structure)

• Definition and structure of a 12-bar major blues progression using dominant 7 chords (A7, D7, E7).
• Why the turnaround bar matters, and options for looping or finishing the progression.

Foundational Scale for Soloing

• Why the A minor pentatonic scale (A, C, D, E, G) works so well, even over major blues progressions.
• The “bluesy” tension created by overlapping the scale’s minor third (C) against the chord’s major third (C#).

Targeting Chord Tones for More Musical Solos

• Root, third, and flat 7th notes of each dominant 7 chord (A7, D7, E7).
• How to start by simply hitting the root notes as the chords change, or add more complexity by incorporating other chord tones.
• Examples: bending C to C# for A7, sliding to F# for D7, emphasizing B for E7.

Making Your Solos Sound More Interesting: Advanced Scale Choices

• Major Pentatonic Scale: Adds brightness and connects with more chord tones.
• Blues Scale: Introduces the flat five (the “devil’s note” for added tension).
• Mixolydian Mode: A sophisticated, more “perfect” match for dominant 7 chords.

Blues Soloing Approaches of the Legends

• B.B. King: Simple, expressive phrases in the “BB box,” blending major and minor pentatonic. Focuses on bending and vibrato over flashy scale runs.
• Stevie Ray Vaughan: Aggressive mixing of major and minor pentatonic, with embellishments like hammers, pull-offs, and expressive picking.
• Eric Clapton: Known for chord tone targeting, major-minor pentatonic blends, and signature licks that follow the progression.

Practice Tips

• Start by jamming over backing tracks with A minor pentatonic.
• Progress to targeting root notes and other chord tones as the progression changes.
• Add in extra notes from the major pentatonic, blues scale, or Mixolydian mode as you become comfortable.
• Don’t rush—focus on phrasing, feel, and emotion, not just speed and complexity.

• Backing Tracks & Playlists:
• Academy members: Check the dashboard’s backing tracks section for new major and minor blues tracks. Search “A blues backing track” on YouTube or Spotify.
• Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qoEzDgKllxygGKgQGjei4?si=Nj7PFvFKREiOvbi8OmZy4Q
• Join the Discussion: Academy members: Share your favorite tracks or soloing progress on the forum!
• Not Yet a Member? Try Beginner Guitar Academy with a $1 two-week trial: beginnnerguitaracademy.com

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:

• Recap of the recent live Q&A (available in the Academy and member-only podcast)
• Announcement of a new, easier capo version of “Every Breath You Take” (now available in the riff section)

Main Topic: Blues Explained

• What guitarists mean by "a blues in A"
• Almost always refers to a 12-bar blues progression in A using dominant 7th chords (A7, D7, E7)
• Concept of the “major blues”:
• Based on dominant 7th chords—these have both major and minor elements due to the flattened seventh
• The most common form you’ll encounter
• Guitarists often solo over these chords using the minor pentatonic or blues scale, creating a signature, gritty sound

Examples of Major Blues Songs:

• “Pride and Joy” — Stevie Ray Vaughan
• “Hoochie Coochie Man” — Muddy Waters
• “Johnny B. Goode” — Chuck Berry

What is a Minor Blues?

• Structured identically (12-bar format) but uses minor chords (e.g., Am, Dm, E7)
• Creates a darker, moodier, and more soulful sound
• Suitable scales: natural minor, Dorian mode for colour, and minor pentatonics for soloing

Examples of Minor Blues Songs:

• “The Thrill Is Gone” — B.B. King
• “Tin Pan Alley” — Stevie Ray Vaughan
• “Ain’t No Sunshine” — Bill Withers

Major vs. Minor Blues at a Glance:

• Major blues: dominant 7 chords, upbeat and gritty
• Minor blues: minor chords, soulful and emotional

Why This Matters for Beginners:

• Understanding the difference helps when searching for backing tracks or improvising
• Knowledge of these forms is crucial for jamming, songwriting, and selecting suitable scales while soloing

Practice Tips:

• Try out both progressions with open and dominant 7 chords
• Jam over loops you record yourself for both major and minor blues
• Learn one song in each style, such as “Before You Accuse Me” (major) or “Ain’t No Sunshine” (minor)
• Record your playing to compare the feel between major and minor blues

Extensions/Chord Choices:

• Use dominant 7 chords for major blues (not just major triads or major 7 chords)
• For minor blues, try minor 7 extensions for a richer sound

Links & Resources:

• Watch the video podcast: BGAPodcast.com/245
• Learn more and start your two-week trial for just $1: beginnerguitaracademy.com
• Member Q&A and riff lessons are accessible in the Academy dashboard

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.

Brit Pop & Indie Rock Essentials:

• The defining features of Brit Pop (think Oasis & Blur) and the raw energy of the 2000s indie scene (like Arctic Monkeys & Franz Ferdinand).
• Chords, confidence, and big choruses: why rhythm, open chords, and simple song structures are the backbone of this genre.

Key Guitar Gear of the Era:

• The classic guitars (Epiphones, Gibson Les Pauls, Telecasters, Stratocasters, Rickenbackers, hollow bodies).
• Amps that shaped the sound (Vox AC30, Marshall, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe).
• Go-to pedals (BOSS DS-1/2, Ibanez Tube Screamer, delay pedals like the Boss DD3).

Essential Songs & Riffs to Try:

• “Wonderwall” by Oasis
• “Song 2” by Blur
• “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” by Arctic Monkeys
• “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
• “Naive” by The Kooks
• Tips for simplifying and learning these riffs if you’re a beginner.

Learning Takeaways:

• Why mastering rhythm guitar is so important in these styles.
• Ways to improve your chord changes, song structure understanding, and rhythmic feel.
• Experimenting with tone and effects—even/especially with a simple setup.
• How these bands wrote songs with solid structure and infectious energy.

Paul’s Challenge for You:

• Learn one Brit Pop or indie riff/rhythm from the curated Spotify playlist (link below)—whether it’s a riff from “Take Me Out,” the intro to “Wonderwall,” or a rhythm from “Parklife.” Progress is the goal!

New riffs added to the Academy:

• “Tie Your Mother Down” by Queen
• “Should I Stay or Should I Go” (The Clash)
• “Every Breath You Take” (The Police)
• “Just Like Heaven” (The Cure)

Upcoming Live Q&A:

• Sunday, July 27th, 9 pm UK time on Zoom.
• Ask questions live, or pre-submit if you can’t attend. Watch the recording later!
• Check emails for details and links.

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/049CCrxBQTqkuV2WW5jnNA?si=LNrEU2-AS7KZzJVuVRIAcQ

Academy Members:

• Workshop: “How to Play Like Oasis”

• Ep 241: The 1960s & The British Invasion
• Ep 242: 1970s Rock Legends & British Metal
• Ep 243: 1980s Punk & New Wave
• Ep 244: 1990s Brit Pop & Indie Revival (this episode!)

Thanks for listening!

Don’t forget Paul’s challenge for the week and check out the playlist for tons of inspiration. Reach out on the Academy forum or join the upcoming Q&A if you have questions, song requests, or want help with a tricky riff.

New episode drops next Friday—until then, have a fantastic week and keep practicing!

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.

The Rise of British Punk:

• Explore the roots of punk in the late '70s/early '80s with bands like The Clash, Sex Pistols, and The Damned. Discover why punk guitar is all about attitude, rhythm, and simplicity.

Transition to New Wave & Post-Punk:

• Discover how punk evolved into the more melodic and atmospheric sounds of post-punk and new wave, exemplified by artists such as Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Police, Duran Duran, and The Cure.

Essential Guitar Skills:

• Mastering power chords, barre chords, and palm muting
• Embracing rhythm and aggression in your strumming
• Experimenting with effects like chorus, delay, and reverb
• Understanding how to blend rhythm and melody in your playing
• Focusing on how your guitar sits in the band mix with synths and other instruments

• The Clash: “London Calling,” “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
• Sex Pistols: “Pretty Vacant”
• The Damned: “New Rose”
• Joy Division: “Love Will Tear Us Apart”
• The Police: “Every Breath You Take,” “Message in a Bottle”
• The Cure: “Just Like Heaven”
• The Jam: “Town Called Malice”

Keep It Simple, but Tight:

• You don’t need complicated solos—focus on solid timing and feel.

Play with Effects:

• Invest in a beginner-friendly multi-effects pedal (like the Zoom G1X) to capture true ’80s tones.

Blend Rhythm & Melody:

• Combine chord progressions with melodic hooks to develop your sound.

Embrace Attitude:

• It’s not just what you play, but how you play it!

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!

Spotify Playlist:

• Plug in and turn up the attitude — here’s your essential guide to the wild world of 1980s British Punk & New Wave. From mohawks and mosh pits to synths and soaring choruses, discover 25 iconic tracks to inspire your playing and expand your guitar style. Best played loud! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1nGUtAR2T6wTArc09PnKzt?si=5dqmbL_8TWak2vf6RV1ETA

Beginner Guitar Academy:

• Structured lessons, supportive community, and direct help from Paul. Try two weeks for just $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com

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.

New Riffs Added:

• “Paint It Black” – The Rolling Stones
• “Substitute” – The Who
• “All Day and All of the Night” – The Kinks

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.

• 1970s British bands like Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Pink Floyd redefined rock.
• Led Zeppelin / Jimmy Page: Riff mastery (“Whole Lotta Love”), alternate tunings, innovative studio layering.
• Queen / Brian May: Homemade “Red Special” guitar, unique tone with a 6 pence coin, lush harmonies (“Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Tie Your Mother Down”).
• Pink Floyd / David Gilmour: Emphasis on note choice, emotion, and phrasing (“Comfortably Numb”).

• How bands like Black Sabbath created darker, heavier sounds.
• Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath): Overcame injury, invented prosthetic fingertips, dropped tunings (“Paranoid”, “Iron Man”).
• Black Sabbath’s recent final show in Birmingham—an epic event featuring metal legends.
• Deep Purple / Ritchie Blackmore: Classical influence (“Smoke on the Water”), a must-know riff for beginners.
• Judas Priest: Twin guitar harmonies and high-energy metal paved the way for the 80s.

• Power chords, bending, hammer-ons, pull-offs—all essential techniques rooted in the 70s.
• Metal riffs often use simple power chords, making them great for beginners.

• “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple: Learn it on one string, then progress to more advanced versions.
• “Iron Man” – Black Sabbath: Excellent for practicing power chords.
• “Tie Your Mother Down” – Queen: Coming soon to the Academy.

• British Music Spotify Playlist: check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1c4k92MPjuDPXVSPnHLz19?si=315535319c304f89
• Workshop Section:
• Learn five awesome metal riffs (including Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Slayer).
• Power chord, bending, hammer-on, and pull-off workshops for beginners.

Beginner Guitar Academy Membership:

• Try out all lessons, workshops, community support, and more for just $1 for 14 days at beginnerguitaracademy.com.

Which 1970s British rock or metal guitarist inspires you the most?

Jimmy Page’s riffs? Brian May’s harmonies? Tony Iommi’s power chords?

Join the discussion in the community section—pinned topic at the top!

Don’t miss next week’s episode in the British music series! We’re moving into the 1980s to discuss the new wave of British heavy metal, punk, indie, and pop transformations.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review and subscribe!

It helps spread the word and supports more beginner guitarists around the world.

Keep rocking and have a fantastic week!

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.

Series Preview: All of July, Paul is exploring the evolution of British guitar music:

• July 4: 1960s British Invasion (this episode!)
• July 11: 1970s Rock Legends & British Metal
• July 18: 1980s British Punk & New Wave
• July 25: 1990s/2000s Brit Pop & Indie Revival

Spotify Decade Playlists: Check the show notes or visit bgapodcast.com/241 for the accompanying playlist and blog post for this episode.

Academy Updates:

• Live Q&A recording from last weekend is now available for members (video & audio formats).
• This month’s Academy Show covers all new June content, member shout-outs, and what’s coming in July.
• Mark celebrated his three-year “guitarversary”! 🥳

What Was the British Invasion?

• The explosion of UK bands in America, led by The Beatles’ 1964 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. https://youtu.be/b-VAxGJdJeQ?si=9-hMhjB5MqEogN1J
• The guitar became THE instrument to play for youth worldwide.

Key Artists & Their Contributions:

• The Beatles: Simple open chords, catchy strumming, and timeless progressions.
• The Rolling Stones: Bluesy attitude, groove, and iconic riffs (e.g., “Satisfaction”).
• The Kinks: Pioneered the power chord riff (“You Really Got Me”), laying groundwork for hard rock and punk.
• The Who: Brought power chords to the forefront, with energetic performances and dynamic strumming.

Beginner Lessons from 60s UK Bands:

• Keep it Simple: Use basic open chords and focus on strong rhythm, as heard in “Love Me Do.”
• Master Simple Riffs: Two- or three-note riffs can be powerful practice for timing and picking (“Satisfaction”).
• Explore Power Chords: Learn to move chord shapes for hundreds of rock songs (“You Really Got Me”).
• Add Style: Work on strumming techniques like muting, ghost strums, and dynamic rhythm to give your playing life.

Gear Talk:

• Typical gear: Vox AC30 amps, Rickenbacker/Telecaster/Gretsch guitars (but any gear will get you close).
• Tip: Start with a clean tone, low gain, experiment with pick attack, and add some reverb.

Paul recommends working these classics into your routine (and they’re all available with tutorials in the Academy):

• Love Me Do (The Beatles): Great for practicing G to C chord changes.
• You Really Got Me (The Kinks): Cement your power chords and shifting shapes.
• (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones): Stretch your fingers and perfect riff playing.

Pick one of the featured 1960s songs and add it to your practice! If you’re a member, share your progress in the community.

• Not a Member? Try Beginner Guitar Academy with a 2-week $1 trial at beginnerguitaracademy.com to access all song tutorials and Academy resources.
• Member-Only Podcast: If you’re a member and don’t have the private podcast link, reach out to Paul for access.

• Next Episode: The 1970s — Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Queen, Pink Floyd, and the birth of heavy rock and metal.

Don’t forget to subscribe!

Keep practicing, have a fantastic week, and see you in the next episode!

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.

Beginner Guitar Academy News

• Live Member Q&A on Zoom: Sunday, June 29th (9 pm GMT, 4 pm EDT, 1 pm PDT)
• Ask Paul your practice, theory, or performance questions—live, via chat, or pre-submitted.

1. Practice Consistently, Not Endlessly

• 15–30 focused minutes daily beats weekend marathons.
• Even just six minutes per day (see episode 132!) pays off if done consistently.

2. Use a Metronome

• Essential for developing your timing and rhythm.
• Alternatives: backing tracks, drum beats.

3. Slow It Down

• Play slowly and cleanly; build speed through control.

4. Focus on Technique

• Attention to hand position, posture, and finger placement makes a big difference.

5. Record Yourself

• Uncomfortable but invaluable. Tracks progress and highlights areas for improvement.

6. Play with Others

• Collaborate in jams, play along with backing tracks, or join a group class.

7. Learn Songs You Love

• Regularly revisit favourites; connect skills to real music.

8. Practice Ear Training

• Spend even five minutes a day figuring out melodies by ear to deepen your musical connection.

9. Master the Basics

• Don’t skip foundational skills; they’ll support everything you learn later.

10. Work on Your Chord Changes

• Focus on smooth transitions using the Shape, Sound, Speed method.

11. Keep a Practice Journal

• Document what you work on, your wins, and your challenges to keep yourself accountable and see your growth.

12. Don’t Chase Too Much at Once

• Avoid YouTube hopping and course overload. Internalize what you learn.

13. Learn Some Music Theory

• Understanding scales, chords, and keys increases versatility and confidence.

14. Memorize the Notes on the Fretboard

• Knowing especially the E and A string note locations unlocks the neck.

15. Play Standing Up

• Practice both sitting and standing for posture and performance versatility.

16. Change Your Strings Regularly

• Fresh strings improve your guitar’s sound and playability.

17. Listen to Great Guitar Players

• Absorb ideas, stylistic nuances, and inspiration by regularly listening to guitar music.

18. Learn to Use Dynamics

• Incorporate volume and intensity variations to bring your playing to life.

19. Play in Different Styles

• Exploring new genres broadens your skills and keeps things fresh.

20. Be Patient and Enjoy the Ride

• Progress isn’t always linear. Celebrate showing up and continue learning, even through challenges.

• Try Beginner Guitar Academy for 2 weeks for just $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy every step of your guitar journey. See you next week!