In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews goes back to basics to tackle one of the trickiest and most important chord changes for beginner guitarists: moving from the C chord to the G chord.

He breaks down why this chord change matters, the challenges beginners face, his top practical tips for smoother transitions, and suggests four popular songs to practice your new skills.

Why the C to G Chord Change Is So Important

• This change pops up constantly in popular music—think pop, rock, country, and folk.
• Although it’s tricky, mastering this chord change is crucial for building your foundation as a guitarist.

Challenges Beginners Face:

• No pivot fingers or common tones — all fingers must move.
• Big distance between the chord shapes.
• Stray or muted strings as fingers move.
• Timing issues that interrupt a song’s flow.

Tips & Tricks to Improve Your C to G Chord Changes:

Focus on Shape, Sound, and Speed—in That Order

• Lock in the shape before worrying about speed.
• Isolate and practice each chord using the “hand on knee” technique and “folded corners” approach to get fingers down at the same time.

Minimize Unnecessary Movement

• Keep fingers close to the strings—less travel equals faster changes.

Target Practice

• Ensure each finger lands directly where it needs to go.

Air Time

• Start forming the next chord shape before your fingers reach the strings.

Strumming Techniques

• Use the “windshield wipers” method—keep your strumming hand moving even if it means hitting open strings momentarily.
• Try “leaving the party early”—let go of the chord slightly before the change to give your fingers more time to get in position.

Exercise for Tracking Progress:

• Set a timer for 30 seconds and count how many times you can change from C to G and back, one strum per chord. Track your progress over time, but be patient!

Practice Songs Featuring the C to G Change:

1. “Love Me Do” (The Beatles) – Primarily G and C, great for simple repetition.
2. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” (John Denver) – Focuses on C and G with the occasional D chord.
3. “Hey Joe” (Jimi Hendrix) – Five-chord progression, includes C to G in the loop.
4. “Ring of Fire” (Johnny Cash) – Fast-paced, lots of C to G transitions.

Free Guide:

• 8 Simple Ways to Make Faster Progress on Guitar
• Download Paul’s free PDF and accompanying videos to supercharge your practice.

Watch the Episode:

• The video version is available on the Beginner Guitar Academy YouTube channel or at BGAPodcast.com.

Get Structured Support:

• Try Beginner Guitar Academy for 14 days for just $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com for lessons, community, and more resources.

Closing Thoughts:

With regular practice and by following Paul’s tips, your C to G chord changes will get quicker and smoother. Don’t rush—progress will come with consistency!

This week, Paul dives deep into the emotional ups and downs of learning guitar, inspired by a heartfelt community post from member Baltazar.

With Baltazar’s permission, Paul explores the realities of balancing progress, avoiding burnout, and keeping guitar practice both effective and joyful.

Whether you’re cruising through milestones or stuck on a stubborn plateau, you’ll find practical strategies and inspiration to keep you moving forward—without losing sight of the fun.

Community News

• Paul announces the latest Academy Show: a monthly roundup with shoutouts to members for progress checks, level assessments, and guitar anniversaries.
• The show is available in the Academy’s Community section and in the “Just Added” section on the main dashboard.

The Dopamine Rush of Progress

• Early victories (like learning your first chords or songs) feel amazing and addictive.
• The danger: chasing that feeling can rush your learning and undermine long-term progress if you don’t let skills settle.

When Progress Slows Down

• Hitting your first wall is normal—whether it’s a tricky chord, a stubborn strum pattern, or finishing a whole song in time.
• Frustration is natural; it’s not a sign of failure, but a plateau where real growth happens, much like a workout plateau at the gym.

Baltazar’s Breakthroughs

Instead of quitting, Baltazar adjusted:

• Extended his timeline: Gave himself extra weeks to reach goals, relieving pressure.
• Restructured practice: Short, focused 15-minute sessions every other day, instead of long, exhausting ones.
• Played for fun: Added songs he truly enjoys (“Ultimate Song List”), reconnecting with the reasons he started guitar.

The result: Less stress, more fun, and renewed motivation.

Mindset & Consistency

• Baltazar’s most inspiring line: “Quitting isn’t an option. Not at 73. If I hadn’t quit at 29, I might be a solid guitarist by now.”
• Age doesn’t matter; consistency and showing up do.

Slow Down Your Timeline:

• Adjust deadlines for YOUR pace. Focus on practice frequency over arbitrary deadlines.

Restructure Your Practice:

• Keep core skills and songs, but don’t grind every day. Focusing on 15 minutes of practice every other day is sufficient.

Play for Fun:

• Mix in songs you love, even if they’re not part of the curriculum. Motivation matters.

Use Assessments as Motivation:

• Treat them like checkpoints—NOT finish lines or races.

Reset When Needed:

• If guitar feels like a chore, pause, adjust, and bring back what's enjoyable.

Remember the Long Game:

• Progress is possible at any age. The only way to “lose” is to quit.

Paul thanks Baltazar for his openness and encourages all listeners: don’t quit, reset if needed, and always keep the fun in your guitar journey.

If you’d like to share your guitar story, join the community at Beginner Guitar Academy.

Join the Community:

If you’re not yet a member, visit beginnerguitaracademy.com to get started.

See you next week—keep practicing and enjoying the journey!

In this episode, Paul Andrews breaks down the eight most common mistakes he sees beginner guitarists make and, most importantly, how you can avoid or fix them.

If you feel like your guitar progress has stalled or you’re unsure what’s holding you back, this comprehensive guide will put you back on track.

From practicing without a plan to quitting too soon, Paul covers it all, offering actionable advice and resources along the way.

1. Practicing Without a Plan

• Many beginners “noodle” aimlessly, not making real progress.
• Solution: Structure your practice sessions, even if it’s just five or ten minutes per skill.
• Resource: Practice plans available in the Resources section of the Beginner Guitar Academy dashboard.

2. Skipping the Basics

• Jumping straight to fun riffs and songs without building strong foundational skills (like chord changes, picking, and strumming) slows your progress.
• Solution: Invest time in fundamental skills. They’re the foundation for everything else you learn.

3. Ignoring Rhythm and Timing

• Focusing on the right notes but not on playing them in time leads to unrecognisable music.
• Solution: Use a metronome or backing track from early on. Internalise the beat by tapping your foot or nodding your head.

4. Avoiding Barre Chords and Hard Shapes

• Many skip tough chords (like barre or C chord) because they’re challenging.
• Solution: Face the hard shapes in manageable steps—power chords, then mini-barres, then full barre chords.
• Resource: Check out the Power Chords and Barre Chords workshops in the Academy.

5. Not Playing Complete Songs

• Learning only riffs and song parts can be fun, but it leaves you stuck.
• Solution: Commit to learning full songs!
• Beginner-friendly song suggestions:
• “Songbird” by Oasis
• “Knockin' on Heaven’s Door” (Bob Dylan version)
• “Come As You Are” by Nirvana
• “Zombie” by The Cranberries
• “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

6. Building Bad Technique Habits

• Common issues include collapsing fingers, muted strings, and stiff strumming.
• Solution: Slow things down and focus on form. Recording yourself and seeking teacher feedback can help spot and fix these issues.

7. Comparing Yourself to Others

• Social media or peer comparison can rob you of joy.
• Solution: Compare your progress only to your past self. Chart small, incremental improvements.

8. Quitting Too Soon

• Ninety per cent of beginners quit within the first year due to unrealistic expectations or a perceived lack of time.
• Solution: Consistency is key—just a few minutes a day leads to breakthrough progress.

• September Live Member Q&A: Recording now available in the Academy’s dashboard (video and audio formats).
• Practice Plan Downloads: Find them in the Resources section to help you organise and structure your weekly practice.
• Workshops: “Get to Grips with Power Chords” and “Get to Grips with Barre Chords” are available to Academy members.

• Mistakes are normal! But with proper planning, patience, and guidance, you can overcome or avoid them entirely.
• Consistency and structured practice are your secret weapons.
• If you need a clear, step-by-step roadmap, join Beginner Guitar Academy with a 14-day trial for $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com.

Thanks for tuning in!

In episode 253 of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast, Paul Andrews explores the powerful—yet often overlooked—concept of musical intervals.

Whether you’re new to the guitar or looking to improve your musicianship, understanding intervals can unlock a deeper grasp of the fretboard, sharpen your ear, accelerate your learning, and even provide inspiration for songwriting.

Paul breaks down what intervals are, explains why they matter, shares practical tips for practicing them, and wraps up with a mini ear-training test.

Announcements for BGA Members

• Upcoming live Q&A on Monday, September 29th (details on times and how to join or submit questions in advance).
• Introduction of 30-minute private guitar lessons exclusively for members ($40 per lesson). Booking details in the community/news section.
• Reminder: Unlimited access to Paul via private video exchange, audio, or text—the new lessons are just an extra option in response to member requests.

Musical Intervals Demystified

What is an interval?

• Simply put, it’s the distance between two notes. Paul demonstrates intervals using open strings and fretted notes, explaining the basic concepts of half steps and whole steps on guitar.

Intervals in the Major Scale:

• Using the C major scale, Paul explains “major second,” “major third,” “perfect fourth,” “perfect fifth,” “major sixth,” “major seventh,” and the “octave.”
• Fun trivia: The term “perfect” dates back to medieval times, referring to intervals considered stable and sacred.

Why are intervals important?

• Ear Training: Recognize famous riffs and melodies (e.g., “Smoke on the Water” – minor third, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – perfect fifth).
• Building Blocks: Chords and scales are literally made by stacking intervals.
• Improvisation & Songwriting: Intervals guide you on which notes work well together.

Play and Sing

• Play intervals on your guitar and try singing them—don’t worry about vocal ability; the goal is to internalise the sounds.

Use Songs as Reference

• Major Second – “Happy Birthday”
• Major Third – “When the Saints Go Marching In”
• Perfect Fourth – “Here Comes the Bride”
• Perfect Fifth – “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or the “Star Wars” theme
• Major Sixth – “My Way” (Frank Sinatra)
• Major Seventh – “Take On Me” (a-ha)
• Octave – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

Ear Training Apps and Resources

• Apps: MusicTheory.net (free web exercises and the Tenuto app), Earmaster (BGA discount available in the resource section).
• BGA Members: Leverage the ‘Improve Your Ear’ course with tailored exercises.

Start Small

• Begin with just a couple of intervals—like the major second and octave, which have a clear contrast—and add more as you progress.

Paul conducts a quick ear training test focusing on major seconds, perfect fifths, and octaves to help listeners start recognising these intervals.

• Learning intervals isn’t just “theory”—it’s a real-world tool for mastering the guitar.
• Consistent practice is key: make interval ear training a regular part of your routine to permanently develop your musical ear.
• Use song references, simple exercises, and helpful apps to make training enjoyable and effective.

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at bgapodcast.com to help more guitarists discover the show.
• Members: Dive deeper in the resource section of the BGA website for exclusive training, or reach out to Paul for feedback.

Have a fantastic week of practice! See you in the next episode.

In this special bonus episode, Paul Andrews takes a break from the last two weeks’ exploration of the “10 albums every guitar player should listen to” and shines a light on five underrated, yet essential, guitar albums that deserve a spot in every player’s listening library. These records might not be the legendary household names, but they’ve deeply influenced guitarists and can inspire your playing with fresh techniques, tones, and approaches.

Why Listen?

• Discover guitar albums that have shaped generations without always making the mainstream lists.
• Learn key guitar takeaways and lessons from each artist and album.
• Find fresh inspiration for your own playing by exploring sounds, tones, and phrasing that go beyond the classics.

Spotify playlists:

• 10 Essential Guitar Albums: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2wsbamC84DCMQQWFrnMNLD?si=Fp5elQeGQRynigYKgR31Aw
• 5 Underrated Guitar Albums You Need to Hear: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6As52V2e4zvsaYwZK5u6Hd?si=bm6pUsNuTLyNJ6nOrbxWGw

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton (1966) – “The Beano Album”

• Why it matters: Introduced the monumental Les Paul + Marshall amp British rock sound.
• Guitar takeaway: Tone is about phrasing, vibrato, and dynamics—not just speed or effects.
• Highlight track: “They Call It Stormy Monday” https://youtu.be/Az7sLKGOUe8?si=TsYkWP3nTXDvlVls

Jeff Beck – Blow by Blow (1975)

• Why it matters: An iconic instrumental album blending rock, jazz, and funk; inspired countless fusion musicians.
• Guitar takeaway: Focus on phrasing and expression—make your guitar “sing.”
• Highlight track: “Because We Ended as Lovers” (Live in Japan, 1986) https://youtu.be/5aWd88rs6JE?si=qa6KiwTIqcGobjbm

Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour ‘74 (1974)

• Why it matters: Raw, passionate blues rock, capturing Gallagher’s fiery live energy.
• Guitar takeaway: Energy and heart matter more than perfection. Play with soul.
• Highlight track: “Cradle Rock” (Live from Montreal, 1975) https://youtu.be/dZIs6bosh-Q?si=btUdLiR8Q-5ueLSg

King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)

• Why it matters: The album that kickstarted prog rock. Robert Fripp’s experimental guitar work broke all the rules.
• Guitar takeaway: Don’t be afraid to experiment—try odd time signatures, new chord voicings, and unusual dynamics.
• Highlight track: “21st Century Schizoid Man” (Live at the Fillmore East, 1969) https://youtu.be/0kOjsKhlC1I?si=ado5SLQ-dgW51RxU

The Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East (1971)

• Why it matters: One of the best live albums ever. Showcases southern rock’s harmonized twin guitars and epic jams.
• Guitar takeaway: Collaboration and jamming with other players can massively improve your skills.
• Highlight track: “Whipping Post” (Recorded at University of Florida, 1982) https://youtu.be/lwWmNZpkHX4?si=KmrUg6RQoataQY2q

• Tone is in your hands. It’s not about lots of gear—phrasing, vibrato, and dynamic control are what matter.
• Expression matters. Bends, vibrato, and phrasing are your tools for making music, not just playing notes.
• Play with heart, not just accuracy. Energy and emotion can be more important than playing every note “correctly.”
• Break the rules! Explore outside standard time signatures and chord shapes for new creative discoveries.
• Collaborate. Play and harmonize with others, or use a looper to experiment by yourself.

• Feedback: Are there other underrated albums you think guitarists should hear? Let Paul know inside the Academy, on Spotify, or by email via the website.
• Level Up Your Playing: Try Beginner Guitar Academy for just $1 with a 14-day trial. Details at beginnerguitaracademy.com
• Community: Join a worldwide group of guitarists for support, structured learning, and fun jams.

Thank you for listening! Keep practicing, stay inspired, and catch Paul in the next episode.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Paul Andrews rounds out his two-part guide to the "10 Albums Every Guitar Player Should Listen To." Picking up from last week's list, Paul dives into the final five influential records that have shaped the world of guitar—breaking down their impact, sharing some backstory, and extracting key lessons for guitarists of all levels. Plus, there’s a quick update about the Beginner Guitar Academy community and what’s new this month inside the Academy.

Episode Highlights:

Beginner Guitar Academy News

• Paul reminds listeners to check out the latest Academy Show where he gives member shout-outs, highlights level assessment passers, celebrates anniversary milestones, and shares new content and upcoming Academy features.

Album #6: Back in Black – AC/DC (1980)

• Tribute to late singer Bon Scott and one of the best-selling albums ever.
• Angus Young’s powerful, rhythmic riffs are simple but enormous.
• Key lesson: Guitar riffs don’t have to be complex—focus on rhythm, groove, and confidence.

Album #7: The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (1973)

• Features some of David Gilmour’s most emotive, melodic solos.
• Gilmour redefines lead guitar: slow, melodic, and expressive rather than shredding.
• Key lesson: Every note matters. Don’t rush—let your bends, vibrato, and phrasing do the talking.

Album #8: Abbey Road – The Beatles (1969)

• Beatles push boundaries with innovative, song-serving guitar parts.
• George Harrison’s lyrical solo in "Something" and dueling guitar lines stand out.
• Key lesson: Think like a songwriter—use guitar to enhance the song, not just showcase skills.

Album #9: Paranoid – Black Sabbath (1970)

• Tony Iommi’s dark, heavy riffs define heavy metal despite physical setbacks.
• Pioneers low tuning and new techniques, creating an iconic sound.
• Key lesson: Limitations inspire innovation; embrace unique challenges to find your sound.

Album #10: Hotel California – The Eagles (1976)

• Blends rock, country, and folk with lush electric and acoustic guitar layers.
• Legendary dual guitar harmonies on the title track.
• Key lesson: Collaboration elevates your playing—try harmonised leads or layering with a loop pedal.

Featured Tracks (Live Performances Referenced):

• AC/DC – “Back in Black” (1981, Capitol Center, Landover, Maryland)
• Pink Floyd – “Money” (2005, Live 8, London)
• The Beatles (George Harrison) – “Here Comes the Sun” (1971, Concert for Bangladesh)
• Black Sabbath – “Paranoid” (1985, Live Aid)
• Eagles – “Life in the Fast Lane” (1994, MTV Live)

Listener Challenge:

Paul invites you to share your pick for an essential guitar album. Reach out with your suggestions for a chance to be featured in a future episode or on the blog!

Academy Resource Reminder:

Beginner Guitar Academy members can access loads of resources to help apply these album-inspired lessons to their own playing. Not a member yet? Try for just $1 with a two-week trial at Beginner Guitar Academy.

Thanks for listening—keep practicing and see you next week!

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.

A Heartfelt Thank You

• Paul opens the episode with gratitude for listeners’ ongoing support and shares a milestone celebration for reaching 250 episodes.

Member Update

• Beginner Guitar Academy members: Last week’s live Q&A (audio & video) is now available in your member dashboard!

1. Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix (1967)

• Hendrix revolutionised the electric guitar with feedback, effects, and a fearless, creative approach.
• Key Lesson: Don’t be afraid to experiment; creative use of effects and tone is as important as technical skill.
• https://youtu.be/cJunCsrhJjg?si=3VFxAsDiXLbCVVBH

2. Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin (1971)

• Home to classics like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Black Dog,” this album showcases electric riffs and acoustic textures, emphasising dynamic contrast.
• Key Lesson: Dynamics matter—experiment with loud/soft, clean/distorted, and acoustic/electric to add emotion to your playing.
• https://youtu.be/6tlSx0jkuLM?si=SSNlFxv8s9yvxm38

3. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)

• Featuring tasteful, song-serving guitar work by Lindsey Buckingham, this album is a masterclass in restraint and melody.
• Key Lesson: Serve the song. Taste and restraint are as vital as flashy solos.
• https://youtu.be/ozl3L9fhKtE?si=nj8fRxrfJCSyMRhQ

4. Texas Flood – Stevie Ray Vaughan (1983)

• Vaughan brought fire and emotion back to blues with incredible phrasing, tone, and expression.
• Key Lesson: Feel is everything. Focus on phrasing, vibrato, and playing each note with intention.
• https://youtu.be/kfjXp4KTTY8?si=pXyMMp7KigtpDSDX

5. Nevermind – Nirvana (1991)

• Nirvana’s raw, simple, and energetic approach inspired a new generation of guitarists.
• Key Lesson: Don’t underestimate simplicity. Powerful songs can be built with just a few chords and tons of attitude.
• https://youtu.be/R3XIGon2RjY?si=Wt91k_VJd5ePcQn5

• Catch up on the latest member Q&A – Now available in the Beginner Guitar Academy dashboard.
• Join Beginner Guitar Academy – Try a 14-day trial for just $1, access lessons, live trainings, and a supportive guitar community. Visit beginnerguitaracademy.com

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where Paul will reveal five more classic albums every guitarist should listen to!

Thanks again for helping us reach 250 episodes—here’s to many more. Until next time, keep practicing!

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.

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