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.

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 offers practical tips for building confidence in your playing.

From understanding scales to applying them in different keys and chord progressions, Paul's expert guidance will help you take your improvisation to the next level. So grab your guitar and get ready to level up your lead guitar skills!

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 insight into what makes these pieces so demanding for guitar players.

Sit back, listen in, and be prepared to be amazed by these fantastic guitar tracks. 

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 insights and practical tips for anyone eager to navigate their guitar learning journey.

Tune in and gain valuable perspectives on the best approach to guitar learning.

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 opportunity to put their learning into practice.

For those looking to take their skills to the next level, I discuss advanced techniques such as sus chords, and inversions, and even introduce a bit of music theory.

To help you along, there's also a downloadable sheet with additional A chord shapes.

So get ready to challenge yourself and enhance your guitar repertoire with the versatile and essential A major chord!

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 and the enduring legacy he left behind.

Whether you're a fan of Vaughan's music or an aspiring guitarist looking for inspiration, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire you.

So, let's journey into the world of Stevie Ray Vaughan!

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 to deepen your musical experience, this episode offers valuable insights to inform your decision.

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 seasoned player or just starting out, get ready to be inspired by the incredible music of 1984.

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.