Kirklees Guitar School Podcast

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ free instructional videos and downloadable TABs
🎸 Visit our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

In this episode, James and George dive into the essential acoustic guitar songs that every player should know. We look at what makes these timeless tracks such powerful learning tools for rhythm, strumming, and fingerpicking.

We explore the core acoustic techniques that build better guitarists—understanding chord transitions, dynamics, and musical phrasing. Whether you play for fun or perform regularly, these songs will help you refine your timing, develop your touch, and play more musically.

Discover why these acoustic classics are more than just crowd-pleasers—they’re essential tools for developing musicianship and confidence on guitar.


Kirklees Guitar School is a music school based in Denby Dale, Huddersfield, UK, specialising in guitar, piano, and drum lessons. We help adults of all ages learn to play the music they love — both in-person and online.

📍 More info: https://www.kirkleesguitarschool.co.uk

📢 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirkleesGuitarSchool/

🔗 Kirklees Guitar School Podcast Live - Taking place Saturday 8th of November - Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ Free instructional videos and free downloadable tabs from our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

Modern Riffs, Classic Lessons: What the 2010s Can Teach Guitarists – The Kirklees Guitar School Podcast S2 E14

In this episode, James and George step outside the world of 60s and 70s classic rock to explore what the 2010s have to offer guitarists. From Rolling in the Deep to This Girl, Runaway Baby, and Moves Like Jagger, they unpack what modern pop, funk, and soul-inspired tracks can teach us about groove, rhythm, and phrasing.

If you’ve ever found yourself learning the same era of guitar songs over and over again, this episode will inspire you to expand your songbook, challenge your habits, and explore how contemporary music can sharpen your technique and creativity.

We also discuss what makes certain riffs “feel” modern, why guitar took a back seat in the 2010s, and how you can use these songs to develop timing, pocket, and tone.

🔗 Kirklees Guitar School Podcast Live - Taking place Saturday 8th of November - Get your tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ Free instructional videos and free downloadable tabs from our website:

https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

Episode 13 – What Guitar Solos Should You Learn as a Beginner?

In this episode, James and George dive into six iconic guitar solos that every beginner guitarist should learn. They break down what makes each solo so effective — from simple bends and melodic phrasing to easy-to-learn licks that build confidence and control. Learn how these solos can improve your timing, tone, and expression, and discover the key elements that make a good guitar solo stand the test of time.

Lesson links:

Come together:
https://youtu.be/KRcvgV8ozxQ

Dreams:
https://youtu.be/BjrmI8p5C5s

You do something to me:
https://youtu.be/WqlmRQxyEF0

Featured Topics:
The six best beginner solos to learn
How phrasing, bends, and timing shape great solos
Why melodic solos are more valuable than flashy ones
Tips for getting great lead guitar tone at home

🔗 Kirklees Guitar School Podcast Live – Taking place Saturday 8th of November – Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ free instructional videos and downloadable tabs from our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

🎸 Stop Playing the Same Strumming Patterns: The Kirklees Guitar School Podcast S2 E12

In this episode, James and George dive into one of the most common habits that hold rhythm guitarists back — relying on the same repetitive strumming patterns, like the classic DDUUD. We’ll show you how to break free from rigid patterns and start thinking rhythmically instead of mechanically.

You’ll learn how to create dynamic, musical strumming parts by focusing on groove, accents, and space — and we’ll discuss how moving away from patterns entirely can make your playing sound more natural and expressive.

Whether you’re stuck using the same few rhythms or you’re ready to develop your own unique feel, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you sound like a real guitarist, not a robot!

🔗 Kirklees Guitar School Podcast Live - Taking place Saturday 8th of November - Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ Free instructional videos and free Downloadable tabs form our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

In this episode of the Kirklees Guitar School Podcast, we dive deep into the history and influence of the Super Strat – the guitar design that reshaped rock and metal from the late 70s onwards. James is playing an Ibanez RG, while George brings along a Harley Benton Max Signature Fusion, giving us two very different takes on the Super Strat concept.

🔗 Kirklees Guitar School Podcast Live – Taking place Saturday 8th of November – Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ free instructional videos and downloadable tabs from our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

In this beginner-friendly guitar podcast episode, we explore why learning guitar scales is essential for improvisation, solos, and unlocking the fretboard. If you’ve been playing guitar for 6–12 months and want to start creating your own licks, riffs, and solos, this episode is for you. We break down what scales are, demonstrate the pentatonic scale shape every guitarist should learn, and give practical exercises you can try at home. We also show you how scales are used in famous songs like Sunshine of Your Love, Smoke on the Water, and Day Tripper.

🔗  Kirklees Guitar school Podcast Live - Taking place Saturday 8th of November - Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ Free instructional videos and free Downloadable tabs form our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

In Episode 9 of the Kirklees Guitar School Podcast, James and George break down Major 7, Minor 7, and Dominant 7 chords—explaining what they are, how they’re built, and why they’re essential for every guitarist. We give practical examples using open chords, barre chords, and movable shapes to help you add depth and color to your playing. Whether you’re new to jazzier tones, want to spice up your rhythm playing, or just curious about seventh chords, this episode is full of easy-to-follow theory, fretboard tips, and chord exercises you can apply right away.

Kirklees Guitar School is a music school based in Denby Dale, Huddersfield, UK, specializing in guitar, piano, and drum lessons.

📍 More info: http://www.kirkleesguitarschool.co.uk

📢 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirkleesGuitarSchool/

🔗  Kirklees Guitar school Podcast Live - Taking place Saturday 8th of November - Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ Free instructional videos and free Downloadable tabs form our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

In Episode 8 of the Kirklees Guitar School Podcast, James and George dive deep into alternate picking, economy picking, and hybrid picking techniques. We break down how each technique works, when to use them, and how they impact your guitar tone and speed. We also take audience questions on picking mechanics, practice routines, and ways to build speed without tension. Whether you're a beginner looking for clarity or an advanced guitarist refining your chops, this episode is packed with guitar practice tips, picking drills, and gear talk to help you play cleaner, faster, and smarter.

🔗  Kirklees Guitar school Podcast Live - Taking place Saturday 8th of November - Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ Free instructional videos and free Downloadable tabs form our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

In this episode, we dive into the brand-new Boss Katana Go after many of you asked us to check it out! We go through its key features, how it stacks up as a practice and gigging tool, and where it shines (and where it doesn’t).

James also brings along his Neural DSP Quad Cortex, showing how he uses it in real-world scenarios at his Northern Live gigs. We compare the Katana Go with the Quad Cortex to give you a clear picture of what each unit offers and who they might be best suited for.

If you’ve been considering one of these devices for practice, gigging, or recording, this episode is packed with useful insights and real-life examples.

🔗  Kirklees Guitar school Podcast Live - Taking place Saturday 8th of November - Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kirklees-guitar-school-podcast-live-tickets-1487203929989?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔗 Learn more about our lessons and access 80+ Free instructional videos and free Downloadable tabs form our website:
https://www.kirkleesguitarschoolonline.co.uk/

In this episode of the Kirklees Guitar School Podcast, James and George tackle one of the biggest hurdles for beginner and intermediate guitarists – barre chords. We break down why they’re so tricky, how to build the finger strength and technique to nail them, and share our favourite tips to make them sound clean and effortless. Whether you’re struggling with fret buzz, sore hands, or chord changes, this episode will help you unlock the fretboard and open up a whole new world of songs.