PODCAST · education
Beginner Guitar Academy
by Beginner Guitar Academy
This podcast is for beginner guitarist who want to take the confusion out of learning and the pain out of practice
Episodes
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308 – How to Keep a Song Going When Chord Changes Are Hard
Do you stop strumming every time a difficult chord comes along? In part three of Songs, Start to Finish, Paul shares practical ways to keep your song moving while you improve your chord changes. You’ll learn how to choose a manageable tempo, simplify your strumming and practise the movement that...
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207 - How to Stop Getting Lost When Playing a Song
Do you know the chords to a song but lose your place when you try to play it all the way through? In part two of our Songs, Start to Finish series, Paul explains how to create a simple song map so you know where you are and what comes next. You’ll learn how to identify the sections, keep track of...
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306 - How to Choose a Song You Can Actually Finish
Can you play a few chords and riffs, but struggle to get through a whole song? This episode kicks off Songs, Start to Finish, our October series helping you work towards a complete song play-through. We’re starting with a decision that can make everything else easier: choosing a song and...
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305 - How Do You Know You’re Actually Improving?
Are you becoming a better guitarist, or just getting better at noticing your mistakes? Guitar progress usually happens so gradually that it can be difficult to see. While you’re focused on the chord you still can’t change cleanly or the song you haven’t finished, it’s easy to overlook everything...
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304 - What Should You Practise Right Now?
When you sit down with your guitar, having too many options can make practice harder, not easier. In this episode, Paul Andrews shares a simple way to choose what deserves your attention right now, so your practice sessions become more focused and productive. In this episode Why more lessons,...
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303 - Why Consistency Beats Motivation
Motivation can get you excited about playing guitar, but it’s too unreliable to build your progress around. In this episode, Paul Andrews explains how to create a realistic guitar routine that keeps you moving forward, even when life gets busy. In this episode Why waiting to feel motivated can…
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302 - How to Get Back Into Guitar After a Break
Taking a break from guitar doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The hardest part is often starting again, especially when you feel like you need to catch up on everything you missed. In this episode, Paul explains how to restart without creating unnecessary pressure. You’ll learn how to reconnect with the...
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301 - From Beginner to BGA Graduate: Søren Rusbjerg’s Guitar Journey
In this inspiring episode, Paul Andrews welcomes Søren, the fourth graduate of the Beginner Guitar Academy, to share his journey from total beginner to advanced guitarist. Together, they discuss the realities of learning guitar as an adult, the importance of structured practice, overcoming...
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300 — What 300 Episodes Have Taught Me About Learning Guitar
Welcome to episode 300 of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast! In this milestone edition, reflects on the journey so far, shares major lessons learned from teaching guitar to hundreds of students over the years, and announces the exciting launch of the new Practice Studio tool for members. Key...
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299 — You Don't Need to Be Creative to Explore on Guitar
In this episode, Paul Andrews continues the August series on “Practice, Play, and Explore,” delving into why exploration is crucial for beginner guitarists—even if you don’t feel creative or think you lack theory knowledge. Breaking down the barriers that hold beginner guitarists back from...
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298 - The Skills You Never Practise (But Every Guitarist Needs)
In this episode, Paul pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked skills that separate well-rounded guitarists from those who feel stuck or stagnant. While most players focus on learning chords, scales, and songs, there are essential skills that only develop when you actually play rather than...
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297 - How to Bring More Playing & Exploring Into Your Practice
In this episode, Paul Andrews continues a deep dive into the difference between practicing, playing, and exploring on your guitar. Building on last week's popular discussion, the focus shifts from "why" to "how", giving you practical steps to incorporate more enjoyment and creativity into your...
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296 — You’re Always Practising Guitar… But Do You Ever Play?
Many beginner guitarists find themselves in a cycle of practice without ever truly “playing” or “exploring” the instrument for enjoyment. This week, Paul addresses a common challenge: how dedicated learners often focus exclusively on structured practice and neglect simply playing songs or…
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295 - Why Your Chord Changes Are Slow (And How to Fix Them)
This week's podcast focused on one of the most common frustrations for beginner guitarists: slow chord changes. We explored why chord transitions often plateau your progress and, most importantly, offered practical strategies to fix the problem. Key Topics & Takeaways Why Chord Changes Can…
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294 - How to Overcome Guitar Plateaus and Keep Improving
In this episode, Paul Andrews dives into a common struggle for guitarists at every stage: hitting a plateau. If you've felt stuck despite consistent practice, you're not alone! Paul Andrews explores why plateaus occur, why they're normal, and, most importantly, how you can break through them and...
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293 - The 7 Biggest Guitar Practice Mistakes Adults Make
Have you ever finished a practice session and wondered if you'd actually improved? You're not alone. After teaching thousands of adult guitarists over the past 20 years, I've discovered that the people who make the fastest progress aren't necessarily the most talented or the ones who practise the...
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292 - Rolling Stone's 5 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time… Do They Deserve Their Place?
In this episode, Paul Andrews dives into Rolling Stone Magazine’s recently released list of the 100 greatest guitar solos of all time. Guitarists everywhere are debating the rankings, so Paul Andrews breaks down the top five solos, highlighting what makes each one so exceptional, what techniques…
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291 - Fear of Playing in a Guitar Shop (And Why Nobody Is Judging You)
In this episode, Paul Andrews addresses a challenge that nearly every guitar player faces but rarely talks about: the fear of playing in a guitar shop. Many beginners (and even experienced players) feel anxious about trying out guitars in front of staff and other customers, worrying that they’re...
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290 - From Starting Over to Becoming a BGA Graduate – Antony Box's Story
In this special episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast, I'm joined by Antony Box, who has just become the third person ever to complete all five levels of Beginner Guitar Academy. What's particularly inspiring about Antony's journey is that he didn't join BGA as a complete beginner. After...
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289 – You Can't Rely on Motivation Alone
Key Topics Covered The Motivation Rollercoaster Paul Andrews addresses a common challenge among guitar players: losing motivation to practice. Emphasizes that all guitarists—whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced—go through phases of high and low motivation. Losing motivation is normal and...
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288 - The Most Inspiring Music Films Every Guitarist Should Watch
In this episode, Paul Andrews wraps up "Movie May" by sharing a handpicked list of the most inspiring music films every guitarist should watch. He delves into the lessons musicians and guitarists can learn from each movie—covering topics such as finding inspiration, balancing discipline with...
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287 - 5 Classic Movie Guitar Scenes
Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast! This week’s episode is a celebration of the greatest guitar movie scenes in honour of Movie May. Paul shares iconic film moments that have inspired countless players to pick up the guitar, along with practical lessons from each scene for your own...
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286 - How To Start Recording Yourself As A Guitarist
In this episode, Paul Andrews breaks down the essential steps for beginner guitarists to start recording themselves. He addresses common fears, explains why self-recording is one of the best ways to improve, and shares low-cost and easy ways to get started. Whether you’re looking to track your...
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285 - From The Vault: 10 Great Guitar Documentaries (Part 2)
In this second part of a two-part series, Paul Andrews dives into five more inspiring guitar documentaries as part of "Movie May." Whether you're seeking motivation or want to deepen your knowledge of the guitar, these documentaries highlight legendary players and their stories. Plus, there are...
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284 - From The Vault: 10 Great Guitar Documentaries
Paul Andrews kicks off May with an episode full of inspiration, diving into five must-watch guitar documentaries that every guitarist should check out. He also introduces the Movie May challenge for the Beginner Guitar Academy community, designed to encourage students to record themselves and…
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283 - Should You Practice Guitar Faster Than You Can Play?
Main Topic: Should you sometimes practice faster than you can actually play to improve speed? Inspired by a community question from Rob Tyler Discussion of "functional overload" and parallels to sports training (running, weightlifting) Updated Tutorial Announced: "Come As You Are" tutorial...
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282 - From The Vault: Transform Your Guitar Skills: 5 Habits to Adopt Today
In this episode, Paul revisits a classic from the podcast archives: “Transform Your Guitar Skills with Five Habits to Adopt Today.” Whether you’re new to the show or a long-time listener, these essential practice habits will elevate your guitar journey—from keeping time to recapping old songs.…
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281 - Why Taking a Break Can Actually Make You a Better Guitar Player
This episode explores the fascinating science behind how the brain processes guitar learning, even when you’re not actively practicing. Inspired by a question from community member Martin Fluke, Paul dives into memory consolidation, the spacing effect, and how rest can sometimes improve your...
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280 - I Know the Chords… So Why Doesn’t It Sound Like a Song?
In this episode, Paul addresses a common struggle among beginner guitarists: knowing lots of chords but not being able to make them sound like real songs. He breaks down the three essential elements needed to transform simple chord knowledge into actual music and provides practical advice and...
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279 - Expression and Ear: The Missing Link for Great Guitar Improvisation
This week, Paul brings Improvisation Month to a close by focusing on the vital "missing link" in improvisation: expression and ear. After exploring control, musical awareness, rhythm, and phrasing in previous weeks, this episode shifts the attention from finger patterns and scale shapes to...
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278 - Why Rhythm and Phrasing Matters More Than More Notes
This week, Paul Andrews continues "Improvisation Month" with a deep dive into the often-overlooked elements of rhythm and phrasing. Moving beyond just scales and theory, this episode uncovers how you play notes, through phrasing, space, repetition, and rhythmic variation, can completely transform...
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277 - Chord Awareness and Improvisation: Moving Beyond Scale Shapes
Episode Summary In this episode, Paul Andrews dives into the next step in mastering guitar improvisation: connecting your solos and improvisations to the underlying chords. Building on last week’s focus on note control, this episode explores how targeting chord tones, especially the root, can…
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276 - Stop Noodling: The First Step to Improvising on Guitar
Welcome to Episode 276 of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast! This week, Paul Andrews kicks off a brand-new theme for March: Improvisation Month. Designed for guitarists at all levels, this month focuses on helping you improvise with intention, rather than just “noodling” around without…
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275 - The Pinky Problem: How to Strengthen Your Weakest Guitar Finger
In this episode, Paul Andrews shines a spotlight on a small but essential part of guitar technique: your pinky finger! Often overlooked and underutilised, the pinky can feel awkward and weak at first, but strengthening it can lead to significant improvements in your playing—think easier chord...
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274 - 75 Years of the Fender Telecaster
This episode celebrates 75 years of the Fender Telecaster, a legendary guitar that has left its mark on countless genres and iconic moments in music history. Paul Andrews dives deep into the Telecaster’s origins, its revolutionary impact, standout artists and moments, and why it remains a top…
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273 - What’s the Hardest Part of Practising Guitar (Really)?
In this insightful episode, Paul Andrews tackles a question every guitar beginner faces: What’s truly the hardest part about practicing guitar? Drawing on real experiences shared by the Beginner Guitar Academy community, he explores the genuine challenges students face—such as staying motivated,...
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272 - The Difference Between Riffs, Licks, and Solos
In this week's episode, Paul Andrews dives into a fundamental topic for guitar beginners: what sets a riff, a lick, and a solo apart? Understanding these building blocks is essential for learning songs, improving improvisation, and practicing with intention. Key Topics Covered Beginner Guitar...
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271 - Thinking Like a Musician When You Jam (Not Just a Guitarist)
Welcome to the final instalment of January Jamming! This week, Paul Andrews wraps up the series with a deep dive into how to shift your mindset from thinking like a guitarist to thinking like a musician while jamming. If you missed any previous episodes, Paul Andrews recaps the highlights and...
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270 - How to Practice Jamming (So It Actually Improves Your Playing)
This week, Paul Andrews explores one of the most common struggles guitarists face: how to practice jamming in a way that leads to real improvement, rather than just filling time. If you’ve ever found yourself noodling over a backing track and wondering why you don’t seem to get any better, this...
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269 - The 3 Roles Every Guitarist Plays in a Jam
In this episode, Paul Andrews dives into one of the most common mistakes guitarists make when jamming: the belief that you need to be soloing all the time. Whether you’re jamming with others or with a backing track at home, understanding and embracing your role in the music is what truly elevates...
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268 - How to Jam Musically Using Just One Scale
In this episode, Paul Andrews digs deep into one of the most common questions beginner guitarists ask: “I know lots of scales, so why doesn’t my lead playing or improvisation sound musical?” If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by scales or are uncertain how to turn your knowledge into actual music,...
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267 - Why Most Guitar Jams Go Nowhere (And How to Fix That)
Welcome to the first episode of 2026! In this episode, Paul Andrews kicks off "Jamming Month" with practical advice on why most guitar jams—whether solo or group—tend to stall or feel unmusical, and how you can overcome those hurdles to make your playing more creative and enjoyable. Key Topics...
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266 - Bonus Episode: Join the January Practice-a-Thon and Boost Your Guitar Skills
In this bonus episode, Paul Andrews announces the launch of the January Practice-a-thon challenge at Beginner Guitar Academy! The Practice-a-thon kicks off Thursday, January 1st, and is designed to set the tone for a productive and inspiring year of guitar playing. What is the Practice-a-thon? A...
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265 - The Most Common Beginner Frustrations of 2025 (And How to Fix Them in 2026)
In this episode, Paul Andrews dives deep into the most common frustrations faced by beginner guitarists. Whether you're picking up the instrument for the first time or you've been working at it for a while, these struggles are universal! Paul shares practical solutions you can use to overcome…
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264 -3 Must-Know Christmas Songs
In this festive episode, Paul Andrews guides you through three must-know Christmas songs for beginner guitarists. Building on last year’s list, this 2025 edition covers “Feliz Navidad,” “Last Christmas,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Whether you’re looking for simple strumming patterns...
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263 - The Beginner Guitarist’s Gift Guide (What’s Worth Buying… and What’s Not)
Welcome to the festive edition of Beginner Guitar Academy! As we kick off December, Paul Andrews shares a comprehensive gift guide for beginner guitarists, perfect for Christmas wishlists or for anyone shopping for a guitar-loving friend. This episode covers essential accessories that beginner...
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262 - Keep Progressing on Guitar When You Can’t Play: Injury & Surgery Edition
In this episode, Paul Andrews tackles a common challenge faced by many guitarists: how to keep developing as a musician when an injury or surgery keeps you away from the guitar. Inspired by a question from student Jim Fochs (recovering from left shoulder surgery), Paul Andrews shares practical…
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261 - Free Guitar Lessons: Is ‘Free’ Good Enough?
In this episode, Paul Andrews dives deep into the topic of free guitar lessons, exploring whether learning guitar from platforms like YouTube is truly “good enough” for beginners. He discusses the pros and cons of free online resources, the hidden costs attached, and why structured lessons might…
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260 - The Basic Eight Guitar Chords Every Beginner Should Know
This week, Paul dives into the essential "Basic Eight" beginner open chords every guitarist needs to know. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your chord technique, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for learning the key shapes, practicing them efficiently, and putting them to...
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259 - Electric or Acoustic? Which Guitar Should You Learn On?
In this episode, Paul Andrews tackles one of the most common questions among beginner guitarists: Should you start learning on an electric or acoustic guitar? Drawing from his experience, student feedback, and a recent question from a listener named Glenn, Paul dives deep into the practical...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast is for beginner guitarist who want to take the confusion out of learning and the pain out of practice
HOSTED BY
Beginner Guitar Academy
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Beginner Guitar Academy have?
Beginner Guitar Academy currently has 309 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Beginner Guitar Academy about?
This podcast is for beginner guitarist who want to take the confusion out of learning and the pain out of practice
How often does Beginner Guitar Academy release new episodes?
Beginner Guitar Academy publishes regularly with 309 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Beginner Guitar Academy?
You can listen to Beginner Guitar Academy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Beginner Guitar Academy?
Beginner Guitar Academy is created and hosted by Beginner Guitar Academy.
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