Beginner Guitar Academy

165 - What Are Modes And Should You Learn Them?

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I dive into the often confusing topic of modes. I explain what modes are, why they're important, and how and when you sho...

164 - How To Play Without Looking

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I dive into the topic of "How to play without looking" - a common question among beginner guitarists. I share valuable ...

163 - 7 Ways To Make 2024 Your Best Year Learning Guitar

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share seven tried and tested tips to make 2024 your best year for learning guitar. With valuable insights and practical advice...

162 - The 365 Day Practice Challenge Is Complete

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have reached the end of the 365-day practice challenge, so this week's episode is a check-in to see how you did and tie it all up.

161 - 5 Most Downloaded Episodes Of 2023 (Part 2)

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I continue my countdown of the top 5 most downloaded episodes of the podcast in 2023.

160 - 5 Most Downloaded Episodes Of 2023

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I count down the top 5 most downloaded episodes of 2023. I cover insights on mastering foundational chords, overcoming co...

159 - Understanding Guitar Chords

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I go through everything you need to know to FINALLY understand guitar chords.

158 - Exploring Different Guitar Styles

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the diverse world of guitar playing, exploring various styles that have shaped the musical landscape, from the int...

157 - The Guitar Players Christmas Gift Guide 2023

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With Christmas fast approaching, this episode is about gifts for guitar players. I will run you through the best gifts for that guitar player in ...

156 - From The Vault: Learn Faster With The Rule Of Three

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we are taking a trip into the vault and dusting off episode 116; 'learn faster, with the rule of three' which will get ...

155 - Could You Pass BGA Level Two?

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast episode, I walk you through Beginner Guitar Academy Level Two. If you are a Level One student and wondering what is coming...

154 - The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast! In this episode, I delve into an intriguing article by Rolling Stone magazine that ranks the top ...

153 - Guide To The Best Guitar Gear For Rock

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we're diving into the world of rock guitar gear. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this episode is pack...

152 - The Evolution of Rock Music

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we'll explore the rich history of rock music, from its humble beginnings to the present day. We'll delve into the pionee...

151 - 10 Easy Rock Songs To Learn

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I take you through ten easy rock songs that all beginner guitarists should know.

150 - Rock Guitar Legends: Learning from the Masters

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are kicking off our Rocktober series by looking at the guitar legends, including Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page & Eric Clapton and what we can l...

149 - Three Quarters Through The 365-Day Practice Challenge

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are three-quarters of the way through the 365-day practice challenge, so today's episode is a check-in to see how you are going and prepare yo...

148 - Music Theory, What To Learn Next

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week's podcast episode covered the basics of music theory but with it being such a broad topic, you may be wondering where to go next. That...

147 - Get To Grips With Music Theory

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to understand music, you need to understand music theory, which is why, in this episode, I'm taking you through some music theory bas...

146 - From The Vault: Improve Your Practice With Isolation

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we are taking a trip into the vault and dusting off episode 10 of the podcast to help improve your practice with isolatio...

145 - What Is GAS And How To Cure It

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If there is one condition that all guitarists suffer from it's GAS. In this week’s episode, I am going to give you some ideas to help relieve t...

144 - August’s Live Member Q&A

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the audio from a recent live Q&A we did in the academy; we cover how to speed up your picking, get your fingers more f...

143 - 10 Great Guitar Documentaries (Part 2)

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is the second in a two-part series going through ten great guitar documentaries. So if you want to be inspired and motivated to play...

142 - 10 Great Guitar Documentaries

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I love a good documentary, and a good documentary can be both inspiring and motivating, and that's why this episode is the first in a two-part se...

141 - How Much Guitar Practice Is Too Much

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So practice is essential to become better at guitar, so it stands to reason that the more you practice, the better you become, right? Well, no, n...

140 - 5 Steps To Campfire Guitar Success

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, these five steps will help you shine like a star around the campfire and set you on your w...

139 - What Is The G4 GUITAR Method?

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is the G4 GUITAR method? This is a question I get asked quite often. So if you asking that question yourself, keep listeni...

138 - What Is Fret Buzz And How To Fix It

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are diving into the world of "fret buzz" and exploring how to fix this common issue that plagues many guitar players. So if f...

137 - 5 Steps To Fix Your Rhythm Playing

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have problems with your rhyhtm playing, this episode is for you. I take you through 5 steps to help take your rhythm playing to the next l...

136 - Halfway Through The 365-Day Practice Challenge

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are now halfway through the year which means we are halfway through the 365-day practice challenge so today's episode is a check-in to see how...

135 - How To Make Guitar Practice More Fun

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, the host, Paul Andrews, discusses ways to make guitar practice more enjoyable. As an on...

134 - 10 Greatest Solos Of The 21st Century (Part 2)

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I am continuing my countdown of the 10 greatest guitar solos of the 21st century.

133 - 10 Greatest Solos Of The 21st Century (Part 1)

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I am counting down the 10 greatest guitar solos of the 21st century.

132 - The Six-Minute Guitar Practice Plan

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nowadays, everyone is busy and short of time, so optimising your time and making the most of it is essential. That is why in this week's episode,...

131 - 10 Bad Habits To Avoid On Guitar

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week, episode I go through ten bad habits that I often see beginner guitarists make and how to avoid them.

130 - What Are Arpeggios & How To Play Them

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're delving into Arpeggios, specifically how to play them and why they're beneficial. I...

129 - The History Of Blues Music

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, learn all about blues music, from its origin in the Deep South of America to its influenc...

128 - 5 Ways To Become More Confident On Video

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's Beginner Guitar Academy podcast episode, we discuss something that can make any beginner guitarist a little nervous - recording yo...

127 - Is Yousician The Best Way To Learn Guitar?

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I explore whether Yousician is the best way to learn guitar. Yousician is a Finnish interactive and educational music ser...

126 - The 5 Greatest Live Guitar Moments

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I discuss the top five greatest live guitar moments of all time. From Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire to The Beat...

125 - 10 Common Beginner Problems + Solutions

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I go through 10 common beginner guitarist problems that always come up and give you solutions to help you overcome them o...

124 - What I Wish I Had Known Sooner About Learning Guitar?

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I ask BGA members what's one thing they wish they had known sooner about learning to play the guitar.

123 - 90 Days Into The 365-Day Practice Challenge

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are now 90 through the 365-day practice challenge I started in January. This episode is a check-in to see how everybody is getting on with i...

122 - Talent vs Skill

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I’m going to discuss talent vs skill and why just because you don’t have natural talent, you can still learn to play ...

121 - Complete Guide To Guitar Strings

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Strings are fundamental to guitar playing, but if you have ever been to a music shop and seen all the different packs of strings, you will know t...

120 - 10 Awesome Slide Guitarists (Part 2)

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the second in a two-part series looking at ten awesome slide guitarists.  

119-10 Awesome Slide Guitarists (Part 1)

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the first in a two-part series looking at ten awesome slide guitarists.

118 - 5 Guitar Playing Fundamentals you MUST Know

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You must have the fundamentals to be good at anything, which is also true of learning guitar. Thats why in this week's episode, I will take you t...

117 - Fix Your Rhythm Playing Problems

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The number one skill students struggle with in their progress checks & level assessments is rhythm. Thats why in this episode, I will walk yo...

116 - Learn Faster With The Rule Of Three

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I will introduce you to the rule of three, which will get you learning quicker with less frustration and more understandi...

115 - How To Build The Habit Of Guitar Practice

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It apparently takes 32 days for the average American to give up their new year's resolution meaning this week is when most people fail, and I don...

114 - What’s All The Fuss About Jimi Hendrix?

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I will try to answer one of my student's questions, What’s All The Fuss About Jimi Hendrix? So if you are wondering the...

113 - 10 Three-Chord Songs To Learn

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I take you through 10 three-chord songs that are fun to play and will help you work on different skills & techniques.

112 - Is Music Theory Necessary To Play Guitar

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I am answering the question is Music Theory Necessary To Play Guitar? Some think it is, and some think it isn’t, so keep liste...

111 - What Are Pentatonic Scales?

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I'm talking all about pentatonic scales. What they are, how to practice them and why you would want to.

110 - 365 Day Guitar Practice Challenge

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I am setting you a challenge which, if you complete. Will see your guitar playing improve dramatically.

109 - 5 Most Popular Episodes of The BGA Podcast in 2022 (Part 2)

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I am continuing my countdown of the five most popular episodes of the BGA podcast in 2022.

108 - 5 Most Popular Episodes of The BGA Podcast in 2022

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we near the end of the year, I'm looking back and counting down the five most popular episodes of the BGA podcast from 2022.

107 - Best Apps For Guitarists

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I'm going through the best apps for guitarists. So make sure you have got some spare storage on your phone and WIFI acces...

106 - Complete Guide To Guitar Picks

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many beginner guitarists don’t think twice about their guitar pick and use any old one nearby. Guitar picks make a huge difference to your tone...

105 - The Guitar Players Christmas Gift Guide

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Christmas fast approaching, this episode is all about gifts for guitar players. I will run you through the best gifts for that guitar player...

104 - How To Practise Ear Training

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ear training is one of those skills that often gets overlooked and left out of the practice schedule. In this week's episode, I'm going over what...

103 - The #1 Reason Beginners Get Confused & Frustrated

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we look at the number one reason beginners get confused and frustrated when learning guitar. Wanna know what it is? Then ...

102 - Standing Or Sitting: Which Way Should You Practice Guitar?

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When practising the guitar, do you sit or do you stand? Which way is better, and does it even matter? This is what we are going to find out in to...

101 - 5 Steps To Writing Songs On Guitar

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I will help you release your creative side by walking you through the 5 Steps To Writing Songs On Guitar.

100 - Advice & Tips From 9 BGA Members

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We made it! 100 episodes! To celebrate episode 100, I invited 9 BGA members to share their advice and tips from their guitar journey. I have al...

099 - 90% Quit BUT That's NOT Gonna Be You (Part Two)

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the second in a two-part series looking at why 90% of beginner guitarists quit in the first 12 months. So if you want to b...

098 - 90% Quit But That's Not Gonna Be You (Part One)

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the first in a two-part series looking at why 90% of beginner guitarists quit in the first 12 months. So if you want to be...

097 - What Does Playing In A Key Mean?

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I will answer the question, what does playing in a key mean? So if you have asked the same question, keep listening.

096 - 10 Awesome Acoustic Guitarists You Should Know About (Part 2)

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the second in a two-part series introducing 10 awesome acoustic guitar players you should know about. 

095 - 10 Awesome Acoustic Guitarists You Should Know About (Part 1)

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is the first in a two-part series introducing ten awesome acoustic guitar players you should know about. 

094 - How To Improve At Improvisation

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If there is one thing that stops most beginner lead guitarists in their tracks, it’s improvisation; what should I play? How should I play it? I...

093 - 10 Awesome Finger Picking Songs

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are tired of your guitar pick, this episode is for you as I count down ten awesome finger-picking songs. These will be great to learn the ...

092 - Are You A Beginner Or Intermediate Guitarist?

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you feel like a perpetual beginner and wonder where you are on your guitar-playing journey. Then this episode is for you as I will answer the ...

091 - 3 Steps To Learn Songs

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you have struggled with learning songs in the past, then this episode is for you. I will walk you through the three steps to help you learn a ...

090 - 5 Guitar Master Classes You Should Watch

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I go through 5 guitar master classes you should watch, so if you are looking for some inspiration or something to watch on your ...

089 - Where To Start With Learning Guitar

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I will go through how to start learning guitar. So if you are just beginning your guitar journey or looking for a bit mor...

088 - 7 Things To Do Every Time You Practice Guitar

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I am going through 7 essential things that you should do every time your practice guitar. 

087 - 5 Steps To Get Back Into Playing The Guitar

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is your guitar gathering dust? Have you been away on an extended vacation, recently healed from an injury, or life has just been busy. Don't worr...

086 - Common Guitar Playing Injuries & How To Avoid Them

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I go through some common guitar-playing injuries, what they are, how they are caused and how you can avoid them. So if you want ...

085 - 6 MORE Essential Blues Albums You Should Listen To

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I give you 6 MORE Blues albums you should check out. If you want to become a better blues guitar player it is essential that you...

084 - 6 Blues Albums You Should Listen To

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to become a better blues guitar player it is essential that you listen to blues music. In this episode, I recommend 6 classic blues a...

083 - John Mayer’s 5 Top Guitar Tips

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode, I have been searching YouTube to bring you John Mayer’s Top 5 Guitar Tips.

082 - How To Avoid, Recognise & Overcome Guitar Burnout

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are like most guitar players, you will hit a wall and lose your drive to play the guitar at some time or another. This is what we call gui...

081 - Should You Learn Guitar In-Person Or Online?

11 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I discuss the pros & cons of learning guitar online vs in person. So if you are wondering which method of learning wo...

080 - Open Weekend Live Q&A Recording

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is a recording from the live Q&A I did as part of the recent Beginner Guitar Academy open weekend. I answer questions on ...

079 - The Seven Essential Guitar Skills

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode will take you through the seven essential guitar skills that will help you structure your guitar practice, make faster progre...

078 - 5 Ways To Improve Your Timing

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Out of the seven essential skills, the one that most people struggle with is Rhythm. Most struggle to stay in time when strumming through a song ...

077 - 9 Of The Best YouTube Guitar Teachers

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever looked for guitar lessons on YouTube, you will know that finding a good teacher is not easier.  That is why I am going to go t...

076 - What Is The CAGED System & Should I Learn It?

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is all about the CAGED system. What it is, why you should learn it, when you should learn it and how you should learn it.

075 - Can You Learn Guitar Over 40?

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are over 40 and wondering if you have missed your chance at learning to play the guitar, then this episode is for you.

074 - What Is A Guitar Setup & Do I Need One?

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I will walk you through exactly what a guitar setup is and answer the question, do you need one?

073 - How To Stop Your Pick From Spinning

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most annoying things for beginner guitar players is trying to keep hold of their picks. In this episode, I will give you some tips to ...

072 - 5 Guitar Podcasts Worth Downloading

09 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a fan of podcasts you are going to like this episode as I give through 5 Guitar Podcasts Worth Downloading.

071 - 7 Things You Can Do This Weekend To Get Better At Guitar

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I’m going to give you seven simple ideas that you can use this weekend to get better at guitar.

070 - 5 Scales You Must Know

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Major, Minor, Blues, Mixolydian, super Locrian, Phrygian dominant there are so many guitar scales it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin. ...

069 - What’s The Difference Between A Squier And A Fender

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the difference between Fender and Squier? There is obviously a big difference in price but why, this is what I am going to be answering ...

068 - 5 Steps To Playing Guitar & Singing At The Same Time

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Playing the guitar and singing at the same time is tricky which is why in this episode I’m taking you through a step by step plan to help get y...

067 - Music Theory, Rhythm Notation

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we are concluding our look at the London College of Music’s popular music theory preliminary exam with a look at the rh...

066 - Music Theory, Chords

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we are continuing our look at the London College of Music’s popular music theory preliminary exam with a look at the ch...