Beginner Guitar Academy

Beginner Guitar Academy
  • 5.0 (6)
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This podcast is for beginner guitarist who want to take the confusion out of learning and the pain out of practice

  1. 5D AGO

    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 CoveredBeginner Guitar Academy Updates "Wonderful Tonight" Song Study is being re-released on Friday, February 13th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The updated lesson will have in-depth breakdowns of lead and rhythm parts, along with play-along tracks featuring scrolling tabs.February’s Live Member Q&A is set for Monday, February 23rd at 9 pm GMT / 4 pm EST / 1 pm PST. Submit questions ahead of time if you can’t attend live—recordings will be available for all members. What is a Riff? A riff is a repeating, recognizable musical idea and often forms the backbone or foundation of a song.Iconic examples: "Smoke on the Water," "Sunshine of Your Love."Riffs repeat often, sync with rhythm & groove, and are usually played the same way every time.If you’re a BGA member, check the riff section for 75+ riffs and the workshop section for themed riff collections. What is a Lick? A lick is a short, reusable musical phrase, like a "word" you can insert into solos or different playing contexts.Licks are flexible and show up in various songs and keys. Blues and rock are full of classic licks recycled by greats like B.B. King, Albert King, and Joe Bonamassa.Key traits: short, flexible, easy to move around.Find blues licks and "Quick Licks" lessons inside the Academy. What is a Solo? A solo is a longer musical statement, usually constructed from multiple licks.Great solos are like stories, with phrases, space, dynamics, and emotion (think David Gilmour’s "Comfortably Numb").Solos aren’t just fast runs—they use repetition, variation, and phrasing.BGA members can check out the workshop "Learn to Play 5 Beginner Guitar Solos" for a progressive solo study. How Do They Work Together? Riff = song identity.Licks = your vocabulary.Solos = arranging licks into a musical story.Most beginners miss the "lick" step when trying to solo. Learning licks is crucial. Common Beginner Mistakes Calling everything a solo.span class="ql-ui"...

    12 min

  2. JAN 31

    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 encourages you to revisit them for a complete foundation. Key Topics CoveredJanuary Jamming Series RecapEpisode 267: What jamming is and how to get the most out of it.Episode 268: How to jam musically using just one scale.Episode 269: The three roles every guitarist plays in a jam—timekeeper, supporter, and speaker.Episode 270: How to practice jamming to improve as a player, featuring the Simple Jam Practice Loop. Charity Practice ChallengePractice tracker and month-long challenge to support Jesse’s Fund, a UK charity using music for children with serious illness. Donations are still welcome at bgapodcast.com/charity. Main Content: Thinking Like a MusicianMost beginners focus on mechanics (“What scale? Where do my fingers go next?”), but musicians think in terms of the bigger picture. Musician Mindset: What key are we in (major/minor)? What’s the home note?What’s the feel or groove?Where are we in the structure (building, ending, supporting)?Who’s leading at the moment?Listening for these elements creates more cohesive, musical jams and helps avoid chaotic “wall of sound” sessions.Even if you’re new to theory, you likely already have musical instincts (tapping your foot to pulse, feeling tension/resolution).Bringing listening awareness into your playing is more important than technical ability—simple, responsive playing can sound advanced if musically engaged. January Jam ChallengeNext time you jam, focus on listening for one element: groove, structure, dynamics, or who’s leading.Respond to that element in your playing instead of trying to fill every gap or perform. Encouragement & Next StepsYou don’t need years of playing or endless scales to start jamming. What matters most is intent listening and awareness.For more inspiration, revisit previous jamming episodes (including last year’s series).Rate and review the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help it reach more listeners. Beginner Guitar Academy MembershipBeginner Guitar Academy offers structured online lessons, support, and community for beginners at beginnerguitaracademy.comTry it out with a $1 two-week trial. Thanks for listening! Keep practicing and see you next week.

    10 min

  3. JAN 23

    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 episode is for you! Paul breaks down a practical “jam loop” that transforms aimless jamming into focused, efficient practice, and offers actionable tips for beginners and seasoned players alike. Key Topics & Takeaways1. Community News & Updates Upcoming Beginner Guitar Academy member live Q&A: New date is Monday, January 26th at 9 pm GMT / 4 pm EST / 1 pm PST. Members can pre-submit questions, and the recording will be available afterwards in the Academy.January Practice Tracker and Charity Fundraiser: Download the tracker at bgapodcast.com/january. Donations support Jesse’s Fund, a charity helping seriously ill and disabled children in the UK through music. Consider donating via bgapodcast.com/charity. 2. Why Jamming Isn’t Always Progress Many guitarists spend practice time jamming over backing tracks, but don’t see results.The problem: not all practice leads to improvement. Deliberate, focused practice is essential. 3. The 4-Step Jam Practice Loop: Transform unstructured jamming into real progress: Jam Freely: Start by playing over a backing track to warm up and get in the groove.Notice One Thing: Pause after a minute or two, pinpoint one specific area that felt off (timing, phrasing, technique, etc.).Isolate: Zoom in on that one issue. Slow it down, simplify, and practice it separately.Rejam With Intention: Go back to the track, this time focusing on improving that one thing, aim for progress, not perfection. 4. Making the Most of Backing Tracks Choose simple, slow or mid-tempo tracks with clear chord changes.Use tracks that inspire you musically.Beginner Guitar Academy offers curated backing tracks for members. 5. Best Practices for Jamming Don’t play nonstop; leave space to create musical phrases.Stop while it feels good: 5 minutes of focused jamming beats 20 minutes of unfocused noodling.Balance focused practice with fun, unstructured playing to stay motivated and see real benefits. 6. Advice for Beginners You don’t need long jam sessions; even a few minutes of focused practice makes a difference.Mix deliberate practice with time to play and enjoy music. Links & ResourcesDownload January Practice Tracker: bgapodcast.com/januaryDonate to Jesse’s Fund: bgapodcast.com/charityAccess Backing Tracks: Beginner Guitar Academy dashboard (Members only) Final ThoughtsJamming should be a fun, rewarding part of your practice routine. By using the four-step jam loop, you’ll start to notice real improvement and avoid the trap of aimless noodling. Remember: improvement comes from intention, not just repetition!

    16 min

  4. JAN 16

    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 the experience. Key Topics Covered: The Three Essential Roles in a Jam: Timekeeper:The backbone of any jam.Provides solid rhythm, groove, and consistency.Not just for beginners—crucial for all musicians.Steady chord strumming or repeating simple riffs anchors the music.Supporter:The glue that holds the jam together.Adds chord changes, small fills, dynamic shifts, and textures.Reacts to others, listens, and creates space—often less noticed but vital.Speaker:The lead voice: melodies, solos, and musical statements.What most think of when they imagine jamming, but shouldn’t be everyone’s focus at once.Works best when time and support roles are present. How Jams Fall Apart: When everyone tries to be the speaker at once, musical communication breaks down. Practical Jam Challenge: Put on a simple backing track and deliberately cycle through each role:Focus on timekeeping for one minute.Shift to supporting, adding fills or dynamic changes.Become the speaker—play a short, clear musical phrase.Repeat the cycle or reflect on which role felt most natural.Use this as a roadmap for structured practice rather than just noodling. Empowering Beginners: You don’t need to solo to belong in a jam.Solid timing and support skills mean you’re already playing like a musician. Action Steps: Try the four-step jam practice outlined byPaul AndrewsReflect after each jam on which role you found easiest or most challenging.span class="ql-ui"...

    10 min

  5. JAN 9

    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, this episode is for you! Paul Andrews demonstrates how to sound more musical with only one scale and reveals why learning more scales isn’t the secret to great jamming. Key Topics CoveredJamming January & Practicethon Start your year strong with Beginner Guitar Academy’s January Practicethon! Practice daily, track your progress, and join a community aiming to improve together. There’s also a charitable side: help raise money for Jesse’s Fund, supporting children with complex needs through music. Myth Busting: Paul Andrews addresses the myth that learning more scales alone will make you a better guitarist. Instead, it’s about how you use the scales you know. The Power of Limitation Why sticking to just one scale (even a tiny section of it) can actually boost creativity, reduce overwhelm, and make your solos sound more intentional and musical. The Four Must-Have Musical Elements for Great Jamming: Repetition: Create memorable hooks by repeating phrases.Space: Let the music breathe; don’t play constantly—leave room between notes.Rhythm: Change up the rhythmic feel of your phrases to add interest.Dynamics: Play with volume—soft, loud, or both—to add expression. Hands-On Example: Paul Andrews gives a practical, step-by-step demonstration of how to jam with just three notes from the A minor pentatonic scale over a backing track—creating musical phrases using only repetition, space, rhythm, and dynamics. He encourages students to keep it simple, repeat phrases, and experiment before ever moving on to more notes or scale shapes. Upcoming Events & Resources: There's a “First Steps Jam” happening live on Zoom for Beginner Guitar Academy members—perfect for those nervous to jam in public, as everyone will be muted!Backing tracks, scale diagrams, and a video of this episode are available on bgapodcast.com/268.Backing track used in the episode: https://youtu.be/bkMtp8vt6oE?si=n2G0fRXBNn5OCkJgA Minor Pentatonic Scale: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n6drxfruuf2yg4n1qi11w/A-Minor-Pentatonic.pdf?rlkey=evq8t819h1m7ak22qtq3qcck0&e=1&dl=0 Action StepsJoin the Practicethon: Sign up at bgapodcast.com/january to track your practice, get motivational emails, and be part of the challenge.Support Jesse’s Fund: Raise money with your own sponsorship page or donate directly at bgapodcast.com/charity.Practice Jamming: Use one part of a scale, focus on the four key elements, and try improvising over backing tracks for at least five minutes each session.Check Resources: For full lesson notes and backing...

    17 min

  6. JAN 2

    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 Discussed1. Jamming Defined Jamming isn't just about playing with other people. It can be solo, using backing tracks or drum loops, and is accessible to beginners. 2. Practice-a-Thon and Charity News January’s Practice-a-Thon: Practice throughout January to launch your year on a strong note.Optional charity element supporting Jesse’s Fund, helping children with complex needs. You can join and track your progress for free, with the option to raise funds. 3. Upcoming Events First Steps Jam: January 11th (live on Zoom) — Learn the basics of jamming with guided real-time practice.Live Member Q&A: January 25th (live on Zoom) — Submit questions in advance or join live; recording available later. 4. Why Guitar Jams Go Nowhere The core issue: Random ideas with no intent or commitment.Most jams falter not from lack of skill, but lack of focus. 5. Noodling vs. Jamming Noodling: Playing without intent, changing ideas constantly.Jamming: Committing to ideas, responding to what you hear, and developing musical phrases. 6. The Power of Constraints Music flourishes with fewer ideas, not more.Use constraints (like limiting yourself to three notes or repeating a phrase for 30 seconds) to foster creativity and musicality. 7. Practice Challenge Try the "two-note improvising" challenge found in the community section of Beginner Guitar Academy. 8. Action Steps for Listeners If you can play a few chords or notes, you’re ready to jam! Jamming is a skill developed by doing.For your next solo or group jam, pick one idea and stick with it longer than feels comfortable—this forces creativity and deeper musical exploration. 9. What's Next Next week's episode: How to sound musical using just one scale, and why phrasing is more important than knowing lots of notes. Resources and LinksSign up for PracticeThon: bgapodcast.com/januaryCommunity Section &...

    12 min

  7. 2025-12-30

    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 flexible challenge: Push yourself to practice guitar more often throughout January.No pressure to practice every single day, set your own realistic goals.Perfect for those struggling with consistency, motivation, or regular practice. Charity ElementThis year, you can add a charitable aspect to your challenge by getting sponsored.Donations support Jesse’s Fund, a UK charity using music to help children with additional and complex needs communicate and express themselves.You can set up your own sponsorship page or support Paul Andrews via his sponsorship page. (All participation is optional.) How to JoinSign up at bjapodcast.com/januaryRegister with your name and email to receive all the info you need.Download the Practice Tracker (a fillable, printable PDF) to log your minutes and reflect on your progress each week.Links to set up your charity page are included in the email. Episode HighlightsStart the year strong by building a consistent practice habit.Connect with a community of guitar learners.Support a meaningful cause through music.Entire challenge is free and customizable to your schedule.Let’s kick off 2026 with a bang! Quick LinksSign up for the Practice-a-thon Challenge Join the challenge, start the year with intention, and become the guitarist you want to be—while helping others experience the joy and connection of music! Note: The Practice-a-thon challenge and charitable elements are entirely optional and flexible. Participate in whatever way is right for you.

    4 min

  8. 2025-12-19

    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 these common setbacks and keep progressing on your guitar journey as you move into the new year. Key Topics DiscussedCommon Guitar Frustrations Slow chord changesMessy or out-of-time strummingSore fingertipsNot knowing what to practice or feeling stuckFeeling like you're not improving quickly enoughDifficulty combining skills (chords + strumming)The challenge of bar chords Actionable Tips to Overcome Each Frustration The “Three S’s” for chord changing: Shape, Sound, SpeedIsolating the strumming hand before combining with chords; use window wiper techniqueShort, frequent practice sessions to toughen fingertips (not marathon sessions!)Structured practice routines: the 5-10-10-5 formula (warm-up, focused skills, song practice)Tracking progress and journaling—celebrate small wins!Ignore comparison, focus on your own journey, and aim for process, not perfectionIntegrate skills slowly and prioritize hand isolation before combining themApproach barre chords with patience, gradual skill-building, and proper hand technique Beginner Guitar Academy Community Updates The Sip and Strumming session recording (“Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry) is now available for membersJanuary Practice Challenge: Practice daily to raise money for Jesse’s Fund, a UK charity helping children communicate through music Highlights & InsightsPaul Andrews reminds listeners that frustration is entirely normal—every guitarist experiences it, and there are proven ways to overcome it.Breaking down both chord and rhythm sections into isolated skills is key to building smooth and consistent technique.The podcast encourages slow and steady progress over rushed perfectionism.Building calluses and avoiding finger pain requires a gentle, regular approach, not pushing too hard too soon.Structure in practice is crucial—random practice leads to slow progress.Keep a practice journal and record your monthly progress to objectively see improvements over time.Comparison steals joy—track your own wins and value the small steps forward. Resources & Next StepsFor Beginner Guitar Academy Members: Check your dashboard for the Sip and Strumming session recording.Watch for news and links about the January practice challenge in the community. For Non-members: Next week’s episode will include details and links for joining the January Practice Challenge. Want to improve your barre chords? Explore the “Get to Grips with Bar Chords” workshop in the Academy. Final ThoughtsAs Paul Andrews shares, every frustration is fixable and simply part of the learning journey. Take stock of the challenges that resonate most with you and commit to one small action this week—your progress depends on practicing with intention, patience, and celebration of every milestone. Tune in next week for the Beginner Guitar Academy Christmas Special!

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

This podcast is for beginner guitarist who want to take the confusion out of learning and the pain out of practice

Information

  • Creator
    Beginner Guitar Academy
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    273
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Beginner Guitar Academy
  • Show Website
    Beginner Guitar Academy

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