In the third instalment of the special British Music Series, Paul Andrews takes us on a deep dive into the raw, rebellious, and energetic music scene of 1980s Britain.

This episode delves into how British punk evolved into new wave, introducing iconic bands, innovative guitar techniques, and essential songs for beginner guitarists.

The Rise of British Punk:

• Explore the roots of punk in the late '70s/early '80s with bands like The Clash, Sex Pistols, and The Damned. Discover why punk guitar is all about attitude, rhythm, and simplicity.

Transition to New Wave & Post-Punk:

• Discover how punk evolved into the more melodic and atmospheric sounds of post-punk and new wave, exemplified by artists such as Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Police, Duran Duran, and The Cure.

Essential Guitar Skills:

• Mastering power chords, barre chords, and palm muting
• Embracing rhythm and aggression in your strumming
• Experimenting with effects like chorus, delay, and reverb
• Understanding how to blend rhythm and melody in your playing
• Focusing on how your guitar sits in the band mix with synths and other instruments

• The Clash: “London Calling,” “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
• Sex Pistols: “Pretty Vacant”
• The Damned: “New Rose”
• Joy Division: “Love Will Tear Us Apart”
• The Police: “Every Breath You Take,” “Message in a Bottle”
• The Cure: “Just Like Heaven”
• The Jam: “Town Called Malice”

Keep It Simple, but Tight:

• You don’t need complicated solos—focus on solid timing and feel.

Play with Effects:

• Invest in a beginner-friendly multi-effects pedal (like the Zoom G1X) to capture true ’80s tones.

Blend Rhythm & Melody:

• Combine chord progressions with melodic hooks to develop your sound.

Embrace Attitude:

• It’s not just what you play, but how you play it!

Pick a punk or new wave song from this episode, record yourself playing it, and share in the Beginner Guitar Academy community. Bonus: Try one of the new riffs being released in the Academy this week!

Spotify Playlist:

• Plug in and turn up the attitude — here’s your essential guide to the wild world of 1980s British Punk & New Wave. From mohawks and mosh pits to synths and soaring choruses, discover 25 iconic tracks to inspire your playing and expand your guitar style. Best played loud! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1nGUtAR2T6wTArc09PnKzt?si=5dqmbL_8TWak2vf6RV1ETA

Beginner Guitar Academy:

• Structured lessons, supportive community, and direct help from Paul. Try two weeks for just $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com

Stay tuned for the fourth and final episode in this British Music Series!

Thanks for tuning in! Keep strumming, keep experimenting, and don’t forget to check out the playlist for this week’s musical inspiration!

Welcome back to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast with your host, Paul Andrews! In this second instalment of the British Guitar Music series, Paul takes us on a journey through the iconic 1970s—a decade defined by stadium rock, legendary guitarists, and the birth of British heavy metal.

If you missed last week's trip through the swinging '60s and the British Invasion, don’t forget to catch up and check out the new riffs added to the Academy from The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks.

This episode explores the rise of guitar heroes, how massive riffs filled arenas, and the revolutionary new sounds that came from some of the UK’s most influential bands. Get ready for practical tips, classic riffs to try this week, inspiration from rock greats, and a peek at what’s happening inside the Beginner Guitar Academy community.

New Riffs Added:

• “Paint It Black” – The Rolling Stones
• “Substitute” – The Who
• “All Day and All of the Night” – The Kinks

All available now in the Academy’s riff section, complete with a new lesson format: riff introduction, playthrough, breakdown, and various practice speeds with scrolling tab.

1. The Rise of Stadium Rock

• 1970s British bands like Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Pink Floyd redefined rock.
• Led Zeppelin / Jimmy Page: Riff mastery (“Whole Lotta Love”), alternate tunings, innovative studio layering.
• Queen / Brian May: Homemade “Red Special” guitar, unique tone with a 6 pence coin, lush harmonies (“Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Tie Your Mother Down”).
• Pink Floyd / David Gilmour: Emphasis on note choice, emotion, and phrasing (“Comfortably Numb”).

2. The Birth of British Heavy Metal

• How bands like Black Sabbath created darker, heavier sounds.
• Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath): Overcame injury, invented prosthetic fingertips, dropped tunings (“Paranoid”, “Iron Man”).
• Black Sabbath’s recent final show in Birmingham—an epic event featuring metal legends.
• Deep Purple / Ritchie Blackmore: Classical influence (“Smoke on the Water”), a must-know riff for beginners.
• Judas Priest: Twin guitar harmonies and high-energy metal paved the way for the 80s.

3. Beginner Tips for Playing 70s Rock & Metal

• Power chords, bending, hammer-ons, pull-offs—all essential techniques rooted in the 70s.
• Metal riffs often use simple power chords, making them great for beginners.

4. Homework – Riffs To Practice This Week

• “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple: Learn it on one string, then progress to more advanced versions.
• “Iron Man” – Black Sabbath: Excellent for practicing power chords.
• “Tie Your Mother Down” – Queen: Coming soon to the Academy.

• British Music Spotify Playlist: check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1c4k92MPjuDPXVSPnHLz19?si=315535319c304f89
• Workshop Section:
• Learn five awesome metal riffs (including Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Slayer).
• Power chord, bending, hammer-on, and pull-off workshops for beginners.

Beginner Guitar Academy Membership:

• Try out all lessons, workshops, community support, and more for just $1 for 14 days at beginnerguitaracademy.com.

Which 1970s British rock or metal guitarist inspires you the...

This week, Paul kicks off a special month-long series delving into British guitar music, decade by decade. In this episode, the focus is on the iconic 1960s British Invasion — exploring how UK bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who reshaped the guitar world, and what beginner guitarists can take from their classic styles and songs.

Series Preview: All of July, Paul is exploring the evolution of British guitar music:

• July 4: 1960s British Invasion (this episode!)
• July 11: 1970s Rock Legends & British Metal
• July 18: 1980s British Punk & New Wave
• July 25: 1990s/2000s Brit Pop & Indie Revival

Spotify Decade Playlists: Check the show notes or visit bgapodcast.com/241 for the accompanying playlist and blog post for this episode.

Academy Updates:

• Live Q&A recording from last weekend is now available for members (video & audio formats).
• This month’s Academy Show covers all new June content, member shout-outs, and what’s coming in July.
• Mark celebrated his three-year “guitarversary”! 🥳

What Was the British Invasion?

• The explosion of UK bands in America, led by The Beatles’ 1964 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. https://youtu.be/b-VAxGJdJeQ?si=9-hMhjB5MqEogN1J
• The guitar became THE instrument to play for youth worldwide.

Key Artists & Their Contributions:

• The Beatles: Simple open chords, catchy strumming, and timeless progressions.
• The Rolling Stones: Bluesy attitude, groove, and iconic riffs (e.g., “Satisfaction”).
• The Kinks: Pioneered the power chord riff (“You Really Got Me”), laying groundwork for hard rock and punk.
• The Who: Brought power chords to the forefront, with energetic performances and dynamic strumming.

Beginner Lessons from 60s UK Bands:

• Keep it Simple: Use basic open chords and focus on strong rhythm, as heard in “Love Me Do.”
• Master Simple Riffs: Two- or three-note riffs can be powerful practice for timing and picking (“Satisfaction”).
• Explore Power Chords: Learn to move chord shapes for hundreds of rock songs (“You Really Got Me”).
• Add Style: Work on strumming techniques like muting, ghost strums, and dynamic rhythm to give your playing life.

Gear Talk:

• Typical gear: Vox AC30 amps, Rickenbacker/Telecaster/Gretsch guitars (but any gear will get you close).
• Tip: Start with a clean tone, low gain, experiment with pick attack, and add some reverb.

Paul recommends working these classics into your routine (and they’re all available with tutorials in the Academy):

• Love Me Do (The Beatles): Great for practicing G to C chord changes.
• You Really Got Me (The Kinks): Cement your power chords and shifting shapes.
• (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones): Stretch your fingers and perfect riff playing.

Pick one of the featured 1960s songs and add it to your practice! If you’re a member, share your progress in the community.

• Not a Member? Try Beginner Guitar Academy with a 2-week $1 trial at