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 use in real songs.

Plus, you’ll get valuable tips to overcome common challenges and ideas for songs to play with your new skills!

Beginner Guitar Academy News:

• Upcoming "Sip and Strum" live Zoom workshop: Learn to play "Zombie" by The Cranberries (Sunday, Nov 16th, 8 pm). Includes chord and lead parts, plus ideas to spice up the arrangement for all skill levels.

The Basic Eight Chords Explained:

Five essential major chords:

• A Major
• C Major
• D Major
• E Major
• G Major

Three vital minor chords:

• A Minor
• D Minor
• E Minor

Paul Andrews guides you through finger placement, common problems (like muting and reaching), and practical workarounds.

The 3F Chord Method:

• Flat Thumb: Keep thumb on the back of the neck, pointing up for strength and support.
• Fingertips: Press strings with the very tip of your finger for clarity.
• Fret: Place fingers close to the fret wire to minimise buzzing.

Chord Challenges and Pro Tips:

• How to avoid muted or buzzing strings
• Proper hand and thumb positioning
• Stretching routines for tricky chords (check out the Quick Tips section at Beginner Guitar Academy for more!)

How to Practice Chords – The 3S System:

• Shape: Drill finger placement until you have muscle memory
• Sound: Pick through each string to ensure clarity, troubleshoot any buzzes or mutes
• Speed: Practice chord changes with shortcuts and minimal movement. Use a timer or a metronome to track progress!

Songs to Play With The Basic Eight Chords:

• "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix (Great for major chord practice: cycles C-G-D-A-E)
• "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter (D Minor, E Minor, A chord progressions)
• "Never Met a Girl Like You Before" by Edwyn Collins (Requires capo at fret 3, uses A minor, D minor, and E minor)

Bonus: Episode 173 of the podcast covers "10 Easy Songs to Learn on Guitar" for even more practice inspiration!

Episode PDF: Download a visual chord sheet for these eight essential chords here.

Community & Workshops:

• Upcoming Sip & Strum event details in the Beginner Guitar Academy community.
• Song section features curated songs using these chords.
• Campfire songs and additional workshops are available for members.

YouTube Channel: For visual learning, check out the video version on www.Beginnerguitaracademy.tv

With these eight chords under your belt, you’ll unlock hundreds of songs across all styles, from classic rock to modern pop, including hits from the Beatles, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and more.

Use the chord sheet PDF, practice with the 3F and 3S methods, and challenge yourself to build speed and fluidity!

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more beginners discover the...

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 differences between electric and acoustic guitars, debunks myths, and helps you figure out the best instrument to start your own guitar journey.

Beginner Guitar Academy News

• Monthly Academy show roundup: Celebrating student progress, guitar-versaries, and highlights from the past month.
• New club blogs for each student level offer extra resources and support, including in-depth riff breakdowns and practice checklists.
• Upcoming events:

Sip and Strum (Nov 16th): Learn a song (Zombie by The Cranberries) together, suitable for all levels, including advanced techniques and tone discussion.

Live Q&A (Nov 24th): Submit questions beforehand or join live; recordings will be uploaded to the Academy and member-only podcast.

Electric vs Acoustic: The Basics

• Acoustic guitars are self-contained, portable, and great for rhythm and singer-songwriter styles.
• Electric guitars are more comfortable (lighter strings, slimmer necks), but require extra equipment like amps, cables, and headphones.

Pros and Cons

• Electric Guitar Pros: Easier to play, versatile across genres with effects pedals, smaller neck—ideal for players with small hands.
• Electric Guitar Cons: Need for extra gear and a steeper learning curve for total beginners.
• Acoustic Guitar Pros: Simple, portable, perfect for social situations and spontaneous play.
• Acoustic Guitar Cons: Heavier strings, higher action, wider necks—can be tougher for beginners.

Choosing the Right Guitar

• The best guitar is the one that inspires you and matches your musical tastes.
• If you want to play Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift, start with an acoustic; if you dream of playing Hendrix or Metallica, electric makes more sense.
• Both instruments teach the foundational skills of guitar playing – chords, scales, strumming, picking – and Beginner Guitar Academy’s early levels apply to both.
• When advancing to lead guitar, effects, and tone control, an electric guitar becomes necessary.

Cost & Gear Tips

• You don’t need to spend a lot. Consider second-hand guitars on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or UK sites like gear4music.com for affordable, quality options.

Final Advice

• Consistent practice, structure, and accountability matter more than which guitar you choose.
• Transitioning between acoustic and electric is easy – many students eventually own both.
• Don’t let indecision stall your progress; start with the guitar that excites you!

• Both acoustic and electric guitars are excellent for beginners.
• Choose the guitar that fits your musical inspiration and goals.
• Structure and commitment trump gear choice.
• Beginner Guitar Academy is designed to help you succeed regardless of the type of guitar you start with.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone starting their guitar journey!

For more details or to sign up for the trial, visit beginnerguitaracademy.com.

See you next week for another episode!

In this episode, Paul Andrews tackles a common beginner guitarist question: Should you keep a practice journal?

Inspired by a post in the Beginner Guitar Academy community from Mark Old, Paul explores the pros and cons of tracking your guitar practice and offers practical advice for making journaling both effective and manageable.

Why Track Your Practice?

• The benefits of keeping a practice journal include increased motivation, accountability, and the ability to spot progress patterns.
• How journaling can highlight your milestones and help you stay aligned with your learning goals.

Different Ways to Journal

• Paper notebooks, digital notes, spreadsheets, and dedicated practice apps (like Motor City, Tunable, Practice Diary).
• Download an exclusive downloadable practice journal template here.

Common Concerns

• Journaling can feel like extra work or a burden.
• Many fear they’ll never look back at their notes.
• Concerns about staying consistent or dropping the habit.

Practical Tips for Effective Practice Journals

• Keep entries short—just a couple of lines per session.
• Journal immediately after practicing to capture fresh reflections.
• Focus on reflection, not perfect detail or grammar.
• Review your journal once a month to see your progress and stay motivated.
• Celebrate your milestones—share major achievements in the community!

When to Skip Journaling

• Journaling isn’t for everyone; if it feels stressful or demotivating, it’s okay to skip it.
• The priority is to keep enjoying guitar, and tracking can always be added later.

Free Practice Journal Template

• Download here.

Community Forums & Support

• Share your practice journeys and connect with other members inside the Beginner Guitar Academy forums.

Are you tracking your guitar practice? Has journaling helped you progress? Paul wants to hear from you—connect via the Beginner Guitar Academy forums or reach out directly at info@beginnerguitaracademy.com.