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

Welcome to another value-packed episode with Paul Andrews! This week, we're focusing on something every guitarist—no matter what stage they're at—should care about: How to get better.

Paul shares a comprehensive list of 20 actionable strategies designed to make you a better guitar player, whether you’re brand new or have been strumming for a while.

From crucial practice habits and mindset shifts to practical tips you may not expect, this episode is packed with inspiration and detailed advice to elevate your playing to the next level.

Beginner Guitar Academy News

• Live Member Q&A on Zoom: Sunday, June 29th (9 pm GMT, 4 pm EDT, 1 pm PDT)
• Ask Paul your practice, theory, or performance questions—live, via chat, or pre-submitted.

20 Ways to Be a Better Guitar Player

1. Practice Consistently, Not Endlessly

• 15–30 focused minutes daily beats weekend marathons.
• Even just six minutes per day (see episode 132!) pays off if done consistently.

2. Use a Metronome

• Essential for developing your timing and rhythm.
• Alternatives: backing tracks, drum beats.

3. Slow It Down

• Play slowly and cleanly; build speed through control.

4. Focus on Technique

• Attention to hand position, posture, and finger placement makes a big difference.

5. Record Yourself

• Uncomfortable but invaluable. Tracks progress and highlights areas for improvement.

6. Play with Others

• Collaborate in jams, play along with backing tracks, or join a group class.

7. Learn Songs You Love

• Regularly revisit favourites; connect skills to real music.

8. Practice Ear Training

• Spend even five minutes a day figuring out melodies by ear to deepen your musical connection.

9. Master the Basics

• Don’t skip foundational skills; they’ll support everything you learn later.

10. Work on Your Chord Changes

• Focus on smooth transitions using the Shape, Sound, Speed method.

11. Keep a Practice Journal

• Document what you work on, your wins, and your challenges to keep yourself accountable and see your growth.

12. Don’t Chase Too Much at Once

• Avoid YouTube hopping and course overload. Internalize what you learn.

13. Learn Some Music Theory

• Understanding scales, chords, and keys increases versatility and confidence.

14. Memorize the Notes on the Fretboard

• Knowing especially the E and A string note locations unlocks the neck.

15. Play Standing Up

• Practice both sitting and standing for posture and performance versatility.

16. Change Your Strings Regularly

• Fresh strings improve your guitar’s sound and playability.

17. Listen to Great Guitar Players

• Absorb ideas, stylistic nuances, and inspiration by regularly listening to guitar music.

18. Learn to Use Dynamics

• Incorporate volume and intensity variations to bring your playing to life.

19. Play in Different Styles

• Exploring new genres broadens your skills and keeps things fresh.

20. Be Patient and Enjoy the Ride

• Progress isn’t always linear. Celebrate showing up and continue learning, even through challenges.

In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews breaks down everything beginners need to know about transitioning to their first electric guitar. Suppose you’re moving from acoustic or want a deeper understanding of what makes an electric guitar tick. In that case, this episode is packed with valuable insights—from body types and pickups to must-have accessories and practical buying advice.

1. Acoustic vs. Electric Guitars

• Differences in body structure, sound projection, and use of amplification.

2. Types of Electric Guitar Bodies

• Solid Body: Most common, less prone to feedback. (E.g., most guitars in shops)
• Semi-Hollow Body: More resonance; versatile across genres like jazz, blues, and pop. (E.g., Gibson ES335)
• Hollow Body: Favoured in jazz; fuller sound but prone to feedback at high gain. (E.g., Gretsch 6120)

3. Important Components & Controls

• Pickups: Magnetic coils that capture string vibrations (more details on types below).
• Volume & Tone Controls: Adjust output and treble/bass mix.
• Pickup Selector: Switch between different pickup sounds (neck = warm/rhythm, bridge = bright/lead).
• Bridge Types: Fixed (better sustain) vs. Floating/Tremolo (lets you bend pitch with a whammy bar).
• Strings: Electric guitars often have lighter strings, easier on the fingers than acoustic.

4. Pickups Explained

• Single-Coil: Bright, nuanced; found in Fender Stratocasters. Great for pop, blues, soul, funk, and rock.
• P90: Vintage sound; sits between single-coil and humbucker.
• Humbucker: More powerful, noise-cancelling, great for rock and metal.
• Active Pickups: Extra power, require a battery—favoured by some metal players.

5. Neck Profiles, Scale Length & Action

• Neck Profile: Impacts playability and comfort (thin = fast play, fat = easier bends).
• Scale Length: Affects string tension and playability (Fender usually longer than Gibson).
• Action: Height of strings above fretboard. Lower action = easier play, but too low can cause buzzing.

6. Woods Used

• Maple vs. Rosewood Fingerboards: Maple is bright and durable; rosewood is warmer and more comfortable.

7. What to Look For in a Beginner Electric Guitar

• Playability: Make sure the guitar feels good and comfortable in your hands.
• Tunability: Important for staying in tune, especially with budget or secondhand instruments.
• Brand Matters: Established brands generally offer better reliability and quality control.
• Budget Bundles: Look for packs with guitar, amp, and accessories from brands like Yamaha, Epiphone, and Squier.

8. Recommended Guitars

• Budget: Yamaha Pacifica 112v—great value, reliable, versatile.
• Mid-Range: Squier Classic Vibe Series (Stratocaster/Telecaster)—beginner-friendly, holds value.
• Higher-End: Fender Standard Series—affordable entry into Fender brand quality.

9. Essential Accessories

• Amplifier: Boss Katana Mini, Fender Frontman, Yamaha TRS5, Positive Grid Spark.
• Cable: Invest in a quality guitar cable.
• Tuner: Clip-on tuners or smartphone apps (Fender, Boss).
• Strap, Picks,...

This week, Paul dives into one of the most fundamental and beloved guitar chords, the G chord! Whether you're picking up the guitar for the first time or looking to solidify your chord-changing skills, this episode covers everything you need to know about the G chord.

Paul breaks down the most common G chord shapes, offers song suggestions featuring the G chord, shares practice tips, explores chord progressions in the key of G, and tackles common struggles (with solutions!) players face with the G chord.

1. Essential G Chord Shapes

Paul walks you through multiple ways to play the G chord, starting from the simplest forms to the more full-sounding variations:

• Open strings (D, G, B)
• One-finger G
• Two-finger G
• Standard three-finger G
• Full four-finger G (and why it’s a great option)
• G5 for that classic rock sound

TIP: Don’t forget to download the chord shape sheet here!

2. Songs Using the G Chord

Paul highlights several beginner-friendly songs that feature the G chord and are perfect for practicing changes:

• “Songbird” by Oasis
• “Love Me Do” by The Beatles (working on the tricky G-C change)
• “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
• “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

All these songs (and more) are available in the Academy’s song section!

3. Key of G – Chord Progressions and Creativity

Learn how the G chord fits within its key and which chords naturally pair with it:

• Chords in the key of G: G, A minor, B minor, C, D, E minor (with tips for a Bm7 shape if you’re not ready for barre chords)
• Using these chords for basic songwriting, jam sessions, or exploring new musical ideas

Paul gives practical advice on experimenting with these chords. Play around with progression ideas like G–D–Em–C or G–Em–C–D.

4. Popular Chord Progressions Featuring G

Paul breaks down some of the most common and useful progressions:

• G – D – Em – C (classic ballad feel)
• G – Em – C – D (pop standard; think “Stand By Me”)
• G – C – D (the “I-IV-V” progression, found in blues, rock, and more)

5. Troubleshooting: Common Struggles and Solutions

Paul provides practical solutions to help you:

• Overcome muted strings and challenging stretches
• Improve clean tone by adjusting thumb/wrist position
• Speed up chord changes with “pivot” fingers
• Practice smarter with repetition and technique, not just rote practice

• Chord Shape Sheet: Download the free PDF with G chord shapes at BGAPodcast.com/238
• Video Version: Prefer to watch? Check the video podcast in the show notes, on YouTube, or Facebook.
• Beginner Guitar Academy: Members can access song lessons and a special G chord challenge (learn 18 G chord shapes!) in the Academy's community section.

Learning the G chord is a must for all beginner guitarists. It’s versatile, appears in countless songs, and is foundational for unlocking the full world of rhythm guitar. Take your time, be patient with your progress, and remember: repetition, good technique, and thoughtful practice are your best friends.

Episode Summary:

This week, host Paul Andrews dives deep into the world of learning guitar on YouTube—exploring the pros and cons, the pitfalls of unstructured learning, and why having a step-by-step plan is the key to real progress.

With May’s “Five Minutes a Day Challenge” just wrapped up, Paul offers guidance on what to do next for beginners, whether you’re considering YouTube lessons or seeking something more structured.

Key Topics Covered:

Beginner Guitar Academy Updates:

• The latest Academy Show is now available for members.
• Upcoming Live Q&A on June 29 (9 pm GMT / 4 pm EDT / 1 pm PDT)—submit your questions or catch the recording.
• June Song: "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls (standard tuning version drops June 19th with play-along tracks).

YouTube vs. Structured Learning:

• Why watching guitar videos on YouTube feels productive, but often leads to half-learned songs and slow progress.
• The dangers of skipping fundamentals—why you need strong foundation skills like picking, chords, and strumming.
• Algorithms, clickbait titles, and how YouTube creators often prioritize views over teaching solid basics.

The Downside of Random Learning:

• Feeling stuck as a “perpetual beginner”—lots of riffs and bits, but no complete songs or confidence.
• Mental overload from too many conflicting lessons, styles, and teaching techniques.
• No personalized feedback means you risk building bad habits and missing crucial skills.

The Power of Structure:

• How a step-by-step system builds lasting skills and keeps you motivated.
• Tracking progress, celebrating small wins, and knowing exactly what to learn next.
• The value of community: learning with peers, sharing struggles and solutions, and staying accountable.

Making YouTube Work for You:

• Use YouTube alongside a proven curriculum, not as your main teacher.
• Be laser-focused in your search—pick a specific skill or song, and don’t get distracted.
• Vet the content and creator—beginner lessons should actually be for beginners.
• Think of YouTube as dessert: use it for inspiration or supplement, not your main course!

Options for Serious Learners:

• Consider platforms with structure and feedback—like Beginner Guitar Academy.

Paul’s Advice: If you want serious results, find a program that offers structure, feedback, and community. Random lessons might scratch an itch, but only a guided method will truly take you from beginner to confident player. And remember: skills pay the bills!

Call to Action:

• Interested in learning with Paul? Try Beginner Guitar Academy for just $1 (two-week trial). Get a proven curriculum, unlimited feedback, and a supportive guitar community.
• Visit: beginnerguitaracademy.com

Next Episode:

Check back next week for a fresh guitar lesson and more actionable tips!

Loved the Episode?

Please rate and review the podcast wherever you listen—it helps others discover the show!

Connect with Us:

For questions, updates, or to start your membership: www.beginnerguitaracademy.com

In this episode, Paul Andrews wraps up the Beginner Guitar Academy’s “Learn to Play Five Minutes a Day in May” challenge by recapping week four, focused on lead guitar skills.

Paul guides listeners through key lessons from the challenge, including the importance of the minor pentatonic scale, practicing with a metronome, playing classic riffs, taking first steps into improvisation, and essential lead guitar techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

As the month-long challenge concludes, Paul shares tips for building a regular practice routine and explains how to continue your learning journey with Beginner Guitar Academy.

Recap of the May Challenge:

• Review of the “five minutes a day” approach and benefits of consistent, foundational practice.

Week Four Focus: Lead Guitar

• Day 22: Introduction to the E minor pentatonic scale. Why it’s a must-know for guitarists, how it’s constructed, and tips for effective practice.
• Day 23: Playing with a metronome. Building timing skills; suggested starting speed is 60 BPM; practicing both single and double picks per click.
• Day 24: Learning the riff from Eric Clapton’s “Sweet Home Chicago” application of the minor pentatonic scale; breaking down the riff and its phrasing.
• Improvisation Basics: Demystifying improvisation using the scale, phrasing, changing direction, and leaving spaces for musicality.Step-by-step process with a backing track to get started soloing.

Lead Guitar Techniques

• Hammer-ons: How and why to use them for smoother, faster playing.
• Pull-offs: The “reverse” of hammer-ons; tips for even volume and proper technique.
• Slides: Adding expression and fluidity to your playing; pressure technique and common sliding notes.
• Putting It All Together: Integrating these techniques and improvisation over a backing track. Advice on practicing in small, manageable chunks and not feeling overwhelmed.

Challenge Recap & What’s Next

• A summary of all four weeks: picking, chords, strumming/timekeeping, and lead guitar.
• Encouragement to repeat the challenge for deeper mastery.
• How to continue with structured learning at Beginner Guitar Academy and what makes the online school unique (personalized support, community, experienced teaching).

• Beginner Guitar Academy – Join & Try for $1
• Backing tracks and lesson notes are available for members.
• Email Paul: info@beginnerguitaracademy.com

• Master the basics—strong foundational skills pay off at any level.
• Consistency (even five minutes a day) leads to noticeable progress.
• Don’t feel rushed; repeat and refine lessons as needed for your pace.
• Beginner Guitar Academy offers ongoing guidance, tailored feedback, and supportive community for your guitar journey.