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.

In this episode, Paul explores the most common reasons why so many aspiring guitarists never quite get started or give up too soon, despite having a lifelong dream to play the guitar.

He debunks major myths that hold people back and shares practical strategies to help you become the exception, turning those dreams into reality.

Announcements:

Live Member Q&A:

• Happening Monday the 27th (9 pm UK | 5 pm EDT | 2 pm PDT). Members can join live via Zoom, or submit questions beforehand if they can't attend live. Recordings and audio will be available later for members.

Gift Memberships Now Available:

• Beginner Guitar Academy membership can now be gifted! This is perfect for holidays or surprising a loved one with the gift of music. Available for both monthly and annual subscriptions at beginnerguitaracademy.com.

1. Why Most People Never Learn Guitar

• The persistent dream: “I’ve always wanted to play guitar.”
• Common experience: Many start, but few stick with it long enough to make progress.

2. The Three Big Myths That Hold People Back

Myth #1: “I don't have time.”

• Reality: You don't need hours—a few consistent, focused minutes daily can yield results. Beginner Guitar Academy lessons are designed in bite-sized chunks to fit any schedule.

Myth #2: “I’m not naturally musical/talented.”

• Reality: Playing guitar is a learned skill, not an innate talent. Anyone can improve with structure and patience. Paul shares examples of students who thought they had no rhythm but later played confidently.

Myth #3: “I’ve tried before and failed.”

• Reality: Failure often comes from lacking a clear plan or having unrealistic expectations. Progress takes time—about six months before seeing solid results, and having the right roadmap is key.

3. Why People Give Up

• Lack of visible progress leads to loss of motivation.
• Setting realistic expectations and celebrating small wins is crucial for staying motivated.

4. How You Can Be the Exception

• You don’t need special talent or vast amounts of time—just a clear path, accountability, and support.
• Beginner Guitar Academy offers step-by-step lessons, exclusive community access, and direct support from Paul.
• Try It Risk-Free: 14-day trial for only $1—full access to lessons, community, and even video exchange with Paul.

• Consistency beats intensity. A few minutes a day makes a difference.
• Structure and support matter—don’t go it alone. Find a method and a community.
• Set realistic goals and celebrate the small milestones.
• If you’ve ever dreamed of playing the guitar, now is the time to start!

Action Steps:

• Join the next member Q&A or submit your questions.
• Consider gifting a Beginner Guitar Academy membership.
• Take advantage of the $1 trial to see if BGA is a good fit!
• Share this episode with someone who’s always wanted to play guitar.

Links Mentioned:

• Beginner Guitar Academy Website
• Memberships, Trials, and Gifting options available

Connect:

Subscribe, leave a review, and pass this episode along to anyone who could use a motivational nudge to finally pick up the guitar!

In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews goes back to basics to tackle one of the trickiest and most important chord changes for beginner guitarists: moving from the C chord to the G chord.

He breaks down why this chord change matters, the challenges beginners face, his top practical tips for smoother transitions, and suggests four popular songs to practice your new skills.

Why the C to G Chord Change Is So Important

• This change pops up constantly in popular music—think pop, rock, country, and folk.
• Although it’s tricky, mastering this chord change is crucial for building your foundation as a guitarist.

Challenges Beginners Face:

• No pivot fingers or common tones — all fingers must move.
• Big distance between the chord shapes.
• Stray or muted strings as fingers move.
• Timing issues that interrupt a song’s flow.

Tips & Tricks to Improve Your C to G Chord Changes:

Focus on Shape, Sound, and Speed—in That Order

• Lock in the shape before worrying about speed.
• Isolate and practice each chord using the “hand on knee” technique and “folded corners” approach to get fingers down at the same time.

Minimize Unnecessary Movement

• Keep fingers close to the strings—less travel equals faster changes.

Target Practice

• Ensure each finger lands directly where it needs to go.

Air Time

• Start forming the next chord shape before your fingers reach the strings.

Strumming Techniques

• Use the “windshield wipers” method—keep your strumming hand moving even if it means hitting open strings momentarily.
• Try “leaving the party early”—let go of the chord slightly before the change to give your fingers more time to get in position.

Exercise for Tracking Progress:

• Set a timer for 30 seconds and count how many times you can change from C to G and back, one strum per chord. Track your progress over time, but be patient!

Practice Songs Featuring the C to G Change:

1. “Love Me Do” (The Beatles) – Primarily G and C, great for simple repetition.
2. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” (John Denver) – Focuses on C and G with the occasional D chord.
3. “Hey Joe” (Jimi Hendrix) – Five-chord progression, includes C to G in the loop.
4. “Ring of Fire” (Johnny Cash) – Fast-paced, lots of C to G transitions.

Free Guide:

• 8 Simple Ways to Make Faster Progress on Guitar
• Download Paul’s free PDF and accompanying videos to supercharge your practice.

Watch the Episode:

• The video version is available on the Beginner Guitar Academy YouTube channel or at BGAPodcast.com.

Get Structured Support:

• Try Beginner Guitar Academy for 14 days for just $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com for lessons, community, and more resources.

Closing Thoughts:

With regular practice and by following Paul’s tips, your C to G chord changes will get quicker and smoother. Don’t rush—progress will come with consistency!

This week, Paul dives deep into the emotional ups and downs of learning guitar, inspired by a heartfelt community post from member Baltazar.

With Baltazar’s permission, Paul explores the realities of balancing progress, avoiding burnout, and keeping guitar practice both effective and joyful.

Whether you’re cruising through milestones or stuck on a stubborn plateau, you’ll find practical strategies and inspiration to keep you moving forward—without losing sight of the fun.

Community News

• Paul announces the latest Academy Show: a monthly roundup with shoutouts to members for progress checks, level assessments, and guitar anniversaries.
• The show is available in the Academy’s Community section and in the “Just Added” section on the main dashboard.

The Dopamine Rush of Progress

• Early victories (like learning your first chords or songs) feel amazing and addictive.
• The danger: chasing that feeling can rush your learning and undermine long-term progress if you don’t let skills settle.

When Progress Slows Down

• Hitting your first wall is normal—whether it’s a tricky chord, a stubborn strum pattern, or finishing a whole song in time.
• Frustration is natural; it’s not a sign of failure, but a plateau where real growth happens, much like a workout plateau at the gym.

Baltazar’s Breakthroughs

Instead of quitting, Baltazar adjusted:

• Extended his timeline: Gave himself extra weeks to reach goals, relieving pressure.
• Restructured practice: Short, focused 15-minute sessions every other day, instead of long, exhausting ones.
• Played for fun: Added songs he truly enjoys (“Ultimate Song List”), reconnecting with the reasons he started guitar.

The result: Less stress, more fun, and renewed motivation.

Mindset & Consistency

• Baltazar’s most inspiring line: “Quitting isn’t an option. Not at 73. If I hadn’t quit at 29, I might be a solid guitarist by now.”
• Age doesn’t matter; consistency and showing up do.

Slow Down Your Timeline:

• Adjust deadlines for YOUR pace. Focus on practice frequency over arbitrary deadlines.

Restructure Your Practice:

• Keep core skills and songs, but don’t grind every day. Focusing on 15 minutes of practice every other day is sufficient.

Play for Fun:

• Mix in songs you love, even if they’re not part of the curriculum. Motivation matters.

Use Assessments as Motivation:

• Treat them like checkpoints—NOT finish lines or races.

Reset When Needed:

• If guitar feels like a chore, pause, adjust, and bring back what's enjoyable.

Remember the Long Game:

• Progress is possible at any age. The only way to “lose” is to quit.

Paul thanks Baltazar for his openness and encourages all listeners: don’t quit, reset if needed, and always keep the fun in your guitar journey.

If you’d like to share your guitar story, join the community at Beginner Guitar Academy.

Join the Community:

If you’re not yet a member, visit beginnerguitaracademy.com to get started.

See you next week—keep practicing and enjoying the journey!

In this episode, Paul Andrews breaks down the eight most common mistakes he sees beginner guitarists make and, most importantly, how you can avoid or fix them.

If you feel like your guitar progress has stalled or you’re unsure what’s holding you back, this comprehensive guide will put you back on track.

From practicing without a plan to quitting too soon, Paul covers it all, offering actionable advice and resources along the way.

1. Practicing Without a Plan

• Many beginners “noodle” aimlessly, not making real progress.
• Solution: Structure your practice sessions, even if it’s just five or ten minutes per skill.
• Resource: Practice plans available in the Resources section of the Beginner Guitar Academy dashboard.

2. Skipping the Basics

• Jumping straight to fun riffs and songs without building strong foundational skills (like chord changes, picking, and strumming) slows your progress.
• Solution: Invest time in fundamental skills. They’re the foundation for everything else you learn.

3. Ignoring Rhythm and Timing

• Focusing on the right notes but not on playing them in time leads to unrecognisable music.
• Solution: Use a metronome or backing track from early on. Internalise the beat by tapping your foot or nodding your head.

4. Avoiding Barre Chords and Hard Shapes

• Many skip tough chords (like barre or C chord) because they’re challenging.
• Solution: Face the hard shapes in manageable steps—power chords, then mini-barres, then full barre chords.
• Resource: Check out the Power Chords and Barre Chords workshops in the Academy.

5. Not Playing Complete Songs

• Learning only riffs and song parts can be fun, but it leaves you stuck.
• Solution: Commit to learning full songs!
• Beginner-friendly song suggestions:
• “Songbird” by Oasis
• “Knockin' on Heaven’s Door” (Bob Dylan version)
• “Come As You Are” by Nirvana
• “Zombie” by The Cranberries
• “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

6. Building Bad Technique Habits

• Common issues include collapsing fingers, muted strings, and stiff strumming.
• Solution: Slow things down and focus on form. Recording yourself and seeking teacher feedback can help spot and fix these issues.

7. Comparing Yourself to Others

• Social media or peer comparison can rob you of joy.
• Solution: Compare your progress only to your past self. Chart small, incremental improvements.

8. Quitting Too Soon

• Ninety per cent of beginners quit within the first year due to unrealistic expectations or a perceived lack of time.
• Solution: Consistency is key—just a few minutes a day leads to breakthrough progress.

• September Live Member Q&A: Recording now available in the Academy’s dashboard (video and audio formats).
• Practice Plan Downloads: Find them in the Resources section to help you organise and structure your weekly practice.
• Workshops: “Get to Grips with Power Chords” and “Get to Grips with Barre Chords” are available to Academy members.

• Mistakes are normal! But with proper planning, patience, and guidance, you can overcome or avoid them entirely.
• Consistency and structured practice are your secret weapons.
• If you need a clear, step-by-step roadmap, join Beginner Guitar Academy with a 14-day trial for $1 at

In episode 253 of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast, Paul Andrews explores the powerful—yet often overlooked—concept of musical intervals.

Whether you’re new to the guitar or looking to improve your musicianship, understanding intervals can unlock a deeper grasp of the fretboard, sharpen your ear, accelerate your learning, and even provide inspiration for songwriting.

Paul breaks down what intervals are, explains why they matter, shares practical tips for practicing them, and wraps up with a mini ear-training test.

Announcements for BGA Members

• Upcoming live Q&A on Monday, September 29th (details on times and how to join or submit questions in advance).
• Introduction of 30-minute private guitar lessons exclusively for members ($40 per lesson). Booking details in the community/news section.
• Reminder: Unlimited access to Paul via private video exchange, audio, or text—the new lessons are just an extra option in response to member requests.

Musical Intervals Demystified

What is an interval?

• Simply put, it’s the distance between two notes. Paul demonstrates intervals using open strings and fretted notes, explaining the basic concepts of half steps and whole steps on guitar.

Intervals in the Major Scale:

• Using the C major scale, Paul explains “major second,” “major third,” “perfect fourth,” “perfect fifth,” “major sixth,” “major seventh,” and the “octave.”
• Fun trivia: The term “perfect” dates back to medieval times, referring to intervals considered stable and sacred.

Why are intervals important?

• Ear Training: Recognize famous riffs and melodies (e.g., “Smoke on the Water” – minor third, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – perfect fifth).
• Building Blocks: Chords and scales are literally made by stacking intervals.
• Improvisation & Songwriting: Intervals guide you on which notes work well together.

Play and Sing

• Play intervals on your guitar and try singing them—don’t worry about vocal ability; the goal is to internalise the sounds.

Use Songs as Reference

• Major Second – “Happy Birthday”
• Major Third – “When the Saints Go Marching In”
• Perfect Fourth – “Here Comes the Bride”
• Perfect Fifth – “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or the “Star Wars” theme
• Major Sixth – “My Way” (Frank Sinatra)
• Major Seventh – “Take On Me” (a-ha)
• Octave – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

Ear Training Apps and Resources

• Apps: MusicTheory.net (free web exercises and the Tenuto app), Earmaster (BGA discount available in the resource section).
• BGA Members: Leverage the ‘Improve Your Ear’ course with tailored exercises.

Start Small

• Begin with just a couple of intervals—like the major second and octave, which have a clear contrast—and add more as you progress.

Paul conducts a quick ear training test focusing on major seconds, perfect fifths, and octaves to help listeners start recognising these intervals.

• Learning intervals isn’t just “theory”—it’s a real-world tool for mastering the guitar.
• Consistent practice is key: make interval ear training a regular part of your routine to permanently develop your musical ear.
• Use song references, simple exercises, and helpful apps to make training enjoyable and effective.