Best Learn Blues Guitar Podcasts (2024)

1
196 - Beginner's Guide to the Major Pentatonic Scale 17:17

2h ago17:17

17:17

In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, host Paul Andrews delves deep into the importance and versatility of the major pentatonic scale. He breaks down the theory behind the scale, its patterns, and its applications in popular songs. Listeners will learn why the major pentatonic scale is essential, how to use it in different keys, a…

1
195 - 5 Classic Guitar Effects And Famous Riffs That Use Them 22:51

2h ago22:51

22:51

In this week's episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we take a deep dive into the world of guitar effects. Host Paul Andrews introduces 5 classic effects - distortion, reverb, delay, wah-wah, and chorus - and delves into famous riffs that showcase each effect. Learn how to use and dial in these effects, the different controls they offer, …

1
The Police 'Walking On The Moon' 5:54

1h ago5:54

5:54

In this podcast, we dive into the story behind one of The Police's most iconic songs, 'Walking On The Moon'. The tale starts with a chance encounter between Sting and a composer friend in Munich. After a day of work, the two decided to explore the local nightlife and hit up a few bars. It's during this excursion that Sting has an epiphany - the sen…

1
Adele 'Rolling In The Deep' 5:49

12d ago5:49

5:49

The story of Adele's hit song "Rolling In The Deep" begins with the singer's childhood in North London, where she discovered her love of music at a young age. As a child, Adele was obsessed with the Spice Girls and would spend hours imitating them in front of her mirror. But as she grew older, Adele's musical tastes expanded, and she began to explo…

1
194 - The 100 Hour Rule: Building Momentum in Guitar Practice 15:52

4d ago15:52

15:52

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, where we explore effective strategies for mastering the guitar. In today's episode, we delve into the 100-hour rule, a simple yet powerful concept that can revolutionize your guitar learning journey. Host Paul Andrews breaks down the math, explaining how dedicating just 17 minutes a day to practice ca…

1
The Verve 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' 6:52

10d ago6:52

6:52

In this podcast, we'll explore the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony". The song's origins can be traced back to the early days of the band, when a young Richard Ashcroft formed The Verve with his high school friends in Wigan, in the north of England. Through interviews with experts …

1
193 - July's Live Member Q&A 1:02:49

10d ago1:02:49

1:02:49

This episode is the audio from our recent member Q&A. I cover an array of topics and listener questions, delving into everything from mastering guitar picks and improvisation techniques to chord transitions and the upcoming plans for the Academy. I share insight on everything from using digital equipment for recordings to strengthening little finge…

1
Queen 'Bohemian Rhapsody' 8:28

17d ago8:28

8:28

Welcome to our podcast where we take you on a journey through the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs in rock music history: Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." The genesis of this masterpiece dates back to the late 1960s when the band's enigmatic frontman, Freddie Mercury, began developing the song. He would often play different parts o…

1
192 - 5 Blues Songs To Get Ideas, Inspiration & Licks 35:22

21d ago35:22

35:22

In this week's episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we're diving into the world of blues music. Host Paul Andrews takes us through 5 classic blues songs that will inspire, motivate, and help us add some new licks to our guitar playing. From iconic tracks like "Crossroads" by Cream to "Hey Joe" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, each song is…

1
Amy Macdonald 'This Is The Life' 5:06

1M ago5:06

5:06

In this podcast, we dive into the story behind Amy MacDonald's hit song "This Is The Life". We follow the journey of a young girl from Scotland who found inspiration in music legends like David Bowie and Oasis. But it was a fateful evening when she accompanied her mother to a Travis concert that would change her life forever. From there, she began …

1
191 - From The Vault: When To Learn The Notes On The Neck 26:40

1M ago26:40

26:40

In today's episode, we dive into the topic of learning the notes on the guitar neck. Host Paul Andrews discusses the significance of understanding musical notes and how it transcends the limitations of playing by tablature. He unravels the benefits of knowing notes, and the pitfalls of learning them too quickly. Paul shares valuable insights on whe…

1
Robbie Williams ‘Angels' 6:50

1M ago6:50

6:50

It's the mid-90s, and Robbie Williams has just left Take That. His career is at a standstill, and he's in need of a break. So he heads to Dublin, one of the coolest cities in the world, for some much-needed R&R. One night, Robbie finds himself alone in a pub on George's Street. It's there that he has a chance encounter with a stranger who gives him…

1
190 - 10 Things Every Beginner Guitar Player Should Know 18:23

1M ago18:23

18:23

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast! In this episode, we'll dive into the 10 essential things every beginner guitar player should know. Host Paul Andrews shares expert insights on finger placement, fretting techniques, the importance of rhythm, the significance of posture, and the distinction between practicing and playing. Join us as we…

1
Talk Talk 'It's my Life' 5:09

1M ago5:09

5:09

The story of "It's My Life" is that of Mark Hollis, a complex character, genius perfectionist, and rebel, who refused to fit into the mold of the music industry. Hollis was born in 1955 in Tottenham and grew up in London. After studying child psychology, he turned to punk music, and by the early 1980s, he had become the frontman of the band Talk Ta…

1
189 - 7 Must Know Strum Patterns 23:27

1M ago23:27

23:27

In this week's podcast episode, we're diving into the fundamentals of rhythm and timing. I go through the essential strum patterns every beginner guitarist must know, from whole notes to 16th notes. As well as some tips and techniques for improving your strumming skills.By Beginner Guitar Academy

1
188 - Mastering Improvisation: 5 Key Steps for Better Lead Guitar Playing 23:36

2M ago23:36

23:36

In this episode, host Paul Andrews walks you through the essential steps to becoming a better lead guitar player and improving your improvisational skills. Paul delves into the key components of improvisation, emphasizing the importance of melody, rhythm, and expression. He provides a structured approach to developing your improvisation skills and …

1
Deep Purple 'Smoke on the Water' 7:53

2M ago7:53

7:53

Welcome to the podcast where we dive deep into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs in music history. In this episode, we will be talking about the classic rock anthem "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. It all started on December 4th, 1971, when the band was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album 'Machine Head'. They were usi…

1
David Bowie 'Let's Dance' 6:48

2M ago6:48

6:48

Welcome to a musical journey through the dazzling resurgence of the iconic David Bowie, marked by the chart-topping anthem that dominated both sides of the Atlantic in 1983. In this episode, we unravel the untold story behind the song that heralded Bowie's triumphant return - 'Let's Dance.' As Bowie grapples with personal demons, including a cocain…

1
187 - Top 5 Most Difficult Guitar Songs 36:28

2M ago36:28

36:28

In today's episode, we delve into the hotly debated topic of the hardest guitar songs to play. Host Paul Andrews shares his thoughts on the top 5 most challenging guitar songs, including iconic tracks by Van Halen, Dragonforce, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, and Racer X. Through a detailed breakdown of each song's technical components, you'll gain insigh…

1
Phil Collins 'Easy Lover' 6:12

2M ago6:12

6:12

Welcome to "The Backstage Pass," where we unlock the captivating tales behind musical masterpieces. In this episode, we turn our spotlight on the genre-defying hit "Easy Lover" by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, released in 1984. Our journey begins in Denver, where Philip Bailey's soulful roots take shape. From singing in his local church every Sun…

1
186 - Can You Teach Yourself Guitar? Pros, Cons, and Strategies for Success 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

In today's episode, I delve into teaching yourself guitar versus seeking professional guidance. I break down the pros and cons of self-teaching, highlighting the importance of structure, feedback, and effective learning strategies. From the convenience of online resources to the potential pitfalls of developing bad habits, I provide valuable insigh…

1
Tears For Fears 'Woman In Chains' 7:16

2M ago7:16

7:16

Step into the captivating world behind Tears For Fears' 1989 hit 'Woman In Chains.' In 1985, the duo found inspiration in a jazz trio's enchanting performance, leading to a powerful anthem rooted in feminist ideals. Discover how Roland Orzabal's literary exploration fueled the creation of a song urging women to reclaim their pivotal role in shaping…

1
185 - Master the A Major Chord: From Basics to Advanced Techniques 28:38

2M ago28:38

28:38

In this episode, we deep dive into the A major chord, a staple for many songs and a fundamental chord for all guitar players. I take you through various ways to play the A chord and provide tips for mastering it, including hand positioning and common mistakes to avoid. I also share a list of popular songs that use the A chord, giving listeners the …

1
The Police 'Message In The Bottle' 6:36

2M ago6:36

6:36

Welcome to another episode of 'The Backstage Pass,' where we peel back the curtain to reveal the captivating stories behind the greatest songs in music history. Today, we take center stage with The Police's 1979 hit 'Message In The Bottle.' Journey with us to 1976 London, where Sting and Stewart Copeland laid the foundation for The Police, driven b…

1
184 - Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Musical Journey Through Triumph, Tragedy, and Resilience 58:12

2M ago58:12

58:12

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and music of the legendary guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan. From his early influences to his groundbreaking albums and signature playing style, we explore the impact of his music and his journey through addiction and recovery. Join us as we uncover the remarkable story of this influential blues rock icon an…

1
Keane 'Everybody's changing' 5:28

3M ago5:28

5:28

In this episodeBattle,, we delve into the mesmerizing narrative behind the track that serves as a testament to the power of perseverance – Keane's "Everybody's Changing." Hailing from the quaint town of Battle in the southeast of England, childhood friends Tom, Richard, and Tim embark on a musical journey that would define their lives. Named in hom…

1
183 - Should You Learn Multiple Instruments 14:18

3M ago14:18

14:18

In this episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast, we'll explore the benefits and challenges of learning multiple musical instruments. I delve into the question of whether guitarists should pursue learning other instruments, drawing from the community's curiosity and experiences. Whether you're considering picking up a new instrument or want t…

1
Edwyn Collins 'A Girl Like You' 5:24

3M ago5:24

5:24

Welcome to the podcast where we uncover the story behind the hit song 'A Girl Like You' by Edwyn Collins. This song is intimately linked to the romantic biography of its author, composer, and performer Edwyn Collins, who was born in 1959 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Collins was a talented musician who, at not even 20 years old, created the group Orange …

1
182 - Was 1984 The Best Year For Guitar Albums 17:21

3M ago17:21

17:21

In this episode, I take us through the fantastic albums released in 1984. From Steve Vai's debut album to classics by Van Halen, Queen, Prince, and U2, I explore the standout albums and artists of that year. With fascinating tidbits and insights on the music and artists, this episode is a must-listen for any guitar enthusiast. Whether you're a seas…

1
The Rolling Stones 'Angie' 6:42

3M ago6:42

6:42

Step into the captivating world of rock 'n roll history with our latest podcast episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic title that has become a timeless classic. Join us as we explore the compelling story behind "Angie" by The Rolling Stones, released in 1973. In the early '70s, the Rolling Stones found themselves at a crossroads. With inspira…

1
181 - From The Vault: 5 Ways To Become More Confident On Video 17:45

3M ago17:45

17:45

In this week's episode, we are taking a trip into the vault and dusting off episode 128; '5 Ways To Become More Confident On Video.' In the episode, we discuss something that can make any beginner guitarist a little nervous - recording yourself on video. But don't worry, I've got you covered with five tips to increase your confidence on camera.…

1
Richie Sambora is Ready to Rock! 54:42

3M ago54:42

54:42

As the premier season of the show comes to a close, Richie Sambora sends it off with a fun, free-wheeling episode that looks at his high-drama fingerwork on “Only Lonely” from Bon Jovi’s second record, 1985’s 7800° Fahrenheit. (The song’s music video is everything you’d ever want from mid-’80s hard rock.) Richie joins Shifty subterranean-style, fro…

1
Tasmin Archer 'Sleeping Satellite' 6:22

3M ago6:22

6:22

In this episode of 'Behind the Hits,' we delve into the captivating story behind Tasmin Archer's iconic track, 'Sleeping Satellite,' released in 1992. Join us as we uncover the journey of a talented English artist who rose from the shadows of backing vocals to create a song that echoed a powerful critique of human nature. Tasmin Archer's musical jo…

1
180 - April’s Live Member Q&A 56:30

3M ago56:30

56:30

This week's episode features the audio from a recent member live Q&A. Some of the topics covered include; how many songs should you learn at one time? How do you memorise so many scales? How to feel more comfortable recording videos? And more.By Beginner Guitar Academy

1
Learn the “Last Child” Solo With Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford 57:06

3M ago57:06

57:06

The Aerosmith axeman recounts how he ripped the blazing lead on the Rocks hit, dishing some critical history along the way. Behind Steven Tyler’s unhinged howls, Aerosmith’s twin-guitar attack with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford cemented them as one of the greatest hard-rock bands of the ’70s. “Last Child,” the street-strutting, hard-blues hit off the…

1
Joe Jackson 'Steppin' Out' 5:34

4M ago5:34

5:34

Join us in this episode of our podcast as we dive into the captivating story behind one of Joe Jackson's iconic tracks, "Steppin' Out." Released in 1982, this song showcases Jackson's unique ability to blend genres and create a sound that resonates with listeners even decades later. The tale begins with the birth of David Ian Jackson in 1954, into …

1
179 - From The Vault: 10 Awesome Acoustic Guitarists You Should Know About 1:01:46

4M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Welcome to episode 179 of the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast! Today, we're wrapping up our acoustic April series by spotlighting 10 awesome acoustic guitar players you need to know about. From innovative techniques to viral releases, we've got a diverse lineup for you. We'll dive into the unique styles and musical accomplishments of artists like M…

1
Def Leppard and Dive Bombs: Phil Collen on His Bombastic “Photograph” Solo 59:40

4M ago59:40

59:40

The influential British shredder talks about how he formed his playing style and demonstrates how to rip one of his most iconic leads. To hear Phil Collen tell it, he joined Def Leppard almost by accident. He had loaned the band one of his amps, and when they asked him to play some leads on their upcoming record Pyromania, Collen thought he was jus…

1
Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black' 6:04

4M ago6:04

6:04

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story behind one of the most iconic tracks of 2007, "Back to Black" by the sensational Amy Winehouse. Join us as we unravel the tumultuous journey that led to the creation of this chart-topping sensation, exploring the emotional and creative turmoil that shaped its heartfelt lyrics. During the mid-2000…

1
178 - Introduction To Open Tunings 13:52

4M ago13:52

13:52

In this podcast episode, I dive into the world of open tunings. I provide a clear definition of open tunings, explain their benefits, and share popular artists and songs that use open tunings. Furthermore, I walk listeners through popular open tunings such as open G, open E, open D, and more.By Beginner Guitar Academy

1
Oasis 'Wonderwall' 5:48

4M ago5:48

5:48

In 1995, "Wonderwall" was released as the third single from Oasis' album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?". The song became a huge hit, propelling the band to global success and making it one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. But the story behind the song is as interesting as the music itself. Noel Gallagher wrote "Wonderwall" during a tour …

1
177 - Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Riffs 17:47

4M ago17:47

17:47

In this episode, I count down the top 5 acoustic guitar riffs, offering insights and tips on mastering each one. From Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" to Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line," these riffs are perfect for beginners and can be simplified to match various skill levels. To access the tab for the riffs mentioned in this episode, head over to ww…

1
Elton John 'Song For a Guy' 5:17

4M ago5:17

5:17

Join us as we delve into the heart-rending story behind one of Elton John's most iconic compositions, "Song For A Guy." Released in 1978, this instrumental masterpiece holds a poignant narrative that resonates with audiences to this day. After a two-year hiatus, Elton John finds himself at a creative crossroads, facing the daunting task of crafting…

1
176 - Acoustic Guitar 101 24:07

4M ago24:07

24:07

Welcome to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast episode 176. In this episode, host Paul Andrews takes a deep dive into all things acoustic guitar. He discusses the origins and evolution of the acoustic guitar, iconic players who have shaped its development, the anatomy and types of acoustic guitars, as well as recommended guitar brands. Listeners ca…

1
Radiohead 'Creep' 5:58

5M ago5:58

5:58

In this episode, we unravel the captivating story behind the iconic track "Creep" by the renowned band Radiohead. From its humble origins, composed in a student's room, to its meteoric rise as a 90s anthem, this episode traces the captivating narrative of the song's evolution and reception. As we delve into the backstory, we discover how the lead v…

1
175 - How Many Guitars Do You Actually Need 20:45

5M ago20:45

20:45

In this episode, I delve into a common question among guitarists: "How many guitars do you actually need?" I share insights on why guitarists own multiple instruments, the disadvantages of owning many guitars, and the average number of guitars owned by different levels of guitar players. I also provide tips for justifying the need for new guitars a…

1
Wolf Van Halen’s Tornado of Tapping on “Take a Bow” 1:00:07

5M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Being born into rock royalty doesn’t make you a rock star—you’ve gotta earn it with your own chops. And whether it’s the classical pedigree of his first name or the hard-rock infamy of his surname, Wolfgang Van Halen has a long lineage to live up to. As he displays on this episode of Shred With Shifty, he’s more than up to the task. Wolf joins Shif…

1
Supertramp 'Breakfast In America' 4:32

5M ago4:32

4:32

Join us on a riveting journey through the captivating tale behind the timeless classic, Breakfast in America, by Supertramp, released in 1979. Composed by the visionary Roger Hodgson during the prime of his youth, the song chronicles his longing for the sun-soaked shores of California and the carefree American youth culture, while his heart remaine…

1
174 - Understanding The Circle Of Fifths 28:20

5M ago28:20

28:20

In this week's episode 'Understanding the Circle of Fifths', I break down this important concept in a way that demystifies the complexities of this essential theory. I provide a step-by-step explanation of the circle, how it relates to key signatures, and how you can use it to understand chord progressions. If you want to understand the circle of f…

1
Joe Bonamassa: Bursts, Dumbles, and the Blues 1:36:46

5M ago1:36:46

1:36:46

If you can’t figure out how to play Joe Bonamassa’s solo from “Blues Deluxe,” don’t worry. It all changes when Shifty sits down with Bonamassa for this special episode of Shred With Shifty. No surprise that both of them reach for their Les Pauls, and Bonamassa even reveals why he switched from Strats to Gibsons in the early 2000s. Bonamassa is know…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Learn Blues Guitar Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide