Today, I share the most common problem areas I’ve found from frustrated students. Backtracking a bit in these areas can help make 2020 your most productive guitar year yet! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/take-a-step-backward-to-start-moving-forward-104 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

The ways we learn guitar may change, but the best way to get solid reliable, results will never change. Today, I show you the three benefits you can bring to your guitar playing from following a time tested process.... The Roadmap. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playguitaracademy Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/the-benefits-of-using-a-roadmap-103 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Guitar accessories...getting extra stuff for your guitar. Today I’m going over what you need, what you don’t and what to consider for the three big stages of guitar playing. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/what-guitar-accessories-do-you-really-need-102 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Are you stuck in practicing mode? Do your solos sound like you're practicing scale patterns. Today I unpack a very common problem to help a founding member of the academy. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/moving-from-practicing-scales-to-making-melodies-101

If you could name the one single biggest breakthrough in your guitar playing, what would it be? Today I go over the biggest turning point in my own playing and show you why it could be for yours as well. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/the-big-turning-point-in-your-guitar-playing-100 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Today, I compare three computer based amplifier software to get the best sounds with low effort. They are: Bias Amp 2, Scuffham S-gear 2, and Overloud TH3. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-amp-software-shoot-out-099 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Do you remember the excitement of first learning guitar? Has that changed for you as you’ve progressed? Today I look back at the beginner’s mind and try to use it to make your playing (no matter what level you are) more fulfilling. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/staying-in-touch-with-the-beginner-s-mind-098 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Are you ready for a big change? Sometimes it takes drastic measures to pull yourself out of a playing rut. Today, I’m outlining the process that I’m putting into place to transform my own guitar playing…Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playguitaracademy Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/change-your-guitar-playing-in-5-steps-097 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Are you frustrated that the way you want to sound and the way you actually sound are very different? Today I’m going over the three main areas to focus on to get new fresh ideas into your guitar playing. Practice space checklist: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/practice Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/bringing-fresh-ideas-into-your-playing-096 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Faster and smoother lead lines! If you’ve been struggling with playing fast, it might not be your technique that’s holding you back. Today, I will introduce a different system for scale patterns that is guaranteed to speed up your playing Get the scales: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/3nps  Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/3-notes-per-string-scales-3nps-095 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Dealing with the negative parts of learning guitar is something you don’t hear about much. But, when you finally get fed up and deal with the negativity head on, very positive things start to happen.Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playguitaracademy Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/getting-positive-about-your-playing-094 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Have you ever felt that your hands were out of sync? Are your notes cut off or do you play a note and hear only a click? Let's fix this once and for all. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/helping-your-hands-work-together-093 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Buying a guitar amplifier can test your nerves. Just hoping that the amp will sound good can be a risky business. Today, I will talk about what to look for in an amp and a special announcement. Get your FREE download "Guide to Clear Sounding Chords" at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/chordguide  Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/which-guitar-amp-should-i-buy-092 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Although we use chords and scales all of the time, not understanding the way they work together can be the thing that’s holding us back. Join me today as I give an overview on the relationship between chords and scales. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/chords-and-scales-091 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

How’s your practicing going? I hope good, but if you are like the rest of us, it can be a real challenge staying in a good practice routine. Today, I help you make a practice schedule that’s easy to stick with and the perfect fit for you! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-practice-schedule-090 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Academy

Today, I'm taking you to a place you may not be ready to deal with... Your own playing. Ooh I know it sounds scary but the sooner we get past some things the sooner we can build even stronger skills on the guitar. Show notes at:https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/dialing-in-a-marshall-dsl-50-088 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, I'm cranking up my trusty Marshall DSL 50 and I'll show the process of getting all of your basic gig tones from this relatively inexpensive but awesome workhorse amplifier. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/dialing-in-a-marshall-dsl-50-088 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

On today's episode, I answer these great questions: How do you key down for vocals?, Any tips for playing blues turnarounds?, Can you help me with bracing?, How do you dial in a Fender amp? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/keying-down-for-vocals-blues-turnarounds-bracing-fender-amp-demo-087 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

On today's episode, I went over the tones from the Tech21 Fly Rig 5, and answered the question: How do you know what notes to use when tapping?  Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/fly-rig-5-demo-notes-to-use-with-tapping-086Copyright ©2019

On today's episode, I answer these great questions: What is a twelve string guitar?, Are power chords Major or minor?, What's the best quality Fender Stratocaster for the money?, What's the best electric for those who like the feel of acoustic guitars?, What are Pedal tones? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/12-string-power-chords-strats-electrics-similar-to-acoustics-pedal-tones-085 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

On today's episode, I answer these great questions: Do you learn scales by memorizing patterns or notes on the fretboard?, Any tips on not engaging the string above the bended note?, How do you link chords and scales in the CAGED system? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/learning-scales-clean-bends-caged-chords-and-scales-084 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

On today's episode, I answer these great questions: How to create melodies and chords at the same time?, How do you bridge the gap between playing fast and slow?, How do I use the Nashville numbering system with key changes?, Do you have some tips for cutting noise and muting strings when bending? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/playing-fast-melodies-and-chords-key-changes-clean-bending-083 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

On today's episode, I answer these great questions: "Which chords are better with each mode?", "How do I build vocabulary on the guitar?", "What plugins do you use for drums and other effects?", and "Hey Lee, what have you been working on?" Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/chords-with-modes-vocabulary-plugins-my-practice-082 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

In today's episode, I answer these great questions: What's the basic use of the circle of fifths? What do I need to know to play Reggae guitar? What are the basics of intonation? Is intonation important for slide guitar. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/circle-of-fifths-reggae-guitar-intonation-081 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

In today's episode, I answer these great questions: What's the best way to play songs without tab or chord charts? Do you have any exercises that could help with directional picking? What are the relationships between the big four scale patterns? Do you have any tips for mixing the major and minor pentatonic together? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/playing-songs-directional-picking-scale-relationships-mixing-scales-080 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In today's episode, I answer these great questions: Does knowing music theory take the magic out of music? What's the best way to add melody lines to your rhythm playing? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/does-music-theory-ruin-the-feel-of-music-melody-with-rhythm-guitar-079 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In today's episode, I answer these great questions: Any tips to improve the F major Bar chord? Any tips on finding someone to practice with? Any tips on keeping time without losing a beat? How are arpeggios used in soloing? How to improv fast blues licks? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/f-major-chord-practice-partner-keeping-time-arpeggios-in-soloing-fast-blues-licks-078 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In today's episode, I answer these great questions: Do you have any exercises for pinch harmonics? What's a good way to play pentatonic scales in every key? Can you suggest a suitable amp for low level Marshall practice amp? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/pinch-harmonics-pentatonics-in-different-keys-low-level-amps-077 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

In today's episode, I answer these great questions: 1. Can you tell me a little about fingerpicking and hybrid picking? 2. What's your best advice for a new guitarist who knows basic chords but has trouble switching fast enough? 3. What's the difference between compressors, gates, and expanders? Leave a review: www.playguitarpodcast.com/itunes Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/fingerpicking-switching-chords-compressors-gates-and-expanders-076 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In today's episode, I answer these great questions: 1. How to have a good sounding rehearsal? 2. When you play smaller blues chords, which notes do you leave out? 3. Arpeggios: which ones to start with, and how do you incorporate them into solos? 4. Any tips on playing blues rhythm and lead together? www.playguitarpodcast.com/itunes Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/rehearsals-blues-chords-arpeggios-rhythm-and-lead-together-075 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In today's episode, I answer four more questions from listeners. They are: 1. Do you have any tips to help to learn the five pentatonic shapes? 2. What's the next step after bar chords to step up my playing? 3. Do you have any tips for fun and effective ear training on the guitar? 4. Any exercises to increase the use of fingers you don't often use. Links: www.freeblueslesson.com and  Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/pentatonic-tips-next-steps-ear-training-finger-exercises-074 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In episode #7 of my spring bonus Q&A series, I answer four more questions from listeners. They are 1. Does it make sense to use an overdrive pedal with modeling amps? 2. When you use a capo is there an easy way of knowing what key you are in? 3. What's a good book to learn the correct patterns in order? 4. What's a good way to start creating licks of your own? Show notes at https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/pedals-into-modeling-capo-keys-patterns-creating-licks-qa-7 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

In episode #6 of my spring bonus Q&A series, I answer three more questions from listeners. They are 1. What are the differences between major and minor scales and how are minor diatonic chords created? 2. Do you have any tips on recording your guitar? What kind of software/ equipment would you recommend? 3. How do you decide what guitar tone goes with a particular song? Show notes at https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/minor-diatonic-chords-recording-guitar-and-guitar-tone-qa-6 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In episode #5 of my spring bonus Q&A series, I answer five more questions from listeners. They are 1. Best way to mix minor and major pentatonics over 7th chords? 2. Is there an order in which we have to learn scales? 3. How to get started with eighth note strumming? 4. Do you have any tips for vibrato on bends? 5. How to rake across the strings in blues music? Show notes at https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/mixing-pentatonics-scales-strumming-vibrato-and-raking-strings-qa-5 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

In episode #4 of my spring bonus Q&A series, I answer four more questions from listeners. They are 1. Tips for building speed on legato sections? 2. How to get started with a new loop pedal? 3. How to start applying formal ear training to the guitar? 4. What do you think about getting rid of pedals in favor of a Line6 Helix? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/speed-loop-pedals-ear-training-and-pedals-vs-modelers-qa-4 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast 

In episode #3 of my spring bonus Q&A series, I answer five more questions from listeners. They are 1. What to do when you have no one to play with? 2. What is a good way of memorizing what notes are in a scale? 3. How do you deal with a bad jamming situation? 4. If you only had 10 min to practice on a busy day, what would you focus on? 5. Any tips on getting started writing riffs and combining them to get songs? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/playing-solo-scale-notes-jamming-practice-and-riffs-qa3 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

In the second episode of my spring bonus Q&A series, I answer four more questions from listeners. They are: 1. How do you learn to mix different styles? 2. How to you palm mute? 3. How do you identify the key of a song? 4. I'm confused by learning guitar from youtube. Where do I go from here? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/mixing-styles-palm-mutes-keys-and-youtube-qa-2 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

In this first episode of my spring bonus Q&A series, I answer four questions from listeners. They are 1. How do you make your solos sound less like scales? 2. Do I have any tips for coming up with licks? 3. Any tips for unlocking the fretboard? 4. What's the best order to start off writing a song? Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/solos-licks-fretboard-and-songs-spring-qa-1 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, I'm taking a hard look at Vibrato. Vibrato is something extremely important that usually gets very little attention. I go over what it is, the different types, and some exercises for you. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/vibrato-for-guitar-066 Copyright ©2019

If learning to play the modes is the next step in your lead playing, make sure you listen to this episode before you start. Today, I take something that seems complicated and break it down so you can start using modes right away. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/explaining-modes-for-guitar-065 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Knowing what to look for is the key to curing sloppy playing. If you could stand to tighten up your playing, you don't want to miss this one! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-do-i-make-my-guitar-playing-smoother-and-cleaner-064 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, I demonstrate my five favorite devices that help you get the most mileage out of your guitar licks! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-guitar-licks Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

What should I work on next? It's a question I get all of the time and today I give a surefire system to put your guitar practice back on track! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/what-should-i-work-on-next-062 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, I discuss the five big challenges of moving from your practice space to the stage. Once you know what to expect, it makes it so much easier! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/moving-from-the-practice-space-to-the-stage Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today I share my five-part plan to build great guitar solos... every time! If you've ever struggled to come up with a good sounding solo, this one is for you! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-do-you-build-a-guitar-solo Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, I unlock the CAGED. The CAGED system. I talk about what it is, my opinions on it, and how you can make the CAGED system work for you. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/should-i-learn-the-caged-system Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, we answer your questions on our second listener Q&A. The questions cover strong and weak beats, determining the key of a song, amp sim software, the dreaded F chord, and moving from electric to acoustic guitar. I'm very excited to be joined by (the Play Guitar Facebook Group Moderator) Chris Ward! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/listener-qa-2 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, I present the basics of playing a Jazz chord melody on guitar, and how it relates to fingerstyle. (And, it’s the one year anniversary of the show!) Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/the-basics-of-playing-a-chord-melody-on-guitar Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, I take some well needed time to answer this very common question: "What’s the best way to learn songs?" Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-learn-songs Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Helping The "Career" Beginner Guitarist. Getting stuck at the beginner stage can last for a really long time. Today, I help you break that cycle and move up to the next level. Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/helping-the-career-beginner-guitarist Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

It’s my GUITAR 30 CHALLENGE! Take this 30 minutes a day for 30 days challenge with me to jumpstart your practicing and get the results you need! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-30-challenge Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast

Today, it’s 2019! I take a look at what’s changed over the past year and how to make the most with your guitar progress for the year to come! Show notes at: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/learning-guitar-in-2019 Copyright ©2019 Play Guitar Podcast