240 - 20 Ways to Be a Better Guitar Player

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.

Key Highlights & Takeaways

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.

Additional Resources

• Try Beginner Guitar Academy for 2 weeks for just $1 at beginnerguitaracademy.com.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy every step of your guitar journey. See you next week!