254 - 8 Common Mistakes Beginner Guitarists Make (and How to Avoid Them)

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.

Key Topics Covered

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.

Community News & Resources

• 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.

Key Takeaways

• 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 beginnerguitaracademy.com.

Thanks for tuning in!