265 - The Most Common Beginner Frustrations of 2025 (And How to Fix Them in 2026)

In this episode, Paul Andrews dives deep into the most common frustrations faced by beginner guitarists. Whether you're picking up the instrument for the first time or you've been working at it for a while, these struggles are universal!

Paul shares practical solutions you can use to overcome these common setbacks and keep progressing on your guitar journey as you move into the new year.

Key Topics Discussed

Common Guitar Frustrations

• Slow chord changes
• Messy or out-of-time strumming
• Sore fingertips
• Not knowing what to practice or feeling stuck
• Feeling like you're not improving quickly enough
• Difficulty combining skills (chords + strumming)
• The challenge of bar chords

Actionable Tips to Overcome Each Frustration

• The “Three S’s” for chord changing: Shape, Sound, Speed
• Isolating the strumming hand before combining with chords; use window wiper technique
• Short, frequent practice sessions to toughen fingertips (not marathon sessions!)
• Structured practice routines: the 5-10-10-5 formula (warm-up, focused skills, song practice)
• Tracking progress and journaling—celebrate small wins!
• Ignore comparison, focus on your own journey, and aim for process, not perfection
• Integrate skills slowly and prioritize hand isolation before combining them
• Approach barre chords with patience, gradual skill-building, and proper hand technique

Beginner Guitar Academy Community Updates

• The Sip and Strumming session recording (“Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry) is now available for members
• January Practice Challenge: Practice daily to raise money for Jesse’s Fund, a UK charity helping children communicate through music

Highlights & Insights

• Paul Andrews reminds listeners that frustration is entirely normal—every guitarist experiences it, and there are proven ways to overcome it.
• Breaking down both chord and rhythm sections into isolated skills is key to building smooth and consistent technique.
• The podcast encourages slow and steady progress over rushed perfectionism.
• Building calluses and avoiding finger pain requires a gentle, regular approach, not pushing too hard too soon.
• Structure in practice is crucial—random practice leads to slow progress.
• Keep a practice journal and record your monthly progress to objectively see improvements over time.
• Comparison steals joy—track your own wins and value the small steps forward.

Resources & Next Steps

For Beginner Guitar Academy Members:

• Check your dashboard for the Sip and Strumming session recording.
• Watch for news and links about the January practice challenge in the community.

For Non-members:

• Next week’s episode will include details and links for joining the January Practice Challenge.

Want to improve your barre chords?

• Explore the “Get to Grips with Bar Chords” workshop in the Academy.

Final Thoughts

As Paul Andrews shares, every frustration is fixable and simply part of the learning journey. Take stock of the challenges that resonate most with you and commit to one small action this week—your progress depends on practicing with intention, patience, and celebration of every milestone.

Tune in next week for the Beginner Guitar Academy Christmas Special!