Best Learn Blues Guitar Podcasts (2025)

In this episode, Geoff catches up with the wonderful trumpet player and educator Martin Shaw. Born into a household where music constantly filled the air—his mother a classical pianist, his father a jazz improviser—Martin's story reveals how these dual influences created the perfect foundation for his development. Martin shares the pivotal moment w…

1
253-Demystifying Musical Intervals: Essential Ear Training for Beginner Guitar Players 17:05

Play Pause

4h ago17:05

17:05

In episode 253 of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast, Paul Andrews explores the powerful—yet often overlooked—concept of musical intervals. Whether you’re new to the guitar or looking to improve your musicianship, understanding intervals can unlock a deeper grasp of the fretboard, sharpen your ear, accelerate your learning, and even provide inspir…

1
252 - 5 Underrated Albums Every Guitar Player Should Listen To 41:24

4d ago41:24

41:24

In this special bonus episode, Paul Andrews takes a break from the last two weeks’ exploration of the “10 albums every guitar player should listen to” and shines a light on five underrated, yet essential, guitar albums that deserve a spot in every player’s listening library. These records might not be the legendary household names, but they’ve deep…

1
Episode 28. Chris Allard (Guitar) - 'How Deep Is The Ocean?' 32:26

5d ago32:26

32:26

Geoff travels to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in the heart of the City of London to meet with the wonderful guitarist and educator Chris Allard. Growing up in a musical family with roots stretching back to The Juilliard School in New York, Chris recalls his path from classical piano lessons to discovering rock guitar through Hendrix and Le…

1
Episode 27. Jim Mullen (Guitar) - 'When Sunny Gets Blue' 43:44

12d ago43:44

43:44

Geoff travels to London’s West End to catch up with the legendary jazz guitarist Jim Mullen. The conversation offers a masterclass in authentic musical development as Jim recounts his journey from Glasgow's jazz clubs to becoming one of Britain's most distinctive guitarists. Approaching his 80th birthday, he reflects on the transformative experienc…

1
251 - 10 Albums Every Guitar Player Should Listen To – Part 2 29:45

12d ago29:45

29:45

Episode Summary In this episode, Paul Andrews rounds out his two-part guide to the "10 Albums Every Guitar Player Should Listen To." Picking up from last week's list, Paul dives into the final five influential records that have shaped the world of guitar—breaking down their impact, sharing some backstory, and extracting key lessons for guitarists o…

1
250 - 10 Albums Every Guitar Player Should Listen To – Part 1 35:54

19d ago35:54

35:54

Celebrating a huge milestone, Paul Andrews marks the 250th episode of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast by launching a brand-new two-part series: "10 Albums Every Guitar Player Should Listen To." In this first instalment, Paul dives into the history, lasting impact, and key guitar lessons from five essential albums. If you’re looking for inspirat…

1
Episode 26. Theo Travis (Saxophone) - '500 Miles High' 46:10

19d ago46:10

46:10

Geoff is in Finchley, North London to catch up with the wonderful saxophonist, flautist and composer Theo Travis. Theo takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable musical career, from classical beginnings to jazz excellence and groundbreaking prog rock collaborations. This conversation feels like eavesdropping on two musicians sharing …

1
249 - Where to Find Accurate Guitar Tabs 21:06

28d ago21:06

21:06

In this week’s episode, Paul dives into a common question from students: “Where can I find decent, authentic tabs to learn songs?” Building on last week’s three-step song-learning system (practice, playthrough, perform), Paul takes a deep look at both free and paid online resources for guitar tabs, discusses their pros and cons, and gives expert ad…

1
Episode 25. Mark Lockheart (Saxophone) - 'It Could Happen To You' 38:48

27d ago38:48

38:48

Geoff is in Greenwich, London to meet with the renowned saxophonist and composer Mark Lockheart. Mark's story begins with the heartwarming image of waking up to his father's jazz records and following his dad into saxophone playing at age eleven. What follows is a rich narrative of musical discovery that spans decades. Mark vividly recalls the Amer…

1
248 - How To Learn Songs on Guitar: Simple System for Learning, Memorizing, and Improving 21:57

1M ago21:57

21:57

In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews addresses a common challenge among beginner guitarists: learning and actually remembering songs. Paul shares a structured approach to not just learning new songs but maintaining and improving them over time. Whether you’re struggling to recall previously learned tunes or looking to build a solid repertoire, this…

1
Episode 24. Simon Wallace (Piano) - 'Autumn Leaves' 36:52

1M ago36:52

36:52

Geoff travels to Honor Oak Park in South London to meet with an old friend – the British composer and pianist Simon Wallace. Simon opens a portal into jazz's rich tapestry through personal stories that span from his childhood in South Wales to the vibrant scenes of New York City and London. This conversation reveals how a secondary school music tea…

1
Episode 23. Andrea Vicari (Piano) - 'On Green Dolphin Street' 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

Geoff gets a visit from the wonderful pianist and composer Andrea Vicari who opens up about her rich musical journey inspired by her jazz pianist father and a house filled with the sounds of jazz legends like Louis Armstrong. Andrea shares fascinating insights into her improvisation process, demonstrating how pentatonic scales and fourth-based voic…

1
Video Podcast 128 Combining Chords and Lead Blues Lesson

1M ago

—

In this Lesson you will learn how to easily combine blues chords and lead.By [email protected] (John W. Tuggle)

1
247 - How To Solo Over A Minor Blues Progression 21:43

1M ago21:43

21:43

In this week’s episode, Paul dives into the moody and expressive world of minor blues progressions. Building on last week’s look at soloing over major blues, this episode walks you through the structure, chord options, and soloing approaches for a classic 12-bar minor blues. By the end, you'll know how to play and solo over a minor blues progressio…

1
246 - How to Solo Over a Major Blues Progression 25:07

2M ago25:07

25:07

This week, Paul continues the deep dive into blues guitar, building on foundation concepts from Episode 245. The focus shifts to soloing over a major blues progression—specifically, what scales to use, how to target chord tones, and the techniques that legendary blues artists like B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan employ in their solo…

1
Episode 22. Sebastiaan de Krom (Drums) - 'I Got Rhythm' 42:14

2M ago42:14

42:14

Geoff is at the Troubadour club in London with the highly acclaimed jazz drummer Sebastiaan de Krom. When a jazz bassist and drummer have played together for 25 years, there's a musical telepathy that can't be taught—it can only be earned through countless gigs, recording sessions, and miles on the road. In this revealing conversation, Sebastiaan o…

1
245 - Major vs. Minor Blues: What’s the Difference? 11:40

2M ago11:40

11:40

In this week’s episode, Paul tackles a common question from Beginner Guitar Academy members: What exactly does it mean when someone says “a blues”—is it a minor blues, and is there such a thing as a major blues? Paul breaks down the differences between major and minor blues progressions, walks you through classic chord sequences, offers examples of…

1
Episode 21. Anita Wardell (Vocals) - 'Autumn Leaves' 28:23

2M ago28:23

28:23

Geoff sits down with the award-winning jazz vocalist Anita Wardell. In this intimate conversation, Anita shares how music became her sanctuary during a difficult childhood and continues to be her healing force while recovering from a stroke suffered 16 months prior. "Music was where I kind of got myself together," she reflects, describing how disco…

1
244 - 1990s: Britpop & the Indie Revival 31:24

2M ago31:24

31:24

In this week’s episode, Paul dives into the fourth part of the British Guitar Music series, spotlighting the vibrant era of Brit Pop and the indie rock revival of the 1990s and early 2000s. These decades brought guitar music back into the mainstream, known for their catchy hooks, jangly chords, and a strong sense of attitude, along with many riffs …

1
Episode 20. Stan Sulzmann (Saxophone) - 'Gentle Piece' 52:36

2M ago52:36

52:36

Geoff is in Box Hill, Surrey to meet with the legendary jazz saxophonist, composer and educator Stan Sulzmann. Stan takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career as one of Britain's most respected jazz saxophonists. From his unexpected start with a secondhand Selmer tenor saxophone to playing alongside jazz royalty, the interview …

1
243 - 1980s: British Punk & New Wave 18:52

2M ago18:52

18:52

In the third instalment of the special British Music Series, Paul Andrews takes us on a deep dive into the raw, rebellious, and energetic music scene of 1980s Britain. This episode delves into how British punk evolved into new wave, introducing iconic bands, innovative guitar techniques, and essential songs for beginner guitarists. What You’ll Lear…

1
Episode 19. Derek Nash (Saxophone) - 'Walkin' Shoes' 24:00

2M ago24:00

24:00

Geoff heads east to Essex to catch up with an old friend — the award-winning jazz saxophonist, bandleader, arranger, and recording engineer Derek Nash. What happens when a lifelong love of saxophone meets decades of sound engineering expertise? Derek Nash's musical journey provides the perfect answer. From the moment 12-year-old Derek heard the Pin…

1
242 - 1970s: Rock Legends & the Birth of British Metal 12:05

3M ago12:05

12:05

Welcome back to the Beginner Guitar Academy podcast with your host, Paul Andrews! In this second instalment of the British Guitar Music series, Paul takes us on a journey through the iconic 1970s—a decade defined by stadium rock, legendary guitarists, and the birth of British heavy metal. If you missed last week's trip through the swinging '60s and…

1
Episode 18. Alan Skidmore (Saxophone) - 'Blues in E Flat' 26:04

3M ago26:04

26:04

In the tranquil setting of Hertfordshire, England, Geoff sits down with the legendary tenor saxophonist Alan Skidmore, a musical force whose extraordinary career spans nearly seven decades. At 83, Alan's recollections are sharp, his stories captivating, and his legacy in jazz undeniable. The conversation begins with Alan's reluctant entry into musi…

1
241 - British Guitar Music: The 1960s — The British Invasion 14:16

3M ago14:16

14:16

This week, Paul kicks off a special month-long series delving into British guitar music, decade by decade. In this episode, the focus is on the iconic 1960s British Invasion — exploring how UK bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who reshaped the guitar world, and what beginner guitarists can take from their classic styles and…

1
Episode 17. Martin Hathaway (Saxophone) - 'How Deep Is The Ocean?' 42:40

3M ago42:40

42:40

Geoff has a visit from an old friend – the wonderful jazz saxophonist, composer and educator Martin Hathaway. What does it take to forge a path in jazz that spans performing, teaching, and leading one of the UK's most prestigious jazz education programs? In this captivating conversation, Martin opens up about his musical journey from curious child …

1
240 - 20 Ways to Be a Better Guitar Player 27:38

3M ago27:38

27:38

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.…

1
Episode 16. Nigel Price (Guitar) - 'All The Things You Are' 38:03

3M ago38:03

38:03

In this episode Geoff catches up with the award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price. Nigel’s remarkable journey from infantry service to jazz mastery provides a fascinating window into the development of a truly unique musical voice. Nigel reveals how his three years in the army unexpectedly prepared him for life as a bandleader—discovering parallel…

1
239 - Electric Guitar Guide for Beginners 24:00

3M ago24:00

24:00

In this week’s episode, Paul Andrews breaks down everything beginners need to know about transitioning to their first electric guitar. Suppose you’re moving from acoustic or want a deeper understanding of what makes an electric guitar tick. In that case, this episode is packed with valuable insights—from body types and pickups to must-have accessor…

1
Episode 15. Steve Fishwick (Trumpet) - 'Stella By Starlight' 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

Geoff is on tour in Holland with the internationally renowned trumpet player Steve Fishwick. In a dressing room before the gig, they catch up on all things jazz improvisation. Growing up in Manchester during the UK's jazz boom of the late 1980s, Steve recalls his first encounters with jazz through television documentaries and live performances, inc…

1
238 - Mastering the G Chord: Shapes, Songs, Progressions, and Common Struggles 20:40

3M ago20:40

20:40

Episode Overview: This week, Paul dives into one of the most fundamental and beloved guitar chords, the G chord! Whether you're picking up the guitar for the first time or looking to solidify your chord-changing skills, this episode covers everything you need to know about the G chord. Paul breaks down the most common G chord shapes, offers song su…

1
Episode 14. Ian Shaw (Vocals) - Ain't Misbehavin' 29:36

3M ago29:36

29:36

Geoff is in London’s Waterloo district to meet with the multi award-winning jazz singer, broadcaster, producer, actor and comedian Ian Shaw. What does it take to build a career spanning jazz vocals, comedy, acting, and broadcasting? In this intimate conversation, Ian invites us into his creative world, tracing a fascinating journey from Welsh choir…

1
237 - Escaping the YouTube Rabbit Hole – Why Structure Beats Random Guitar Lessons 26:33

4M ago26:33

26:33

Episode Summary: This week, host Paul Andrews dives deep into the world of learning guitar on YouTube—exploring the pros and cons, the pitfalls of unstructured learning, and why having a step-by-step plan is the key to real progress. With May’s “Five Minutes a Day Challenge” just wrapped up, Paul offers guidance on what to do next for beginners, wh…

1
Episode 13. Luiz Morais (Guitar) - 'Wave' 34:54

4M ago34:54

34:54

Geoff steps into the rich musical world of Brazilian guitarist Luiz Morais as he shares his fascinating journey from the vibrant northeast of Brazil to becoming an accomplished performer, composer, and bandleader in London. The conversation delves into the intricate world of Choro music - Brazil's first truly urban musical style that blends Europea…

1
Episode 12. Camilla George (Saxophone) - 'Peace' 36:16

4M ago36:16

36:16

Geoff travels to Acton in West London to meet the visionary alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer Camilla George. Born in Nigeria before moving to the UK, Camilla's musical foundation was built on Sunday afternoons spent with her jazz-enthusiast father, listening to his extensive vinyl collection featuring legends like Sonny Rollins and Sonny S…

1
236 - Challenge Week Four Recap: Lead Guitar and Improvisation 15:43

4M ago15:43

15:43

In this episode, Paul Andrews wraps up the Beginner Guitar Academy’s “Learn to Play Five Minutes a Day in May” challenge by recapping week four, focused on lead guitar skills. Paul guides listeners through key lessons from the challenge, including the importance of the minor pentatonic scale, practicing with a metronome, playing classic riffs, taki…

1
235 - Challenge Week Three Recap: Mastering Strumming and Rhythm 13:12

4M ago13:12

13:12

In this episode, Paul Andrews recaps week three of the “5 Minutes a Day in May Guitar Challenge,” focusing on strumming and rhythm, key skills for any beginner (and even more advanced) guitarists. Paul breaks down the daily lessons, shares practical tips on building solid rhythm foundations, and highlights essential strumming patterns. Plus, he sha…

1
Episode 11. Pete Churchill (Vocals) - 'How Deep Is The Ocean?' 52:57

4M ago52:57

52:57

In this episode, Geoff invites the enigmatic jazz pianist, vocalist, composer and legendary educator Pete Churchill round to his pad in Bromley, Kent. After almost twenty years teaching at London’s Guildhall School of Music, Pete is now Professor of Jazz Composition at the Royal Academy of Music as well as Head of Jazz Voice at the Royal Conservato…

1
234 - Challenge Week Two Recap: Chords & Confident Changes 12:06

4M ago12:06

12:06

Episode Overview In this episode, Paul Andrews recaps week two of the "Learn to Play Five Minutes a Day in May" challenge. If you're participating, congratulations—you're halfway through! Not involved yet? No worries, you can join anytime at bgachallenge.com and start from day one. What’s Covered This Week This week focuses on chords—a fundamental …

1
Episode 10. Janek Gwizdala (Bass) - 'Moment's Notice' 55:34

4M ago55:34

55:34

Geoff catches up with the internationally respected bass player and record producer Janek Gwizdala who is fresh off a flight from his home in LA for a series of London gigs. What does it take to transform from a wide-eyed teenager in South London to a sought-after bass virtuoso commanding respect around the globe? This episode captures a deeply per…

1
233 - Challenge Week One Recap: Master Your Picking 18:40

5M ago18:40

18:40

Episode Overview: In this special episode, Paul Andrews recaps the first week of the “Five Minutes a Day Guitar Challenge,” which is designed to help beginner guitarists practice daily and build strong foundational skills. Whether you’re keeping up with the challenge or just tuning in, this episode is packed with techniques and exercises to improve…

1
Episode 9. Tom Ollendorff (Guitar) - 'Cotton Tail' 42:47

5M ago42:47

42:47

This week Geoff is in West London to meet one of the best-known young guitarists to emerge onto the international jazz scene – Tom Ollendorff. What makes a great guitarist instantly recognisable? How do you develop a personal musical language that transcends technical proficiency? These questions lie at the heart of Geoff’s conversation with the vi…

1
Vince Gill Gives Us “One More Last Chance” 59:55

5M ago59:55

59:55

Get out the Kleenex, hankies, or whatever you use to wipe away your tears: It’s the last episode of this season of Shred With Shifty, a media event more consequential and profound than the finales of White Lotus and Severance combined. But there’ll be some tears of joy, too, because on this episode, Chris Shiflett talks with one of country music’s …

1
232 - How Malte Became the First to Conquer All 5 BGA Levels 41:44

5M ago41:44

41:44

In this inspiring episode, Paul Andrews sits down with Malte, the very first student to complete all five levels of the Beginner Guitar Academy program. Malte shares his unique guitar journey, the ups and downs of learning through structured levels, and how the academy helped him close gaps in his musical foundation, even after decades of prior exp…

1
Episode 8. Dave O'Higgins (Saxophone) - 'It Could Happen To You' 38:53

5M ago38:53

38:53

Geoff travels to Brixton in South London to catch up with the fabulous saxophonist, band leader and composer Dave O’Higgins. This is an intimate conversation about Dave’s remarkable journey from progressive rock drummer to acclaimed jazz musician. With disarming honesty, he traces his unlikely path through music, describing how transcribing Charlie…

1
231 - From E Minor to Barre Chords: A Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Chords 16:41

5M ago16:41

16:41

**Episode Summary:** Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of guitar chords to learn? Not sure which chords to start with, when to attempt barre chords, or how to tackle power chords and sevens? In this episode, Paul Andrews breaks down a clear, step-by-step roadmap to demystify chords for beginner guitarists. He shares which chords are essential…

1
Episode 7. Gabriella Swallow (Cello) - 'Smile' 53:54

5M ago53:54

53:54

Geoff is in the leafy North London suburb of Muswell Hill to meet the wonderful Gabriella Swallow – one of the most versatile and exciting cellists of her generation. When Gabriella declares "I just want the biggest one" as her instrument selection as a child, it perfectly captures her fearless approach to musical exploration. Born in Belfast durin…

1
Elliott Easton’s Countryfied Solo on “My Best Friend’s Girl” 56:52

5M ago56:52

56:52

The Cars’ self-titled 1978 debut record changed the world of power pop forever. Guitarist and co-vocalist Ric Ocasek penned all the tunes, but lead guitarist Elliott Easton transformed them with his tasteful 6-string stylings. This time on Shred With Shifty, Easton sits down with Chris Shiflett to show him how to play the solo from “My Best Friend’…