MusicEducation

Play Guitar Podcast

Lee Anderson

Have you been struggling with the guitar? You are not alone! For the past 30 years I have been helping beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitarists get out of the guitar rut and find their voice on the guitar. These FREE, FUN, and EASY guitar lessons give you the right mindset for guitar success, and keep you moving forward on the guitar. No matter if you are just starting out or have been playing for years, this is the show that will help you become the guitarist that you always wanted to be! For more lessons, or to just stop by and say hi, come on over to www.playguitarpodcast.com.

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S1 · E489
Wednesday · 13 min
Basic Rhythms For Strumming - 489
If you've been collecting strumming patterns but still struggle to play in time, the problem may be that you don't understand when to strum. Learn how to break down a measure using whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes so you can stop guessing and start playing rhythms with confidence. ▶▶ Get my FREE Guide to Clear Sounding Chords and learn how to eliminate buzzing strings and muted notes: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/chordguide SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/basic-rhythms-for-strumming-489 PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E488
October 21 · 13 min
Smooth CHORD SWITCHING for Career Beginners - 488
If you know your guitar chords but struggle to switch between them smoothly, this circle of fourths exercise will help you eliminate hesitation and unnecessary finger movement. Learn how to prepare for each chord change, develop efficient movements, and build confidence using a simple two-measure progression through all 12 keys. ▶▶ Get my FREE Guide to Clear Sounding Chords and learn how to eliminate buzzing strings and muted notes: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/chordguide SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/smooth-chord-switching-for-career-beginners-488 PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E487
October 14 · 13 min
The Chord Exercise That Cures Career Beginner Guitarists - 487
▶▶ Get my FREE Guide to Clear Sounding Chords and start fixing buzzing strings and muted notes today: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/chordguide If you've been playing guitar for years but still struggle with clean, consistent chords, this simple two-chord exercise can help you break old habits and start making progress. Learn how to use descending arpeggios to hear problem notes, make small adjustments, and improve your chord clarity across the fretboard. SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/the-chord-exercise-that-cures-career-beginner-guitarists-487 PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E486
October 7 · 20 min
Career Beginner: Fret Notes Cleanly - 486
If your fretted notes buzz, choke out, or just don't sound as clean as they should, the problem may be hiding in the details of your technique. In this lesson, we'll use a simple backwards spider exercise to improve finger placement, reduce excess pressure and tension, and train your ears to catch problems before they become habits. ▶▶ Ready for a clear practice path? My Play Guitar Toolkits give you the lessons, exercises, and practice plan you need to know exactly what to practice, how to practice it, and what to work on next. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/ SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/career-beginner-fret-notes-cleanly-486 PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E485
October 3 · 13 min
Guitar Octaves Explained with 3 EASY Exercises - 485
Octaves are one of the easiest ways to unlock the fretboard and start seeing how notes connect across the neck. In this lesson, I'll walk you through 3 easy octave exercises to help you find notes faster, get more mileage out of your licks, and add new texture to your playing. ▶▶ Ready for a clear practice path? My Play Guitar Toolkits are complete practice systems that give you the lessons, exercises, and practice plan you need to know exactly what to practice, how to practice it, and what to work on next. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/ PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com SHOW NOTES - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-octaves-explained-with-3-easy-exercises-485 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@PlayGuitarAcademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E484
September 23 · 12 min
3 Overlapping Exercises That UNLOCK the Fretboard - 484
The same note can be played on different guitar strings, but each location gives you a different sound and a new way to move around the fretboard. In this episode, we'll explore how the strings overlap and use three exercises to find shared notes, connect scale patterns, and play the same melody in different locations. ▶▶ Last call for one-on-one Play Guitar Coaching! Get in before I switch to group coaching: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching LEARN guitar notes on the fretboard: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-do-i-learn-guitar-notes-on-the-fretboard SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/3-overlapping-exercises-that-unlock-the-fretboard-484 PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E483
September 16 · 15 min
The MOST Overlooked Fretboard Trick - 483
Most guitar players know the notes repeat after the 12th fret, but knowing it and actually using it are two different things. In this lesson, you'll use this overlooked fretboard trick with technique, scales, and arpeggios to make playing above the 12th fret easier. ▶▶ Want to get more comfortable with the scale patterns across the fretboard? Grab my free Big Four Scale Pattern Worksheet https://www.playguitaracademy.com/big_four_scale_worksheet How do I learn guitar notes on the fretboard: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-do-i-learn-guitar-notes-on-the-fretboard PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy SHOW NOTES - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/the-most-overlooked-fretboard-trick-483 Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E482
September 9 · 15 min
3 Easy Chromatic Fretboard Exercises (And Why They Open Up the Fretboard) - 482
Learn three easy chromatic exercises that move across the guitar fretboard in completely different ways. Practice them slowly while saying the notes out loud to work on your technique, ear training, and fretboard mastery at the same time. ▶▶ Want a clear path forward with your guitar playing? Check out the Play Guitar Academy Toolkits: https://www.playguitaracademy.com WANT TO GO DEEPER? - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-do-i-learn-guitar-notes-on-the-fretboard PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Guitar Toolkits, training, and resources to help you know what to practice and what to work on next. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE) - https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E481
September 2 · 12 min
How to Find the Notes on Your Guitar Fretboard - 481
Finding the notes on your guitar fretboard doesn't have to mean memorizing every fret one at a time. In this lesson, I'll show you how to use the musical alphabet to find the natural notes on the fretboard, then use those notes to help you find the sharps and flats around them. Want to go deeper? Read my complete guide to learning the notes on the guitar fretboard. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-do-i-learn-guitar-notes-on-the-fretboard PLAY GUITAR TOOLKITS - Stop wondering what to practice. Play Guitar Toolkits give you the lessons, exercises, practice routines, and resources you need to make progress in one organized system. https://www.playguitaracademy.com BLUES ELEVATION TOOLKIT - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blues-elevation-toolkit CHORD ELEVATION TOOLKIT - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/chord-elevation-toolkit PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Never wonder what to practice again. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE) - https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E480
August 26 · 17 min
LOVIN' My Pentatonic Scales! - 480
Pentatonic scales may be simple, but those five notes can give you a lifetime of musical possibilities. In this episode, we'll explore how pentatonic patterns open up across the fretboard and become more useful as your playing grows. ▶▶ Ready to explore beyond one pentatonic pattern? Get my free Big Four Scale Pattern Worksheet and start connecting the pentatonic scale across the fretboard. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/big_four_scale_worksheet SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- Follow along with the complete Five Pattern Scale System guide: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-scales-the-five-pattern-system PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E479
August 19 · 16 min
You're Closer to Understanding Guitar Scales Than You Think - 479
Guitar scales can look like an endless collection of patterns, keys, and sounds to learn. In this episode, you'll discover how much of that knowledge is connected—and why the scale work you're doing now can take you much farther than you think. ▶▶ See how much of the work is already connected. Get my free Big Four Scale Pattern Worksheet and compare the five patterns for Major, Natural Minor, Major Pentatonic, and Minor Pentatonic. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/big_four_scale_worksheet SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- Follow along with the complete Five Pattern Scale System guide: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-scales-the-five-pattern-system PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E478
August 12 · 18 min
When the Guitar Fretboard Finally Starts to Make Sense - 478
The guitar fretboard gets much easier to understand when the things you've learned start connecting. In this episode, I'll show you how patterns, landmarks, and relationships can turn a confusing collection of frets into one connected map. ▶▶ Ready to start building your own fretboard map? Get my free Big Four Scale Pattern Worksheet with all five patterns for Major, Natural Minor, Major Pentatonic, and Minor Pentatonic. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/big_four_scale_worksheet SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- Follow along with the complete Five Pattern Scale System guide: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-scales-the-five-pattern-system PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E477
August 5 · 15 min
Why I Recommend Learning the Five Pattern Scale System - 477
The Five Pattern Scale System helps you stop seeing isolated scale shapes and start seeing one connected fretboard. In this episode, I'll explain why I recommend learning all five patterns and how they create the foundation for improvisation, intervals, arpeggios, CAGED, and so much more. Ready to connect the entire fretboard? Check out the Blues Elevation Toolkit, where I'll guide you step by step through the complete Five Pattern Scale System and show you exactly what to practice next. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blues-elevation-toolkit FIVE PATTERN SYSTEM POST - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/guitar-scales-the-five-pattern-system PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE) - https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E476
July 30 · 17 min
The Future of Guitar Learning (And Why Everything Is Changing) - 476
For over 35 years I've watched guitar education evolve through private lessons, books, VHS tapes, DVDs, websites, YouTube, memberships, apps, and now AI. Information has never been easier to access. So why are so many guitar players still asking the same question... "What should I practice today?" In this episode I share why I believe guitar learning is entering a new era, why information alone isn't enough anymore, and why I completely rebuilt Play Guitar Academy around training instead of simply delivering more lessons. If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love to invite you to learn more about the Academy Training Dojo. 🎸 Learn more here: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/academy-training-dojo
S1 · E475
July 22 · 27 min
Why The Best Solos Don't Start With Scales - 475
Many guitarists believe better solos come from learning more scales, but great improvisation often starts somewhere else entirely. In this episode, we'll explore why the melody may be the most overlooked tool for creating solos that sound musical, memorable, and connected to the song. Discover how to use melody to create expressive blues solos with Blues Solo Breakthrough: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/bluessolobreakthrough SHOWNOTES: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/5-things-to-practice-every-single-day-save-decades-of-frustration PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE) - https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E474
July 15 · 24 min
Why Your Chords Don't Sound As Good As They Should - 474
Many guitarists spend years learning new chords while overlooking the habits that actually make chords sound clean, confident, and musical. In this episode, we'll explore the three biggest reasons your chords aren't sounding their best and what you can do to fix them. Download the Guide to Clear Sounding Chords and learn the simple adjustments that make every chord cleaner, clearer, and easier to play. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/chordguide SHOW NOTES - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/5-things-to-practice-every-single-day-save-decades-of-frustration PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE) - https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E473
July 8 · 32 min
Why Most Guitarists Never Benefit From Scale Practice - 473
Most guitarists spend years practicing scales without seeing meaningful improvement because they're focusing on patterns instead of sounds. In this episode, we'll explore why scale practice often fails and how a few simple changes can transform it into a tool for ear training, phrasing, and real musical growth. Download Blues Solo Breakthrough and get the backing tracks, scale diagrams, and complete practice system that goes with today's lesson. https://www.playguitaracademy.com/bluessolobreakthrough SHOW NOTES - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/5-things-to-practice-every-single-day-save-decades-of-frustration PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE) - https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E472
July 1 · 11 min
How Great Blues Players Build LONGER Solos - 472
Most blues players don't struggle because they lack licks, they struggle because they don't know how to develop ideas over time. In this episode we'll explore how great blues players create longer solos by connecting, expanding, and evolving simple musical phrases. Download the Blues Elevation Toolkit and learn how to connect your ideas into expressive solos that sound musical instead of repetitive: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blues-elevation-toolkit SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE- https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/how-great-blues-players-build-longer-solos-p472 PLAY GUITAR ACADEMY - Instant access to the tabs, backing tracks, and guitar pro files from all my lick videos, Monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q&A. https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-on-1 Guitar Lessons - https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching PLAY GUITAR PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt YOUTUBE (SUBSCRIBE)- https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Copyright ©2026 Play Guitar Academy
S1 · E471
June 24 · 15 min
Why Great Blues Players Leave MORE Space - 471
Most guitar players think better solos come from learning more licks. In reality, one of the biggest differences between average players and great blues players is their ability to leave space. In this episode, Lee demonstrates three simple blues phrases that become dramatically more expressive when strategic rests are added. You'll learn how silence creates anticipation, highlights important target notes, and helps your solos sound more conversational instead of mechanical. If your solos feel rushed, repetitive, or crowded, this lesson will show you how a few well-placed pauses can completely transform your phrasing. In This Episode: * Why great blues players use more space * How rests create tension and anticipation * Three practical blues phrase examples * Using space to strengthen target-note phrasing * Call-and-response concepts for better solos * Why silence is part of the phrase * Simple ways to practice leaving space in your solos Blues Solo Breakthrough (Free Course): https://www.playguitaracademy.com/bluessolobreakthrough Resources & Links: Show Notes: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/why-great-blues-players-leave-more-space Play Guitar Academy: https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-ON-1 Guitar Coaching: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxjU2Y0L8PoYiTKmCtvpt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ Play Guitar Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/
S1 · E470
June 17 · 19 min
Why PLAYING LESS Can Make You Sound BETTER - 470
Ready to make your blues solos sound more intentional and musical? Download the Blues Elevation Toolkit and learn how to target the notes that matter most in your solos: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blues-elevation-toolkit --- Most guitar players believe that sounding better means playing more notes. More scales. More licks. More complexity. But many of the greatest blues players do the exact opposite. In this episode, Lee explains why playing less can often make your solos sound stronger, more expressive, and more connected to the music. You'll discover why great players focus on note selection, chord tones, and phrasing instead of simply filling space with more notes. You'll also learn how targeting important notes within the chord progression can transform ordinary pentatonic licks into memorable musical statements. In this episode: • Why more notes often weaken a solo • The hidden danger of becoming a "scale collector" • How great players edit their musical ideas • Why chord tones create stronger phrasing • How vocal melodies can improve your solos • The difference between playing patterns and making music • Ways to make every note count Show Notes: https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/why-playing-less-can-make-you-sound-better-470 Continue Your Training: Play Guitar Academy https://www.playguitaracademy.com 1-ON-1 Guitar Coaching https://www.playguitaracademy.com/play-guitar-coaching Blues Solo Breakthrough https://www.playguitaracademy.com/bluessolobreakthrough Follow Play Guitar Academy: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@playguitaracademy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/playguitaracademy Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PlayGuitarAcademy/ Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/playguitargroup/ © 2026 Play Guitar Academy. All rights reserved.

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