John Teaches Guitar

About John Teaches Guitar

Welcome to "John Teaches Guitar!" Whether you're picking up your first six-string or you're a seasoned player looking to hone your skills, this podcast offers quick tips and tricks to help you improve your knowledge of the fretboard. Join me as we break down the fundamentals of guitar playing, from essential techniques like strumming and fingerpicking to advanced concepts like scales, improvisation, and music theory. Each episode tackles one specific topic and hands-on exercises designed to take your playing to the next level. Led by experienced instructor, John McNicholas, "John Teaches Guitar" covers everything you need to know to become a well-rounded guitarist. From understanding chord progressions to mastering complex solos, we've got you covered. Whether you're learning at home or on the go, "John Teaches Guitar" is your virtual guitar classroom, available whenever and wherever you need it. So grab your guitar, tune in, and let's embark on a journey of musical discovery together!

Publisher

John McNicholas

Category

education · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 May 2024

Latest episode

12 Jul 2024

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Jul 2024

   Learn how to play "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozy on Guitar!

   ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

2. 

   8 Jul 2024

   Learn how to play "Ever Seen" by beabadoobee

   ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

3. 

   24 Jun 2024

   Hate playing the F Major Barre Chord? Try This Trick!

   ### My website: http://www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

4. 

   21 Jun 2024

   A Two Chord Song - "When I Go Deaf" by the band, Low

   Low - When I Go Deaf - Guitar Lesson & Tutorial Watch the Lesson - https://youtu.be/t4p5jvNFm1Y ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

5. 

   17 Jun 2024

   Five 1-Finger Chords

   There are quire a few guitar chords that can be played using just one finger. Here are a few examples: E Minor (Em): Place your index finger on the second fret of the D (4th) string. Strum all the strings. G Major: Place your ring finger on the third fret of the E (4st) string. Strum from the D (4th) string down G7: Place your index finger on the first fret of the E (1st) string. Strum from the D (4th) string down C Major (easy variation): Place your index finger on the first fret of the B (2nd) string. Strum from the G (3rd) string down, avoiding the low E (6th), A (5th), and D (4th) strings. A Major: Place your index finger across the second fret of the D (4th), G (3rd), and B (2nd) strings. Strum from the A (5th) string down, avoiding the low E (6th) string. These chords are often used by beginners because they require minimal finger movement and can help build confidence and familiarity with the fretboard. Let’s look at two songs that you can play with 1 finger chords You can play Eleanore Rigby by the Beatles Em                                                                                                       C Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been C          Em Lives in a dream Em                                                                                                        C Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door Em Who is it for? All I Want is You by U2 [Chorus 1] Em          Cadd9 But all the promises we make Em            Cadd9 From the cradle to the grave G     Cadd9     G    Cadd9    G    Cadd9 When all I want is you ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

6. 

   13 Jun 2024

   How to Construct a Major Scale: Waffle, Waffle, House, Waffle, Waffle, Waffle House.

   Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/johnmcnicholas Website - http://www.johnteachesmusic.com   Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/johnmcnicholasmusic YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/johnmcnicholas On a guitar a WHOLE STEP is 2 frets and a HALF STEP is 1 fret. Here’s a step-by-step guide to constructing a major scale: Step-by-Step Guide 1. Choose Your Starting Note (Root): - This will be the first note of your scale. For example, let's use C as the starting note to construct a C major scale. 2. Apply the Major Scale Pattern: - The pattern for a major scale is: W, W, H, W, W, W, H. - This means you start at your root note, then follow this sequence of whole steps and half steps to determine the subsequent notes. Example: C Major Scale 1. Start with the root note: - C 2. Follow the whole and half step pattern: - From C, a whole step (W) takes you to D. - From D, another whole step (W) takes you to E. - From E, a half step (H) takes you to F. - From F, a whole step (W) takes you to G. - From G, another whole step (W) takes you to A. - From A, another whole step (W) takes you to B. - From B, a half step (H) takes you back to C (an octave higher). Thus, the C major scale is: - C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C Tips for Remembering - Whole step (W): Skip one key on the piano, whether black or white. For example, from C to D skips C#. - Half step (H): Move to the very next key, whether black or white. For example, from E to F is a half step because there are no keys between them. By applying this whole and half step pattern starting from any note, you can construct major scales in any key. ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com (https://www.johnteachesguitar.com/) Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

7. 

   5 Jun 2024

   12 Tips For Buying Your First Guitar

   VIDEO - 12 Tips for Buying Your First Guitar 12 Tips for Buying Your First Guitar Choosing your first guitar can be an exciting journey but scary journey. There are several factors to consider to ensure you pick the right instrument for you. Here's a guide on what to look for in your first guitar: 1. Type of Guitar: - Acoustic or Electric: Decide whether you want an acoustic or electric guitar. Acoustic guitars are great for beginners because they don't require an amplifier. Electric guitars, on the other hand, might be more versatile for various genres but require additional equipment (amp and cables). Typically, electric guitar are easier to play. They have thinner strings that are easier to push down, or “fret.” Do you have a specific sound in your head? Is there an artist or song that’s inspiring you to pick up the guitar? Do some research and see what that player might be using to get their sound! 2. Budget: - Set a realistic budget. There are good options available for beginners in various price ranges. It's important to find a balance between affordability and quality. Don’t spend too little on your first instrument or you may end up with an instrument that will frustrate you, stifle your passion or cause you to give up the instrument all together. These days there are TONS of affordable instruments available at prices under $200 that are miles above my first beginner electric guitar. Another fantastic way to get a good deal on an instrument is to consider getting something that’s been used already. Sometimes you can get a much nicer guitar for the same price as your new beginners guitar. This is where I’d definitely enlist of an experienced guitarist to help you. They can take a look at the instrument and identify an issues that may need to be addressed. A great local Mom-and-Pop store should be very helpful with this as well. 3. Playability: - Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck and action (the height of the strings above the fretboard). A guitar that is easy to play will encourage practice and learning. When you’re buying an instrument online make sure there’s a good return policy in place and when possible have someone with more experience check out your instrument when you first get it. Even better, get a guitar locally where you can try the instrument out in person. 4. Body Style: - Acoustic guitars come in different body styles (dreadnought, concert, etc.), each with its own sound characteristics. For electric guitars, consider styles like Stratocaster, Telecaster, SG, Les Paul or an off-set guitar like a Jaguar or Jazzmaster. Most brands make variations of the guitars listed above so shop around and see what might be available in your price range. 5. Size: - Consider the size of the guitar, especially if you're a beginner or a younger player. Smaller body sizes are generally more comfortable for beginners. I’m a taller guy so I love the look of a Fender Jaguar or Gibson ES-335 on my frame. People smaller in stature might look for something that’s a better fit for their body type. A Gibson SG is very slim and easy to play. Same with the Music Man St. Vincent model. 6. Tonewoods: - While tonewoods might not be as critical for beginners, it's still good to have a basic understanding. Common acoustic tonewoods include spruce and mahogany, while electric guitars often have bodies made of alder or mahogany. In regards to acoustic guitar, the tonewood is critical. If possible look at online reviews or talk to a local shop to see what they’d recommend based on your desired sound. Don’t know what that sound is yet? Don’t stress! There’s is typically no “bad wood.” In regards to electric guitars the primary driver of sound will be the pickups which will translate the vibrating strings into the sound of the guitar that travels to the amplifier. The most common types of electric pickups will be Humbuckers which have a baser, darker (Very popular in Metal, Rock and Jazz) And single-coil pickups which typically have a thinner sound with more clarity (Very popular with Country, pPop and Alternative music) There’s a ton of variations so try a few and see what you like best! There is no wrong type for getting started on the instrument. 7. Brand Reputation: - When possible, stick with reputable brands known for producing quality entry-level instruments. Brands like Fender, Squire, Gibson, Epiphone, Yamaha, Gretsch, and Guild have solid options for beginners. Sticking with the more popular brands will also make it easier to sell if you should decide to sell your instrument or trade it for something new! What does you favorite band play? Do some research and maybe that will get you closer to your perfect sound! 8. Action: - The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action is generally easier for beginners, but it shouldn't be too low to avoid buzzing. Again when buying online make sure the return policy is good. Sometimes you’ll encounter a neck that is bowed or curved where the action needs to be adjusted to make it easier to play. Adjusting the neck is pretty easy, but as a beginner never try to do this yourself as you can break the “truss rod” inside the neck which will destroy the neck. A very expensive mistake. I’ve done it and it’s a huge bummer. 9. Tuners: - Consider a guitar with good tuners to make tuning easier. This is especially important for beginners who are still developing their ear for pitch. What do good tuners look like? Ideally you’d like to get something that’s all metal where the tuning keys turn smoothly and don’t stick or feel gritty. Thankfully these can be replaced pretty easily and this is one of the first upgrades many people make to their guitars. 10. Accessories: - Some beginner guitar packages come with essential accessories like a gig bag, tuner, picks, and possibly a strap. These packages can be convenient for getting started. Brands like Squire and Epiphone have these readily available to buy. While this is a great package, just remember that your budget will now include other items and will result in you getting a guitar that may not be of a high a quality. If you’re gonna spend the money, spend it on the guitar and get the amp later. A cheap amp is fine when you’re getting stated, a cheap guitar isn’t. Picks - Grab a few different thicknesses. New players tend to prefer thin picks at first before moving into something a little heavier. See what you like best! 11. Try Before You Buy: - If possible, play the guitar before purchasing it. This might not be as feasible when buying online, but if you're in a store, take the opportunity to feel the instrument and listen to how it sounds. As mentioned before, take a friend to your local store and make sure you know the return policy. 12. Online Resources: - Read reviews and watch video demonstrations to get an idea of the sound and playability of the guitar you're interested in. Some of my favorite online resources are... - Andertons Music - Andy Demos - JHS Pedals - Premier Guitar ...and the YouTube channels of the actual manufactures like Fender, Guild, Gibson, etc... Chances are if you’re looking at a specific guitar someone has already made a demo video for it! In conclusion: Remember that your first guitar is a learning tool, and as you progress, your preferences and playing style may evolve. Choose a guitar that inspires you to play and makes the learning process enjoyable. Dive in and see what speaks to you! Ask questions and have fun! ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

8. 

   3 Jun 2024

   How do you tune a guitar? Eddie, Ate, Dynamite, Good, Bye, Eddie!

   How do you tune a guitar? Eddie, Ate, Dynamite, Good, Bye, Eddie Tuning a guitar involves adjusting the tension of its strings so that they produce the correct notes when played open (without pressing down on the fretboard). Here's a step-by-step guide to tuning a standard six-string guitar to EADGBE tuning, which is the most common tuning: Eddie, Ate, Dynamite, Good, Bye, Eddie Elephants, And, Dogs, Grow, Big, Ears 1. Know the Standard Tuning 6th string (thickest): E (Low E) 5th string: A 4th string: D 3rd string: G 2nd string: B 1st string (thinnest): E (High E) 2. Use a Tuner The most accurate way to tune your guitar is by using an electronic tuner. There are several types: clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and smartphone apps. I use 3 tuners, I’ll post a link in show notes to each one. Gigs - Boss TU-3 - https://amzn.to/3yM0lQW Daily - TC Electronic UNITUNE CLIP - https://amzn.to/3KtHI72 Out and about - Fender Tune app Here’s how to use one: Turn on the tuner and set it to “guitar” mode if it has multiple modes. Play the 6th string (low E) and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner indicates that the string is in tune. Repeat for each string: A (5th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and E (1st). 3. Tuning by Ear (Using a Reference Pitch) If you don't have a tuner, you can tune by ear using a reference pitch (like another tuned instrument or a pitch pipe): Rush - Tom Sawyer - Low E Tune the 6th string (low E) to the reference pitch if you can, Tune the 5th string (A): Press down on the 5th fret of the 6th string (which is an A note) and adjust the 5th string until it matches this pitch. Tune the 4th string (D): Press down on the 5th fret of the 5th string (which is a D note) and adjust the 4th string until it matches this pitch. Tune the 3rd string (G): Press down on the 5th fret of the 4th string (which is a G note) and adjust the 3rd string until it matches this pitch. Tune the 2nd string (B): Press down on the 4th fret of the 3rd string (which is a B note) and adjust the 2nd string until it matches this pitch. Tune the 1st string (high E): Press down on the 5th fret of the 2nd string (which is an E note) and adjust the 1st string until it matches this pitch. 4. Fine-Tuning After tuning all strings, play some chords to ensure they sound in tune. I typically tune up 2 or 3 times. If any strings sound off, make minor adjustments as needed. 5. Regular Maintenance Regularly check and adjust the tuning, especially before playing. Strings can go out of tune due to temperature changes, humidity, and stretching. Tips: Stretch new strings: Gently pull on new strings to help them settle and stay in tune. Tune up, not down: When tuning a string, tune below the desired pitch and then tighten up to the correct pitch to help maintain tension. Keep a tuner handy: It's always useful to have a tuner available for quick adjustments. With practice, you'll become more comfortable and faster at tuning your guitar. ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

9. 

   31 May 2024

   Learn to Play Heading South by Zach Bryan

   In this episode John is going to tell you how to play "Heading South" by Zach Bryan. Grab a capo! WATCH THE LESSON - https://youtu.be/hbtWqeTiXAM ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

10. 

    30 May 2024

    6 Tips for Understanding a Chord Block Diagram

    When someone is just learning guitar you’re going to come across a lot of “chord block” diagrams on line. Reading guitar chord blocks is essential for understanding and playing chords on the guitar, but it can be a little confusing at first. Take a look at the artwork for this episode or check out the link to the show notes in the episode description. The chord block is a map. Here's a breakdown of how to read a typical guitar chord block: 1. Vertical Lines: These lines represent the guitar strings. The leftmost line is the 6th string (the thickest string), and the rightmost line is the 1st string (the thinnest string). Sometimes, the lines are labeled with the string numbers (6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) to avoid confusion. One of the tips I give my students is the 1 is the skinniest and smallest string, while 6 is the biggest number and the biggest string 2. Horizontal Lines: These lines represent the frets on the guitar. The top line is the nut of the guitar (the part where the strings cross over to the tuning machines.), and the lines below it represent each fret. Usually, only the first 4 or 5 frets are shown, but sometimes chord diagrams can extend higher up the fretboard. 3. Dots or Numbers: These are placed on the intersection of the strings and frets. They indicate where you should place your fingers to play the chord. Sometimes, there may be numbers instead of dots, which correspond to which finger you should use (e.g., 1 for index finger, 2 for middle finger, 3 for ring finger, 4 for pinky). 4. X: Sometimes, instead of a dot or number, you might see an "X" on a string. This means that you should not play that string when strumming the chord. 5. O: Occasionally, you might encounter a black circle on a string. This indicates that the string should be played open (without fretting it). 6. Barre Chords: In some chord diagrams, you might see a curved line extending over multiple strings, usually with a number indicating which fret to barre. This indicates that you need to use a barre technique, where you press down multiple strings with one finger across the indicated fret. Here's an example of a simple chord diagram for the C major chord: In this diagram, you would place your fingers as follows: - Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A string). - Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string). - Index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string). And you would strum all the strings except the 6th string (E string), which is indicated by the “X". ..and finally, if you’re left-handed, you’ll need to reverse the entire diagram! --- John McNicholas My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com (https://www.johnteachesguitar.com/) Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

11. 

    24 May 2024

    Em11 - Your First Chord

    Welcome to the first John Teaches Guitar podcast. In this eposide we take a quick look at the Em11 chord. I'm frequeltly asked by my students that if they strum the guitar with all the open strings, is it a chord?  Yes! The Em11. It goes by many, many names but this is one of the most frequently cited one. Check the link below for more information on the subject! https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/2320/what-chord-is-formed-by-the-open-strings-of-a-guitar-in-standard-eadgbe-tuning ### My website: www.JohnTeachesGuitar.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/johnmcnicholas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JohnTeachesGuitar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnteachesguitar/ Threads - https://www.threads.net/@johnteachesguitar Mastodon - https://mastodon.world/@johnmcnicholas TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmcnicholasmusic John Teaches Guitar Podcast Spotify: https://bit.ly/3KxuMgf Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RiySfY RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/529802/rss

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings