The Acoustic Asylum

In today's episode, I talk about a new rule of the Asylum, which is being the King or Queen of the Jungle. This is inspired by The Lion King musical, which has a classic hero story. In terms of guitar playing, every guitarist goes through this journey.   In the episode, I talk about how guitar playing can take us to a different dimension, the transformation we undergo as guitarists, and how beneficial this can be. I describe the hero's journey for those who aren't familiar with, how to not let doubt creep in, and how to take the next step on your journey. Take a listen and enjoy!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, I talk about a really inspiring quote. On guitar, we only have twelve notes, but we have limitless options of what we can create with them. We can play about and create beautiful melodies and sad melodies. In pop music, people tend to stick to familiar and comfortable chords and patterns, but music allows you to branch out and discover something unique. In the episode, I also play some examples of the fun you can have with the same notes, how to experiment with rhythm, and how to improvise. Take a listen! If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, I talk about chemistry, specifically your chemistry with music, your guitar, and your love of learning. Chemistry is key to good playing, iconic bands, relationships, and it's all about passion.   The buzz, the enjoyment, is what you want to have when you pick up the guitar. To make sure you have this, play the songs you love, the songs that mean the world to you. You have a relationship with the guitar, it's important to keep the chemistry alive.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's podcast episode, I want to talk about an aggressive comment I got recently. If I didn't have thick skin, I would have been hurt by it, but as it is, I'm not really fussed about it. The comment was about arthritis, and I know arthritis is brutal, I have had family members suffer from it.   I know there is no cure for arthritis, but guitar playing, when done mindfully, can help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness and pain. When I shared this, a lot of people responded with their lived experience and how guitar playing has helped them. It's important to always use good core fundamental technique and never play through pain.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today we have a short episode that is all about exercises on the guitar – what to avoid and how to see progress. Often, guitar exercises are far too complicated. Simple, technical exercises that you can do every day will help you to see a lot more progress.   I talk about how you can create your own exercises that cover the basics, allowing you to work on your technique. These exercises don't have to be boring, so I show you how to make exercises useful and enjoyable to play! Take a listen and discover how to create your own!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today's episode is all about a new rule of the Asylum – being a daydream believer. Yes, this is inspired by The Monkees' song, and it's all about believing in yourself. Visualising is an excellent way of improving your self-belief, so today, I talk about two forms of visualisation. One is visualising yourself as an excellent guitarist, and the other form is visualising the mechanics of playing, which helps your memory. The second form helps because visualising the movements will help you solidify the movements. I also discuss some of the pitfalls of the first form of visualisation, how to avoid them, and how to find balance! Take a listen to learn all about it. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today's episode is all about one of Eric Clapton's proudest moments. It all happened when he was asked to play on an album with one of the greatest musicians of all time. The thing that makes the story stand out is that it shows even the greats of guitar get nervous. In the episode, I share Clapton's story and what he had to say about his incredible and unique experience. But all of us have been there on a smaller scale – feeling nervous about playing in front of others. Everybody gets nervous, and everybody thinks there's someone better out there, even the greats. The key is just to stay relaxed. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

Today we're going to talk about a new rule of the Acoustic Asylum. There are many rules to escape the Asylum and beat The Gatekeeper. Today's rule is face up to your Michael Myers. On the guitar, we all have our Michael Myers, things that we fear. He's very much like the fear of failure. So how do you overcome that? In today's episode, I discuss the steps you can take to face your fears and overcome them. You have to face up to these things, otherwise they will get you and you won't be able to enjoy your playing or your guitar journey. If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today's episode is about a new rule of the Acoustic Asylum that's all about embracing the Game of Tones (yes, that's a pun on the TV show Game of Thrones). This rule is about tone. Make a game of improving your tone. The best players out there spend a lot of time working on their technique because it helps their tone improve so much more. Tone comes from the fingers. I'm going to play you some examples of different tones in the episode and give you advice on how to improve your tone. Take a listen and enjoy! If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, we'll talk about music, cinema, and blues. Movies were probably one of my main introductions to music. I fell in love with movie soundtracks and, as a result, with music. Inspired by movies and doubleheaders in cinema, for the March lessons in the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy, I have a doubleheader of blues coming up. I've created two blues lessons, both very different. In the episode, I also play a little preview of what will be in the lessons. The idea behind the lessons is about filling out the sound when you're playing. It's fun stuff that will make your playing sound great. Take a listen and find out how to get the lessons! If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, I talk about the horrors of guitar playing, kind of. I was reminded by the movie The Exorcist that often people put on bravado about how scary something is, whether it's a movie or their struggles with the guitar. People often downplay how much they practise, how hard they find it.   It's important to be honest if you're struggling and it's hard. That honesty goes a long way. If you open up to people that you find it difficult, they're more likely to do the same, or they can share some advice with you. It's important to lose the bravado and stop downplaying everything. It doesn't help anybody.    If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In the latest episode, I discuss a new rule of the asylum, which is to top up your inspiration jar. It's an imaginary jar filled with your inspiration, dreams, and reasons why you want to play. Often when you first start out playing the guitar, this jar will be full, which makes you motivated to pick up and learn the guitar.   But with time, and the challenges most guitarists face when starting out playing, the jar starts getting emptier and emptier. It's important to never let that jar empty, this will help you keep your motivation strong and your practising consistent. In the episode, I offer some tips and advice on how to keep your inspiration jar full, so take a listen, and keep at it!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today I talk about the power of community. It's such an important thing in the world of music. Learning an instrument like the guitar can be a lonely experience. In the episode, I suggest a number of ways you can connect with other guitar players and musicians.   Some of the suggestions I discuss include jamming with others, performing in front of others, and more. Community is really important, and it's great to find people who are supportive, encouraging, and are on a similar level to you. Take a listen and get involved in the guitar community!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today's episode is about a new rule of the Asylum. It covers every single thing you ever do when you play guitar. The rule is – be at one with your guitar. It's about having the guitar connected to you, rather than battling it. The goal is to have the guitar be an extension of you.   If you're battling the guitar, you might tense up and hold your breath, which shouldn't be the case. It shouldn't feel like you're fighting your guitar. In the episode, I give you some tips on how to make sure you're connected to the guitar, including posture, breathing, warm-ups, and more.     If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

In today's episode, I want to talk about a new rule of the Asylum. It's called Find Your Treasure. There are going to be certain things that are like gold to you, things that you love to play, little riffs or styles that you enjoy. It's key to find these early on in your playing.   In the podcast, I'll show you some examples of things you might enjoy, things that could become your treasure, and I offer some advice on how to find your treasure. When you find your treasure, this will make your guitar journey more enjoyable. These are the small things you can have fun with and that you'll want to play forever. Enjoy the episode!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today we're celebrating a really big milestone of the Acoustic Asylum podcast – Episode 100! I started this podcast two years ago on a bit of a whim. In these one hundred episodes, I've covered some really cool topics. I'd like to thank everyone for listening and coming along on this journey!   I want to give you something to celebrate – I'm giving away a physical copy of my book 13 Ways to Escape the Acoustic Asylum. In the episode, I look back at my own journey with teaching and playing guitar, and things that we all share in common when it comes to struggles and overcoming challenges. Take a listen, and learn how you can win a copy of my book!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

Today's podcast is all about dyads. In case you aren't familiar with them, dyads are just two-string chords. In the episode, I discuss a number of ways you can use dyads, such as bass & treble string dyads, and in particular, I'll talk about twisted dyads.   Playing dyads is a fantastic way of unlocking the fretboard. Dyads free you up to play mini chords up and down the fretboard. In the episode, I also play some examples to show you how you can add more drama and interest to your playing. Take a listen and have a go at playing dyads!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, I talk about a new rule of the asylum that can help guitarists let go of the brake they're holding on their playing. One common issue is that players let themselves get frustrated. In the episode, I offer some advice on how to overcome frustration.   A lot of guitarists make life harder for themselves by comparing themselves to others. So in today's podcast, I offer some advice on how to avoid this and some good reminders that can help you on the journey so you don't hold yourself back.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, I talk about a legendary musician who once struggled on the guitar. Even brilliant guitarists experience challenges. They make it look easy, but when you get to the root of it, they all struggle. I offer some perspective and advice on the shared challenges faced by every guitarist.   Most guitarists struggle in the early years. One great piece of advice is to not worry about what happened in the past, and focus on improving the key elements in your playing now. It can also be useful to remember the human side of stars who have struggled. I make some suggestions on how to find out more about legendary musicians' experiences learning guitar.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

Today's episode is about a powerful little thing that will help you learn faster and enjoy your playing more. The magic number 7 is very simple, it's about memory. A lot of people struggle to learn seven things at once and remember them. To beat the barrier of this magic no. 7, you want to break things up.   When it comes to guitar playing, people often just try to learn a song and remember it in one go. If they then try to play it again later, they'll struggle to remember anything. If you're learning a big piece of music, break it up. In the episode, I go into detail on how and why you should do this, and how this can help you to improve your playing overall.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

In today's episode, I want to share some things I've noticed over the years about the difference between adults and kids learning to play the guitar and why sometimes it is harder learning the guitar as an adult. A big thing I've noticed is that kids are often more patient than adults. They don't mind playing the same piece again and again, whereas as adults, we often rush into wanting to learn as many songs as possible.   Another thing I've noticed is kids don't beat themselves for making mistakes. Whereas as adults, we sometimes focus on perfection. It's a useful mindset to have – embarassing mistakes, and not being too negative about it. I share some more details on why learning guitar as an adult might be harder, and what you can do to make it easier for yourself.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, I share another rule of the Acoustic Asylum. The rule is all about growing the bamboo. Bamboo is a plant that takes a long time to grow underground before you can see it flourishing above ground, and guitar playing is very similar to this. A lot of the time in the early days, it is about getting the solid foundations of guitar playing, so you can reap the benefits later on.   I discuss the importance of “Core Fundamental Technique” and how laying these good foundations of technique can help you in the future. One of the examples I go into is chord changes. Learning basic chord changes and perfecting them allows you to experience exponential growth in the number of songs you can play. Finally, I discuss the natural ebb and flow of playing guitar and the importance of holding onto your belief in the journey.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Happy New Year! Today's episode is all about how to get the most out of your guitar playing in 2025. I offer some advice on how you can improve your guitar playing by being consistent. It's about staying persistent and seeing incremental improvements.   It can be tough to stick with it and do the hard work. You might ask yourself, is it worth it? Of course it's worth it, being able to play an instrument is up there with the best achievements people have. So, it's important to remember the 1% rule of making things even a little bit better. If you do that, you will succeed!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today's episode is all about the joy of Christmas and that warm and fuzzy feeling of the holidays. In the episode, I talk about guitar Christmas gifts, motivation for 2025, and the struggle we all might face in finding motivation to practise.   If you struggle, it's important to remember that it's temporary. It's important to think of it as a test that you can overcome. I talk about the Krampus and the Gatekeeper's attempts to hold you back. It's important to just enjoy and embrace the good feelings of the holidays that can help you stay motivated.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's episode, I talk about the last few weeks of this year and how to get the most out of them when it comes to your guitar playing. The main thing is to pick a manageable goal, one that isn't too demanding and that you can actually manage in the time there is. It's important to pick something that is a challenge, but one that you can achieve.   In the episode, I offer advice on how to break things down into smaller parts when setting a goal. I give some examples of a goal you could pick and how to break it down so it's realistic and still a bit challenging. If you end the year strong, it will give you great momentum going into the new year.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

The other day I sent out an email on the A to Z of Strumming, with a series of tips for improving your strumming. In today's episode, I cover some of those tips, going into depth looking at them. Some of these include the way you attack the strings when strumming, chords, improvisation, listening to music, patterns, and more.   When it comes to mastering chord changes, pick just one set of chords and practise changing back and forth between them back and forth. I talk about how to liven up your strumming, by covering some core skills which will allow you to improvise more. I'll also play some exciting strumming patterns you can learn. Take a listen and enjoy!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

The other day I sent out an email on the A to Z of Strumming, with a series of tips for improving your strumming. In today's episode, I cover some of those tips, going into depth looking at them. Some of these include the way you attack the strings when strumming, chords, improvisation, listening to music, patterns, and more.   When it comes to mastering chord changes, pick just one set of chords and practise changing back and forth between them back and forth. I talk about how to liven up your strumming, by covering some core skills which will allow you to improvise more. I'll also play some exciting strumming patterns you can learn. Take a listen and enjoy!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

It may seem early, but today we're talking about Christmas and brushing up on your Christmas songs. Every year you can enjoy learning Christmas songs and take the opportunity to refresh the songs you've already learnt and improve them so that they get better.   A fun way to learn several Christmas songs at once is through a medley, so in the episode, I also share a fun Christmas medley with you that I've created. You can learn this medley as part of my Christmas Crackers course. Now is the perfect time to get started on learning one or even a medley of Christmas songs.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today we're talking about when negativity smacks you around the head and how to overcome it. I discuss a student's experience of wanting to quit, and how, frequently, we're being too hard on ourselves.   The important thing is perseverence. You just have to keep going and try not to be too hard on yourself. Sometimes sharing some tips you have learnt with beginners can help you feel great about how far you've come. I share some advice on how to not get stuck in the negative mindset.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

In today's podcast, I'm talking about the peaks and troughs of learning guitar. Often life gets in the way, but it's normal and natural to have moments when your progress accelerates and when it slows down a little bit. It's important to enjoy the journey.   One thing that I discuss that is very useful is the “growth mindset”. It's all about believing in your ability to develop through hard work and dedication. I talk about the importance of using this form of thinking for your guitar journey.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's podcast, I'm talking about my new course, The Fingerpicking Bootcamp, which is a clear, actionable, fun course designed to give you something for the short term and the long term. Long term, you don't want to burn out or injure yourself, but short term you want to see results and that's what this course is all about.   I talk a bit about all the things we cover in the 21 days of the course, including rhythms, triads, Travis picking, fingerpicking patterns, riffs and pumps, and more. I also play some examples of the different patterns you can learn in the course and discuss some of the super useful bonuses you'll get with the course.     If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

In today's podcast, we're looking at three things that can improve your guitar playing. First off, I talk about the importance of sleep. I talk about the three stages of sleep, sleep hygiene and the importance of getting a good night's sleep. Maximising your sleep is certainly going to make you feel more focused when practising.   In the second part of the episode, I talk about expanding your dynamic range in your strumming and how to improve your strumming overall. I cover a range of tips and tricks and also offer advice on what picks to use for strumming.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today's episode is all about the bad habit of relying on your sense of sight too much. I use an example that Billy Joel brings up about a wrong notation for one of his songs. It often happens that people rely on their eyes over their ears. Sometimes you might be misreading some notation, but it's important to trust your ears so as not to make mistakes.   In the second part of the episode, I give you a fun little challenge to test your ears. I play a couple of chords and give you the chance to work them out for yourself before revealing the answer. It's useful to do little challenges like this to train your ears.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today's episode is all about the nitty-gritty specifics of guitar playing. When learning songs on guitar, you really have to go into the details. Guitar tuition these days unfortunately can be a bit too broad and it can make it challenging for guitar players looking for specific tips.   It's not just enough to learn the song, you need to look at all the details. Instead of doing the whole song, break it down into smaller chunks, and focus on the details. I talk about a lot more tips to help you zone into the piece properly and make it easier for yourself when learning the song.   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

As a dad, I have spent a fair bit of time building Lego with my so Archie. Recently we went to the Legoland Discovery centre and had a great time… And the cool thing is, there are two strong comparisons between Lego and the guitar, and that is what we are talking about today.   When it comes to Lego, there are two main ways to use it, I find. Number one is to follow the instructions precisely and build what is on the box. Number two is to just take random bricks and build your own ideas. On the guitar, we can do something very similar to help you improve your playing, make more progress, and have fun. Listen today for how. Don't forget to keep enjoying the process of building the blocks of your guitar playing!   If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

I've learnt a massive amount over the years about playing and teaching guitar. In this episode, I'm sharing some of those key lessons with you …And specifically, the 9 things I wish I knew when I started learning guitar!   This includes the importance of strumming patterns, a story about how my best friend helped me massively in the early days (and why you shouldn't learn on your own)… Plus, the power of the capo, why you need to be kind to yourself on your journey, and so much more! In short, these little tips cover many of the subtle things that make a big difference!   If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

I've just come home from an amazing family holiday in Cornwall. While there, me and my son, Archie (who is 8) were in the sea, at a waterpark, and we had an afternoon on a giant inflatable water slide. I was very much out of my comfort zone.   One thing I urge guitarists to do is get out of their comfort zone every now and then. It's not easy, but jamming with others, recording yourself, performing – it all makes such a difference to your long-term success.   …But you do have to be careful. In this episode, I'm sharing plenty of tips on how to stay resilient, make improvements, and keep motivated when you do. It's a must-listen if you want to make more progress on the guitar and have more fun.   If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!  

In this episode, we are talking about the crazy world of guitar tuition. In particular, I am sharing a little story from Katherine about her experience of learning guitar with an in-person tutor.   Not only are we covering Katherine's story but I talk about the problem with a lot of guitar tuition, why the “surface level” information many people teach is a waste of time and money, and how a good guitar teacher can help you fix your playing issues. In short, this is the good, the bad, and the ugly of guitar tuition. Of course, there are many great teachers out there but always remember, not all guitar teachers are made equal. I hope this is an eye-opening podcast and you enjoy it.   If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners, intermediates and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Today we are talking about the two big issues that most people struggle with when it comes to strumming, the hurdles that many people face, and of course, solutions to help you have more fun strumming your guitar today!   That's because this week, I am releasing my brand-new course called, Superhuman Strumming – it's a lot of fun and it's all about giving you the tools and techniques to play real music, spice up your songs, and have a lot of strumming fun starting today.   If you enjoyed this episode, you can find out more about the course and the limited-time discounts and bonuses here -  https://fingerpickingfun.com/strumming   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

As it's the Olympics at the moment, I want to share with you a powerful little story from one of Great Britain's greatest-ever Olympians – the legendary Daley Thompson.   After struggling on his path to defending his gold medal in the 1984 Olympics, Daley had a pivotal moment during the discus event… and that moment is one that will live long in the memory of anyone watching. There are two key takeaways from that special moment that all of us guitarists can apply. Listen today, be inspired, and find out how to apply Daley's lessons to your playing so you can be the best guitarist you can be!   If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners, intermediates, and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Is songwriting an art? Is it a science? Well, you tell me. Personally, I see it as both. In this episode, I'm sharing a simple process with you on how to create some lovely music of your own. Everyone should write a song in their lifetime and anyone can do it!   Big thanks to my student, Larry, for inspiring this episode with the brilliant song he wrote for his wife on their 50th wedding anniversary.   If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners, intermediates, and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

If you've ever got to the point where you can play a song on your guitar to near perfection, but you make frequent errors at various points… this episode is for you. Inside we are taking a look at the TWO key things that could be the cause of your issues. Not only that, I also give you some bits of advice to help you play your songs better. Plus, I even share one of the potentially most embarrassing moments in my musical life where I was on stage playing a gig with my band… and I forgot the parts! If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners, intermediates, and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

A lot of guitarists find it extremely frustrating when they pluck the wrong strings! I know I used to. In this short episode, I'm giving you a few tips to help. One thing you must remember is that you need good technique and muscle memory. Without the technique, you'll just build bad guitar playing habits… but if you use precise technique, you'll find it far easier to end this frustrating feeling… and that's exactly what we are talking about today! If you enjoyed this, don't forget you can get my two exclusive free eBooks today... Including The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at - https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

My studio room is full of books. Not all of them are great, but in each, there is something I've learnt, even from the books that aren't that great!   Well, today, I'm talking about three books I've used a lot over the years. They're not perfect, but they are great and they've had a big influence on me. The books range from classical guitar to advanced guitar and songwriting!   For more help from me, until the 1st of July 2024, you can join my Academy. Enrolment will close after that for a while and you can find out more about the academy here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

I get asked a LOT of questions when it comes to learning guitar. I love to answer them but don't always get the time to answer everyone's questions. So today, I thought I'd share some of the most commonly asked questions I get and give you… my answers.   We're talking about how many scales you should learn on guitar, how to move around the fretboard, which guitar teachers I recommend, and if people like Justin Sandercoe and Jamie Andreas are good (honest answers inside)… Plus a whole lot more (including a reference to the awesome character The Riddler from the Batman movies, haha).   If you enjoy this podcast and want more help from me, you'll be pleased to know the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy is now open for enrolment for a short while. You get a whole lot of bonuses posted to you just for trying it out and you can find out more about it here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

I quickly realised when I started teaching guitar that not many students would ask me to teach them to play the blues… but pretty much all of them would LOVE it when I would introduce them to blues guitar – especially the sounds of Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Stevie Ray Vaughan (and the first blues song I ever loved, which was by Led Zeppelin).   In this episode, I'm playing a whole variety of blues styles and sounds for you, from a B.B. King minor blues to an Eric Clapton-style shuffle, and more.   There's so much you can do with the blues and if you want to learn it, then in the new Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy lessons coming on July 1st, you will learn a stunning blues piece. You can find out more about the Academy here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

One of the most important things you can do on the guitar is to get absolute clarity on what it is you want to achieve.   Well, in this episode I'm going over a four-step system to help you make massive progress on the guitar.   These have been inspired by author Brian Tracy and adapted as well as simplified for you to use right away. It's powerful stuff and I highly recommend you apply this today!   For more help from me, you'll be pleased to know the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy is now open for enrolment. One of the big perks of membership is that the “5-Star” Award inside the Academy and my coaching will both help you make big progress and get clarity with your guitar playing. You can find out more about it here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

One piece of advice I like to share with students is this… beware of learning too many chords.   Instead of using those old chord books that are full of 10,000s of guitar chords, you can get a lot more mileage instead from playing just one chord such as C Major… And then learning all the variations of this chord.   This is fun and a lot of the time you only need to add or remove a finger to get lots of different flavours from a chord!   If you enjoyed this, don't forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes the Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Most people play guitar with a very mechanical straight feel.   Well, today I want to tell you why that isn't always the best thing to do.   In fact, if you want to add instant excitement to your music and play with more life, soul, and vibrancy, then the little tips I'm sharing in this episode will help you right away!   If you enjoyed this, don't forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Back when I was learning guitar, I had no rhythm.   I wasn't born with no rhythm, I just hadn't developed my rhythm skills. This meant when I played guitar, I was all over the place. It also meant that I had a few slightly embarrassing moments.   In this episode, I'm sharing with you a key story that helped awaken me to my bad rhythm, and exactly what I did to fix it. These simple little tips will help you too, so listen today and apply these tips for better rhythm!   If you enjoyed this, don't forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

One of the biggest problems a lot of people say is that they simply “do not have enough time to practise” their guitar playing.   While that is true for some extremely busy folk, we often all have a few pockets of time where we can pick up the guitar and play something…   …So in this episode, I'm going to give you some key tips on making more time to practise, why motivation is possibly more important than time, and the silly game on my phone that once threatened to ruin my practice time (but what I did to beat that).   If you enjoyed this, don't forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/   Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!