Stupid Simple Guitar Newsletter
Stay on top of your guitar game with 10 Tips & Tricks and our weekly newsletter!
Paul McCartney rode how many buses just to learn a B7 chord?
It's hard to imagine, where today endless information is available in our pockets, a time when a beginner guitarist would need to travel hours on a city bus just to find a guy who, rumor had it, knew how to play a specific chord.
But, according to this 1990 interview, that's just what Paul McCar...
Aug 25, 2026
So wait, how do i become my own guitar teacher? (link fixed!)
If you've followed our progress over the past year one of the things you may have noticed is how we train our students with an end-date in mind.
Our goal at Stupid Simple™ Guitar is to be your last teacher ever... as you become your own guitar teacher.
How does that happen?
A few ways.
We'll ...
Aug 18, 2026
"I've already got a teacher, why should I switch now?" (maybe you shouldn't)
Lots of beginner guitarists have asked the question. Especially when we've titled our event this Wednesday, "Become Your Own Guitar Teacher: Pro Hacks & Chord Theory to Play Any Song by Heart."
And it's a good one.
If you've got a teacher now, or had one in the past, why should you make a switc...
Aug 16, 2026
Doorknob Strumming (no more elbow soreness)
If you're like most beginner guitarists you started strumming like we all did - pumping that elbow fast and hard until it felt like your arm would fall off!
I don't know why we do it, but if you don't learn a better way you'll be stuck at 120 bpm and the same few strum patterns for the rest of y...
Aug 12, 2026
What's holding your guitar game back?
I remember years ago working with a guy, police officer, who came to me and asked what it was that was holidng his guitar game back. So I asked him to play for me and he froze, shuffled through some print-outs and then nervously began.
"Stop!" I said.
He looked at me confused.
"That's part of ...
Aug 05, 2026
we're shutting down : (
After a year in business and on the cusp of releasing our brand new version of The Closet Rockstars Club we are shutting down... our waitlist 🥸
Our First 100 Founding Members waitlist has passed 100 people and so we will be locking down the waitlist in a few days.
If you've wanted to play full s...
Jul 20, 2026
"Close your eyes and forget about the notes," I whispered.
have you ever had that thing happen where your head gets in the way? you're trying so hard to get it just right, just perfect that you end up stressed and with an anything-but-perfect outcome?
this happens all the time in music.
i remember recording my first full-length album years ago. it cost...
Jul 15, 2026
My first snapped string (+ other reasons to play live)
I remember playing a show in Iowa. I had never heard of Ragbrai before, but you never forget performing for tens of thousands of bicyclists on a multi-day ride.
My friend was the star. I was there as second guitar and backup vocals. A local band was providing bass, drums and keys and I was suppo...
Jul 11, 2026
Happy 250th 🥳 (FREE lesson BORN IN THE USA 🇺🇸)
America is turning 250 years old tomorrow and it seemed fitting to give away a lesson on how to play Born In The USA by Springsteen. For all you American rock stars out there the weekend will likely be filled with barbecues, fireworks and (i hope) songs sung with friends.
Despite this song being...
Jul 03, 2026
This Saturday's Event Is Now Open
Okay friends! The time has come to open our Registration Event for our Summer Sprint: 90 Days to Play Guitar.
👉🏻 Join me this Saturday at 11am Eastern/8am Pacific for the event that could change your guitar game forever!
Not only will you have the chance to grab one of our limited seats (I can ...
May 27, 2026
Why must you play the guitar?
Why must you play the guitar?
When I ask folks over 50 this question, the answers usually sound like:
“I’ve wanted to play since I was a kid.”
“I don’t want to leave this world without finally doing it."
“I want to play songs my wife / kids / grandkids recognize.”
“It relaxes me after a long day....
May 26, 2026
Memorializing: v) preserve the memory of some one or thing
It's Memorial Day and if you have served in the military, first, thank you for your service and sacrifice. It is easy to forget that the freedoms we enjoy in this country came at a price and many are still paying that price today.
But what do we do on a day like this?
Visit the gravesite of los...
May 25, 2026
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