Learning to play the guitar is a journey that can begin at any age and stage of life. Whether you’re a fresh beginner drawn to the allure of strumming your first chords, or a seasoned player aiming to master advanced techniques, the digital age offers a plethora of resources right at your fingertips. As someone who picked up the guitar at the age of ten and explored various learning avenues – from group lessons to one-on-one tutoring and formal grade progression – I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of guitar education. Coupled with my professional experience testing guitar products, including a deep dive into numerous online guitar lesson services, I can confidently say that the landscape of learning guitar has never been more accessible and diverse.
The world of online guitar lessons has exploded, presenting an ever-expanding collection of high-quality platforms in 2024. These services, typically available for a monthly or per-lesson fee considerably less expensive than traditional in-person instruction, each boast unique features and meticulously structured content designed to guide you toward guitar mastery. From interactive video lessons to personalized feedback and vast song libraries, these platforms bring the guitar teacher directly to you, wherever you are.
The beauty of online guitar learning lies in its convenience and flexibility. All you need is an internet connection and a device – be it a laptop, smartphone, or tablet – and you can embark on your musical journey without even stepping out your door. Many platforms even offer dedicated apps, streamlining the learning process and making it even easier to practice on the go.
For this guide, I, along with the expert team at Guitar World, have rigorously tested a wide spectrum of online guitar lesson platforms. Our aim is to provide recommendations catering to all skill levels and budgets, even highlighting an exceptional free option for those just starting out. Our testing methodology focuses on critical aspects such as ease of setup, the caliber of content and instructors, the breadth of available material, and, crucially, value for money. Recognizing the importance of informed decisions, most platforms offer a free trial period, typically around 7 days, allowing you to sample their offerings before committing to a paid subscription.
To help you navigate this exciting landscape, we’ve compiled this guide to showcase the top online guitar learning platforms of 2024. Whether you’re seeking comprehensive beginner courses, specialized genre studies, or advanced technique refinement, you’ll find a platform here to fuel your passion and accelerate your guitar playing progress. Dive in and discover the best way to learn guitar online and unlock your musical potential.
Our top picks
Best overall: Guitar Tricks ★★★★★
Guitar Tricks consistently emerged as the best online guitar lessons platform in our rigorous testing. With over 25 years of content development, boasting an impressive library of over 11,000 lessons and 900+ song tutorials, Guitar Tricks caters comprehensively to every skill level. From foundational entry-level content with clear learning paths, to a substantial array of intermediate lessons, and a wealth of advanced material, there’s something for everyone. The content is delivered with exceptional quality by a roster of professional instructors, all at a very competitive price point. Furthermore, Guitar Tricks backs its service with a 60-day money-back guarantee for complete peace of mind. Regardless of your current playing ability, Guitar Tricks stands as our highest recommendation for online guitar learning in 2024.
OFFER: Take advantage of your first month of Guitar Tricks for just $1 via this special link and start elevating your guitar skills for less than the price of a coffee. You’ll even receive a free gift as part of this exclusive offer.
> Read more below
1. Best overall: Guitar Tricks ★★★★★
Guitar Tricks has proven itself time and again as the premier online guitar lessons platform through our extensive testing process. Their dedication to content development over the past 25 years is evident in their massive library, featuring over 11,000 lessons and more than 900 song tutorials. This vast collection ensures that players of every level, from complete novices to seasoned professionals, will find ample material to fuel their learning journey. Guitar Tricks particularly excels in catering to beginners and intermediate players, offering a depth of content unmatched by many competitors, simply due to the sheer volume of resources they provide.
Their beginner curriculum is exceptionally well-structured. The comprehensive Core Learning System guides absolute beginners from the fundamentals of holding a guitar to mastering barre chords, presenting concepts clearly and at a comfortable pace. Guitar Tricks recently invested in re-filming their Core Learning System and Guitar Fundamentals Courses in high-quality 4K video, ensuring a modern and engaging learning experience for those picking up the guitar for the very first time.
We were particularly impressed by the song lessons and genre studies. These offerings extend beyond simple, bite-sized tutorials, providing full, note-for-note song breakdowns from beginning to end. Furthermore, Guitar Tricks offers valuable guidance on achieving authentic guitar tones, covering everything from pickup selection and amp settings to pedal recommendations. They cover an impressive 12 genres, venturing into niche styles like surf and rockabilly, showcasing a breadth of musical styles rarely found elsewhere.
While Guitar Tricks boasts an extensive song library, it’s worth noting that their primary focus leans towards rock, metal, and blues. Contemporary pop artists are less represented, which might be a consideration for players specifically interested in learning pop hits. Despite this slight genre bias, the sheer depth and quality of their content in core guitar genres is undeniable.
A key strength of Guitar Tricks lies in its structured, sequential learning approach. Lessons are thoughtfully organized, building progressively upon previously learned concepts, ensuring a smooth and logical learning curve. This contrasts with some platforms that may introduce advanced techniques prematurely, potentially overwhelming new players.
Beyond the core lessons, Guitar Tricks provides a comprehensive learning ecosystem. The platform and its dedicated app include essential tools like chord charts, metronomes, and tuners. For those seeking a more personalized learning experience, Guitar Tricks offers Custom Lesson Plans and 1-on-1 lessons for an additional fee, allowing for tailored instruction. To help maintain consistent practice habits, users can even set up email or text message reminders. For guitarists serious about their development, Guitar Tricks provides a truly robust and effective learning environment.
Finally, Guitar Tricks demonstrates confidence in its platform with a 60-day money-back guarantee. This risk-free trial period allows you to fully explore the platform and ensure it aligns with your learning style and goals. If, within the first 60 days, you find Guitar Tricks isn’t the right fit, their support team will process a full refund.
If you’re weighing the options between Guitar Tricks and Fender Play, be sure to check out our detailed Fender Play vs Guitar Tricks comparison article for a side-by-side analysis.
> Get one month of Guitar Tricks for just $1, plus a free gift
EXPERT VERDICT: GUITAR TRICKS
EXPERT VERDICT: GUITAR TRICKS
Chris Schwarten
“If you’re serious about learning guitar, then it doesn’t come much better than this. There’s so much here for beginners, intermediate and advanced players across a range of genres.”
Read more: Guitar Tricks review
Best for beginners
Top 5 MUST-KNOW Practice Tips for Beginners | Fender Play – YouTube
Top 5 MUST-KNOW Practice Tips for Beginners | Fender Play – YouTube
2. Best for beginners: Fender Play ★★★★★
Fender Play stands out as a top-tier platform, particularly for those taking their very first steps in learning guitar online. As a brand synonymous with guitars themselves, Fender’s foray into online education with Fender Play has proven to be remarkably successful. During our evaluation, we found Fender Play to be not only one of the highest-quality platforms available but also one of the most rewarding, especially for absolute beginners. The lessons are exceptionally well-produced, boasting high production values, including multi-camera angles that provide clear and comprehensive views of techniques.
Fender Play’s strength lies in its beginner-focused approach. Guided learning paths and meticulously structured lesson plans gently guide new players, ensuring a solid foundation and steady progress towards proficiency. While primarily designed for beginners, Fender Play also offers sufficient content to engage early-intermediate players, facilitating a smooth transition as skills develop. The dedicated Fender Play app is a standout feature, boasting a fresh, modern design and intuitive layout that enhances the user experience. Fender Play is continuously updated with new lessons, courses, and songs, ensuring a constantly evolving learning environment that keeps players engaged and prevents stagnation.
Lessons on Fender Play are intentionally designed to be bite-sized, typically ranging from 3 to 5 minutes each. While some may perceive this brevity as insufficient, we found it to be perfectly tailored to the target audience. For beginners, shorter, focused lessons are often more effective, preventing information overload and maintaining engagement. The concise format delivers essential guidance clearly and efficiently, catering to potentially limited attention spans and minimizing the risk of new players feeling overwhelmed by excessive jargon or complex concepts. For tackling particularly challenging sections or intricate riffs, Fender Play offers a Practice mode, allowing users to slow down video playback to 75% or 50% of the original speed, aiding in mastering difficult passages.
Recently, Fender Play introduced Feedback mode, adding an interactive dimension to the learning experience. This feature utilizes your device’s microphone to provide real-time feedback and scoring on your playing, adding an element of gamification reminiscent of platforms like Simply Guitar. While still in beta, Feedback mode shows promising potential in enhancing engagement and providing immediate performance assessment.
Song lessons are another highlight of Fender Play. The platform offers an expanding library of contemporary tracks spanning various genres, from classic rock and metal to modern pop and indie, including popular artists like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. It’s worth noting that song lessons are presented as “simplified and shortened” versions, focusing on core elements like chord progressions and essential riffs. While not designed for learning complete, note-for-note transcriptions, Fender Play excels at providing a fun and accessible entry point to playing recognizable songs and popular riffs.
Fender Play effectively leverages Fender’s brand recognition and reputation to build loyalty with new guitarists right from the start of their musical journey. However, the platform’s quality and comprehensive approach demonstrate a genuine commitment to guitar education. Fender Play isn’t merely a brand extension; it’s a genuinely excellent online guitar learning tool, particularly for beginners, standing out in a competitive market.
> Get 50% off an annual Fender Play subscription with code ‘guitarworld50’
EXPERT VERDICT: FENDER PLAY
EXPERT VERDICT: FENDER PLAY
Chris Schwarten
“With its stylish, contemporary vibe, Fender Play is a joy to use for novices and early intermediate players. Refreshingly, its library of lessons and songs reach far beyond the somewhat hackneyed blues and rock classics favored by most of its competitors.”
Read more: Fender Play review
Best for content volume
Sol Philcox-Littlefield Guitar Lessons – The Session Guitarists’ Playbook – TrueFire – YouTube
Sol Philcox-Littlefield Guitar Lessons – The Session Guitarists’ Playbook – TrueFire – YouTube
3. Best content volume: TrueFire ★★★★½
For guitarists seeking an almost limitless supply of learning material, TrueFire emerges as the definitive platform. While free resources like YouTube offer a vast ocean of lessons, many players crave a more structured and curated learning experience, and TrueFire delivers precisely that, albeit on a massive scale. In contrast to cherry-picking individual lessons from disparate online sources, TrueFire offers a cohesive and organized approach, ensuring that learners progress systematically and avoid gaps in their foundational knowledge, particularly crucial for beginners.
TrueFire boasts an astounding volume of content, exceeding 50,000 lessons, tabs, and jam tracks – a figure significantly higher than any other platform we evaluated. This immense library is complemented by a roster of highly respected and acclaimed instructors, creating an unparalleled resource for guitar education. The sheer volume of content can initially feel overwhelming, and navigating the site to find specific lessons or courses can require some familiarization. However, once you become accustomed to TrueFire’s structure, the wealth of learning opportunities becomes readily apparent. For beginners, we recommend starting with the structured Learning Paths, which provide a guided route through foundational concepts.
The video playback features on TrueFire are particularly beneficial for focused practice. The slow-motion and looping capabilities allow users to isolate and repeatedly practice challenging passages at reduced speeds, a simple yet incredibly effective technique for mastering difficult sections. While not exclusive to TrueFire, these features are invaluable tools for any serious guitar student.
While TrueFire is not the most budget-friendly option on this list, especially considering the “lifetime” membership tier, which represents a significant investment, it provides a learning ecosystem that can support a guitarist’s development far beyond the initial stages. The depth and breadth of content justify the cost for dedicated learners seeking long-term growth.
> Save 30% off an All-Access TrueFire with code GWTF30
EXPERT VERDICT: TRUFIRE
EXPERT VERDICT: TRUFIRE
Simon Fellows
“TrueFire offers a smorgasbord of online guitar tuition that’s suitable for beginners and lifelong learners alike. From blues to flamenco, there’s lots for everyone. We have questions about the lacklustre song library, but there’s plenty elsewhere on the site to keep most players busy.”
Read our full TrueFire review
Best for usability and navigation
Acoustic Guitar Classics – The Joker By The Steve Miller Band – YouTube
Acoustic Guitar Classics – The Joker By The Steve Miller Band – YouTube
4. Best for usability: Guitareo ★★★★½
Guitareo, a relative newcomer in the online guitar lesson space, distinguishes itself with its exceptional usability, intuitive navigation, and engaging presentation style. Despite being a newer platform, Guitareo boasts a substantial library of videos and learning resources designed to teach you how to play guitar in a fun and accessible manner. The platform features a team of friendly and engaging presenters who excel at making learning enjoyable. For absolute beginners, Guitareo offers a welcoming and supportive environment, patiently guiding them through the initial stages without ever feeling condescending. The platform’s emphasis is on getting you playing quickly, regardless of your age or prior musical experience, and our testing confirms that Guitareo effectively achieves this goal by making learning both fun and easy to grasp.
Beyond foundational lessons, Guitareo provides resources for more advanced musical concepts like ear training and music theory. The platform’s depth becomes increasingly apparent as you explore its diverse offerings. Guitareo goes beyond traditional lesson formats, incorporating creative and engaging content that encourages players to think outside the box and develop into well-rounded musicians.
The website’s structure is thoughtfully organized into distinct sections, facilitating easy navigation. Dedicated areas cover genre-specific courses, core guitar method lessons, resources for learning a vast number of songs, and unique features like preparation guides for recording sessions. This structured approach ensures that users can easily find the specific content they need, whether they are seeking structured learning paths or exploring specific areas of interest.
One of Guitareo’s most striking features is its user-friendly design and intuitive navigation. While the sheer volume of content might initially feel slightly overwhelming, we quickly adapted to the site’s layout and found it remarkably easy to use and navigate. Guitareo is also one of the more affordable platforms on the market, making high-quality guitar education accessible to a wider range of learners.
> Trial Guitareo for 30-days, exclusive to Guitar World readers
EXPERT VERDICT: GUITAREO
EXPERT VERDICT: GUITAREO
Richard Blenkinsop
“Guitareo is jam packed full of videos containing a wealth of information that will get you playing guitar quickly, regardless of what genre you want to play, or whether you prefer electric or acoustic.”
Read more: Guitareo review
Best for big-name tutors
Guitar Lesson: Alternate Chord Voicings with Dave Isaacs || ArtistWorks – YouTube
Guitar Lesson: Alternate Chord Voicings with Dave Isaacs || ArtistWorks – YouTube
5. Best for star tutors: ArtistWorks Guitar ★★★★½
ArtistWorks Guitar distinguishes itself by prioritizing personalized feedback and leveraging the expertise of world-renowned instructors. A key element often missing in online learning is the direct feedback provided by a live teacher. While self-directed practice is valuable, having an experienced guitarist identify subtle nuances in technique – a slight finger placement adjustment or a change in pick angle – can prevent the development of bad habits and accelerate progress.
ArtistWorks addresses this gap by offering a unique “Video Exchange” feature. Users can submit videos of their playing for assessment by their chosen instructor, who will then provide a personalized video response, pinpointing areas for improvement and offering tailored guidance. This level of individualized feedback is invaluable and traditionally only accessible through in-person lessons. ArtistWorks boasts an impressive roster of star instructors, including guitar luminaries like Paul Gilbert, Andy McKee, Jared James Nichols, Keb’ Mo’, and more. Learning directly from such accomplished musicians offers unparalleled insights and inspiration.
Beyond the Video Exchange feature, ArtistWorks fosters a sense of community among students and teachers, providing a platform for interaction and question-asking. While star instructors are not exclusive to ArtistWorks, the platform’s core focus on connecting students with renowned players and facilitating personalized feedback sets it apart. The courses themselves are comprehensive and in-depth, delving deeply into key topics and requiring a significant time commitment to complete fully. For learners who prefer shorter, bite-sized lessons, ArtistWorks’ comprehensive approach might not be the ideal fit. While we would have appreciated more diverse camera angles in the lesson videos, features like playback speed adjustment are beneficial. Despite being a premium service, the personalized feedback and access to top-tier instructors justify the cost for serious students seeking expert guidance.
EXPERT VERDICT: ARTISTWORKS
EXPERT VERDICT: ARTISTWORKS
Simon Fellows
“The personalised feedback video feature marks ArtistWorks.com out as something special. It’s as close as it gets to having a one-to-one lesson with a big-name teacher.”
Read more: ArtistWorks review
Best game-style learning
Start learning with Simply Guitar! – YouTube
Start learning with Simply Guitar! – YouTube
6. Best for gamers: Simply Guitar ★★★★½
Simply Guitar reimagines guitar learning as an engaging and enjoyable experience, proving that practice doesn’t have to be tedious. Presented as a user-friendly app for iOS and Android devices, Simply Guitar adopts a gamified approach, making learning interactive and fun. From the initial setup, where the app playfully inquires if you even own a guitar, to guiding you through fretboard mastery, Simply Guitar provides a supportive and encouraging learning path. The app’s gamified structure, centered around an animated fretboard, is particularly appealing to younger learners, incentivizing consistent practice through game-like progression and rewards. While perhaps not as comprehensive for advanced players, Simply Guitar provides an excellent and engaging entry point for beginners, particularly children and teenagers showing initial interest in guitar.
The core of Simply Guitar’s gamified approach revolves around an animated fretboard. As notes scroll across the fretboard, players are prompted to play along, unlocking new content and progressing through levels as they accurately play the indicated notes. This interactive approach is highly engaging and contributes to a fun and motivating learning environment. The app provides instant feedback, highlighting mistakes and guiding users back to challenging sections for further practice. This real-time feedback loop is crucial in online learning, where direct teacher interaction is absent, and significantly enhances the learning process. Humorous and professional introductory videos preface each level, adding to the app’s overall engaging and lighthearted tone. While the majority of content is animated, the app’s addictive nature and engaging design keep learners motivated.
Simply Guitar offers a substantial library of contemporary songs, exceeding 1,000 tracks and continually expanding, putting it on par with many competitors in terms of song selection. The song library is thoughtfully curated to appeal to a modern audience, featuring artists from pop and contemporary genres alongside classic rock and blues staples, including popular artists like Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, and Billie Eilish. This diverse selection ensures that learners can engage with music they enjoy, further enhancing motivation and enjoyment. As an app-only platform, Simply Guitar requires a compatible iOS or Android device.
> Save 20% off an annual Simply Guitar subscription
EXPERT VERDICT: SIMPLY GUITAR
EXPERT VERDICT: SIMPLY GUITAR
Simon Fellows
“Simply Guitar’s joyful take on guitar tuition is fun to the point of being addictive. Its extensive song library and real-time feedback should keep even the most jaded player enthused.”
Read our full Simply Guitar review
Best advanced lessons
Chromatic Spice in 15 Steps! – YouTube
Chromatic Spice in 15 Steps! – YouTube
7. Best advanced lessons: JTC Guitar ★★★★½
JTC Guitar (formerly Jam Track Central) caters specifically to intermediate and advanced guitarists seeking to push their playing to the next level. While many online platforms focus heavily on beginner and intermediate content, JTC Guitar fills a crucial niche by providing challenging and in-depth lessons for experienced players. It’s a go-to resource for those who have reached a plateau in their playing and are looking for advanced techniques and concepts to break through to new levels of proficiency.
While JTC Guitar does offer some beginner material, it’s less geared towards absolute novices. The platform’s strength lies in its advanced content, which can be easily overwhelming for beginners. JTC Guitar leans heavily towards rock, metal, fusion, and progressive styles, making it an ideal choice for players passionate about these genres. While some acoustic, country, and blues content is available, it is less prominent compared to the platform’s core genres.
JTC Guitar boasts an impressive roster of instructors, including guitar virtuosos like Guthrie Govan and Jeff Loomis, ensuring high-quality instruction from leading players. The platform offers a wealth of downloadable materials, allowing users to practice away from the screen and further reinforcing learning concepts. One of JTC Guitar’s standout features is its highly customizable video interface. Users can choose to display tablature, a piano roll, or a visual fingerboard alongside the video lesson, catering to diverse learning preferences. Furthermore, the ability to remove the guitar track from backing tracks allows for focused practice and improvisation over professional-quality backing music.
> Read more below
EXPERT VERDICT: JTC GUITAR
EXPERT VERDICT: JTC GUITAR
Richard Blenkinsop
“JTC Guitar has a lot of top-quality content, presented by some incredible players that will help guitarists, particularly more advanced players, improve their skills, particularly within the rock, metal and progressive worlds.”
Read more: JTC Guitar review
Best free lessons
How to Mix Lead & Rhythm in a Blues – YouTube
How to Mix Lead & Rhythm in a Blues – YouTube
8. Best free lessons: JustinGuitar ★★★★½
JustinGuitar, spearheaded by the renowned Justin Sandercoe, stands out as the premier source for genuinely free, high-quality online guitar lessons. For learners on a tight budget who still seek structured, expert-led instruction, JustinGuitar offers an exceptional and completely free resource. Justin Sandercoe is a respected figure in the guitar education world, and his platform reflects his years of experience and dedication to making guitar learning accessible to everyone.
For absolute beginners, JustinGuitar provides one of the most comprehensive and effective introductory experiences available, and it’s entirely free of charge. More advanced players will also find valuable resources in the form of tutorials and downloadable practice materials, ensuring that JustinGuitar caters to a wide range of skill levels. The quality of instruction is exceptional, with Justin Sandercoe’s clear and engaging teaching style honed over years of experience. The production quality of the videos is also impressive, particularly considering the platform’s free nature. While some older videos may show their age, JustinGuitar has recently reorganized and re-shot much of its content, resulting in a modern and polished learning experience.
JustinGuitar offers a substantial collection of nearly 700 song lessons, providing ample material for practice and repertoire building. While other platforms may boast larger song libraries, the quality and clarity of JustinGuitar’s song lessons are noteworthy. While YouTube served as Justin’s initial platform for sharing his lessons, his premium, paid content is also well worth considering for those seeking even more in-depth instruction.
> Read more below
EXPERT VERDICT: JUSTINGUITAR
EXPERT VERDICT: JUSTINGUITAR
Simon Fellows
“Proof that the best things in life really can be free. A recent ‘spit ‘n polish’ adds a pro sheen to the site, which now comfortably competes with its paid-for competition.”
Read more: JustinGuitar review
Best bespoke lessons
Til guitar lessons displayed on a laptop and smartphone
(Image credit: Til)
9. Best bespoke lessons: Til ★★★★½
Til offers a unique approach to online guitar lessons, diverging from the typical subscription-based, self-paced learning model. Instead, Til emulates the traditional student-teacher relationship, connecting learners with professional guitar tutors for personalized, interactive lessons. This platform caters particularly to players who are further along in their guitar journey and seek targeted guidance to refine specific skills or address individual challenges.
Til’s primary strength lies in the caliber of its instructors, all of whom are active professionals in the music industry. This ensures that students receive real-world, practical instruction tailored to their specific needs and goals. Whether you aim to master the CAGED system, delve into jazz improvisation, or simply identify and strengthen weak areas in your playing, Til provides focused lessons to address your specific needs. Lessons can be sorted by skill level, musical style, and teacher availability, making it easy to find the perfect instructor. Til also offers group lessons, providing a collaborative learning environment where students can interact, share tips, and receive feedback from both the instructor and peers. While perhaps not ideal for absolute beginners seeking structured learning paths, Til is an excellent resource for intermediate and advanced players looking for personalized instruction to elevate their playing.
> Get $10 off your first Til lesson
EXPERT VERDICT: TIL
EXPERT VERDICT: TIL
Matt McCracken
“Perfect for players who want pinpoint improvements in their guitar technique, Til’s major strength lies in its assembly of top-tier guitar tutors. It’s a clever take on the way that guitar was taught before the internet age, utilizing technology to connect students and teachers across the globe.”
Read more: Til review
Price comparison
Want to see how our top choices compare for price and value? We’ve compiled this comparison chart for an easy visual. All $ prices are correct at the time of writing. Some £ prices have been converted from $ as they aren’t explicitly available on the platform’s site.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Service | Free trial | Monthly | Yearly | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Tricks | 14-days | $19.99/£15.99 | $179.99/£141.99 | N/A |
| Fender Play | 7-days | $19.99/£19.49 | $149.99/£144.99 | N/A |
| TrueFire | 30-days | $29/£21 | $249/£178 | $2,499/£1,800 |
| Guitareo | 30-days (with GW promo) | $15/$12 | $120/£95 | $1,200/£945 |
| ArtistWorks | Sample lessons | $35/£25 (3-month plan), $30/£21 (6-month plan) | $279/£198 | N/A |
| Simply Guitar | 7-days | $9.99/£9.99 | $119.99/£109.99 | N/A |
| JTC Guitar | 14-days | $25/£19.99 | $224/£179.99 | N/A |
| Justin Guitar | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Til | N/A | $30 to $120 per lesson | N/A | N/A |
Also tested
So those are our top picks, but we’ve tested (and continue to test) plenty of other great options in the process of compiling and maintaining this guide. These all offer something a little different and worth your consideration.
Yousician★★★½
$9.99/£7 per month or $119.99/£86 per year | 7-day free trial | Feature: Audio-recognition technology, 9k lessons, 1,800 songs
Yousician distinguishes itself by incorporating audio-recognition technology and gamification elements into online guitar learning, similar to Simply Guitar. Drawing inspiration from games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, Yousician uses your device’s microphone to listen to your playing and provide real-time feedback on accuracy and timing. This interactive approach can be particularly motivating for younger learners, offering instant gratification and encouraging repeated practice. Yousician provides a vast library of lessons and songs, making it a comprehensive learning platform.
Can’t decide between Yousician or Simply Guitar? We go deeper in our Yousician vs Simply Guitar comparison piece. And see how Yousician compares with Fender Play here.
Read more: Yousician review
Pickup MusicPickup Music ★★★★½
$29.99 per month or $179.99 per year | 14-day free trial | Key features: Graded learning pathways, daily exercises, personalised feedback, master classes, 5 minute lessons, artist lessons, downloadable exercises
Pickup Music aims to bridge the gap between online and in-person guitar lessons by emphasizing personalization and interactivity. The platform offers graded learning pathways, daily exercises, personalized feedback, masterclasses, concise 5-minute lessons, artist-led lessons, and downloadable exercises, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. The website is user-friendly, and upon logging in, a chatbot assists in navigating the platform and finding relevant content. Beginner lessons are particularly well-structured, explaining concepts clearly and enabling immediate playing. New features like 1-on-1 video feedback and weekly live lessons further enhance the interactive learning environment.
Read more: Pickup Music review
Gibson: Learn & Play Guitar★★★★½
$19.99 monthly, $119.99 yearly | 7-day free trial | Key features: In-depth learning path for novice to intermediate level players. Gamified, animated fretboard. Video tutorials with world-class teachers. Augmented reality amp feature
The Gibson: Learn & Play Guitar app is particularly well-suited for novice guitarists interested in blues, classic rock, and metal. The app provides a gamified learning path with a notation-rich animated fretboard and detailed video lessons featuring world-class instructors. Similar to Simply Guitar and Yousician, the Gibson app utilizes gamification to motivate learners and track progress. An augmented reality amp feature adds an innovative element to the learning experience. However, the app’s content is currently less extensive for intermediate players or those interested in genres beyond blues, rock, and metal.
Read more: Gibson: Learn & Play Guitar review
Orange Learn ★★★★Orange Learn ★★★★
Monthly/annual costs charged according to desired grade level | Free to join with various paid for courses once you’re signed up | Key features: Accredited course for learners of all levels
Orange Learn distinguishes itself by offering accredited guitar courses designed to lead to official graded qualifications. While many platforms focus on content volume, Orange Learn prioritizes credibility and structured learning. Courses range from beginner to Grade 8 levels, with online tutors available for support. Orange Learn provides a pathway for learners seeking formal recognition of their guitar skills through graded qualifications.
Read more: Orange Learn review
How to choose the best online guitar lessons for you
Best online guitar lessons: Lady playing guitar at laptop
(Image credit: Getty/Westend61)
Learning any instrument, be it guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, or even flugelhorn, is a deeply personal and rewarding endeavor. Individual learning preferences vary significantly. Some learners thrive with minimal guidance, preferring to self-direct their learning after initial pointers, while others benefit from more structured lessons and regular feedback. Fortunately, the diverse landscape of online guitar lessons caters to a wide spectrum of learning styles and needs.
If you’ve already explored some of the leading online guitar lesson platforms, you’ve likely noticed certain commonalities. Typically, you subscribe, select a learning path, and gain access to a series of video lessons. However, subtle yet crucial variations exist between platforms, along with additional features like personalized feedback and live lessons, which can significantly impact your learning experience and long-term engagement. When choosing the best online guitar lessons for you, consider the following key factors, which also guide our testing process:
- Structure: Evaluate the logical flow and clarity of lesson and course structure. Is the content presented sequentially and easy to navigate? Assess the overall site or app navigation – can you quickly and easily find the content you need?
- Quality of lessons: Look for high-quality video production with multiple camera angles to clearly demonstrate techniques. Assess the clarity of instruction – are techniques and theories explained and demonstrated effectively, or are they confusing or ambiguous? Consider the instructor’s presentation style – is it friendly, engaging, and respectful?
- Useful tools: Identify helpful features that enhance learning. While basic tools like metronomes and tuners are readily available separately, valuable platform-specific tools include video speed control, looping capabilities, and on-screen tablature display.
- Pacing: Consider the lesson pacing. Lessons that progress too quickly can be overwhelming and demotivating, while overly slow pacing can lead to boredom. Determine if the platform’s approach aligns with your learning goals – do you prioritize learning chords and scales for songwriting, or learning riffs and songs to grasp fundamentals?
- Price: Factor in the monthly cost alongside your existing financial commitments. Evaluate the perceived value – does the platform’s features and content justify the price? Utilize free trials to assess the platform’s suitability before committing to a subscription.
Learning guitar requires dedication and consistent effort. Embarking on this journey means committing to a potentially lengthy process, often involving initial challenges and finger soreness. However, remember that the rewards of musical expression and guitar proficiency are well worth the effort.
How we test online guitar lessons services
Man holding an acoustic guitar sits in front of his laptop
(Image credit: Getty/Westend61)
Guitar World’s online guitar lessons review process maintains editorial independence and is free from external influence. We evaluate platforms using either complimentary subscriptions provided by the platforms themselves or through self-purchased subscriptions. Each platform undergoes testing for at least two weeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of its functionality and impact on playing.
Recognizing the continuous evolution of online learning platforms, our reviews are not static. We regularly re-evaluate and re-test services following significant updates, adjusting reviews and ratings accordingly. This guide is also periodically updated to reflect the latest platform changes and our current top recommendations.
Every online lesson service featured in this guide has been thoroughly reviewed. Our testing extends beyond these highlighted platforms; we continuously assess new services entering the market. However, we maintain a curated list, only including platforms that meet our rigorous criteria. Our aim is to provide a focused and helpful guide, highlighting the best options for specific needs rather than overwhelming readers with an exhaustive, undifferentiated list.
We capture screenshots of platforms during testing, incorporating them into our detailed reviews, which are linked within this guide. Testing is conducted across multiple devices and skill levels, approaching each lesson from a user’s perspective. Our testing team evaluates each platform based on the following criteria:
- Ease of registration/setup
- Quality of content/tutors
- Range of content
- Song library
- Other useful features
This structured approach ensures accurate, balanced, and practical reviews, enabling readers to determine if a particular service aligns with their learning needs.
Our detailed testing criteria:
- Ease of registration/setup: How straightforward is the sign-up process and finding relevant content based on preferences and skill level? For platforms with free trials, is the trial easy to access, set up, and cancel?
- Quality of content/tutors: Is the video content clear, well-produced, and audibly sound? Are instructors engaging, knowledgeable, and able to communicate information effectively in a friendly manner? Are play-along songs and downloadable materials user-friendly?
- Range of content: Does the platform offer content for all skill levels or focus on specific areas? We assess the breadth of offerings and identify strengths and weaknesses, aiming to recommend platforms best suited to particular player types.
- Songs: How extensive is the song library, and does it cover a diverse range of genres? Are song lessons comprehensive, concise, or a mix of both?
- Other features: How intuitive is the overall platform navigation? Is content well-organized and learning paths clear? Does the platform offer live-streamed content or community features? Are there additional useful features like video speed control or looping? Is content accessible across multiple platforms (web and mobile)? Is offline content viewing available?
Read more about Guitar World’s rating system, gear selection process, and detailed product testing methodology.
Why trust us
20+ online lessons services reviewed for this guide, by real players and students of the guitar
Over 40,000 reviews on GuitarWorld.com
30+ years of product testing at Guitar World
The Guitar World brand has been a leading voice in guitar journalism since 1980, starting with its print magazine, which quickly became an essential resource for guitarists. GuitarWorld.com, launched in 1994, extends this legacy to a global online audience of over 3.8 million guitarists monthly, providing up-to-date guitar news and helping players find the right gear through reviews and buyer’s guides. GuitarWorld.com currently hosts over 40,000 product reviews, with new reviews added regularly.
Our testing team comprises:
- Expert reviewers with decades of experience testing and using a wide range of guitar products and services.
- Industry professionals with extensive experience in the guitar and music industries.
- Writers with prior roles at guitar companies and leading guitar publications.
- Guitar instructors with successful teaching practices and experience creating lesson content for magazines and websites like Guitar World.
Chris Schwarten
I’ve been playing guitar since the age of 10, experiencing the many joys and challenges that come with being a guitarist. My initial training included group lessons followed by five years of private instruction specializing in blues guitar. While pursuing guitar grades, I faced a setback with trigger thumb in both hands, requiring surgery and rehabilitation. Despite this, guitar remains a central part of my life, and I’ve been involved in various live and recording projects. Currently, I play in an independently signed alternative rock band based in London, poised to release our debut album. Since 2020, I’ve also contributed to Guitar World by rigorously researching, testing, and reviewing numerous guitar-related products, including the online lesson platforms featured in this guide.
FAQs
Man wearing headphones and holding an acoustic guitar takes a lesson via his laptop
(Image credit: Getty/Francesco Carta fotografo)
What are online guitar lessons?
Online guitar lessons, as the name implies, are guitar lessons accessed via the internet, typically through a web browser or dedicated app, and primarily delivered through video instruction. This guide focuses on subscription-based online guitar lesson platforms that offer comprehensive access to a range of lessons and features. These platforms generally provide structured curricula, ensuring learners progress through concepts in a logical order and at an appropriate pace. However, the quality of online guitar lessons varies significantly. Freely available online content, particularly on platforms like YouTube, can be inconsistent in quality, lack structure, and sometimes be inaccurate.
Do I need an internet connection for online lessons?
Yes, accessing online guitar lessons requires an internet connection, whether through a home network or mobile data. However, some platforms offer the option to temporarily download content for offline viewing, which is beneficial for situations with limited internet access, such as travel.
How much do online guitar lessons cost?
The cost of online guitar lessons varies widely depending on the platform, subscription tier, and features offered. Monthly subscriptions typically start around $9.99/£9.99, with annual subscriptions often available at a discounted rate. Some platforms also offer lifetime subscriptions for a one-time fee, providing long-term access. Free trials, ranging from 7 to 30 days, are commonly offered, allowing potential subscribers to explore content before committing financially. Some platforms offer free sign-up with pay-per-content access. Platforms like Til offer a different model, charging per lesson rather than a subscription. Compared to the average cost of in-person guitar lessons, which can range from $40-$60 per hour, online lessons offer a significantly more affordable alternative.
Is it worth paying for online guitar lessons?
Yes, paying for online guitar lessons is generally worthwhile, especially for beginners. While free resources exist, they often lack structure, quality control, and reliable instruction. Paid platforms offer curated content, structured learning paths, and often include features like progress tracking, personalized feedback, and community support. Free trials allow you to assess a platform’s value before committing to a subscription.
Are online lessons better than face-to-face?
Both online and face-to-face guitar lessons have advantages and disadvantages. In-person lessons offer immediate feedback and personalized interaction with an instructor. However, they can be more expensive and less flexible in terms of scheduling and location. Online lessons offer convenience, affordability, and a vast library of resources accessible anytime, anywhere. Some platforms incorporate feedback mechanisms and community features to enhance interaction. Ultimately, the “better” option depends on individual learning preferences, budget, and learning style. A hybrid approach, combining online learning with occasional in-person lessons, can also be effective.
Latest updates
Recent updates
11/08/24: We’ve added Til to this guide as a new recommendation, highlighting its unique approach of interactive, one-to-one or group lessons with pay-per-lesson access. We’ve also included a dedicated verdict section at the end of each platform review.
08/06/24: A major update has been completed, including: Guitar Tricks promoted to “best overall” after re-evaluation; new star rating boxes added for each platform, providing individual ratings and an overall score; price comparison table added; “who is this for” boxouts included for each platform; FAQs, how to buy, and how we test sections updated.
04/19/24: The JTC Guitar entry has been updated to reflect the platform’s name change and provide more in-depth information, coinciding with our full JTC Guitar review publication.
02/16/24: Clearer labels have been added to top product picks, clarifying which platform is best suited for specific player types.
01/25/24: This guide has been refreshed for 2024, improving navigation and making it easier to find the right guitar lessons service. Quick reference “buy if/avoid if” boxes have been added to each platform entry for instant suitability assessment.
