Finding the right guitar teacher can be a game-changer, whether you’re just starting out or aiming to take your playing to the next level. While traditional lessons offer personalized guidance, they can sometimes be expensive, and not every teacher is the perfect fit. Luckily, the internet, and particularly YouTube, has democratized guitar education, offering a wealth of resources right at your fingertips.
Beyond Guitar World magazine arriving at your door each month and the lessons readily available on guitarworld.com for every skill level—from absolute beginners tentatively exploring the fretboard to seasoned players debating the merits of different plectrum thicknesses—YouTube stands out as an invaluable platform. Especially in times when leaving home might be restricted, YouTube provides an accessible and often free gateway to high-quality guitar instruction.
Here, we present a curated list of the Best Youtube Guitar Lessons channels, highlighting why they excel and what makes them stand out. While many of these instructors also offer comprehensive programs on their own websites, their YouTube content provides a fantastic glimpse into their teaching styles and expertise. You’ll discover channels catering to all skill levels, but beginners especially will find an encouraging abundance of resources, covering fundamental music theory and the essential first steps in learning chords and scales.
Speaking of scales, let’s dive right in and explore some of the best instructors who can help you master everything from basic chords to advanced techniques, starting with a master of the pentatonic scale… Paul Gilbert!
1. ArtistWorks
Paul Gilbert Guitar Lessons: Pentatonic Solo (Part 1) – YouTube
Paul Gilbert Guitar Lessons: Pentatonic Solo (Part 1) – YouTube
Few guitarists wield the pentatonic scale with as much flair and musicality as Paul Gilbert. This YouTube lesson is a gem for intermediate players who are familiar with the scale but seek practical application. Gilbert expertly revisits the pentatonic shapes across the fretboard, then handpicks choice notes to demonstrate their creative potential. It’s a lesson designed to bridge the gap between scale practice and musical expression.
This lesson is a taste of the comprehensive ArtistWorks Online Rock Guitar School with Paul Gilbert. Gilbert’s teaching style is characterized by enthusiasm, approachability, and genuine encouragement. Beyond Gilbert, ArtistWorks boasts a diverse faculty, including Dave Stryker for jazz guitar and Keith Wyatt for blues, ensuring a broad spectrum of musical styles are covered. ArtistWorks provides a rich online learning environment for aspiring guitarists of all genres.
2. Andy Guitar
Guitar Lesson 1 – Absolute Beginner? Start Here! [Free 10 Day Starter Course] – YouTube
Guitar Lesson 1 – Absolute Beginner? Start Here! [Free 10 Day Starter Course] – YouTube
Andy Guitar, helmed by Andy Crowley, boasts over 1.28 million subscribers on YouTube, a testament to his effective teaching methods. His lessons, available on YouTube and his dedicated website, are often described as almost magical in their clarity and ease of understanding.
This introductory lesson from Andy is perfect for absolute beginners. He patiently guides you through the fundamentals, starting with the essential skill of playing chords. Andy acknowledges the initial challenges of learning guitar, including finger discomfort, and offers practical advice: take breaks when needed, and persevere. He emphasizes the remarkable progress achievable in a short time and the rewarding feeling of accomplishment that fuels continued learning. Andy Guitar provides the supportive guidance every beginner needs to start their guitar journey with confidence.
3. JustinGuitar
Seven Nation Army Easy Beginner Riff | Justin Guitar Beginner Lesson 3 Tutorial [B1-309] – YouTube
Seven Nation Army Easy Beginner Riff | Justin Guitar Beginner Lesson 3 Tutorial [B1-309] – YouTube
Justin Sandercoe of JustinGuitar is another YouTube sensation with over a million subscribers (YouTube channel). His YouTube channel and website are treasure troves of learning resources, particularly for beginners. Justin is renowned for his clear communication and beginner-focused approach, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable.
The featured lesson on the “Seven Nation Army” riff by The White Stripes is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s an instantly recognizable riff that serves as a motivating early goal. Justin expertly breaks down the riff, highlighting the nuances and details often missed. His attention to detail is crucial in preventing the development of bad habits early on. Justin’s free beginner course is widely praised for being fun, easy to follow, and incredibly comprehensive. His “Nitsuj” series, where he learns to play left-handed, further demonstrates his empathy and commitment to showing learners that everyone faces initial challenges, making achievements all the more rewarding. JustinGuitar is a cornerstone resource for anyone starting their guitar journey.
4. Marty Music
EASY Guitar Riffs to Kickstart Your Playing – YouTube
EASY Guitar Riffs to Kickstart Your Playing – YouTube
Marty Schwartz of Marty Music (Marty’s website) is known for his upbeat energy and exceptional ability to explain guitar techniques in a clear and engaging manner, perfectly suited for online learning. His YouTube lessons are not only informative but also highly entertaining. He seamlessly transitions from teaching popular themes like the “Game of Thrones” or “Spongebob Squarepants” theme songs to deconstructing classic songs like Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” for acoustic guitar. Marty’s diverse lesson content keeps learning fresh and exciting.
Beyond lessons, Marty’s “Guitar Tours” series offers a relaxed and enjoyable break where viewers can watch Marty interact and jam with experienced players. Marty Music provides a wide range of online resources catering to various styles, skill levels, and budgets, making it a versatile choice for guitarists at any stage.
5. Music Is Win
The Complicated (but EASY) Chord Progression – YouTube
The Complicated (but EASY) Chord Progression – YouTube
The Music Is Win YouTube channel (Music Is Win YouTube Channel) is a vibrant and engaging space for guitar enthusiasts. While offering a wealth of content on guitar culture and related topics, their lessons are particularly noteworthy. The featured lesson on chord progressions effectively breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible segments, opening up new avenues for understanding and applying chord progressions in songwriting.
For intermediate players, a lesson deconstructing the chord progression of “Stairway to Heaven” and demonstrating how altering chord voicings can dramatically change its feel is incredibly inspiring. Music Is Win offers the “Guitar Super System” subscription, providing HD video lessons across diverse styles and skill levels at an affordable monthly price, making it an excellent value for comprehensive guitar education.
6. JamPlay
Blues Turnaround In A – YouTube
Blues Turnaround In A – YouTube
JamPlay, spearheaded by Mark Lettieri, hosts an impressive collection of lessons on their YouTube channel, with more extensive programs available on their website. Lettieri himself is a phenomenal guitarist with collaborations ranging from Snoop Dogg to David Crosby, and his teaching skills are equally impressive.
JamPlay’s instructor roster includes talents like Prashant Aswani, known for hybrid-picking lessons that push experienced players to refine their technique, and DJ Phillips, whose “Blues Turnaround in A” lesson is showcased here. While online lessons can’t fully replicate the in-person experience, JamPlay’s split-screen format comes remarkably close, making lessons exceptionally easy to follow and visually engaging. JamPlay excels in providing structured, high-quality online guitar education.
7. TrueFire
Robben Ford Guitar Lesson – Diminished Scale Blues – TrueFire – YouTube
Robben Ford Guitar Lesson – Diminished Scale Blues – TrueFire – YouTube
TrueFire offers a comprehensive online guitar education platform (TrueFire YouTube Channel) accessible across various devices. Their faculty boasts an impressive lineup of instructors, including touring musicians and seasoned session players. The Robben Ford blues lesson featured here exemplifies the quality of instruction available on TrueFire.
Ford is a natural teacher on camera, articulate in sharing his guitar insights and discoveries, making complex concepts understandable. TrueFire enhances the learning experience with features like lesson slow-down and looping, along with integrated tools such as a tuner, metronome, and reference charts. TrueFire provides a robust and feature-rich environment for serious guitar study.
8. Fender
How To Play Triple Stop Bends | Fender Play | Fender – YouTube
How To Play Triple Stop Bends | Fender Play | Fender – YouTube
Fender, a giant in the guitar industry, extends its commitment to music education through Fender Play. Fender Play is their online learning platform (Fender Play Website ) designed to quickly get you playing your favorite songs across devices.
Fender’s YouTube presence features a selection of educational content alongside gear demos and other social media content. Searching #FenderPlay reveals a wealth of concise and valuable lessons, such as the one on triple-stop bends highlighted here. Fender Play lessons are characterized by high production quality and skilled instructors.
9. The Art-of-Guitar
Mike from Art-of-Guitar offers a subscription program, and his YouTube channel serves as a great introduction to his teaching style. In this lesson, he covers 21 techniques employed by Randy Rhoads in a concise half-hour.
Mike from the Art-of-Guitar demonstrating Randy Rhoads techniques on YouTube.
This lesson is particularly beneficial for intermediate to advanced players looking to master Randy Rhoads’ iconic style or broaden their technical skills. While tabs might be desired for in-depth study, this YouTube lesson effectively showcases the value of Art-of-Guitar’s paid content. The Art-of-Guitar channel is a valuable resource for players seeking to refine their technique and explore specific guitar styles.
10. JamTrack Central aka JTC Guitar
Luca Mantovanelli’s Legato Masterclass Box Set! – YouTube
Mike from the Art-of-Guitar demonstrating Randy Rhoads techniques on YouTube.
The JTC Guitar YouTube channel (JTC Guitar YouTube Channel) is packed with inspiring content. It features performances from renowned guitarists like Andy James and Guthrie Govan, alongside a vast library of backing tracks in various styles and keys, perfect for improvisation practice.
Complementing their YouTube content, JamTrack Central’s website offers a wide array of in-depth teaching modules, including masterclasses with expert players, all produced in high definition. JTC Guitar is a premier destination for advanced players seeking to hone their skills and explore improvisation with top-tier instructors and resources.
In conclusion, YouTube offers an unprecedented wealth of best YouTube guitar lessons, catering to every level and musical interest. From absolute beginners picking up the guitar for the first time to seasoned players seeking advanced techniques, these channels provide high-quality instruction, often for free. Explore these resources, find instructors that resonate with your learning style, and embark on or continue your exciting guitar journey today!
