You’ve likely seen the ads. Breakthrough Guitar (BG) is everywhere, promising a revolutionary method to unlock the fretboard and transform your playing. The internet buzz is undeniable, with many guitarists intrigued by the bold claims and the promise of a “secret” approach. But amidst the hype, a crucial question lingers: is Breakthrough Guitar truly a breakthrough, or just clever marketing?
Skeptics abound, and for good reason. As one Reddit user pointed out, the promotional videos often feel vague, stringing viewers along with the allure of a hidden secret without ever quite revealing what it is upfront. This raises valid concerns: What exactly is this secret method? And more importantly, is Breakthrough Guitar worth investing your time and money into?
The truth is, the core concepts behind Breakthrough Guitar aren’t entirely new. In fact, they’re rooted in the work of another guitarist, Michael Pillitiere. So, is Breakthrough Guitar simply a repackaged version of existing knowledge, or does it offer a genuinely valuable approach to learning guitar?
This in-depth review aims to cut through the marketing noise and provide an honest assessment of Breakthrough Guitar. We’ll delve into the method itself, compare it to its source material, examine the pros and cons, and ultimately help you decide if Breakthrough Guitar is the right path for your guitar journey. My conclusion? It’s complicated – and maybe.
Honest Review of the Marketing Machine & Method of Breakthrough Guitar
Unpacking Breakthrough Guitar: The Method and the Marketing
The “Secret” Revealed: Pillitiere’s Guitar Rosetta Stone
The foundation of Breakthrough Guitar’s method isn’t actually a secret at all. As even Boyd, the face of Breakthrough Guitar, readily admits, the approach is derived from the work of classical guitarist Michael Pillitiere. Pillitiere, often dubbed as having discovered the “Guitar Rosetta Stone” by his followers, has been sharing his systematic approach to understanding the guitar fretboard for years.
The good news is, Pillitiere’s method is readily available, largely for free. A quick search on YouTube will reveal a wealth of videos where Pillitiere meticulously lays out his system. He’s also authored an online book further detailing his approach. Reddit threads are filled with users pointing out this connection, urging potential Breakthrough Guitar customers to explore Pillitiere’s resources first.
Essentially, Pillitiere cracked the code, identifying an algorithm-like structure within the guitar fretboard that simplifies learning scales, chords, and improvisation. He presents this information directly, focusing on empowering guitarists with the complete method.
Breakdown of Breakthrough Guitar’s Approach
Where Breakthrough Guitar, led by Boyd, differentiates itself is in its delivery and marketing. Boyd takes Pillitiere’s somewhat dense and comprehensive method and breaks it down into smaller, more digestible modules. This approach caters to students who might find Pillitiere’s all-encompassing style overwhelming.
Breakthrough Guitar emphasizes a structured learning path, guiding students step-by-step. Boyd’s teaching style is more personable and encouraging, creating a sense of trust and support. He focuses on guiding students gradually, ensuring they grasp each concept before moving on. This aligns with modern online learning principles, designed to keep students engaged and prevent them from feeling lost.
However, this structured approach comes at a cost. Breakthrough Guitar operates on a typical marketing funnel. It starts with a free “lightbulb moment” lesson designed to hook potential students. This is followed by a “tripwire” offer, a low-cost introductory course, and then the core “Guitar Grid 101” course, along with community access offerings.
The marketing strategy employed by Breakthrough Guitar heavily relies on techniques like Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and promises of bonuses to entice sign-ups. While effective in generating sales, these tactics can sometimes overshadow the actual value of the content itself, leading to skepticism, as highlighted in the original article’s experience with perceived bonus discrepancies and marketing pressure.
Concerns and Criticisms: Where Breakthrough Guitar Falls Short
While Breakthrough Guitar presents a well-packaged and accessible learning experience, several criticisms are worth considering:
Not the Originator
As mentioned, the core method isn’t original to Breakthrough Guitar. Boyd himself acknowledges learning from a classical guitarist, referring to Pillitiere’s method. This isn’t inherently negative, as many educators build upon existing knowledge. However, it’s crucial for potential students to be aware of the source and understand they are essentially learning a derivative of Pillitiere’s work.
Cost and Value
This is a major point of contention. Pillitiere offers his core method freely on YouTube and sells a comprehensive eBook for a minimal price, often around $2-$4. Breakthrough Guitar, on the other hand, positions itself as a premium product with significantly higher costs. The original article highlights a price of $99 for the signature course and additional monthly fees for community access.
The question becomes: are the added structure, digestible format, and Boyd’s teaching style worth the substantial price difference compared to accessing Pillitiere’s method directly? For budget-conscious learners, or those comfortable with self-directed learning, Pillitiere’s resources offer incredible value at a fraction of the cost.
Marketing Tactics
The aggressive marketing funnel and FOMO tactics employed by Breakthrough Guitar can be off-putting for some. The original review details experiences with perceived “bonus busts,” ambiguous testimonials, and high-pressure sales techniques. While marketing is a necessary part of any business, overly aggressive strategies can erode trust and raise questions about the product’s true value proposition.
Breakthrough Guitar Tripwire Course
Customer Service
The original article also mentions potential customer service issues, including delays in refunds and difficulties resolving bonus access problems. While these may be isolated incidents, they highlight the importance of considering customer support when choosing an online learning platform. Operating from Puerto Rico, as mentioned in the original text, could potentially add complexities to customer service interactions for those in the continental US.
Questionable Breakthrough Guitar Reviews
Pillitiere’s Perspective: Simplicity and Affordability
In stark contrast to Breakthrough Guitar’s marketing-heavy approach, Michael Pillitiere presents his method with a no-frills, purely informational style. He comes across as an engineer of guitar knowledge, prioritizing clarity and logic over emotional appeals. His focus is solely on the method itself, stripped of marketing buzzwords and sales funnels.
Pillitiere’s resources are incredibly accessible and affordable. His YouTube channel is free, and his ebook is priced as low as coffee money. This reflects his apparent goal: to share his insights and empower guitarists with knowledge, rather than building a large commercial enterprise. He offers the core method directly, assuming students are capable of self-directed learning and application.
Guitar Scale Diagram Example
The Verdict: Is Breakthrough Guitar Worth It?
So, is Breakthrough Guitar a genuine breakthrough? Not in terms of originality of method. However, it could be a breakthrough for certain types of learners.
Breakthrough Guitar might be worth it if:
- You prefer structured, step-by-step learning: Boyd’s approach breaks down a potentially complex method into manageable chunks, offering a guided learning experience.
- You value a supportive and encouraging teacher: Boyd’s teaching style may resonate with students who appreciate a personable and motivating instructor.
- You are willing to pay for convenience and a packaged experience: Breakthrough Guitar provides a curated learning path, community access (at an additional cost), and a polished presentation.
However, you might prefer Pillitiere’s approach if:
- You are a self-directed learner: You are comfortable navigating Pillitiere’s more direct, less packaged method.
- You are budget-conscious: Pillitiere’s free YouTube resources and low-cost ebook offer incredible value.
- You prefer a no-nonsense, information-focused approach: You are less swayed by marketing and prefer a purely technical presentation of the method.
Ultimately, the “secret” of Breakthrough Guitar is not a secret at all, but rather a repackaging and marketing of Michael Pillitiere’s readily available method. Whether Breakthrough Guitar is “worth it” depends entirely on your individual learning style, budget, and tolerance for marketing hype. Before investing, explore Michael Pillitiere’s resources. You might find the true breakthrough you seek is already freely available.
What are your thoughts on Breakthrough Guitar and similar online guitar learning platforms? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
