10 Online Platforms to Learn Guitar: The Best Free and Paid Options

—NOT AN SPONSORED CONTENT–

Learning guitar online has never been easier. With countless platforms available, finding the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, online lessons provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Today, we’ll dive into 10 top-notch platforms—five free and five paid—that can help you on your guitar journey. Let’s explore the pros, cons, and unique features of each.

Free Platforms

1. JustinGuitar

Justin Sandercoe’s lessons are perfect for beginners. His teaching style is friendly, structured, and easy to follow.

Pros: There’s a huge library of lessons that cover everything from basic chords to more advanced techniques. Cons: The free content can be limited compared to paid options.

2. YouTube

The platform speaks for itself, but don’t treat YouTube as just a time-waster or entertainment hub. Instead, search for lessons and dedicate specific time for learning. If something interests you, save it for later!

Pros: There are endless guitar tutorials available, covering every genre and technique you could imagine. You can learn everything from classic rock riffs to jazz scales. Cons: It’s easy to get distracted with so many videos, making it hard to stay organized.

3. Fender Play Free Trial

If you’ve purchased a guitar from the Fender Musical Instruments group, you’ve probably noticed a label promoting Fender Play. Have you ever tried it? It’s Fender’s dive into music education—and a way to get a little more of your hard-earned cash. But who knows? You might connect with the platform’s style, content, or instructors

Pros: Fender Play offers a 14-day free trial, and it’s user-friendly. It’s a great way to explore their library of lessons without committing financially. Cons: After the free trial, you’ll need to subscribe to continue.

4. GuitarLessons365

Carl Brown’s educational platform is definitely worth checking out. It offers a solid selection of content, though the free material is limited, and the subscription can be a bit pricey. The platform’s design feels a bit outdated, but that could just be me. Still, many guitarists love Carl’s teaching style, so why not give the trial version a shot?

Pros: The site offers free lessons covering everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques. The lesson structure is simple, and the videos are easy to follow. Cons: Some of the more in-depth lessons require a subscription. Tip: Use the free lessons to build a strong foundation before diving into premium content.

5. Marty Music

Marty Schwartz is one of YouTube’s most popular guitar instructors, known for his fun and easy-to-follow lessons that cover a wide range of songs and techniques.

Pros: You’ll get the classic Marty Schwartz vibe you love from YouTube, but with even more content worth exploring. Cons: The lessons aren’t as structured as some other platforms, so it may require a bit more self-guided organization.

Paid Platforms

6. Guitar Tricks

This platform provides an extensive library of guitar lessons for players of all levels. It offers step-by-step tutorials on various styles, techniques, and songs, complete with easy-to-follow videos, backing tracks, and interactive tools. I particularly appreciate the structured learning paths that help keep you on track.

Pros: A well-organized library of lessons for players of all levels. The platform’s structure helps you track your progress. Cons: Content is relatively limited, compared with other platforms.

7. Yousician

Yousician uses real-time feedback to help players improve their skills through gamified lessons, making learning fun and engaging. It’s fun for beginner players. Yousician adapts to your level, providing structured lessons and progress tracking to keep you motivated and on track.

Pros: Yousician is interactive and gamified, making learning fun. It listens to your playing and gives you instant feedback, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Cons: Full access to the lessons requires a subscription.

8. GuitarZoom

GuitarZoom features in-depth courses on various styles, techniques, and concepts, taught by renowned instructor Steve Stine.

Pros: GuitarZoom offers a vast library of lessons, from beginners to advanced players. The lessons are clear, with in-depth explanations and easy-to-follow tabs. Cons: It’s subscription-based, which can be expensive.

9. ArtistWorks

Taught by world-class instructors, the platform features a unique video exchange system, where students can submit videos of their playing for personalized feedback from their teachers. With a broad range of lessons covering different styles and skill levels, ArtistWorks provides a structured and interactive learning experience to help musicians progress and refine their skills.

Pros: ArtistWorks offers personalized lessons with the opportunity to submit videos for feedback from instructors. It provides lessons in a variety of genres and is perfect for anyone looking for a more tailored experience. Cons: The subscription fee can be high, and the platform is not as interactive as some of the others.

10. TrueFire + JamPlay

I’ve been using this platform for a while, starting with JamPlay before it merged with TrueFire—more content, more fun! They offer lessons for all skill levels and styles, with great features like looping, tablature, backing tracks, and even multi-angle views. Plus, you get lessons from legends like Eric Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen and new talents such as Mike Dawes or Jared James Nichol. I recently found an in-depth lesson on “Smile & Smiles to Go” by none other than Mr. 335 himself—talk about a gem! The subscription fee is definitely one of the best investments you can make.

After trying several services, this is the one I stick with. Just a reminder—this is not a sponsored post, and my blog is ad-free with no paid content.

Pros: TrueFire and JamPlay have merged, providing a vast array of lessons taught by professional musicians. The platform offers both beginner and advanced lessons across genres, with interactive features such as live classes, personal feedback, and courses for all skill levels. Cons: The subscription can be pricey, especially for full access to all the features.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to learning guitar online. Free platforms like JustinGuitar and YouTube are great for beginners or those looking to supplement their learning, while paid options like TrueFire and GuitarZoom offer more in-depth, structured lessons for serious students. The key is to find the one that fits your style, goals, and budget. No matter which platform you choose, consistency is key to making real progress.