Best online guitar courses in 2025

Looking for the best online guitar course in 2025? Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right platform for your needs. Online guitar lessons are now more flexible, affordable, and accessible than ever, with features like AI tools, gamified lessons, and vast libraries of songs. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, these platforms have something for everyone.

Top 5 Online Guitar Courses in 2025:

• Upskillist: AI-powered personalized learning paths, globally recognized certifications, and a 7-day free trial. Great for goal-oriented learners.
• Guitar Tricks: Beginner-friendly Core Learning System with 11,000+ lessons and personalized feedback. Costs $29.95/month or $179/year.
• TrueFire: Over 80,000 lessons taught by 400+ instructors, perfect for exploring genres like blues, jazz, and rock. Subscriptions start at $19/month.
• Fender Play: Beginner-focused with short, easy-to-follow lessons and a song-based approach. Priced at $19.99/month or $99.99/year.
• Justinguitar: Free and premium lessons with a practical, structured approach. Ideal for budget-conscious learners.

Quick Comparison Table

Tip: Take advantage of free trials to see which platform suits your learning style. Whether you're learning your first chord or mastering advanced techniques, there's an online course for you.

We Tested the 6 Best Online Guitar Lessons & Courses for Beginners

1. Upskillist Guitar Course

The Upskillist Guitar Course offers a structured, online learning experience that combines expert-designed content with AI-powered tools to create a personalized journey for aspiring guitarists. With its Professional Diploma courses, the platform caters to learners of all levels, helping them achieve their musical goals.

Teaching Quality

Upskillist provides professional video lessons, each lasting 30–50 minutes, divided into four modules containing eight classes per module. These lessons cover essential guitar techniques and concepts in a way that's easy to follow and digest.

What sets this course apart is its use of AI tools like Compass AI and Pathfinder. These tools adapt to each student's progress and learning style, creating a tailored learning experience. The curriculum, designed by seasoned industry professionals, focuses on practical skills that students can immediately apply. Upon completion, learners earn globally recognized certifications, adding credibility to their musical training.

Flexibility

Upskillist is built with busy schedules in mind. It allows students to learn at their own pace, offering on-demand access to lessons and the ability to reschedule or skip classes entirely. The "Watch Now" feature ensures learners can access any class whenever it suits them, without being tied to a rigid schedule.

Once a lesson is completed, the next one becomes available instantly, helping maintain learning momentum. Students can also choose how often they want to engage with lessons, receiving reminders to stay on track. For those dealing with major life changes, Upskillist offers the option to pause memberships while retaining unlimited access to class recordings, making it easy to pick up where they left off.

Cost

Upskillist's pricing is designed to be accessible. It offers a 7-day free trial, giving prospective students full access to premium courses and AI-driven features before committing. After the trial, learners can subscribe to a monthly plan, which includes the complete course library, personalized learning paths, and access to AI tools. Beyond guitar, subscribers gain access to over 100 additional subjects, along with lifetime access to completed lessons for future review.

Practical Outcomes

Thanks to its structured curriculum and personalized approach, Upskillist helps students achieve tangible results. Whether the goal is mastering specific songs, improving techniques, or preparing for performances, the combination of continuous assessments and the AI-powered Pathfinder tool ensures progress is aligned with individual objectives.

Upon completing the course, students receive globally recognized certifications, which can open doors for teaching, joining bands, or pursuing other music-related opportunities. Additionally, Upskillist offers enterprise solutions for music schools and institutions, highlighting its value in formal education settings.

2. Guitar Tricks

Guitar Tricks stands out with over 11,000 video lessons and a song library featuring more than 1,000 tracks. With 4 million members and 1,000+ five-star reviews, it’s a trusted platform for guitar learners of all levels.

Teaching Quality

Guitar Tricks is known for its structured and beginner-friendly Core Learning System, which guides students step-by-step through foundational skills. Lessons are presented in high-definition with multi-angle views, making it easy to follow techniques clearly. A standout feature is its personalized feedback system, where students can submit videos and receive private responses from instructors - at no extra cost. This bridges the gap between self-paced learning and one-on-one instruction.

The platform’s commitment to quality is reflected in its ratings: an impressive overall score of 92.8 out of 100, including a near-perfect 98 for topical organization and 99 for song lessons. Weekly lesson updates ensure the content remains fresh and relevant, offering learners an ever-expanding library of resources.

Flexibility

Guitar Tricks is designed with flexibility in mind, catering to learners with busy schedules. Its self-paced, bite-sized lessons allow users to fit practice into their daily lives. As one user, Alan, shared:

"I get very busy with work, so the short lesson segments made it easier to stay motivated and keep moving forward."

Students can choose between the structured Core Learning System or dive into specific techniques and songs that spark their interest. For example, in 2024, a student named Jay continued learning guitar while traveling through Thailand, using the platform to master fingerstyle techniques and blues solos.

The platform also includes practical tools like a tuner, metronome, chord finder, and jam track station, making it easier to practice and refine skills wherever you are. Plus, its pricing is designed to deliver great value for the features offered.

Cost

Guitar Tricks provides a 14-day free trial for new users. After that, subscriptions are priced at $29.95 per month or $179 per year (equivalent to $15 per month with the annual plan). There’s also a 60-day money-back guarantee, giving users peace of mind. Compared to private lessons, which typically cost $40–$50 per hour, Guitar Tricks offers a cost-effective alternative.

Practical Outcomes

Guitar Tricks is all about results. Its Core Learning System helps beginners build a solid foundation in just 16–20 weeks, progressing from basic skills to genre-specific lessons. This structured approach ensures students gain confidence and can start playing songs across various styles. Hank, a beginner, shared his experience:

"As a beginner, starting with the more regimented core courses was perfect, and I'm enjoying making daily progress."

The platform’s personalized feedback and practical tools, like chord and scale finders, help students tackle technical challenges effectively. By focusing on learning through real songs rather than repetitive drills, Guitar Tricks keeps learners engaged and ensures they can apply their skills right away.

3. TrueFire

TrueFire is home to over 80,000 online guitar lessons taught by more than 400 instructors, including GRAMMY Award winners and top session musicians. This makes it a go-to platform for guitarists of all skill levels, offering a wealth of resources to help players grow and refine their craft.

Teaching Quality

One of TrueFire's standout features is the quality of its teaching. With a diverse roster of instructors and meticulously structured courses, the platform caters to players of all levels, covering styles like blues, jazz, rock, and acoustic fingerstyle. Lessons dive deep into topics such as improvisation and music theory, providing not just the "how" but also the "why" behind every note. The inclusion of notations and detailed commentary ensures clarity, making complex concepts more approachable.

Flexibility

TrueFire shines when it comes to flexibility, offering tools that adapt to any schedule. Features like slow motion, looping, and progress tracking allow students to tackle challenging sections at their own pace. James Thompson, a working professional, shared how these tools fit seamlessly into his busy life:

"As a busy professional, the flexibility of TrueFire's platform is perfect. I can learn at my own pace, and the mobile app lets me practice whenever I have free time."

The platform works across computers, tablets, and smartphones, with the option to download courses for offline practice. TrueFire also includes a jam section, giving users access to over 20,000 jam tracks to create custom practice sessions, ensuring players always have backing music to sharpen their skills.

Cost

For its extensive library of over 84,416 lessons, 1,500 courses, and expert guidance from 400+ instructors, TrueFire offers pricing that delivers excellent value.

Practical Outcomes

TrueFire doesn’t just teach techniques - it prepares students for real-world playing. Its Guitar Song Lesson System lets learners practice in simulated full-band settings, helping them develop practical, performance-ready skills. According to data, more than 80% of students who complete TrueFire's courses see noticeable improvements in their playing. The interactive tools, like slowing down and looping tricky sections, enhance learning efficiency. Sarah Chen, a student, highlighted the impact of these features:

"Being able to slow down difficult passages and loop them until I get them right has dramatically improved my learning speed."

Rather than skimming over advanced techniques in a handful of lessons, TrueFire offers in-depth courses with multiple lessons dedicated to mastering specific skills. This thorough approach ensures students build real proficiency and confidence in their playing.

4. Fender Play

Fender Play takes learning guitar online to a whole new level, offering a straightforward and engaging approach. Backed by Fender's decades of expertise, this platform focuses on delivering lessons that are easy to follow and designed to get beginners playing quickly. With an overall rating of 7.7/10, Fender Play has gained a reputation for making guitar learning both accessible and enjoyable, especially for those just starting out.

Teaching Quality

Fender Play scores an impressive 8.5/10 for teaching quality. Its beginner-friendly program simplifies complex techniques into short, manageable lessons, helping learners progress steadily. The platform’s high-quality video tutorials clearly demonstrate techniques, making it easy to follow along. Plus, by introducing popular songs and riffs early on, Fender Play ensures that students can experience the joy of playing music right from the start. The program also offers a tailored learning path with 5 to 7 levels or modules, depending on the instrument or style you choose.

Flexibility

The platform is designed with flexibility in mind. Lessons can be as short as 2 minutes, making it easy to fit practice into even the busiest schedules. Fender Play also includes a Practice Mode with scrolling tablature and a built-in metronome, allowing for self-paced learning. You can switch between levels, instruments, or genres whenever you like, without feeling locked into a specific path. Available on desktop, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, Fender Play ensures accessibility across multiple platforms. And with the option to cancel anytime, it’s a commitment-free way to start learning. Students can even mark lessons as complete and move on to topics that align with their personal interests.

Cost

Fender Play is a budget-friendly choice for beginners. Its pricing is designed to be accessible, making it an attractive option for those just getting started. The affordability of the platform is matched by its ability to deliver quick, noticeable progress.

Practical Outcomes

Fender Play focuses on results that matter - helping students play recognizable songs and riffs early in their journey. This practical approach allows learners to quickly build a repertoire they can use and enjoy. The platform’s intuitive design, reflected in an ease-of-use rating of 8/10, ensures that students can dive into learning without unnecessary hurdles. Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or revisiting an old hobby, Fender Play makes the process smooth and rewarding.

5. Justinguitar

Justinguitar is a well-known online platform for learning guitar, boasting 949,615 registered students and over 2,000 lessons. It guides learners from the basics all the way to advanced playing skills.

Teaching Quality

The teaching approach at Justinguitar is structured to build a solid foundation through a clear and practical learning path. Key musical concepts are turned into hands-on exercises that students can immediately apply to their playing. The platform also integrates its Practical Music Theory course for a more immersive learning experience. Guitar virtuoso Mike Dawes praises the platform, saying, "There is no better all-round guitar tuition resource out there. Justin's transcriptions are the new standard for accuracy".

Tim Mason adds, "Justin Sandercoe has thought long and hard about how to teach people to play the guitar, and how to do this over the internet. He has come up with a well-designed series of courses that will take you from nowhere to proficiency".

Flexibility

One of the standout features of Justinguitar is its flexible approach to learning. By the time students reach Grade 3 of the Beginner Course, they are encouraged to tailor their practice schedules to fit their individual needs. The platform also offers multiple ways to learn songs, allowing students to pick methods that align with their skill levels.

Using a Beginner Course – Intermediate Method structure, Justinguitar ensures that all students develop basic skills before moving on to intermediate lessons, where they can choose their own learning path. As the site itself puts it:

"Music is an art; there are no fixed rules".

This adaptable approach helps students make steady, measurable progress.

Practical Outcomes

The step-by-step structure of Justinguitar’s lessons ensures that students achieve real results. Learners not only master the technical aspects of guitar playing but also gain a deeper understanding of music, both in theory and practice. Ross Edwards, a satisfied student, shares his experience: "By transforming essential musical concepts into ultra-practical exercises, this course opens up the entire fretboard and helps you become a creative, empowered guitarist. Huge thanks!".

The platform’s focus on learning through songs makes it easy for students to immediately apply what they’ve learned in real-life playing scenarios. Beginners are advised to follow the course in a linear fashion before branching out, with regular reviews to reinforce foundational skills.

Course Comparison: Pros and Cons

Here's a breakdown of the key features, strengths, and considerations for each guitar learning platform. Each course is tailored to different learning goals, offering unique tools and approaches for aspiring guitarists.

Upskillist Guitar Course brings AI-powered tools like Compass AI and Pathfinder into the mix, creating personalized learning paths. It also offers a 7-day free trial, making it an attractive option for those who want to explore before committing.

Guitar Tricks shines with a structured curriculum and strong community support. It’s designed to guide learners step-by-step, earning a solid 7.8/10 rating. Pricing is $19.95/month or $180/year, making it a good choice for those seeking a well-rounded program.

TrueFire boasts a massive library of over 80,000 lessons taught by 400+ instructors. It’s ideal for players looking to dive deep into specific genres. The All Access Subscription costs $19/month or $99/year. However, the sheer volume of content might feel overwhelming for beginners who need more guided instruction.

Fender Play keeps things simple and accessible, with a song-based learning approach and polished production quality. It’s highly rated on the Apple App Store with 4.8/5 stars from about 60,000 reviews. Priced at $19.99/month or $99.99/year for the first year, it’s a great fit for beginners and intermediate players.

Justinguitar is a standout for its mix of free and premium content, offering excellent value. Nearly 900,000 students have used the platform, and it holds a stellar 4.9/5 rating on the Apple App Store from approximately 16,000 reviews. Its affordability makes it a top pick for budget-conscious learners.

Choosing the right course depends on your individual learning style and goals. Beginners often thrive with structured programs like Fender Play or Guitar Tricks, while advanced players or those seeking genre-specific lessons might prefer the depth of TrueFire. For those on a budget, Justinguitar offers an excellent mix of free and premium content.

If you’re looking for value, TrueFire and Guitar Tricks deliver the most content for your money. On the other hand, Fender Play and Justinguitar stand out for their beginner-friendly designs and affordability. Notably, Guitar Tricks also offers strong community and teacher support, which can be a game-changer for learners who thrive on feedback and interaction.

This comparison highlights the strengths of each platform, helping you decide which aligns best with your learning preferences and goals.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right online guitar course comes down to aligning it with your personal goals, preferred style, and budget. With 80% of new guitarists starting their journey through online lessons, it’s clear that digital learning has become a game-changer.

For beginners, platforms like Fender Play and Guitar Tricks offer structured curriculums that make learning approachable. Fender Play, for instance, reports that 90% of its students see progress within their first 100 days. Meanwhile, Justinguitar provides a great option for those looking for free, high-quality lessons with an organized curriculum.

Advanced players, on the other hand, often need tools tailored to mastering intricate techniques. TrueFire stands out here, offering features like slow-motion playback and looping to help simplify challenging concepts. Impressively, over 80% of its students report significant improvement after completing their courses.

If you're intrigued by technology-driven learning, the Upskillist Guitar Course is worth considering. With AI-powered tools like Compass AI and Pathfinder, it delivers personalized guidance. Its 4.7/5 star rating and 7-day free trial make it an appealing choice for those wanting a tech-focused approach.

When making your decision, focus on three main factors: teaching quality, flexibility, and cost. Taking advantage of free trials can help you gauge whether a platform’s teaching style aligns with your learning preferences. The key to success lies in choosing a course that matches your goals and supports your progress.

FAQs

How do AI tools like Compass AI and Pathfinder improve the learning experience in the Upskillist Guitar Course?

AI tools like Compass AI and Pathfinder bring a whole new level of support to the Upskillist Guitar Course. These tools are designed to provide personalized guidance by analyzing your progress and skill level, then crafting practice plans that align with your individual needs.

On top of that, they offer real-time feedback on your playing, helping you spot and fix mistakes as they happen. This means you can improve your technique faster and with greater precision. By blending customized support with instant feedback, these tools make learning the guitar smoother, more engaging, and enjoyable - no matter where you are on your musical journey.

How do I decide between structured guitar programs and personalized courses like those from Upskillist?

Choosing the right learning path - structured program or personalized course - really comes down to your preferences, goals, and budget.

Structured programs are designed with a clear, step-by-step curriculum, making them perfect for beginners or anyone who thrives with a consistent, guided approach. These programs are often easier on the wallet and focus on building strong foundational skills.

In contrast, personalized courses, such as those offered by Upskillist, provide tailored feedback and greater flexibility. They’re a great fit for intermediate or advanced learners looking to hone specific skills or techniques. Whether you prefer a well-defined roadmap or a more flexible, tailored experience, the choice should align with your learning style and objectives.

Does the Upskillist Guitar Course cover specific genres or techniques, and what makes it unique?

The Upskillist Guitar Course is tailored to help learners develop practical guitar-playing skills and earn a certification in just four weeks. Instead of focusing on a single genre, the course likely covers a mix of styles like rock, blues, classical, and acoustic, giving students a solid and diverse foundation.

What makes Upskillist stand out is its focus on versatile, hands-on learning rather than narrowing in on one genre. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to build a broad skill set and experiment with different styles, without being tied to just one.

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