Best Online Guitar Lessons for Self-Learners
Learning guitar on your own doesn’t mean doing it alone. With today’s technology, online guitar lessons are more effective, more flexible, and way more affordable than traditional private lessons. Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up on your own, the right platform can guide you every step of the way—right from your bedroom.
So if you’re looking for structured progress, expert teachers, and fun, song-based learning, here’s a breakdown of the best online guitar lessons for self-learners in 2025.
1. JustinGuitar (Best Free Option Overall)
Price: Free (with optional paid app)
Style: Structured, friendly, step-by-step
Why it’s great:
Justin Sandercoe is a world-class teacher with a gift for breaking things down clearly. His free beginner course is legendary and covers everything from holding the guitar to playing your first 10 songs.
What you get:
- Super-organized video lessons
- Chord and strumming practice
- Beginner-friendly song lists
- Optional app for guided practice and songs
Best for: Absolute beginners who want a kind, casual teacher with tons of free resources
2. Fender Play (Best for Beginners Who Love Songs)
Price: ~$10/month (free trial available)
Style: Sleek, bite-sized video lessons with a modern interface
Why it’s great:
Fender Play is built to help you play real songs quickly. The lessons are short, polished, and delivered in a clear, app-style format. Plus, it lets you choose your “path” based on music style.
What you get:
- Tracks for rock, pop, blues, folk, and country
- Song-based learning with video breakdowns
- Built-in progress tracking
- Clean mobile and desktop interface
Best for: Beginners who want fast, visual lessons and a strong song catalog
3. Guitar Tricks (Most Comprehensive for All Levels)
Price: ~$20/month or ~$180/year
Style: Deep library with structured courses and genre paths
Why it’s great:
Guitar Tricks has been around for over 20 years, and their lesson library is massive. Their Core Learning System starts you from the basics and lets you grow into specific styles.
What you get:
- Step-by-step beginner courses
- 1,000+ song tutorials
- Lessons in blues, metal, jazz, country, rock
- Slow-down and loop features
Best for: Self-motivated players who want a long-term learning platform with depth
4. Yousician (Best for Gamified Learning)
Price: Free basic plan; Premium ~$15/month
Style: Interactive app with instant feedback
Why it’s great:
Yousician is like Guitar Hero for real instruments. You play along with the app, which listens and gives real-time feedback on your accuracy, timing, and technique.
What you get:
- Play-along exercises and games
- Visual learning and progress tracking
- Personalized practice goals
- Beginner to intermediate levels
Best for: Tech-loving learners who need motivation and like seeing their progress
5. JamPlay (Best for Genre Exploration)
Price: ~$20/month
Style: Lessons by professional instructors, focused on genre deep-dives
Why it’s great:
JamPlay offers hundreds of courses across different styles—from jazz to fingerstyle to metal. You also get lessons from real touring musicians and niche genre specialists.
What you get:
- Dozens of instructors
- Multi-genre paths
- Live Q&A sessions and masterclasses
- Full technique and theory breakdowns
Best for: Intermediate players who want to specialize or explore multiple genres
6. TrueFire (Best for Intermediate to Advanced Self-Learners)
Price: Free limited access; All Access ~$30/month
Style: Deep-dive lessons and masterclasses
Why it’s great:
TrueFire is packed with courses from pro guitarists and music educators. While it’s not ideal for total beginners, it’s gold for anyone wanting to push past plateaus or dive deep into theory, technique, or soloing.
What you get:
- 50,000+ video lessons
- Advanced technique breakdowns
- Instructor-led paths and jam tracks
- Offline access with the TrueFire app
Best for: Serious learners ready to master specific techniques or styles
7. Marty Music (YouTube Favorite for Casual Learning)
Price: Free on YouTube
Style: Laid-back, song-based teaching
Why it’s great:
Marty Schwartz is one of the most beloved online guitar teachers. His videos are informal, friendly, and packed with easy-to-follow song tutorials and mini-lessons.
What you get:
- Easy-to-learn classic rock and pop songs
- Quick tips and licks
- Laid-back personality that keeps things fun
Best for: Casual learners who just want to play songs and riffs quickly
How to Pick the Right Platform for You
Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer structure or casual play?
- Do I want to learn songs or focus on technique?
- Do I want feedback and progress tracking?
- Am I learning acoustic or electric guitar?
Start with a free trial or demo lesson. Most platforms let you explore a few lessons before committing.
Bonus Tools to Boost Self-Learning
- Ultimate Guitar Tabs App – Learn nearly any song via chords or tab
- Metronome App – Essential for building rhythm
- Backing Tracks on YouTube – Practice scales or improv
- Recording App – Track your progress and tone
- Practice Journal – Keep notes and set goals
Conclusion
The best online guitar lessons for self-learners are the ones that keep you playing consistently. Whether you’re into polished programs like Fender Play, deep courses like Guitar Tricks, or casual YouTube sessions with Marty, you’ve got options that fit your personality and pace.
Start where you are. Use what you have. And choose a learning path that feels fun, not forced. Because that’s how you stick with it—and get better.
FAQs
- Do I need to pay for online guitar lessons to make progress?
No! Free resources like JustinGuitar and YouTube can take you far. But paid programs often offer better structure and support. - Which app is best for tracking my progress?
Fender Play, Yousician, and Guitar Tricks all include progress tracking and personalized suggestions. - Can I switch platforms later?
Absolutely. Start with one that feels right, and switch as your goals change or your skills grow. - Are online lessons better than in-person teachers?
Not better—just different. Online lessons are flexible and affordable, while in-person teachers offer direct feedback.
Can I learn guitar completely from online lessons?
Yes. Thousands of players have learned 100% online. The key is consistency and practicing smart.