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Learning guitar is something I’ve always wanted to do. You know, like when you’re at a party, and someone pulls out a guitar and starts playing, and suddenly the room feels alive? I wanted to be that person. But the truth is, starting out can feel like a mess.
I needed something simple and fun. I wasn’t trying to become a rockstar; I just wanted to learn a few songs, and maybe impress a friend or two. After a bit of searching, I found that there are actually websites and apps out there designed to make learning guitar not just easier but enjoyable.
Some of them felt like games, and others broke down lessons so well that playing started to make sense.
So if you’re like me, just a regular person wanting to strum along to your favorite tunes without overcomplicating things, here’s a list of websites that can help you do exactly that.
- JustinGuitar
- Guitar Tricks
- Fender Play
- JamPlay
- TrueFire
- Guitareo
- Simply Guitar
- ArtistWorks Guitar
- FourChords
- JTC Guitar
- Yousician
1. JustinGuitar
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | justinguitar.com |
| Price | Free (Donations welcome); Paid options available for additional content |
| Courses | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Chord charts, Practice schedules |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | Yes (forums, social media groups) |
| Instructors | Justin Sandercoe (Main instructor) |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, covers a wide range of popular songs |
I actually used JustinGuitar when I first started learning, and honestly, it was a lifesaver. The way Justin breaks everything down into simple steps makes it feel way less intimidating. For example, learning how to play the G Major. The song tutorials were my favorite part. His teaching style is relaxed, and it feels like you’re learning from a friend rather than a strict instructor.
Rating: 9/10
Why not a perfect 10? The only slight downside is that if you want access to more advanced, structured content, some of it is paid. But for anyone starting out, this is by far the best free resource you’ll find. Highly recommend!Also, learn more about different types of acoustic guitars.
2. Guitar Tricks
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | guitartricks.com |
| Price | $19.95/month or $179.99/year (14-day free trial available) |
| Courses | Beginner to Advanced |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Song lessons, Style tutorials, Chord charts |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | Yes (forums, song requests, instructor feedback) |
| Instructors | Multiple professional instructors |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, 1000+ licensed songs available |
I tried out Guitar Tricks when I wanted something a little more structured, and honestly, it’s a fantastic resource.
The step-by-step system is what hooked me. It felt quite organized like I was moving up through levels.
One thing I really liked was the song library. They have licensed songs from major artists, so if you want to learn specific tracks, this is the place to be. The instructors are solid too, and the video quality is top-notch.
Rating: 8.5/10
It’s a little pricey compared to free options, but if you’re serious about learning guitar and want to learn real songs with pro instructors, it’s worth every penny.
3. Fender Play
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | fender.com/play |
| Price | $9.99/month or $89.99/year (7-day free trial available) |
| Courses | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Song tutorials, Practice routines |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | No dedicated community forums, but there’s social media interaction |
| Instructors | Multiple instructors (rotating professional musicians) |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, includes a variety of popular songs |
Fender Play is probably one of the most beginner-friendly platforms I’ve come across, and it’s perfect if you’re just starting out or have a Fender guitar (it kind of feels like a full circle).
I tried it out during their free trial, and I liked how structured the lessons are. They guide you through the fundamentals without overwhelming you, which is key when you’re still trying to figure out how to hold the guitar properly.
The song tutorials are great, especially if you want to get to the fun part (actually playing songs) pretty quickly.
Rating: 8/10
I’d say Fender Play is perfect if you’re new to guitar. It’s affordable, well-organized, and reliable for anyone who’s just starting their guitar journey. If you stick with it beyond the basics, though, you might eventually outgrow it.
4. JamPlay
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | jamplay.com |
| Price | $19.95/month, $159.95/year (7-day free trial available) |
| Courses | Beginner to Advanced |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Song tutorials, Genre-specific courses, Live Q&A sessions |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | Yes (forums, live workshops, community-driven song requests) |
| Instructors | Multiple professional instructors, including some well-known musicians |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, a large library of licensed songs |
amPlay is one of those platforms where you really get a lot of content for your money. It’s perfect for those interested in specific genres like blues and metal.
The live Q&A sessions were a big plus because you can ask questions in real-time, which isn’t something you get everywhere. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for more advanced content or specific styles, since they cover everything from beginner basics to niche genres.
Rating: 9/10
If you’re serious about learning guitar and want access to a ton of high-quality lessons and live interactions with instructors, JamPlay is worth it. It’s not cheap, but you’re getting what you pay for – professional-level instruction.
5. TrueFire
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | truefire.com |
| Price | $29/month or $249/year (30-day free trial available) |
| Courses | Beginner to Advanced, Masterclasses, Genre-specific courses |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Interactive tabs, Jam tracks, Live courses |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | Yes (forums, student groups, instructor feedback) |
| Instructors | Over 600 professional instructors, including famous guitarists |
| Song Tutorials | No (focuses on techniques and styles) |
I tried it out when I wanted to go beyond just learning songs and focus more on theory and technique. The fact that they have masterclasses and lessons from well-known guitarists made it feel like I was getting real, insider knowledge. The interactive tabs and jam tracks were especially useful when I was practicing solo.
The one drawback for me was that TrueFire is more focused on technique and genre-specific lessons, so if you’re looking for song tutorials, you might be disappointed.
Rating: 9.5/10
TrueFire is for the guitarist who wants more than just the basics. It’s a bit pricey, but with all the content and the high level of instruction, it’s absolutely worth it for anyone who’s serious about mastering their instrument.
6. Guitareo
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | guitareo.com |
| Price | $127/year (7-day free trial available) |
| Courses | Beginner to Intermediate, Songwriting, Music Theory |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Interactive practice, Challenges |
| Mobile App | No (Web-based only) |
| Community | Yes (forums, challenges, group learning) |
| Instructors | Multiple instructors, with Nathan East as a prominent figure |
| Song Tutorials | No, focuses on skill-building and theory |
What I loved most about Guitareo was how it integrates skill-building with practical music theory. They offer challenges that help motivate you to keep practicing, which is great if you need that extra push to stay consistent (and who doesn’t?).
One downside for me was the lack of a mobile app, so if you’re someone who likes to learn on the go, it might be a bit limiting.
Rating: 8/10
If you’re looking for something to help you with technique and theory without overwhelming you, Guitareo is a great option. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s serious about improving their skills and understanding music but doesn’t necessarily need song-based lessons.
7. Simply Guitar
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | simplyguitar.com |
| Price | $19.99/month, $119.99/year (7-day free trial available) |
| Courses | Beginner-focused with step-by-step lessons |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Real-time feedback, Play-along songs |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | No dedicated community, but app-based achievements and progress tracking |
| Instructors | Multiple (in-app tutorials) |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, play-along popular songs |
Simply Guitar is an ideal app for beginners, and I tested it when I wanted a fun, quick-start experience. The real-time feedback feature blew me away. It listens to you play and gives feedback, which is perfect if you’re learning alone and want to know if you’re hitting the right notes.
However, it’s mostly focused on beginners, and if you’re looking to go past that stage, you’ll likely need to supplement your learning elsewhere.
Rating: 7.5/10
Great for beginners who want immediate feedback and a fun, gamified experience. If you’re looking for more advanced material, you might outgrow it, but for starting out, it’s a solid choice.
8. ArtistWorks Guitar
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | artistworks.com/guitar-lessons |
| Price | $35/month, $279/year (3-month and 6-month plans available) |
| Courses | Beginner to Advanced, specialized in various styles (Jazz, Blues, Classical, etc.) |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Personalized video feedback, Masterclasses |
| Mobile App | No (Web-based only) |
| Community | Yes (video exchanges with instructors, forums, community discussions) |
| Instructors | World-renowned guitarists like Paul Gilbert and Nathan East |
| Song Tutorials | No, focuses on techniques and styles |
ArtistWorks is on another level if you’re looking for personalized learning. I gave it a try because of the video feedback feature, which is what makes this platform stand out. You submit videos of yourself playing, and the instructors give you personal critiques, which is as close as you can get to having a private teacher without the hefty cost.
The lessons are well-structured, and they cover a variety of styles, so you can dive into whatever genre you’re interested in. However, the focus here is more on technique and style, not so much on song tutorials, which might not be for everyone.
Rating: 9/10
If you want real, personalized feedback and lessons from world-class instructors, ArtistWorks is incredible. It’s not a quick-start solution, but for intermediate and advanced players, or anyone serious about improving, this platform is a gem.
9. FourChords
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | fourchords.com |
| Price | $4.99/month or $39.99/year (Free version with limited content available) |
| Courses | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Content Type | Play-along video lessons, Song tutorials |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | No dedicated community forums |
| Instructors | In-app lessons with various instructors |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, hundreds of popular songs simplified with 4 chords |
FourChords is honestly one of the most fun guitar apps out there, especially if you’re a beginner or someone who just wants to play songs quickly without diving into a lot of theory. I used it when I wanted to learn some easy songs fast, and it was great for that.
The idea is that you learn simplified versions of popular songs with just four chords, which is perfect if you want to have some fun.
However, it’s more for beginners or casual learners. If you’re looking to go beyond basic chords, you might outgrow it fast.
Rating: 7.5/10
FourChords is awesome for beginners who want to play real songs quickly. It’s affordable, easy to use, and the simplified approach makes it super fun. It’s not for advanced players, but for casual learners, it’s a solid choice.
10. JTC Guitar
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | jtcguitar.com |
| Price | Courses range from $4.99 to $19.99; JTC subscription available at $19.99/month or $179.99/year |
| Courses | Intermediate to Advanced; Specializing in techniques and styles |
| Content Type | Video lessons, Backing tracks, Jam tracks, Interactive tabs |
| Mobile App | No (Web-based only) |
| Community | No dedicated forums, but there’s a social media presence |
| Instructors | Multiple professional instructors, including notable guitarists |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, but focused more on techniques, styles, and jam tracks |
JTC Guitar is a great resource if you’re an intermediate or advanced player looking to refine specific techniques or styles. I used it when I wanted to work on soloing and improvisation, and the jam tracks were incredible.
The backing tracks are professionally produced, and the lessons focus on things like phrasing, speed, and tone, which really helped me develop my skills.
It’s definitely not for beginners, though, so if you’re just starting out, it might feel overwhelming. Also, the lack of a mobile app was a bit of a downside for learning on the go.
Rating: 8.5/10
If you want to improve your playing with solid backing tracks and pro-level lessons, JTC is worth it, but it’s not for beginners.
11. Yousician
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | yousician.com |
| Price | $9.99/month for Premium, $19.99/month for Premium+ (Free version with limited features) |
| Courses | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Content Type | Interactive lessons, Real-time feedback, Song tutorials, Challenges |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Community | No dedicated community forums |
| Instructors | In-app guidance (AI-powered feedback) |
| Song Tutorials | Yes, large library of popular songs |
I tried Yousician because I was curious about the real-time feedback feature, and it didn’t disappoint. The app listens to you play and gives instant feedback, which really helps when you’re practicing solo.
The lessons are straightforward, and the song library is decent, but the real value is in how it feels like a video game. You get achievements and challenges that keep you motivated.
Still, it’s more for beginners and intermediate players. Advanced guitarists won’t get much out of it.
Rating: 7.5/10
Yousician is perfect if you want instant feedback and a more interactive way to learn. It’s fun and easy to use, but it’s mostly for beginners, and the premium content can get pricey.
Final Thoughts
I’ve personally tried these apps, and I’m not just throwing around ratings for the sake of it.
If you’re serious about learning guitar and you want the best platform out there, TrueFire is the way to go. I rated it the highest for a reason. This platform is stacked with pro-level content, masterclasses, and more lessons than you’ll probably ever need.
Now, if you’re just starting out, I’m not going to ignore JustinGuitar. It’s the best place to quickly learn some basic accords.
Honestly, all of these platforms are solid. It just depends on where you’re at in your guitar journey and what works best for you.
