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When I first stumbled upon Guitar Tricks, I’ll admit I was skeptical. After all, the internet is flooded with guitar learning platforms, YouTube channels, and promises of making you a guitar god in just 30 days. But there was something about Guitar Tricks that caught my attention—maybe it was the fact that they’ve been around since 1998, or perhaps it was the sheer volume of content they offered. Either way, I decided to take the plunge, and what followed was an eye-opening journey into one of the most comprehensive online guitar learning platforms I’ve ever encountered.
First Impressions and Getting Started
Let me start by saying that Guitar Tricks isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s perfecting it. With over 11,000 video lessons shot in HD and a faculty of 41 professional instructors, this platform has built an impressive empire over its 27 years of existence. The moment I landed on their homepage, I was presented with clear options: jump straight into the song library or follow a systematic learning approach tailored to my skill level.
The sign-up process was straightforward, though I have to mention the pricing structure. Currently, Guitar Tricks offers a monthly subscription at $29.95 per month, or you can opt for the annual plan at $179 per year, which works out to about $14.91 per month. There’s also a basic free membership with 24 lessons, but honestly, it’s more of a teaser than anything substantial. What I found interesting was that pricing can vary based on your location—something worth noting if you’re signing up from outside the United States.
One of the things that sold me was their 60-day money-back guarantee. It gave me peace of mind knowing I could explore the platform risk-free and decide if it was the right fit for my learning style.
Platform Compatibility and User Experience
Before diving into the lessons, I wanted to test how well Guitar Tricks worked across different devices. The platform is accessible via their website and through dedicated apps for both iOS and Android. They recommend setting up your account on a desktop first, then using those same login credentials on your mobile device. I found this approach sensible, as it allowed me to get familiar with the interface on a larger screen before switching to mobile learning.
The cross-platform synchronization worked seamlessly. I could start a lesson on my laptop in the morning, continue on my tablet during lunch, and review it on my phone in the evening without losing my progress. For someone with a busy schedule like mine, this flexibility was invaluable. However, I did prefer using a larger screen for most lessons—there’s simply more real estate to see the instructor’s fingers, the tabs, and the notation all at once.
The Core Learning System: A Game-Changer
Now, let’s talk about what really sets Guitar Tricks apart—their Core Learning System. As soon as I entered the platform, I was greeted with a visual map that allowed me to choose my starting level. For absolute beginners, the journey starts with Guitar Fundamentals 1 and progresses to Guitar Fundamentals 2 before branching into specific genres. If you already have some experience, you can skip ahead to Guitar Level 1 or 2 and dive straight into your preferred style.
Guitar Fundamentals: Building the Foundation
I decided to go through the Fundamentals courses even though I had some prior experience, and I’m glad I did. Anders Mouridsen, who has played guitar for icons like Pink and John Fogerty, takes you through everything from fretting your first note to playing basic open chords. What impressed me most was how Anders seamlessly integrated music theory into practical playing. You’re not just learning scales in isolation—you’re learning them within the context of actual songs and musical phrases.
The progression felt natural and never overwhelming. Each lesson built upon the previous one, and I never felt like I was being thrown into the deep end. Anders used his own original compositions along with classic folk tunes to teach fundamental concepts, which meant I was always playing music, not just exercises. This approach kept me engaged and motivated throughout the learning process.
Diving Into Genres: The Blues Path
After completing the fundamentals, I chose to explore the Blues path for Level 1. I was absolutely blown away by how meticulously structured this course was. Divided into six sub-sections—12-bar blues, barre chords, blues rhythm and feel, dominant blues, lead playing/soloing, and hollow-body guitar types—the curriculum covered everything a budding blues guitarist needs to know.
What really struck me was the organization. Unlike some platforms where you’re left to piece together information from scattered lessons, Guitar Tricks presents everything in a logical, progressive order. You always know what comes next and why you’re learning it. This structured approach is something I rarely find on YouTube or free resources, and it’s worth its weight in gold for serious learners.
When I moved on to Level 2 Blues, the complexity ramped up significantly. The instructors addressed issues that intermediate players commonly struggle with when trying to reach a professional level. One lesson that particularly challenged me was on Stevie Ray Vaughan-style bending techniques. Phrasing licks with multiple double-stopped bends while raking is an advanced skill, and the instructor’s ability to break it down into manageable pieces was impressive. This is where Guitar Tricks truly shines—they don’t just teach you what to play, but how to play it with authenticity and feel.
The Song Library: A Mixed Bag
Guitar Tricks boasts a library of over 1,000 songs, covering everything from classic rock to country to metal. The song lessons are taught by expert instructors who switch effortlessly between explaining technique, tone, song structure, and theory. The multi-camera HD videos are exceptional—you can clearly see which finger goes where, making it easy to follow along.
However, I did notice one area where the platform could improve: tab syncing. Unlike some pro-level platforms that offer smart tabs where the cursor moves with the video playback, Guitar Tricks’ tabs and notation are static. This means if you’re viewing lessons on a mobile device, you have to scroll down to see the tabs, which can be cumbersome. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something that could enhance the user experience significantly.
Beyond Lessons: The Complete Guitarist’s Toolkit
What separates Guitar Tricks from being just another lesson platform is the sheer breadth of resources they offer. The Guitar Tool Box section includes a tuner, chord charts, scale maps with automatic playback, and a guitar glossary—basically everything a guitarist needs in one place.
The Jam Station
The Jam Station is a unique feature that offers radio-style jam tracks in various genres with switchable keys. What I loved about this was that it wasn’t just a collection of backing tracks—each jam track came with accompanying lessons. When I clicked on a metal jam track, for instance, I was led to a comprehensive metal technique playlist that was part of the broader Metal course. This interconnectedness made the platform feel cohesive rather than like a random collection of lessons.
Guitar Mindset Section
One section that genuinely surprised me was the “Beginner’s Mind” course. This eight-lesson series covers topics like mindset, patience, musical memory, and the nature of practice. As someone who has experienced the frustration of plateau periods, I found this section incredibly valuable. It addresses the psychological side of learning guitar—something that’s often overlooked but crucial for long-term success. The drop-out rate for guitar players is alarmingly high, and I believe this section could help many learners push through the tough times.
Highlighting the Neglected Topics
Guitar Tricks also covers topics that most platforms ignore. There are lessons on power cables, pedalboard patching, the right adaptors for powering your gear, and proper cable management. These might not seem glamorous, but they’re essential knowledge for anyone who wants to play live or record in a studio. The videos are short and to the point, giving you just enough information without drowning you in technical jargon.
The Faculty: World-Class Instructors
The quality of instruction on Guitar Tricks is top-notch. The platform features 41 active instructors, many of whom are graduates from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and have decades of teaching experience. Each instructor brings their unique teaching style and expertise to the table, which means you get exposure to different approaches and perspectives.
What I appreciated most was how passionate and knowledgeable these instructors are. They don’t just show you how to play—they explain why certain techniques work, how to apply them in different contexts, and how to develop your own style. This depth of instruction is rare and valuable.
The Artist Studies: Learning from the Legends
One of my favorite features is the “Artist Studies” section. This comprehensive collection of lessons focuses on the playing styles and techniques of famous guitarists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Mustaine, Eddie Van Halen, and Jimmy Page. For intermediate to advanced players who want to study specific artists in depth, this is an absolute goldmine. The lessons don’t just teach you the songs—they teach you the idiosyncrasies, phrasing, and techniques that make each artist unique.
Community and Support
Guitar Tricks offers interactive forums where you can connect with other members and share your progress. The community is supportive and active, which adds another layer of motivation and accountability. Additionally, their YouTube channel “Guitar Insider” posts weekly videos where the host addresses specific questions and concerns raised by users. I found this level of engagement refreshing—it shows that Guitar Tricks genuinely cares about its community.
The Cancellation Process: A Minor Annoyance
I need to mention this: while Guitar Tricks offers that 60-day money-back guarantee, the cancellation process is designed to keep you subscribed. You have to click through three to four pages of convincing messages before you can actually cancel. It’s a bit manipulative, though I understand it from a business perspective. On the bright side, if you just want to pause your membership rather than cancel it entirely, there are flexible options to resume later at the same price.
What Guitar Tricks Does Better Than Others
After exploring several online guitar learning platforms, what sets Guitar Tricks apart is how seamlessly it integrates music theory with practical playing. Many platforms treat theory as a separate, often boring subject that you have to slog through. Guitar Tricks, however, weaves theory into the fabric of each lesson. You learn the theory behind a lick while you’re actually playing it, which makes it stick better and feel more relevant.
The homogeneity of the content is exceptional. Every lesson feels like it belongs to a larger, well-thought-out curriculum. There’s no sense of randomness or filler content. Everything has a purpose, and everything connects to something else.
The video production quality is another standout feature. These aren’t amateur recordings—they’re professionally shot with multiple camera angles, clear audio, and supporting visuals that drive the point home. This level of polish makes the learning experience smooth and enjoyable.
Who Should Consider Guitar Tricks?
Based on my experience, Guitar Tricks is ideal for:
- Absolute beginners who want a structured, step-by-step learning path
- Intermediate players looking to deepen their understanding and expand their repertoire
- Advanced guitarists who want to study specific artists or genres in depth
- Anyone who prefers self-paced learning over traditional lessons
- Players who want access to a comprehensive resource that covers not just playing, but also gear, mindset, and theory
However, if you’re looking for highly personalized feedback or a platform with smart, synced tabs, you might want to explore other options or consider supplementing Guitar Tricks with occasional one-on-one lessons.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive curriculum covering all major guitar styles
- Exceptional video quality and production value
- Well-organized, intuitive interface
- Supportive community and active engagement
- Extensive collection of over 11,000 lessons
- Artist studies and song library
- Additional resources like the Jam Station and Guitar Tool Box
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Static tabs that don’t sync with video playback
- Occasional streaming and loading issues
- No bass guitar section
- Limited customization for individual learning curves
- Somewhat pushy cancellation process
- Mobile experience could be improved
Final Thoughts
After spending considerable time with Guitar Tricks, I can confidently say it lives up to its reputation as one of the best online guitar learning platforms available today. It’s not perfect—no platform is—but it comes remarkably close to offering everything a guitarist needs under one roof.
The investment, whether monthly or annually, is reasonable considering the depth and quality of content you receive. At $29.95 per month or $179 per year (working out to about $14.91 per month), you’re essentially getting access to a world-class guitar school that’s available 24/7. Compare that to the cost of traditional private lessons, and the value becomes even more apparent.
What I appreciate most about Guitar Tricks is that it respects your time and intelligence. The instructors don’t talk down to you, the curriculum doesn’t waste your time with fluff, and the platform genuinely seems designed by guitarists for guitarists. It’s comprehensive without being overwhelming, structured without being rigid, and educational without being boring.
If you’re serious about learning guitar and want a platform that will grow with you from absolute beginner to advanced player, Guitar Tricks is absolutely worth trying. Take advantage of that 60-day guarantee, explore the platform thoroughly, and see if it resonates with your learning style. For me, it’s been an invaluable resource on my guitar journey, and I suspect many others will feel the same way.
The platform has been helping guitarists for over 27 years, and based on my experience, I can see why it’s remained a top choice for so long. In a world where online learning platforms come and go, Guitar Tricks has proven its staying power—and that says something significant about the quality and value it delivers.
