How to Learn Guitar Online (And Actually Get Good)

Let’s be honest — learning guitar online can feel like chasing your tail. One minute you’re watching a tutorial about barre chords, the next you're down a rabbit hole about alternate picking, and somehow you still can’t play that song you love without messing up halfway through.

I’ve been there. The internet is full of lessons, tips, and “must-know” tricks… but knowing where to start — and what actually matters — is a whole different story.

Why Learning Guitar Online Feels So Confusing

There’s no shortage of free tutorials out there. YouTube alone could keep you busy for the rest of your life. But here’s the problem:

• There’s no clear learning path — Just scattered lessons with no real structure

• A lot of it is taught by people who’ve never worked in the music industry professionally

• And there’s no one to actually help you when you get stuck

Learning online can work. But if you want to make proper progress, you’ve got to be smarter with how you do it.

Here’s What You Actually Need

Whether you’re just starting with the guitar or trying to level up, your online learning should give you:

• A clear, step-by-step learning path — so you know exactly what to focus on next

• Lessons that make sense — not overcomplicated or theory-heavy without context

• Real-world techniques — stuff that working musicians actually use

• Some form of feedback or support — even just someone to ask questions when you hit a wall

A Few Tips to Make Online Learning Work for You

1. Stick to one course (instead of bouncing between channels or websites).

2. Set small, clear goals — like learning one song, or mastering one technique per week.

3. Record yourself playing — so you can hear progress (and catch bad habits).

4. Ask questions — if your course offers feedback or a community, use it!

5. Be consistent — even 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours once a week.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar online can actually be faster and cheaper than 1-on-1 lessons — if you’re following a system that works. That’s why I created Play Like A Pro — A place to give players a proper roadmap, built from what I’ve learned as a session guitarist and teacher. With Play Like A Pro, I'm looking to make a real difference to music education, not just cash in from a quick, empty online course.

No gatekeeping. No fluff. Just a straight-up path from wherever you’re at now to where you want to be.

I also ensure students are mentored with monthly check-ins and additional 1-on-1 lessons, allowing students to maximise on their guitar education. 

So, if you're looking to begin with the guitar, level up your skills or turn the guitar into a career, check out Play Like A Pro here: https://www.playlikeaproguitar.com/

Keep practicing!

Jamie