Is It Actually Possible to Learn Guitar Online? (Here’s What Works — and What Doesn’t)
Let’s be real — the internet is full of guitar lessons.
YouTube tutorials, PDFs, free apps, 20-minute “shred in a week” ads… it’s a lot. And if you’ve ever tried to teach yourself guitar online, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Can I actually learn guitar properly this way?”
Short answer: yes — but not all online learning is equal.
I’ve seen students waste years bouncing between random YouTube videos, and I’ve also seen players make serious progress with the right online approach. So let’s talk about what actually works… and what doesn’t.
What Doesn’t Work (Don’t Fall Into These Traps)
❌ Binge-watching random tutorials
Jumping between 10 different YouTubers teaching different techniques in different styles is entertaining, but it doesn’t give you structure — and you won’t retain much. It’s like learning a language by reading random words in a dictionary.
❌ Overcomplicated theory too early
I’ve seen beginner players thrown into jazz chord extensions and modal theory before they can even switch between open chords smoothly. That’s not progress — that’s frustration.
❌ Lessons with no context or application
If a lesson doesn’t show you how to apply something musically (in a real song, solo, or situation), you’ll forget it.
What Does Work When Learning Online
✅ A structured path
You need lessons that build on each other — like steps in a staircase. One concept at a time, in the right order. That’s how your brain learns music.
✅ Teacher guidance (even from a distance)
Whether it’s feedback on your playing, monthly Q&As, or even just the ability to ask questions — some form of guidance goes a long way. It keeps you from picking up bad habits.
✅ Playing real music early on
Theory and technique are important, but using them in real songs is what makes it stick. It keeps learning fun, too — because you actually sound like you're playing music.
✅ Accountability
When you’ve got a plan, a mentor, or even just a weekly lesson goal, it helps you stay on track — way more than trying to wing it on your own.
So... Can You Really Learn Guitar Online?
Absolutely — if you do it the right way.
I’ve taught both in-person and online for years now, and I can confidently say that online learning can be just as effective (and sometimes better) than traditional lessons.
You can go at your own pace, revisit lessons anytime, and get access to real pro insight that might not exist locally.
But you’ve got to commit to more than just clicking “watch next.”
A Quick Tip If You're Just Starting Out
Focus on these three things first:
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Get your technique solid (chord shapes, picking, clean tone)
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Learn to play along with songs (timing is everything)
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Understand why things work (basic theory, applied practically)
If your learning path includes those, you're on the right track.
Final Thoughts
The internet is a powerful tool for learning guitar — but like anything powerful, you’ve got to use it right.
Find a system that works. Stick to it. Don’t chase 10 different rabbit holes at once. Progress doesn’t come from collecting more info — it comes from applying what you learn, consistently.
Learning guitar online is absolutely doable. But learning guitar online properly? That’s the key.
Looking for a full learning path, taught by someone who’s actually played professionally?
That’s exactly why I built Play Like A Pro — a course designed to give you everything you need to progress quickly, avoid common mistakes, and actually enjoy playing guitar.
Check out Play Like A Pro Here!
Whichever learning path you take, keep practicing!
Jamie
