Learning to play the guitar has never been more accessible, thanks to the rise of online tutoring platforms. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced guitarist looking to refine your skills, online lessons provide a flexible, cost-effective, and comprehensive way to develop your craft.
One of the most significant advantages is the ability to study various guitar playing techniques, including those made famous by legendary guitarists.
From Lindsey Buckingham’s intricate fingerpicking to Eddie Van Halen’s tapping technique, online lessons with a guitar tutor can make these skills more attainable than ever. This article explores the many benefits of learning guitar online and how it can elevate your playing to the next level.
The Convenience of Online Guitar Lessons
Learn Anytime, Anywhere
One of the primary advantages of online guitar lessons is their flexibility. Unlike traditional in-person lessons, which require commuting and strict scheduling, online platforms allow you to learn at your own pace, anytime, and from anywhere. This is especially beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited access to quality local instructors.
Self-Paced Learning
With online lessons, you can pause, rewind, and replay tutorials as many times as needed. This is a major advantage over in-person lessons, where an instructor moves at their own pace, and you may not have the opportunity to revisit certain techniques until the next session.
More Affordable Than Traditional Lessons
Cost-Effective Subscription Models
Online lessons are typically more affordable than private, one-on-one instruction. Many platforms operate on a subscription model, allowing unlimited access to thousands of lessons for the cost of just one or two in-person sessions per month. Some platforms even offer free trial periods, making it easier to explore different options before committing.
No Additional Travel Expenses
Traditional lessons often come with hidden costs, such as transportation and lesson materials. With online learning, you eliminate these expenses while gaining access to a wider variety of lesson resources, including digital sheet music, tablature, and video tutorials.
Learn Signature Guitar Techniques from the Masters
Fingerpicking Styles
One of the standout advantages of online lessons is the ability to learn specialized techniques from legendary guitarists. Many platforms offer breakdowns of the signature fingerpicking techniques used by icons such as:
● Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) – Known for his fast, intricate fingerpicking style without using a pick.
● Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) – A master of fingerstyle playing with a smooth, fluid tone that blends picking and strumming seamlessly.
Hybrid Picking & Chicken Picking
If you're interested in country or blues, you can explore hybrid picking and chicken picking, techniques used by:
● Brent Mason – A go-to session guitarist famous for his lightning-fast chicken picking.
● Chet Atkins – Developed the ‘Travis picking’ style that combines thumb-picked basslines with melody notes.
Tapping & Legato Techniques
For those who admire rock and metal guitarists, online lessons can help you master:
● Eddie Van Halen’s two-hand tapping – A technique that revolutionized rock guitar playing.
● Steve Vai’s legato phrasing – Utilizing hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid, expressive runs.
Percussive Guitar & Slap Techniques
If you’re into modern acoustic playing, online lessons cover percussive guitar and slap techniques, often seen in artists like:
● Tommy Emmanuel – Uses the guitar body for rhythm while fingerpicking melodies.
● Andy McKee – Famous for integrating tapping and slap harmonics into his playing.
Online platforms provide slow-motion breakdowns, looping options, and interactive tablature, making it easier to develop these advanced skills at your own pace.
Community Support and Collaboration
Access to Global Music Communities
Learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. Most online platforms offer forums, social media groups, and live Q&A sessions where students can interact with instructors and peers. Engaging with an online community helps with motivation, troubleshooting challenges, and even finding jam partners.
Virtual Jam Sessions & Challenges
Many platforms host virtual jam sessions and structured challenges that encourage students to practice consistently and push their skills further. These interactive elements can mimic the experience of playing with others, an essential skill for any guitarist.
Playing New Notes With Online Tutoring Sessions
Online guitar lessons offer a cost-effective, flexible, and highly educational way to develop your skills. Whether you’re looking to master fingerpicking like Lindsey Buckingham, tapping like Eddie Van Halen, or percussive guitar like Tommy Emmanuel, online platforms provide the tools to make it happen.
With structured courses, interactive learning tools, and a supportive community, online tutoring has revolutionized the way guitarists learn and improve.
Author bio:
Dr. Robin Alexander
Dr. Robin Alexander, an MD Pathologist and passionate guitarist, combines his love for music and science. As a guitar enthusiast, he shares valuable insights and tips on guitar playing here at Guitarmetrics, helping musicians enhance their skills and enjoy their musical journey.
