Since the early 80’s I have been searching for better guitar lessons. I was not one of those who could listen to a record once and repeat the licks note-for-note. I took a few lessons locally, but couldn’t find a teacher that clicked.

This frustration led me to order cassette-tape lessons by mail. Since this was well before online lessons, I often waited weeks for delivery. Little did I know that online lessons were coming our way.

Today, many types of guitar lessons are available online. These include beginner’s lessons in mp3 format, instruction videos, and tab transcriptions of your favorite licks. Tablature, or “tab”, is a transcription method that tells you exactly when and where to fret and pick. You don’t have to read music to read tablature.

Online guitar lessons are very convenient, and learning this way can also be cheaper and more effective. If you travel like I do, you can learn new songs on the road rather than watching TV!

Here is a roundup of some sites that I have used to find online guitar lessons:

Video Lessons: Guitar Tricks

Guitar Tricks features a library of lessons that you can access anytime and anywhere to improve your ability. They currently charge $5/month subscription fee, but offer free lessons (150) to start. Their roster includes 48 instructors from all over the world.

Mp3 Lessons: Fender Players Club

This excellent site is devoted to helping you get started on the guitar. Yes, barre chords are easier on an electric guitar! Sample beginner’s lessons include:

Chords in the open position – Learn the most basic chords and practice switching between them; practice tips, how to read the diagrams, and more.

Chords – Once you’re used to playing the basic chords, it’s time to start learning some other ones. Included is a chart with a whole bunch of chords.

Barre chords – When you have some strength in your fretting hand, tackle the barre chords. They’re tough, but don’t give up.

Tablature

If you like doing things the “old-fashioned” way, two news groups are sources for guitar tablature:

rec.music.makers.guitar.tablature
alt.guitar.tab

Tablature Web Sites: Guitar Notes

This site claims to be the largest collection of guitar music on the net. You can browse through their artist index or use their search engine to look through over 150,000 songs.

Unfortunately, the mother of all tablature sites, OLGA (On-line Guitar Archive)is currently offline while attempting to resolve legal issues with the archive. I hope they get this worked out shortly as this site is a valuable resource.

In closing, whether you’re just getting started or are looking to advance your ability, online guitar lessons can be a fun and effective way to take learn guitar.