If you’ve been searching online for guitar lessons on the Internet, chances are you’ve run into Guitar Tricks (GT), and that’s to be expected as it’s been around since 1998. But since that time a number of other websites have emerged, so how does it hold up when compared to the upstarts?
Features
The GT website is all about helping you learn to play the guitar, and in terms of features it doesn’t disappoint. There are currently more than 8,000 lessons available plus several more are added on a regular basis. Among the problems with guitar lesson websites is the content becomes stagnant after a while, but not here as information is constantly updated.
Apart from the numerous lessons you also get access to more than 500 songs, which is more than double what other websites offer. The nice thing about the song collection here is the variety so you’ll never play the same stuff twice. There are a lot of Pearl Jam songs here but you also get some from Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Eagles and more. In addition:
- The Core Learning System for the absolute beginner, with no experience required
- The Core Learning System also has an online notation that’s easy to read
- Professional guitarists will benefit from the advanced lessons library
- Artist studies focusing on some of the most famous guitarists ever
Benefits
Besides the updated online guitar lessons members also have access to HD video lessons with detailed views, something that other websites cannot offer. Other benefits include:
- More than 45 instructors that will teach you about the different guitar styles
- More affordable compared to other guitar lesson websites
- Interface is easy to get used to
The Core Learning System
The last point is especially important because unless the interface is easy to understand, the lessons are worthless. Fortunately it’s easy to wrap your head around the lessons. As soon as you sign up you can access the Core Learning System and find information in the menus.
You’ll see a “Start Here” label at the Core Learning System page, and by going there you’ll learn the essentials like using a pick, left and right hand playing methods, tuning and how to play chords properly. Apart from the easy to read instructions, there are also HD videos so you can watch guitar masters at work.
The menus are nicely organized and neatly labeled, and the pages load fast including the videos. This is indicative of how well-designed the website is so even if you’ve never been on the site before, figuring out how things work will be easy.
Does the Learning System Work?
In a word yes, it does work because of the way the lessons have been arranged. If the Core Learning System leaves one impression, it’s that they cover everything down to the smallest details. Not only do they cover various guitar styles and techniques, but you’ll also learn about the different learning tools that will help you become a better guitar player.
The GT website covers the blues, rock, country, toning, scales, arpeggios and chords among others. Yes this stuff is also available in other music websites, but it’s the way the lessons are taught here that makes the difference. The instructions are very detailed and they go straight to the point as well, no fluff. If you’re just getting started on the guitar, you’ll want to get into the meat of things, and that’s what you get here.
Lessons are also easy to track as lessons are organized in chapters. If you’re done with Music Theory you can move on to the next chapter, allowing you to study at the pace you’re comfortable with. The video instructions by the way, lets you loop specific portions, very handy. If you’re dealing with a real instructor who you’re paying by the hour, having him repeat something isn’t practical, so right here you can see the benefits of this service.
To loop a video, just press the “Loop A-B” button on the video. Now all you have to do is drag the A and B boxes by the playback strip. It might take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of the loop it will become an indispensable feature.
Testimonials
The fact that the company has been around since 1998 is testament to the fact that their techniques and instructions do work. Over the years thousands of people have tried the service and benefited from it. Amanda of Nebraska says she had always preferred traditional guitar lessons, but the site changed her mind. In addition, she says that the GT forum is very helpful.
Eddie of Sacramento also has positive things to say about GT, noting that he had never played guitar before but after just a few weeks was playing like a seasoned guitarist. Other positive reviews have been posted by Mark of Los Angeles, Janine of Milwaukee and Andy of New York, who all say basically the same thing, that GT works.
How Much Does it Cost?
You can get the best online guitar lessons for $14.95. With it you gain access to all the lessons, the tutorials, the tuner and metronome as well as the complete Technique Reference Library. Members can also avail of the Jam Station, subscriber help and personalization features like history and bookmarking.
The company also offers a 14 day free trial so you can experience firsthand what they’re offering, and if you’re not satisfied you can leave no questions asked. Second, there’s a 60 day money back guarantee, so if you decide within the 60 day window that it’s not for you, you can cancel your subscription.
Conclusion
When it comes to guitar instruction, the GT site is still the best option, be it for beginners or seasoned guitar players. Even though they’ve been around for a long time, the site has been constantly updated, and the design has been streamlined plus the tutorials are easy to understand. Finally, the program makes it possible to study at your own pace, very nice.
