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Top-rated pop guitar lessons
These pop guitar lessons are highly rated for guided learning to help you explore rhythm patterns, chord progressions, and popular songs.
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Antonio C.
Learning with Elisa Miconi
3 days ago
My lesson with Elisa was awesome. She is an outstanding guitar teacher. She figured exactly what I needed to improve on my electric guitar technique, gave me great tips and exercises to work on. I highly recommend her for anyone looking to improve on their guitar skills.
Interested i.
Learning with Caitlin Caggiano
4 days ago
Just what I needed! Caitlin explains things very clearly and concisely, and relates them to how to become proficient at the language of music.
Paul R.
Learning with Matt Franceschini
1 week ago
Matt is sweet, kind and fun teacher. He immediately put me at ease and never made me feel like I was not "good enough". I highly recommend him!
Katy D.
Learning with Sara Landeau
2 weeks ago
Sara's just the best. Encouraging, kind and really knows what she's talking about! I look forward to my lessons with her a great deal.
Jetahn
Learning with Ben Mauro
April 2025
I'm 55 years old and just started taking guitar lessons and I'm having a blast!!! Thanks Ben for helping make dreams come true!
Chris
Techniques to Improvising Melodically
April 2025
Had a great time in the improvising melodically course. Bob opened some doors in my mind on scale superimposition and creating strong melodic and rhythmic phrases. We analyzed some great solos and I already feel like I'm playing and hearing things in a new way. Highly recommend!
Mike
Learning with Tash Wolf
March 2025
Tash is a great teacher. She is patient, explains thing in a way that is easy to understand. The lessons are fun and I feel like I am making a lotto progress.
Dave
Learning with Elisa Miconi
March 2025
Really great teacher. I have taken lessons on and off for like, forever, so I've had a bunch of teachers, and I think she's exceptional. For one thing, she's got great guitar chops. That could be said about a lot of guitar teachers, but she is really able to show how the skills are actually useful, and can be seen at work in songs. But also, her understanding of music theory is super impressive. She understands it at even the most technical levels like its second nature. (Which I suppose isn’t surprising, since she's a Berklee grad.) But more importantly, she’s able to really explain it. (Even when I've had other teachers who knew theory, they often weren't great at explaining it or how it was relevant.) And like she does with skills, she shows how that all of that stuff is practically applicable and can be seen in familiar songs.
Steve R.
Learning with Matt Franceschini
March 2025
I enjoy having Matt as a guitar teacher, he is very knowledgeable and personable. The exercises he gives me has certainly helped me improve. He has even helped me get a better sound out of my amp. Highly recommend.
DJ
Intro to Jazz 2
March 2025
Loved the class--learned so much and have a TON of things to work on now after taking Molly's course!
Don W.
CAGED Connections
March 2025
This course has completely changed my way of becoming more proficient at playing the guitar. Prior to this course, I knew about the CAGED system. After taking the course, my approach changed 180 degrees in how I approach learning new things on the guitar. Now I use the CAGED system as a foundation to learn and to use new concepts on the guitar, whether playing rhythm or lead guitar. I also discovered that other courses I have taken, either on Til or elsewhere, have allowed me to understand these courses and apply the concepts more effectively because their foundation is based on the CAGED system. And Caitlin herself is not only a great teacher but a fantastic person. Her enthusiasm for teaching the guitar never wanes. She teaches another course called Secret Weapons. But I believe this course, CAGED Connections, is the secret weapon.
Michael B.
Learning with Jeremy Hilliard
February 2025
Jeremy is a superb teacher. He is kind, generous and super talented he meets the student where the student is at, never pulls rank and goes out of his way to be helpful I’m lucky to be his student!
Kerry S.
Irish Guitar Backing
February 2025
This is a wonderful set of lessons for Irish backing guitarists. In a short amount of time I learned a lot of new ideas and I have so much more to study and practice. Thanks Matt
Cyrus
Learning with Matt Franceschini
November 2024
Matt is a great teacher who tailors the sessions towards the things you want to learn and what inspires you!! It makes learning fun
Les B.
Intro to Jazz
November 2024
As a newcomer to Jazz, this was an easy to follow course that covered some essential pieces while still allowing us to dive right in and start playing. I had been taught some of these "pieces" before, but was able to finally "connect the dots" here -looking forward to "Part II" in the new year.
Steve H.
Secret Weapons
October 2024
If you're ready to move beyond cowboy chords, one or two boxes of the pentatonic scale, and randomly messing around on the fretboard until things sound good, take this class! Caitlin understands music theory and is able to communicate how to put it into practice from basic principles. Her genre breakdowns are methodical and reveal that she's got deep insights only years of experience can bring. Plus, she's willing to tackle any question you have whether beginner or advanced. So if you've been playing for a while and you're ready to take your skills to the next level, sign up with Caitlin!
Kia
Learning with Tash Wolf
October 2024
Tash was friendly and gave super clear instructions. Happy to have a simple and structured routine laid out to progress my guitar playing.
Sophie L.
Learning with José Rios
September 2024
José is a knowledgable professional who’s dedicated to sharing his wisdom and learning from years of playing! Enjoyable and informative experience!
Joel
Blues Guitar Improvisation
April 2024
Very complete course approach using scales, arpeggios and sequences together with the usual Blues tools: bends, vibrato, legato, finishing with case studies, offering in the end the basis to developp our own improvisation capabilities. Great course
Bruce
String Theory Part 1 - Triads
April 2024
Really eye-opening, changed the way I look at the guitar. Molly's an amazing player AND teacher - she's encouraging, patient, and really communicates the material well.
Pop guitar lessons on Til
Popular skills to learn pop guitar
- Strumming patterns & rhythm
- Open chords & barre chords
- Basic fingerpicking
- Chord progressions for pop songs
- Play popular pop songs
- Syncopation & dynamics
Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to pop guitar
Pop guitar icons like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and John Mayer are known for their catchy riffs, strumming patterns, and melodic solos. To start playing pop guitar, follow this step-by-step plan:
- Learn essential open chords and barre chords commonly used in pop songs, like C, G, D, Em, and Am.
- Practice strumming patterns that combine downstrokes and upstrokes to create rhythmic interest.
- Develop your sense of timing and groove by playing along with recordings of your favorite pop songs.
- Learn pentatonic and major scales to craft melodic licks and solos that complement the chord progression.
- Study pop song structures and arrangement techniques to understand how guitar parts fit into the overall composition.
While online resources can be helpful, consider taking pop guitar lessons with an experienced teacher for personalized guidance and feedback. A teacher provides structure, helps you master techniques, and keeps you motivated when facing challenges.
If you want to learn from world-class pop guitarists, check out the online guitar lessons on Til. Til offers video lessons with expert teachers, so you can learn pop guitar from the best instructors right in your own home. With the right guidance and dedicated practice, you'll be playing your favorite pop songs in no time!
Learning the fundamentals of pop guitar typically takes 50-100 hours, which translates to 6-12 months if you practice for 2 hours each week or 3-6 months if you practice for 30 minutes daily. While learning pop guitar is not inherently difficult, mastering techniques like strumming patterns, chord transitions, and finger dexterity can be challenging. For most people, the hardest part to learn pop guitar is developing the muscle memory and coordination needed for smooth, accurate playing. To practice effectively, finding a great pop guitar teacher is the most efficient and rewarding route. A skilled instructor will provide personalized guidance, help you avoid common pitfalls, and keep you motivated throughout your learning journey, ensuring you make steady progress and enjoy the process.
Need help finding a great pop guitar teacher? Discover top-rated pop guitar lessons on Til.
Our pick: Fender Player Stratocaster HSS
The Fender Player Stratocaster HSS is a versatile powerhouse for pop guitarists. Its combination of two single-coils and a humbucker offers a wide range of tones, from crisp cleans to robust overdriven sounds. The comfortable alder body and maple neck provide excellent playability for both rhythm and lead work. The 5-way pickup selector allows for quick tone changes during performances. Popstars like John Mayer and Ed Sheeran have relied on Strat-style guitars for their signature sounds. For pop guitarists seeking professional-grade versatility and classic style, this Stratocaster is an excellent choice. Price range: $800 - $900.
Budget pick: Squier Affinity Telecaster
The Squier Affinity Telecaster offers great value for pop guitarists on a budget. Its classic single-coil pickups deliver bright, punchy tones perfect for pop rhythms and lead lines. The maple neck and 21-fret fingerboard provide smooth playability for various techniques. The fixed bridge ensures excellent tuning stability for live performances. While it may lack some premium features, this guitar punches above its weight in tone and reliability. For beginners or gigging musicians looking for an affordable, versatile instrument for pop music, the Affinity Telecaster is a solid choice. Price range: $230 - $280.
Upgrade pick: PRS Silver Sky
The PRS Silver Sky, developed with John Mayer, is the ultimate guitar for discerning pop players. Its unique 635JM single-coil pickups offer vintage-inspired tones with modern clarity and output. The maple neck with rosewood fretboard provides exceptional comfort and playability. The refined tremolo system allows for expressive vibrato without tuning issues. Its versatile sound palette covers everything from crisp funk rhythms to soaring pop-rock solos. For pop guitarists seeking a premium instrument that excels in both studio and stage environments, the Silver Sky is a top-tier choice. Price range: $2,400 - $2,700.
Featured photo by Josh Rocklage on Unsplash