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Top-rated r&b and neo-soul guitar lessons
These R&B and neo-soul guitar lessons are highly rated for guided learning to help you play smooth rhythms, soulful riffs, and expressive bends.
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Gabe
Learning with Brandon Bae
1 day ago
Really fantastic. Totally open to working on anything but still gives clear assignments. We’re working on modal work + jazz tunes, and I am seeing myself improve and am motivated to do so. Also just kind, and a pleasure to be taught by. Can’t recommend enough.
Yayuan
Learning with Jack Handyside
2 days ago
Jack is an outstanding guitar instructor. I've been taking lessons with him for a while, working through fundamentals and building up music theory and harmony from the ground up, and the experience has been fantastic! Jack adapts to my level quickly — he answers every question with accuracy and a ton of patience, no matter how basic or complex. He even took the time to help me understand a song I brought in on my own, breaking down how the composition worked even though it was outside our regular lessons. His lessons are clear and well-structured, building up step by step so nothing feels overwhelming. You can tell he genuinely loves the instrument, and his knowledge of jazz harmony (and other genres) adds real depth. He explains things with great analogies that make even tricky theory click, and somehow makes it fun too. Jack is professional, knowledgeable, and inspiring — highly recommend him if you want to seriously level up your guitar playing!
Firas
Learning with Ben Sturley
1 week ago
My bass lessons with Ben have completely changed how I approach learning music. Rather than just teaching songs or techniques, Ben connects everything through groove, harmony, ear training, and musical context, making each lesson feel cohesive and immediately applicable. His encouragement, thoughtful feedback, and ability to explain the "why" behind what we're learning have really expanded both my confidence and my capacity to learn. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to become a more musical, well-rounded bassist.
Jan O.
Learning with Matt Franceschini
3 weeks ago
I've been working with Matt for four months now and am delighted with my progress. Matt's musical knowledge and ability is second to none, and as a teacher he is patient, encouraging and most of all, fun. He tailors my lessons to what I want to achieve. He stretches me - just enough - so that I stay motivated and he recognises and acknowledges the hard work I put in between lessons. I love the fact that our lessons are videod and immediately available to view after each one - I therefore don't need to take notes. Any charts or explanatory notes are sent separately for me to file/print and I can message Matt with questions in between lessons and get a prompt response. Plus, everything remains on my account with til.co, so I can revisit and review lessons at any time.
Kim L.
Learning with Tash Wolf
3 weeks ago
Tash is patient, thoughtful, knowledgeable and organized. Looking forward to working with her going forward.
Walter W.
Learning with Jonathan Sosin
June 2026
So this is the second time I've started this so if the first gets posted all the better. I've been playing guitar since 1960, I've learned more from Jonathan in the past two years than I have working with other teachers over the past 65 years. Most of the problems I have had trying learn have more to do with me than the instructors I've had. However, Jonathan seems to be able to zero in on what the problem is I've created and what corrective actions I can take that keep me moving forward. Jonathan has real world experience that I find very valuable. I look forward to his critiques of my progress and he quickly identifies any problems I create for my self and how I may correct them. If you want to learn how to play the guitar, Jonathan can help you do that.
Ross
Learning with Scott Goldbaum
May 2026
Scott has been an excellent instructor. He teaches topics I’m genuinely interested in and does a great job connecting them to practical, real-world applications. The lessons feel engaging, useful, and tailored to my learning style, which makes it easy to stay motivated and excited to keep improving.
Ron
Learning with Jude Smith
May 2026
Jude has been a great teacher to work with. He’s patient, encouraging, and very good at breaking things down in a practical way. What I appreciate most is that he doesn’t just throw random information at you — he gives focused material to work on and makes sure it connects to real playing. Our lessons have helped me a lot with clean playing, muting, rhythm, and groove, and he’s also been open to helping me connect those fundamentals to the kind of music I actually want to play. He explains things clearly, listens well, and gives helpful feedback without making the lesson feel overwhelming. I’d definitely recommend him to anyone who wants a thoughtful, musical, and practical teacher.
Kevin K.
Learning with Stuart Ryan
May 2026
Perfect combination of technical insight & development, subtle style differences of artists, and comprehensive breakdowns of complex pieces.
Firas
Learning with Patrick Taylor
April 2026
Really enjoyed the lesson. Patrick was patient, clear, and adapted quickly to my level. He combined technique, timing, and musicality in a way that felt challenging without being overwhelming. Looking forward to future lessons with him.
David M.
Learning with Matt Franceschini
March 2026
Just had my first lesson with Matt. He was super easy to work with and he quickly understood what I was interested in learning and immediately we started to work on my goals.
Myra
Learning with Dave Ruchpaul
March 2026
This was my first lesson with Dave, and he exceeded my expectations. I am recently returning to guitar after not playing for over 25 years. He was able to quickly assess my strengths and learning needs, and then begin rebuilding my skills and improving upon my technique and overall approach to so that I can have greater control and simply sound better from the get go! He is a great listener and communicator, understands my goals and knows how to put together a tailored plan to ensure my progress. I am very excited to learn weekly with Dave and play some of my favorite tunes along the way! Highly recommend!
Aren D.
Learning with Tristan Avakian
February 2026
Tristian is a very knowledgable and observant teacher who pays attention to the details of what you play and don't play, allowing him to engage in deeper detail on what you should focus on learning. Which is very important in the vast world of music knowledge. And he also breaks things down very simply, I'll be booking with him again very soon!
Debby A.
Learning with Dylan Wilson
February 2026
Great first lesson! Dylan nailed what I needed to work on. Looking forward to growing as a bass player with his guidance!
Julie E.
Learning with Michael Isacs
February 2026
Michael's the Best at teaching! I can finally hit my goals : ear tranings, understand Form & Structures, Music stuff :)
Chris D.
Learning with Matt Franceschini
February 2026
Wow! Matt such a refreshing breath of fresh air! He's very articulate at expressing the how, why, what of learning guitar! I'm so happy that I decided to start lessons with him!
Jan O.
Learning with TJ Whitelaw
February 2026
TJ is very approachable, knowledgeable and most of all, he listens to what you want to learn. Had my first private lesson with him today and came away feeling confident, motivated and with some good practice tips.
Nick
Learning with Imraan Paleker
November 2025
I'd definitely recommend lessons with Imraan - he's an incredible teacher, a very impressive guitarist and the lessons are fun, interesting and easy going. What makes the biggest difference to me is that the lessons are really focused on what I'm excited about learning. We cover the songs and styles that I really want to get into and at the same time Imraan will use them as a jumping board to talk about technique and theory, guitar playing and music in general. I appreciate being able to learn at my pace, sometimes moving on quickly through stuff I've already understood, sometimes really taking the time to make sure I've got some of the basics right, sometimes really getting into the nitty-gritty of something more specific. He also puts in the time and effort to do transcriptions of some of the stuff we've worked on and that's helped as a visual aid but also really helps to not forget stuff we've already done.
Andrew B.
Learning with Jeremy Hilliard
November 2025
Jeremy has been gracious with his time and has a passion for the instrument and teaching. I couldnt have asked for a better teacher and you should get to know Jeremy as a teacher as well.
Ricky H.
Learning with Gabriel Isaac
October 2025
Gabriel has been an excellent teacher. I've learned chord scales and modes, blues music with dominant sevenths, 2-5-1s, triads, CAGED System. I see the fretboard completely differently. It's been a game changer. Your advancement is dependent on your ability to digest new concepts and time available to practice. I review the lesson videos often.
R&B and Neo-Soul guitar lessons on Til
Popular skills to learn r&b and neo-soul guitar
- Rhythm guitar techniques
- Essential R&B chords
- Simple funk rhythms
- Chord extensions
- Neo-soul licks
- Muting techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to r&b and neo-soul guitar
R&B guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, and Isaiah Sharkey are renowned for their soulful licks, smooth chord progressions, and expressive playing. To start your R&B guitar journey, follow this step-by-step plan:
- Learn essential 7th chords (major, minor, and dominant) and 9th chords commonly used in R&B.
- Practice rhythmic strumming patterns and muted strokes to create a groovy, percussive feel.
- Study the pentatonic and blues scales to craft melodic licks and solos that convey emotion.
- Develop your bending and vibrato techniques to add soul and expression to your playing.
- Analyze R&B song structures and arrangements to understand how guitar parts interplay with other instruments.
While online resources can help, consider taking R&B guitar lessons with a skilled teacher for personalized guidance and feedback. A teacher provides structure, helps you refine your technique, and keeps you motivated when facing challenges.
If you want to learn from world-class R&B guitarists, check out the online guitar lessons on Til. Til offers video lessons with expert teachers, so you can learn R&B guitar from the best instructors right in your own home. With the right guidance and dedicated practice, you'll be playing soulful R&B licks in no time!
Learning the fundamentals of R&B guitar generally takes around 80-120 hours, which equates to 9-14 months if you practice for 2 hours each week or 4-7 months if you practice for 30 minutes daily. While R&B guitar is not necessarily difficult to learn, mastering the unique chord voicings, rhythmic patterns, and soulful phrasing can be challenging. For most people, the hardest part to learn R&B guitar is developing the feel and groove that defines the soulful feel of this style. To practice effectively, finding a great R&B guitar teacher is the smartest choice. An experienced instructor will guide you through the nuances of the style, provide valuable feedback, and help you develop your own musical voice, ensuring you make rapid progress and enjoy the learning process.
Need help finding a great R&B guitar teacher? Discover top-rated R&B guitar lessons on Til.
Our pick: Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 is the quintessential R&B/soul guitar, offering a perfect blend of warmth and clarity. Its semi-hollow body provides rich, resonant tones ideal for soulful chord work and expressive soloing. The dual humbucker pickups deliver versatile sounds ranging from smooth cleans to creamy overdriven tones. The comfortable neck and easy upper fret access facilitate complex chord voicings and fluid lead lines. R&B legends like B.B. King and Chuck Berry have made the ES-335 their signature instrument. For R&B/soul guitarists seeking professional-grade tone and playability, this guitar is an excellent investment. Price range: $3,000 - $3,500.
Budget pick: Epiphone Dot
The Epiphone Dot offers R&B/soul guitarists a taste of the ES-335's magic at a fraction of the cost. Its semi-hollow body and Alnico Classic humbuckers produce warm, full-bodied tones perfect for R&B rhythms and soulful leads. The comfortable C-shaped neck and rosewood fretboard allow for smooth chord transitions and expressive bends. While it may lack some premium features of its Gibson counterpart, the Dot delivers impressive tone and playability for its price point. For beginners or gigging musicians on a budget, this guitar is an excellent choice for diving into R&B and soul. Price range: $450 - $500.
Upgrade pick: Fender American Ultra Stratocaster
The Fender American Ultra Stratocaster is a modern powerhouse for R&B/soul guitarists seeking versatility and premium features. Its Ultra Noiseless pickups offer classic Strat tones without hum, perfect for clean funk rhythms and singing leads. The compound radius fingerboard and tapered neck heel provide exceptional comfort for complex chord work and high-register soloing. The S-1 switch expands tonal options, allowing for thick humbucker-like sounds. For R&B/soul players who demand the utmost in playability and tonal flexibility, this Stratocaster is a top-tier choice. Price range: $2,000 - $2,200.
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Featured photo by Bernie Almanzar on Unsplash



