logo
White electric guitar on blue guitar amplifier

Find online r&b and neo-soul guitar lessons

Instantly book live guitar lessons with the world's best guitarists, only on Til.

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.

Reach your goals on Til

Access world-class guitarists

From touring musicians to college professors, our elite lineup of pros gives you the structure to stay on track.

Conveniently available anytime

Join video chat lessons from home. Practice with lesson replays and get feedback in a chat with your teacher.

Spend less and learn more

Choose from hundreds of unique lessons—often 50% less expensive than learning in person.

Guitar lessons for every skill level

Learn at a pace that is right for you.

Our community says it best

10,000+ lessons taken by students in 67 countries around the world.

Brian B.

Brian B.

String Theory Part 1 - Triads

Molly is absolutely amazing. The way she breaks things down so you can understand how to play is incredible. She encourages questions to help you along in your journey. I would encourage everyone to take her class. You will be better no matter what.

Tayler K.

Tayler K.

Meaningful Chords, Meaningful Soloing

I left Jude's class feeling much more confident in knowing how to make meaningful musical decisions. This class was always the highlight of my week and it was a blast getting to learn alongside other musicians seeking growth! Highly recommend!

Ryan G.

Ryan G.

Chord Creation

Arianna's class is amazing. Every class was extremely well thought out, always engaging, and had great cohesion of concepts throughout every class. It’s more reminiscent of a Music Conservatory Masterclass than your typical basic online class!

Tom B.

Tom B.

Zero to Hero

Caitlin is an exceptional guitar teacher (top 1%) and this is an outstanding course. The live lessons are highly interactive and there isn't a question that doesn't go unanswered. Til is a pleasure to use.

Abbey F.

Abbey F.

4 Chords: The Best of Taylor Swift

Nena tailored the class to us and what we wanted to learn. She gave us tips and tricks on how to play songs we wanted at whatever level we are at, I always felt encouraged. This class has been an invaluable part of my guitar playing journey.

Jason A.

Jason A.

Chord Vocabulary for Guitarists

This class was a perfect fit for me. It was refreshing to find an intermediate class that focused on harmony and voice leading. It was nice to have the opportunity to chat live and ask questions to clarify things in real time.

Ellie G.

Ellie G.

Meaningful Chords, Meaningful Soloing

Everything about this class was just absolutely fantastic. If you are a passionate guitarist and you are up to a challenge or even just learn something new, than this is definitely the class for you! Don't think twice about it, take the class!

Tom G.

Tom G.

Blues Guitar Improvisation

Quist is excellent at providing motivation to practice. My family, friends, and bandmates commented that my guitar playing, timing, and phrasing all improved.

Jared K.

Jared K.

Workshop for the Developing Guitarist

This was a great class. I learned a lot from Dylan and Eugene and the lessons were very fun. They are both extremely knowledgeable and experienced teachers. I look forward to any future classes.

Nelly M.

Nelly M.

Level Up: Jazz & Contemporary Guitar

I've already learned so much my brain hurts! Tash has given me some simpler things to work on since I'm a beginner. I've taken several of the Til classes and they are such a great way to learn.

Marco M.

Marco M.

Secret Weapons

This is as great as it gets! Lessons are extremely informative, fun, at a fantastic pace, and I cannot say enough about Caitlin...so knowledgeable!

Marty W.

Marty W.

Expanding Blues Guitar

Jamey is a great musician and is sincere in his desire to thoroughly teach the subject at hand. He provided detailed handouts and playing examples, and really went above and beyond my expectations. Highly recommended!

R&B and Neo-Soul guitar lessons on Til

Private lessons with Stuart Ryan

Private lessons with Stuart Ryan

5.0 (2)

Award-winning guitarist, educator and author of best-selling guitar books
All levels

$47 / lesson

Private lessons with Scott Tarulli

Private lessons with Scott Tarulli

New

Berklee professor and collaborator with Nile Rogers, Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin and more
All levels

$71 / lesson

Private lessons with Jason Beaudreau

Private lessons with Jason Beaudreau

5.0 (1)

Guitarist and producer, teaching since 1989
All levels

$40 / lesson

Private lessons with David Fiuczynski

Private lessons with David Fiuczynski

New

Berklee Professor and Guitarist for Screaming Headless Torsos, Hiromi, Jack DeJohnette, MeShell Ndegeocello
All levels

$70 / lesson

Private lessons with Imraan Paleker

Private lessons with Imraan Paleker

5.0 (1)

Session Musician/Backup Singer (Jordan Rakei, Priya Ragu)
beginner, intermediate

$50 / lesson

Private lessons with Jeremy Hilliard

Private lessons with Jeremy Hilliard

New

Guitarist and songwriter who performs nationally (Bonnaroo, Telluride)
All levels

$35 / lesson

Show all

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

How to start playing R&B and 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!

How long does it take to learn R&B guitar?

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.

Best guitars for R&B

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.

Learn guitar all over the world

C majorC minorC diminishedC diminished seventhC suspended secondC suspended fourthC suspended fourth seventhC augmentedC sixthC sixth added ninthC dominant seventhC dominant ninthC dominant flat ninthC dominant sharp ninthC eleventhC dominant thirteenthC major seventhC augmented seventhC major ninthC major thirteenthC minor sixthC minor seventhC half-diminishedC minor ninth

Featured photo by Bernie Almanzar on Unsplash