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Top-rated guitar theory lessons
These guitar theory lessons are highly rated for guided learning to help you play, improvise, and compose on the guitar.
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Vito F.
Intro to Jazz 3
1 day ago
Incredible instructor and great player. Extremely engaged in every session with a lot of energy. She's passionate about helping her students get better in a very inspiring manner.
Joseph
Learning with Felipe Coelho
1 day ago
Felipe has a really refreshing way of teaching! As an intermediate/beginner I’m learning things I’ve never heard of and it feels like a door has been opened while at the same time I’m learning one of my favorite songs. I really like that the app records the videos because he gives so much useful in depth information that i am able to watch later. Highly recommended getting lessons with Felipe 👍🏼👍🏼
Antonio C.
Learning with Elisa Miconi
5 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
6 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
2 weeks 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
3 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!
Guitar Theory lessons on Til
Popular skills to learn guitar theory
- Learn notes across the fretboard
- Understand major and minor scales
- Chord construction
- Interval theory
- Circle of Fifths
- Constructing and playing major, minor, and dominant 7th chords
Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to guitar theory
- Learn the notes on the fretboard and understand intervallic relationships.
- Study basic chord construction (triads and seventh chords) and common progressions.
- Understand scale theory, focusing on the major scale and its modes, as well as the pentatonic and blues scales.
- Learn how chords and scales relate to one another and how to use them to create melodies and improvisations.
- Study rhythm concepts, such as time signatures, note values, and syncopation.
While online resources can help, consider taking guitar theory lessons with an experienced teacher for personalized guidance and feedback. A teacher provides structure, helps you apply theoretical concepts to your playing, and keeps you motivated when facing challenges.
If you want to learn music theory from world-class guitarists, check out the online guitar lessons on Til. Til offers video lessons with expert teachers, so you can dive deep into guitar theory with the best instructors right in your own home. With the right guidance and dedicated practice, you'll build a solid theoretical foundation that will elevate your guitar playing to new heights!
Learning the fundamentals of guitar theory and applying them to your playing typically takes around 80-120 hours. If you practice 2 hours per week, that's about 1 year or 5 - 7 months if you practice for 30 minutes daily. For most people, the hardest part of learning guitar theory is understanding how scales, chords, and progressions work together to create music. To effectively learn guitar theory, finding a great teacher is crucial. A knowledgeable instructor can break down complex concepts into digestible lessons, provide practical examples, and help you apply theory to your playing, which is far more efficient and effective than self-guided learning.
Need help finding a great teacher for guitar theory? Discover top-rated guitar theory lessons on Til.
Our pick: Ibanez RG550 Genesis
Our top choice for technique and guitar theory is the Ibanez RG550 Genesis, for its sleek, comfortable design and exceptional playability. Its thin Wizard neck and jumbo frets facilitate fast, precise fretting, while the HSH pickup configuration delivers a wide range of tones suitable for various genres. The double-locking tremolo system ensures excellent tuning stability, even with aggressive use. Notably used by virtuosos like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, the RG550 Genesis is a versatile instrument that caters to the needs of technique-focused players. Price range: $1,000 - $1,500.
Budget pick: Schecter C-6 Plus
If you're learning music theory on guitar and on a budget, the Schecter C-6 Plus is an excellent option. This guitar features a thin, fast-playing neck and a comfortable body shape that encourages long practice sessions. The 24 jumbo frets and a 14-inch fretboard radius provide ample space for intricate finger work and bends. The C-6 Plus is equipped with high-output Schecter Diamond Plus pickups, delivering powerful, articulate tones suitable for shred-heavy styles. With its affordable price point and impressive features, the Schecter C-6 Plus is a great choice for technique-focused players. Price range: $400 - $600.
Upgrade pick: Suhr Modern Pro
The Suhr Modern Pro is a premium choice for technique guitarists seeking the ultimate in playability and tone. Handcrafted in the USA, we love this guitar for its sleek, ergonomic design with a thin, asymmetrical neck profile that facilitates effortless fretting and lightning-fast runs. The stainless steel frets and a compound radius fretboard provide a smooth, comfortable playing experience. The Suhr V70 pickups deliver crystal-clear, dynamic tones that respond well to advanced techniques. Favored by virtuosos like Guthrie Govan, the Suhr Modern Pro is a top-tier instrument for serious technique players. Price range: $3,000 - $4,000.
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