There are more ways than ever to find an online guitar teacher, and they work very differently. Here is what each option is good at, and how to check the teacher before you pay.
The main options at a glance
| Option | How it works | Feedback on your playing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutor marketplaces (such as Superprof or Lessonface) | Browse teacher profiles and book live lessons through the platform | Yes, live | Comparing many teachers |
| Course sites and apps (such as JustinGuitar, Fender Play or Guitar Tricks) | Pre-recorded lessons in a set order | Little or none; some apps listen through the microphone | Self-paced learning on a budget |
| Independent teachers’ own websites | Book directly with the teacher | Yes, live | A long-term teacher who knows your playing |
| Discord servers and online communities | Share questions and recordings with other players | Informal, from other learners | Motivation and extra help between lessons |
Tutor marketplaces
Marketplaces make it easy to compare teachers, read reviews and pay securely. The trade-offs: quality varies a lot from teacher to teacher, and platform fees mean part of what you pay goes to the platform rather than the teacher.
Course sites and apps
Excellent for structure and price, with free and paid options. What they cannot do is watch your hands. Use them for material, and get feedback elsewhere.
Independent teachers
Booking a teacher directly usually means the same teacher every week, a plan built around you, and often better value, because there is no platform in the middle. Check reviews and student videos, and ask for a first lesson before committing to a package.
Discord and online communities
Guitar communities on Discord and Reddit are friendly places to ask questions, share recordings and stay motivated. They are a supplement, not a teacher: advice is free but often conflicting, and nobody is responsible for your progress.
How to tell if an online guitar teacher is qualified
There is no single licence for guitar teachers, so look at the evidence:
- graded exam qualifications or experience preparing students for Trinity, ABRSM, LCM or Rockschool
- clips of them playing in the style you want to learn
- how their students play, in testimonials or videos
- a clear answer to “what would my first month look like?”
- years of teaching, especially teaching beginners online
The red flags are covered in how to find a good guitar teacher.
What makes a great online lesson
- Clear camera and sound on the teacher’s side, too.
- Demonstrations at slow speed, close up.
- Specific feedback: “your third finger is landing on the fret”, not “nice”.
- Notes, tabs or a recording after the lesson.
- One clear practice goal for the week.
Questions to ask before you book
The free checklist below has ten questions to ask a new teacher, plus the setup checks for your first lesson. Gaurav teaches live online guitar lessons one to one, and you are welcome to ask him every one of them.
Free PDF
Online Guitar Lesson Checklist
Camera, sound and setup checks, questions to ask a new teacher, and lesson notes pages.
