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Top-rated fingerstyle guitar lessons

These fingerstyle guitar lessons are highly rated for guided learning to help you explore complex arrangements, percussion techniques, and melodic playing.

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15,000+ lessons taken by students in 67 countries around the world.

Mike

Mike

Learning with Tash Wolf

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1 day ago

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

Dave

Learning with Elisa Miconi

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4 days ago

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 Ruemmele

Steve R.

Learning with Matt Franceschini

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6 days ago

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

DJ

Intro to Jazz 2

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3 weeks ago

Loved the class--learned so much and have a TON of things to work on now after taking Molly's course!

Don Wysocky

Don W.

CAGED Connections

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3 weeks ago

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 Bader

Michael B.

Learning with Jeremy Hilliard

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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 Shea

Kerry S.

Irish Guitar Backing

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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

Cyrus

Learning with Matt Franceschini

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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

Les B.

Intro to Jazz

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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

Steve H.

Secret Weapons

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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

Kia

Learning with Tash Wolf

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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 Lagan

Sophie L.

Learning with José Rios

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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

Joel

Blues Guitar Improvisation

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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

Bruce

String Theory Part 1 - Triads

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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.

John

John

Workshop for the Developing Guitarist

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April 2024

I love how Eugene and Dylan start by introducing and drilling the skills necessary to play a song, then show how to play a song using those skills.

Sonya

Sonya

Zero To Hero

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March 2024

OMG Where do I even begin with this! I always knew there was SYSTEM to the guitar! No matter how many clips, videos, tutorials I viewed online it just never made sense! NEVER! Every single one said something different about the same thing. Then God sent me Caitlin!!!! Holy Moly! She made it so PERFECTLY clear in the first session! It literally blew me away! Every class just built on the previous revelations and the next and the next. It was such a systematic well thought out way of teaching the info that connected the "dots" (for me) every class! I can't tell enough people about it and several of my band mates have said they are going to join her next session. I found the Zero to Hero class after doing a trial of "Secret Weapons", which was a bit too advanced for me. I remember her mentioning her "Zero to Hero" class during this session and it sounded like it was exactly the class I needed. So two things here... 1. Thank you Til for allowing trial runs of classes as it allowed me to find out about this class and 2. I am now ready for "Secret Weapons" as I feel like Caitlin has given me the tools I need to be able to understand many of the topics she covers in that class! Caitlin's nothing short of amazing and if your really want to "Understand the Language of Music" and not just learn the chords to a song, know how to move around the fret board with ease, and take your guitar knowledge to the next level THIS is the class for you! This is the teacher for you! This is what you're looking for! :-) Sonya Bianco #zero2herobaby!!!

Ryan Gresh

Ryan G.

Chord Creation

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October 2023

Arianna‘s class is amazing and highly recommended if you want to further guitar playing exploration. 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!

Andrew Kaczynski

Andrew K.

Level Up: Jazz & Contemporary Guitar

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September 2023

Tash is a great teacher and a very talented musician. She works very hard to make each class a great learning experience. I will be taking more classes with her in the future.

Brett Callaway

Brett C.

Chord Melody 2

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July 2023

I've taken a bunch of classes with Molly on TIL at this point and this was another one of my favorites. Dense but well paced. Lots to learn and dig into even after the class is over.

Dan MacLean

Dan M.

Creating Your Own Practice Routine

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May 2023

Lindy is a great teacher and I especially enjoyed the early pedagogic approach with reflection on learning and building structure for yourself. Lindy's warmup sheets are really useful in and of themselves but also as examplars for constructing your own.

Fingerstyle guitar lessons on Til

Show all

Popular skills to learn fingerstyle guitar

  • Fingerpicking patterns
  • Chord melody playing
  • Percussive fingerstyle
  • Dynamics & articulation
  • Harmonics
  • Playing complex songs

Frequently Asked Questions

Your guide to fingerstyle guitar

How to start playing fingerstyle guitar

Fingerstyle guitar masters like Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins, and Andy McKee are renowned for their intricate fingerpicking patterns and ability to make the guitar sound like multiple instruments. To start your fingerstyle journey, follow this step-by-step plan:

  • Develop finger independence and dexterity through exercises like chromatic scales and arpeggios.
  • Learn basic fingerpicking patterns like travis picking and alternating bass.
  • Study common fingerstyle chord progressions and how to connect them smoothly.
  • Incorporate techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to add expression and variety.
  • Analyze fingerstyle arrangements to understand how to create bass lines, melodies, and harmonies simultaneously.

While online resources can help, consider taking fingerstyle 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 fingerstyle guitarists, check out the online guitar lessons on Til. Til offers video lessons with expert teachers, so you can learn fingerstyle guitar from the best instructors right in your own home. With the right guidance and dedicated practice, you'll be playing beautiful fingerstyle arrangements in no time!

How long does it take to learn fingerstyle guitar?

Fingerstyle guitar can be challenging, especially for beginners. Learning the fundamentals of fingerstyle typically takes 200-400 hours of focused practice, which translates to 2-4 months if you practice for 2 hours each week, or 1-2 months if you practice for 30 minutes daily. For most people, the hardest part to learn fingerstyle guitar is developing finger independence and coordination to play intricate patterns and multiple parts simultaneously. To practice effectively, find a great fingerstyle guitar teacher who can provide structured lessons, help you develop proper technique, and offer guidance on arranging and composing fingerstyle pieces. With an experienced instructor, you'll progress faster, avoid frustration, and develop the skills needed to express yourself through fingerstyle playing.


Need help finding a great fingerstyle guitar teacher? Discover top-rated fingerstyle guitar lessons on Til.

Best guitars for fingerstyle

Our pick: Taylor 814ce

The Taylor 814ce is a fingerstyle guitarist's dream. Its Grand Auditorium body shape offers the perfect balance of comfort and projection, while the solid rosewood back and sides paired with a Sitka spruce top deliver rich, complex tones with excellent note separation. The ES2 electronics ensure pristine amplified sound for performances. The sleek ebony fretboard and low action facilitate intricate fingerpicking techniques. Renowned fingerstyle guitarists like Andy McKee have showcased the 814ce's capabilities. For serious fingerstyle players seeking professional-grade tone and playability, this guitar is an outstanding investment. Price range: $3,500 - $4,000.


Budget pick: Seagull S6 Original

The Seagull S6 Original offers exceptional value for fingerstyle guitarists on a budget. Its solid cedar top produces a warm, responsive tone that's ideal for fingerpicking, while the wide nut width provides ample space for complex finger work. The comfortable neck profile and good string separation make it easy to execute intricate patterns. For beginners or intermediate players looking to explore fingerstyle without breaking the bank, the S6 Original is an excellent choice. Price range: $450 - $500.


Upgrade pick: Lowden O-35

For fingerstyle guitarists seeking the pinnacle of acoustic craftsmanship, the Lowden O-35 is unparalleled. Handcrafted in Northern Ireland, its combination of Indian rosewood and Adirondack spruce produces a lush, dynamic tone with incredible sustain and clarity. The slightly wider neck and optimal string spacing cater specifically to fingerstyle techniques. The impeccable build quality ensures superb resonance and note separation. For it's exceptional tone and playability, the O-35 is the ultimate investment if you're serious about mastering fingerstyle. Price range: $6,000 - $7,000.

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