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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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Sam Bergstrom

Sam B.

Learning with Rafael Moreira

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September 2025

Rafael (Rafa) has such an amazing and successful body of work that it is incredible he still wants to share his knowledge and experience on his OWN time and in ANY manner! His method of teaching is through a focused and structured lesson plan that HE tailors to each student's own level of skill, and has instilled a desire in me to improve as rapidly as possible in between each lesson. I am in my 60s and have subscribed to - and/or - downloaded THOUSANDS of internet guitar teaching channels. Rafa blows them all away! You will NOT be disappointed!!!

WESLEY HANLON

WESLEY H.

Learning with Forest Slater

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July 2025

Never thought I would be able to get anywhere (BUT) Forest is amazing with his teching, patience, and ability to make things easily understandable I'm off to a great start and good about learning. I cant wait for my next lesson. I'd recommend him, no doubt 100% to anyone wanting to learn, & wish I'd met him sooner. You can't go wrong with Forest!

Nat

Nat

Learning with Ry Naylor

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July 2025

I highly recommend guitar lessons with Ry. I have been playing guitar for years but never knew how to find the scale degrees easily and play triads up and down the fret board in the major scale. I've had three lessons and it has opened up a whole new area of the fret board. Ry is an incredibly knowledgeable guitar teacher. His teaching style is patient and easy to follow. Being able to have online lessons with an expert guitarist from my own home is a game changer. I look forward to taking my skills to the next level.

Tim Wallace

Tim W.

Learning with Mango Guitar

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June 2025

Very patient teacher with a great attitude and a lot of knowledge to impart. She's helped me develop practice routines, taught me techniques, and given me recommendations on songs to learn to understand songwriting pricinples. I totally recommend her for anyone wanting to expand their guitar skills.

C.R. Marshall

C.R. M.

String Theory Part 1 - Triads

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June 2025

Exactly what I was looking for. Learning triads and inversions all over the neck, and then working with them in songs and progressions skyrocketed my fret-board knowledge.

Joseph

Joseph

Learning with Felipe Coelho

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May 2025

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 Chamoun

Antonio C.

Learning with Elisa Miconi

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May 2025

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 in learning with you

Interested i.

Learning with Caitlin Caggiano

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May 2025

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 Raymond

Paul R.

Learning with Matt Franceschini

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May 2025

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!

Jetahn

Jetahn

Learning with Ben Mauro

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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

Chris

Techniques to Improvising Melodically

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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

Mike

Learning with Tash Wolf

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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

Dave

Learning with Elisa Miconi

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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 Ruemmele

Steve R.

Learning with Matt Franceschini

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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

DJ

Intro to Jazz 2

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March 2025

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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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 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.

Fingerstyle guitar lessons on Til

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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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