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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.
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Jetahn
Learning with Ben Mauro
1 week ago
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
1 week ago
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
3 weeks 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
Learning with Elisa Miconi
3 weeks 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 R.
Learning with Matt Franceschini
4 weeks 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
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!
Joel
Blues Guitar Improvisation
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
String Theory Part 1 - Triads
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
Workshop for the Developing Guitarist
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
Zero To Hero
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 G.
Chord Creation
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 K.
Level Up: Jazz & Contemporary Guitar
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.
R&B and Neo-Soul guitar lessons on Til
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
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!
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.
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.
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Featured photo by Bernie Almanzar on Unsplash