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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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Guitar Theory lessons on Til

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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

Guitar theory for beginners
Learning music theory will provide you with a deeper understanding of the language of music, so you can play and improvise with more expression. To develop a strong foundation in guitar theory as a beginner, follow this step-by-step plan:
  • 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!

How long does it take to learn guitar theory?

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.

Best guitars for theory

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.

Featured photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash