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Online Fingerstyle Guitar Lessons

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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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10,000+ lessons taken by students in 67 countries around the world.

Brian B.

Brian B.

String Theory Part 1 - Triads

Molly is absolutely amazing. The way she breaks things down so you can understand how to play is incredible. She encourages questions to help you along in your journey. I would encourage everyone to take her class. You will be better no matter what.

Tayler K.

Tayler K.

Meaningful Chords, Meaningful Soloing

I left Jude's class feeling much more confident in knowing how to make meaningful musical decisions. This class was always the highlight of my week and it was a blast getting to learn alongside other musicians seeking growth! Highly recommend!

Ryan G.

Ryan G.

Chord Creation

Arianna's class is amazing. 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!

Tom B.

Tom B.

Zero to Hero

Caitlin is an exceptional guitar teacher (top 1%) and this is an outstanding course. The live lessons are highly interactive and there isn't a question that doesn't go unanswered. Til is a pleasure to use.

Abbey F.

Abbey F.

4 Chords: The Best of Taylor Swift

Nena tailored the class to us and what we wanted to learn. She gave us tips and tricks on how to play songs we wanted at whatever level we are at, I always felt encouraged. This class has been an invaluable part of my guitar playing journey.

Jason A.

Jason A.

Chord Vocabulary for Guitarists

This class was a perfect fit for me. It was refreshing to find an intermediate class that focused on harmony and voice leading. It was nice to have the opportunity to chat live and ask questions to clarify things in real time.

Ellie G.

Ellie G.

Meaningful Chords, Meaningful Soloing

Everything about this class was just absolutely fantastic. If you are a passionate guitarist and you are up to a challenge or even just learn something new, than this is definitely the class for you! Don't think twice about it, take the class!

Tom G.

Tom G.

Blues Guitar Improvisation

Quist is excellent at providing motivation to practice. My family, friends, and bandmates commented that my guitar playing, timing, and phrasing all improved.

Jared K.

Jared K.

Workshop for the Developing Guitarist

This was a great class. I learned a lot from Dylan and Eugene and the lessons were very fun. They are both extremely knowledgeable and experienced teachers. I look forward to any future classes.

Nelly M.

Nelly M.

Level Up: Jazz & Contemporary Guitar

I've already learned so much my brain hurts! Tash has given me some simpler things to work on since I'm a beginner. I've taken several of the Til classes and they are such a great way to learn.

Marco M.

Marco M.

Secret Weapons

This is as great as it gets! Lessons are extremely informative, fun, at a fantastic pace, and I cannot say enough about Caitlin...so knowledgeable!

Marty W.

Marty W.

Expanding Blues Guitar

Jamey is a great musician and is sincere in his desire to thoroughly teach the subject at hand. He provided detailed handouts and playing examples, and really went above and beyond my expectations. Highly recommended!

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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