Online R&B and Neo-Soul Guitar Lessons

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!

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.