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Find online intermediate guitar lessons

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Top-rated intermediate guitar lessons

These intermediate guitar lessons are highly rated for guided learning to help you level up.

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From touring musicians to college professors, our elite lineup of pros gives you the structure to stay on track.

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Skills you'll learn in intermediate guitar lessons

  • Barre chords, major chords, & minor chords
  • Major scale & pentatonic scale
  • CAGED system
  • Hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, slides, & vibrato
  • Fingerpicking
  • Play entire songs & improvisation

Specialize your guitar playing style

Frequently Asked Questions

Your guide to intermediate guitar

How to start playing intermediate guitar

To play guitar like John Mayer, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, follow this step-by-step learning plan for intermediate guitarists:

  • Master barre chords and complex chord progressions, such as Major 7th, Minor 7th, and Dominant 7th chords.
  • Practice the pentatonic, major, and natural minor scales. Try to incorporate them into your lead playing and improvisation.
  • Develop finger dexterity, speed, and accuracy through exercises like chromatic runs, string skipping, and legato techniques.
  • Explore various genres such as blues, rock, jazz, and fingerstyle to broaden your musical skills and versatility.

An experienced teacher will help you make the jump from beginner to a confident intermediate guitarist. They'll provide a structured learning plan tailored to your goals, offer valuable feedback to refine your technique, and give you dedicated practice time to ensure you stay motivated and accountable.


If you want personalized classes with a world-class guitarist, consider taking intermediate guitar lessons on Til. Til offers group classes over video chat with expert guitarists, giving you access to the best teachers from the comfort of your home, at half the cost of private lessons. By joining Til, you'll benefit from top-notch instruction and connect with a supportive community of passionate guitarists.

How long does it take to learn intermediate guitar?

Learning to play guitar as solid intermediate will take you around 150-300 hours of practice, or 1.5 - 3 years if you practice for just 2 hours each week. You can speed things up by practicing for 30 minutes daily, and get a good grip within 1 to 1.5 years. Intermediate guitar poses its own set of challenges, with increased complexity in techniques and music theory. For most people, the hardest part to learn intermediate guitar is mastering barre chords, finger-picking, and more advanced strumming patterns while maintaining proper technique. To practice intermediate guitar effectively, we recommend finding a great teacher. An experienced instructor can help you navigate complex concepts, refine your technique, and provide tailored feedback to accelerate your progress, making it a more efficient and rewarding journey compared to self-study.


Need help finding a great teacher for intermediate players? Discover top-rated intermediate guitar lessons on Til.

Best guitars for intermediate players

Our pick: Fender Player Stratocaster

The Fender Player Stratocaster is our pick for intermediate guitarists looking to refine their skills and explore a wide range of tones. This iconic guitar features a comfortable, modern C-shaped neck profile and a smooth, 22-fret fingerboard, making it easy to navigate the fretboard. The Alnico 5 single-coil pickups deliver the classic Stratocaster sound, with a versatile range of tones suitable for genres like blues, rock, and funk. Notable Stratocaster players include Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Jeff Beck. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality instrument that will help you develop a unique style, the Player Stratocaster is for you. Price range: $700 - $800.


Budget pick: ESP LTD EC-256

If you're on a tighter budget, the ESP LTD EC-256 is an excellent choice. This single-cut, mahogany-bodied guitar offers a comfortable, fast-playing thin U-shaped neck and a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard. The ESP Designed LH-150 humbuckers provide powerful, articulate tones suitable for rock, metal, and heavy genres. The EC-256's sleek, streamlined design is reminiscent of guitars used by notable players like James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. With its affordable price point and impressive features, the ESP LTD EC-256 is a great option for intermediate players seeking a high-performance instrument. Price range: $400 - $500.


Upgrade pick: PRS SE Custom 24

For intermediate guitarists ready to invest in a premium instrument that won't break the bank, we think the PRS SE Custom 24 is an outstanding choice. This versatile guitar features a comfortable, wide-thin neck profile and a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, making it easy to execute complex techniques. The PRS 85/15 "S" humbuckers deliver a wide range of tones, from warm, full-bodied cleans to high-gain crunch. The SE Custom 24's carved maple top and mahogany back provide excellent resonance and sustain. Used by guitarists like Carlos Santana and Mark Tremonti, the PRS SE Custom 24 is a top-tier instrument that offers a bit more room to grow than the Strat. Price range: $800 - $1,000.

Featured photo by Chase Yi on Unsplash