Guitar Tricks

Built around step by step video lessons rather than abstract theory, Guitar Tricks is an online learning platform focused on getting you playing real songs as quickly as possible. The core structure revolves around guided “Core Learning System” paths that take you from absolute beginner through rhythm, lead, and more stylistic playing, without assuming prior knowledge.

The lesson library is large and constantly updated, covering fundamentals like chord changes, strumming patterns, scales, and timing, alongside genre specific material such as blues phrasing, rock rhythm, country picking, and fingerstyle. The standout here is the song lesson catalog, which breaks down well known tracks into sections, often including simplified beginner versions alongside more accurate intermediate arrangements. That dual approach makes it usable whether you are still struggling with barre chords or already working on phrasing and dynamics.

Everything runs in the browser, so there is no plugin format or DAW integration to worry about. It works on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android through a standard web interface or mobile app. That means you are not dealing with VST3, AU, or AAX formats here. It is purely an educational tool rather than something that sits in your production chain.

Playback controls are practical. You can loop sections, slow down video without destroying timing, and follow along with notation and tab synced to the lesson. The tab player is simple but effective for practice. It is not trying to replace dedicated notation software, but it does enough to keep you focused on learning rather than translating between formats.

The teaching style is structured but not rigid. Instructors tend to focus on repetition and musical context rather than isolated drills, which helps with retention. That said, if you are already an experienced guitarist looking for deep dives into advanced harmony or modern production techniques, the platform can feel limited. It is strongest at beginner to intermediate levels.

Pricing follows a subscription model with a limited free tier that gives access to a subset of lessons. Full access unlocks the entire library, including song tutorials and structured paths. There is no copy protection friction beyond a standard account login.

Overall, it is less about theory heavy instruction and more about building muscle memory through guided practice and real repertoire. If your goal is to actually play songs rather than analyze them, it fits well into a daily practice routine.

Guitar Tricks: Pros	Cons
Structured paths: Clear beginner progression. No guesswork.	Subscription model: Ongoing cost. No lifetime license.
Song lessons: Recognisable tracks. Playable versions.	Limited advanced depth: Less focus on theory. Fewer niche topics.
Browser based: No installs needed. Works anywhere.	No DAW integration: Not part of workflow. Separate from production.
Playback tools: Loop and slow sections. Easy practice control.	Tab player basic: Not full notation tool. Limited editing.
Beginner friendly: Clear instruction style. Good pacing.	Repetition heavy: Can feel slow. Not for fast learners.

Used For

• Learning basic chords, rhythm patterns, and timing from scratch
• Following structured guitar learning paths instead of random YouTube lessons
• Practicing real songs with simplified and full arrangements
• Building consistency through daily guided practice sessions
• Improving lead playing with scale based lessons and phrasing examples
• Developing fingerstyle and picking techniques step by step
• Supplementing in person lessons with a structured online system

Feature Bullets

• Core Learning System with guided beginner to intermediate paths
• Large song lesson library with breakdowns and play along sections
• Synced tab and notation viewer for practice
• Adjustable playback speed and looping controls
• Browser and mobile access across major platforms