Great YouTube channels for guitar players who want to improve their skills

So you've bought a guitar. Perhaps you went the electric route and you had to purchase an amp and cables too. It's likely you needed some form of tuning device. All these things start to add up and there is still the actual Learning To Play part that has yet to be addressed. Well, while one on one lessons are certainly the best way to go, they can be expensive and sometimes you might not have the time to spare. 

Fear not! Fortunately in this wildly digital age there are excellent resources available to us, so that we can learn to play, for free, whenever we have the time.

It's pretty amazing.

Exactly like this......

Here's a list of some of the YouTube channels that we think are great for learning both Irish and popular music

Online Academy of Irish Music - This channel offers a wide range of lessons on traditional Irish music from professional Irish music teachers. From basic strumming patterns and tunings to how to get your head around the Reels, this is a great resource for beginners looking to delve into the world of traditional music.

Aodan Coyne - DADGAD - A traditional Irish guitar teacher from the west of Ireland, Aodán Coyne is doing amazing work spreading the word about DADGAD tuning and giving great guitar lessons. From classic tunes like The Merry Blacksmith to how to accompany a Fiddle player, there's lots of really great information here

GuitarJamz - This is a pretty comprehensive channel with loads and loads of resources for beginners, all worked through at a very comfortable pace. A lot of the lessons are focused on absolute beginners, so it is an excellent place to start, but there's also a load of handy songs to learn to get you rocking out in no time. Everything is always explained very thoroughly and covers a lot of the common questions that beginners may have; in addition, he demonstrates everything that he talks about in his videos slowly, so you don’t have to go back and keep rewinding to catch onto what he's trying to explain. There's lots to learn.

JustinGuitar - Probably one of the best channels for aspiring strummers, Justin Guitar has everything that you could ever want in a guitar channel- acoustic and electric lessons, repairs, tips and tricks and everything is conveyed with enthusiasm. No rockstar cockiness at all, which is, let's face it, a little refreshing sometimes. Inviting to both newbies and experienced players alike, there are a wealth of videos here, jam-packed with quality lessons.

AndyGuitar - Another brilliant channel with an absolute ton of material aimed at beginner to intermediate players. Andy has a great way to communicate ideas, which makes this channel really helpful for beginners. His videos are also extremely well organised so once you finish a lesson, you should know exactly where to click to continue the adventure.

Rick Beato - This is an excellent channel for musicians of all types and skill levels. While Rick is a guitar player and gives some great instructional videos on beginner techniques, there is also a ton of interviews, music theory, music history and just generally interesting stuff. There are plenty of videos on here that will get you excited about the world of music and musicianship, so it's definitely worth a browse.

And Finally, we just have to mention the Fender channel - I mean, they are one of the most famous guitar makers on the earth. Beloved by countless legends over the ages. The Fender channel is quite mixed, as you would expect, but they have some great short video lessons and often a technique of the week video to keep you busy. It's also a great place for player interviews, performances and keeping up-to-date on Fenders ever evolving product catalogue. 

So, there are indeed loads of resources. The channels mentioned are just the tip of the YouTube iceberg when it comes to guitar lesson but hopefully it will give you somewhere to start your adventures. Obviously it is always better to get a real, human teacher but that's not always fiscally or temporally practical so these channels offer a way to expand your musical horizons whenever you have the time.

Pop in to the shop for a noodle, just like these fine chaps.

But also, at Musicmaker, we offer a range of resources and support services to help you develop your guitar skills. Our experienced staff can provide advice and guidance on everything from technique and practice routines to instrument maintenance and repair. We also offer workshops and events for guitar players of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, we're here to help you achieve your musical goals.