Total Guitar Lessons

5 ways to use Mixolydian scale – the Goldilocks mode loved by the Cult, AC/DC and Eric Johnson

By Jenna Scaramanga published 20 September 23

Everything from feelgood rock to funk gets better with Mixolydian, a mode used to great effect by everyone from Guns N' Roses to Kool and the Gang

Every guitarist wishes they were better at fingerstyle – and this lesson may make you want to ditch the pick for good

By Chris Bird published 8 September 23

Whatever style of music you play, these tab workouts will improve your fingerstyle technique on both electric and acoustic guitar

Close up of a woman playing an acoustic guitar

There’s no such thing as an ‘acoustic guitar chord’ – but these 12 shapes sound amazing unplugged

By Chris Bird published 30 August 23

Learn a dozen chords that will expand your musical vocabulary and enhance your songwriting – and the best bit? They’re not that difficult

No, arpeggios aren’t just for jazz and shred solos – here are 5 ways you can use them to freshen up any style of guitar playing

By Jenna Scaramanga published 14 August 23

Your riffs, rhythm parts and solos can all benefit from a minor 7 arpeggio injection

Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page are some of guitar’s greatest trailblazers – learn their styles and level up your playing with this rock guitar deep-dive

By Jon Bishop published 11 August 23

The styles of Slash, Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore and a suite of other rock gods are placed under the microscope for this comprehensive lesson – tabs and audio included

10 ways to make your guitar chords more interesting

By Charlie Griffiths published 1 August 23

Learn how chords can tap into emotions and you can improve your rhythm chops – and songwriting – fast

Eric Gales performs during 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The guitar solo is still in rude health – here’s what you can learn from today’s most exciting soloists

By Jon Bishop published 25 July 23

Expand your lead guitar vocabulary with lessons in 21st century rock, metal, math rock, shred, blues and more

Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Stevie Ray Vaughan defined the sound of contemporary blues guitar – here are 20 techniques you can learn from the Stratocaster master

By Jon Bishop published 24 July 23

Get inside the Texas blues icon’s style with this in-depth lesson on his incendiary playing

How to play jazz guitar: 5 ways to get started

By Jenna Scaramanga published 21 July 23

Playing jazz doesn’t have to be scary – here are the fundamentals made easy

Nuno Bettencourt's Rise solo is one of the 21st century's finest – here are 5 techniques you can learn from it

By Charlie Griffiths published 13 July 23

The choice Extreme cut had the whole guitar world talking thanks to its hair-raising technique and nods to Eddie Van Halen – and now you can bring that same flair to your solos

Phrasing, vibrato and rock-solid timing: inside the essential elements of AC/DC's legendary guitar style

By Jon Bishop published 5 July 23

All aboard the Rock ’N’ Roll Train as we take the long way to the top with this in-depth lesson in the raw hard-rock perfection of Angus and the late Malcolm Young's playing style

5 ways to improve your acoustic guitar strumming

By Jenna Scaramanga published 26 June 23

Strumming is the one of the essential techniques for any guitarist, so let's give it the attention it deserves with a lesson that will develop your rhythm style

10 Metallica guitar techniques you need to know

By Charlie Griffiths published 9 June 23

How the rhythm and lead styles of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett will power up your metal playing fast

Take your guitar solos to the next level with these genre-spanning tips

By Richard Barrett published 26 May 23

Soloing ideas for lead guitar in rock, blues, acoustic, metal and more to make you a better player now

5 ways to use DADGAD tuning

By Jenna Scaramanga published 12 May 23

Think DADGAD, think folk, but even Slipknot have used it, and this lesson shows you just how versatile it can be

Male guitarist plays music in neon light with smoke.

5 ways to start a guitar solo

By Jenna Scaramanga published 5 May 23

Grab the audience's attention right off the bat with these fail-safe lead guitar tips

15 Jeff Beck guitar lessons that will change the way you play

By Jon Bishop published 30 March 23

From whammy bar gargles through picking techniques led by the thumb, it's time to take a deep dive into the style of guitar's most original player

5 ways to play a blues turnaround on guitar

By Jenna Scaramanga published 13 March 23

Give your solos a satisfying ending with these foolproof lead ideas

5 ways to get more out of your power chords

By Jenna Scaramanga published 28 February 23

Power chords are a rock rhythm guitar fundamental you need to know inside and out. Here are 5 options to spice up your hard-rocking jams

How to play Money for Nothing on guitar

By Chris Bird published 7 February 23

Learn how to play Dire Straits' biggest riff – and how to nail its distinctive tone

Get The Pick Newsletter