10 Best Online Guitar Schools in 2025

Finding the right online guitar school can be as crucial as picking the right guitar or amp. It’s all about that connection—feeling like you’re getting something tailored to your needs rather than a generic package deal. With so many options out there in 2025, let’s break down some of the best online guitar schools, especially if you’re looking to dive deep into those heavy riffs and fast solos.

The Metal Guitar Haven: Riffhard

Starting with a bang, Riffhard is the go-to for anyone serious about mastering modern metal guitar. It’s more than just a school, it’s a community for those who live and breathe metal. What makes it stand out? Well, it’s specifically tailored for metalheads, focusing on subgenres like djent, metalcore, and progressive metal. With instructors like Dean Lamb of Archspire and Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, you’re getting insights from the best in the business.

The features are top-notch too. From the Shredule, which curates a bi-weekly lesson plan, to their custom metronome tailored for guitar practice, Riffhard knows what guitarists need. The interactive player lets you adjust the tempo of video lessons, and everything comes with downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files. It’s like having a metal encyclopedia at your fingertips. And let’s not forget those riff-writing contests, perfect for testing your skills against fellow shredders.

Jamplay: The All-Rounder

Jamplay has been around for a while, and there’s a reason it’s still a favorite. It covers a wide range of genres, including metal, with lessons from seasoned pros. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player looking to refine your skills, Jamplay has something for everyone.

One of the standout features is the live courses. You can join live sessions where you can ask questions and interact directly with instructors. It’s a bit like having a private tutor but without the hefty price tag. Plus, the community forums are a great place to share progress and get feedback.

Metal enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed lessons on techniques like sweep picking and alternate picking. While it might not be as metal-focused as Riffhard, the breadth of content means you can explore different styles and incorporate them into your metal playing. The diversity of instructors also means you get different perspectives on playing, which can be invaluable.

Guitar Tricks: The Veteran

Guitar Tricks is one of the oldest players in the online guitar lesson scene. Its longevity speaks volumes about its effectiveness. Like Jamplay, it covers a broad spectrum of genres, but don’t let that fool you—it has some killer metal content too.

What’s great about Guitar Tricks is its structured lesson plans. Starting from the basics, you can work your way up to advanced techniques systematically. For metal players, there are specific courses that delve into the heavy stuff, like power chord variations and intricate soloing techniques.

The platform is very user-friendly, with a well-organized interface. Each lesson is broken down into manageable chunks, making it easy to track progress. Plus, with a 60-day money-back guarantee, there’s no risk in giving it a try. It might not be exclusively metal-focused, but it’s a solid foundation for any guitarist.

TrueFire: The Innovator

TrueFire stands out with its interactive learning tools and massive library of courses. With over 40,000 lessons and 1,000 instructors, it’s a treasure trove of guitar knowledge. The focus on innovation means you’re always getting the latest in guitar education technology.

For metalheads, TrueFire offers genre-specific courses that dive into techniques like tapping and harmonics. The video lessons are interactive, allowing you to slow down or loop sections for tricky parts. This feature is gold when you’re trying to nail those complex metal riffs.

TrueFire also has a unique feature called “Jam Tracks,” where you can practice over backing tracks in various styles. It’s a great way to apply what you’ve learned in a musical context, rather than just playing along to a metronome. If you’re someone who likes to learn by doing, TrueFire might just be the perfect fit.

ArtistWorks: The Personal Touch

ArtistWorks takes a unique approach by offering personalized feedback from instructors. It’s like having a private tutor who critiques your playing and offers guidance on how to improve. This personalized aspect makes it a standout choice for those who want more tailored instruction.

The metal courses are comprehensive, covering everything from fundamental techniques to advanced soloing and songwriting. The video exchange feature allows you to submit your performances and receive detailed feedback. It’s like a masterclass, but with the flexibility of learning at your own pace.

Having access to a community of fellow learners and the ability to see other students’ submissions and feedback is a great way to learn from others too. While it might not have the massive library that some other platforms boast, the quality of instruction and personal attention more than make up for it.

Fender Play: The Accessible Choice

Fender Play might be a bit of a surprise entry here, but it’s a fantastic option for beginners or those looking to brush up on the basics. It’s straightforward and accessible, making it perfect for those just starting their guitar journey.

The platform is designed to be beginner-friendly, with a clean interface and a structured learning path. While it may not offer the depth of metal-specific content as some other platforms, it provides a solid foundation for any guitarist. Lessons are concise and to the point, ideal for those with limited practice time.

For metal enthusiasts, the basics of guitar are crucial, and Fender Play covers these fundamentals thoroughly. Think of it as building the foundation before adding the intricate details. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can easily transition to more specialized metal courses on other platforms.

Yousician: The Interactive Experience

Yousician is a bit different from the rest. It’s more like a game than a traditional learning platform, which can make practice feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity. Using your device’s microphone, Yousician listens as you play and provides real-time feedback.

For metal lovers, Yousician offers a range of songs and exercises that are tailored to rock and metal genres. It’s a fantastic way to work on timing and precision, two elements that are crucial for metal guitarists. The gamified approach keeps you motivated and engaged.

The app’s interactive nature means you’re constantly challenged to improve, with a variety of levels to progress through. While it may not replace traditional lessons entirely, it’s an excellent supplement for those looking to improve their skills in a fun, engaging way.

Udemy: The Custom Path

Udemy is a bit like the wild west of online learning. With courses on nearly every topic imaginable, it’s a great place to find niche or specific lessons that might not be covered by traditional platforms. For metal guitarists, this means you can find courses on everything from specific techniques to learning how to emulate the style of your favorite metal guitarist.

One of the benefits of Udemy is that you purchase courses individually, so you’re not tied to a subscription. This can be cost-effective if you know exactly what you’re looking to learn. The downside is that the quality of courses can vary, so it’s worth reading reviews before committing.

However, the flexibility and range of content available make it a valuable resource for any guitarist looking to expand their knowledge. From beginner to advanced, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to choose courses from reputable instructors to get the most out of your learning experience.

MusicRadar: The Resource Hub

MusicRadar isn’t a traditional guitar school, but it’s a treasure trove of information for guitarists. With gear reviews, technique guides, and features on your favorite artists, it’s a must-visit for any guitarist looking to stay informed.

While it doesn’t offer structured lessons like the other entries on this list, it provides a wealth of resources to complement your learning. Whether you’re looking for the latest gear to improve your metal tone or tips on perfecting your sweep picking, MusicRadar has you covered.

It’s an excellent supplement to any online course, providing the latest news and insights from the music world. Staying informed about the latest trends and techniques can inspire new ideas and keep your playing fresh.

Rocksmith+: The Immersive Experience

Last but not least, Rocksmith+ offers a unique approach to learning guitar. It’s a software that turns learning into an immersive experience by letting you play along with songs using your real guitar. It’s a bit like Guitar Hero, but with an actual instrument in your hands.

For metal enthusiasts, Rocksmith+ includes a library of metal tracks that you can jam along with. The real-time feedback helps you improve your timing and accuracy, essential skills for any metal guitarist.

While it’s not a replacement for structured lessons, it’s a fantastic way to apply what you’ve learned in a musical context. Plus, the fun factor keeps you coming back, making practice something you look forward to rather than a chore.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning guitar, especially if you’re diving into metal. Each of these schools offers something unique, whether it’s the focused metal content of Riffhard or the interactive fun of Rocksmith+. At Riffhard, we pride ourselves on providing lessons that cater specifically to metal enthusiasts, with expert instructors and a variety of tools to enhance your learning. So pick the one that resonates with you, and start shredding today!