So, you’ve crushed your intermediate milestones. Barre chords? Easy. Scales? No sweat. Maybe you’ve even played a few gigs or uploaded your first solo to Instagram.
But now you’re wondering: What’s next?
Welcome to the world of advanced guitar lessons, where precision meets creativity, and you start sounding less like a hobbyist and more like a true musician.
What to Learn Next in Advanced Guitar Lessons
During advanced guitar lessons, you’re no longer just learning what to play. Instead, you’re learning how and why. Here’s what’s typically next on your learning journey:
1. Music theory that matters
It’s time to dive deeper than the pentatonic scale. Explore:
- Modes (Dorian, Lydian, Mixolydian, oh my!)
- Chord substitutions and extensions
- Advanced harmony and song structure
Pro Tip: Use theory as a tool, not a rulebook. It should unlock your creativity, not box it in.
2. Technique, refined
Think you’ve mastered alternate picking? Try hybrid picking, economy picking, or sweep arpeggios. Perfect your vibrato and phrasing to sound more expressive, not just fast.
3. Improvisation & ear training
Train your ears to recognize intervals, changes, and scales on the fly. Advanced players don’t just memorize; they listen and react.
4. Songwriting & composition
Start writing your own material or rearranging existing songs. Apply what you know to create your signature sound.
5. Style specialization
Whether it’s jazz, metal, fusion, blues, or neo-soul, now’s the time to master the specific skills of your chosen genre.
Finding the Right Advanced Guitar Lessons for You
With so many lessons and platforms out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are important considerations:
Video Lessons
Great for visual learners and technique breakdowns. Look for:
- Classical Guitar Shed (known for clarity and depth)
- YouTube lessons for creative insights
Interactive Apps
Try:
- Yousician (track your progress with real-time feedback)
- Fender Play (great for advanced players refining specific genres)
Structured Courses
Want a curriculum with logical progression? Structured platforms guide you from advanced basics to pro techniques. These are ideal if you’re feeling “stuck.”
Community-Based Learning
Learning with others helps you stay motivated. Look for:
- Discord groups
- Local jam clubs
- Online challenges and virtual classes
Who’s Taking Advanced Guitar Lessons?
Advanced guitar isn’t just for the rockstars-in-training anymore.
- Women are closing the gap. The percentage of female guitarists has grown from 5% to 9% in the last decade.
- Older learners are diving in. Guitar isn’t just a young person’s game. People in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are learning advanced skills.
- Beginners are sticking with it. With more resources than ever, intermediate players are becoming advanced at a record pace.
Tips to Break Through to Pro-Level Playing
Whether you’re self-taught or have had a few teachers, these tips will help push you past plateaus and become a great guitar player:
1) Practice with purpose
Stop noodling and start drilling. Focus on one technique or concept per session. Use a timer or a practice app to stay on track.
2) Record yourself
It’s uncomfortable at first, but it’s a game-changer. Reviewing your playing helps spot timing issues with your chord progressions, sloppy technique, or tone inconsistencies.
3) Play with others
Whether it’s jamming live or virtually, playing with other musicians improves feel, timing, and improvisation.
4) Analyze the greats
Break down solos by your guitar heroes. Don’t just play the songs of great guitarists; understand why they work.
5) Learn across genres
Fuse your funk with jazz. Add blues bends to metal solos or rock songs. Cross-genre training boosts creativity and makes your playing more original.
6) Take breaks
Sometimes, stepping back for a few days gives you a fresh perspective and reignites motivation.
FAQs
Q: How do I know I’m ready for advanced guitar lessons?
A: If you’ve mastered basic chords, scales, and can play intermediate songs comfortably, you’re probably ready to tackle advanced techniques, theory, and improvisation.
Q: Do I need formal lessons, or can I keep learning on my own?
A: You can continue learning solo, but structured advanced lessons often help you progress faster, avoid bad habits, and deepen your musical understanding.
Q: What’s the best platform for advanced guitar lessons?
A: It depends on your goals. Classical Guitar Shed is great for theory + technique. YouTube is amazing for discovering new approaches, though it lacks structure.
Q: How much should I practice at this level?
A: Quality matters more than quantity. 30–60 minutes of focused practice daily is better than 2 hours of distracted noodling once a week.
Q: I feel stuck; what should I do?
A: Learn a different genre, jam with someone new, or revisit your goals. Growth isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.
Parting Thoughts
The accessibility and affordability of advanced guitar lessons have opened up exciting possibilities for aspiring guitarists. With a wealth of online resources and a growing community of learners, now is the perfect time to take your guitar playing to the next level.
Investing in advanced guitar lessons offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved technique and fluency
- Expanded musical vocabulary and creativity
- A deeper understanding of music theory
- Increased confidence and performance skills
Whether you dream of playing guitar on stage, composing your own music, or simply enjoying a deeper connection with the instrument, advanced guitar lessons can help you achieve your goals. The journey of mastering guitar techniques is a rewarding one, and with the right resources and dedication, you can unlock your full potential.
Embrace the challenge, explore the resources, and enjoy being a more skilled and expressive guitar player.
