In July 2024, we launched a new and improved Beginner Learning Pathway in order to improve our learning experience for new guitarists.
We looked through all of our members' comments – both positive and negative – then re-filmed and updated the program to create the best introduction to guitar playing possible.
What's new:
Updated lesson structure to address common beginner struggles.
New performance pieces with a live band.
Interactive workouts to help you lock in your new skills.
Who should take the "new" Beginner Learning Pathway?
This course is for anyone who is brand new to guitar or anyone who isn't able to play:
Open chords
Basic rhythm guitar in 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8 time
Bar chords
Foundational lead guitar techniques (alternate picking, basic single-note riffs)
If you've already completed the "old" Beginner Learning Pathway
If you've already completed the original Beginner (Legacy) Learning Pathway, you probably don't need to take the new version.
If you're having trouble with bar chords, check out Grades 5 and 6 of the new pathway.
If you're having trouble with chord transitions check out Grade 4.
Otherwise, as long as you're comfortable with what you learned in the original Beginner pathway, you won't be missing out on anything.
If you're in the middle of the "old" Beginner Learning Pathway
The lesson material does not map 1:1 between the two pathways. Depending on how far into the "old" pathway you are, you may want to switch over to the new version.
Here's what we recommend:
If you've completed any of the lessons in Grades 1-2 in the "old" pathway
We recommend going back to Grade 1 of the new pathway
Click through the lessons until you find material that you haven't learned yet.
It's better to breeze through stuff you know than leave gaps in your foundation.
If you've completed any of the lessons in Grade 3 in the "old" pathway
You can jump into Grade 3 of the new pathway.
Start at the beginning and click through the lessons until you find material you haven't learned yet.
If you've completed any of the lessons in Grade 4 in the "old" pathway
You can jump into Grade 4 of the new pathway.
Start at the beginning and click through the lessons until you find material you haven't learned yet.
If you've completed any of the lessons in Grades 5 & 6 in the "old" pathway
We recommend going back to Grade 5 of the new pathway.
You can never have enough bar chord practice.
Plus, you'll learn Karl's approach to playing and transitioning between them.
Start at the beginning and click through the lessons until you find material that challenges you.
If you have any questions about your beginner guitar journey, shoot us a message using the chat pop-up in the bottom right corner of your screen.