Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review.
By the KYI Team. Last compared 7 November 2026; Guitar Tricks prices were checked on guitartricks.com and JustinGuitar app prices in the App Store that day.
Quick verdict
| Guitar Tricks | JustinGuitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.95 a month or $179 a year ($143.20 with SAVE20) | Website lessons free; the app’s paid tiers run from $8.99 a month or $64.99 a year (Full Access) to $129.99 a year (Unlimited Access) |
| Beginner course | Core Learning System, one instructor, tab and notation on every lesson | Beginner Course grades 1 to 3, free, taught by Justin Sandercoe |
| Songs | 1,000+ part-by-part song lessons with jam tracks | Large song library, many free; the app adds play-along and chord charts |
| Depth | Four style courses, then thinner | Intermediate course, theory, ear training, practice routines, mostly free |
| Feedback | Weekly Q&A video and instructor video feedback included | Community forum; no instructor feedback |
| Our pick | If you need structure and accountability | If money is the deciding factor, or you organise yourself well |
Start with the honest part
JustinGuitar is the best free guitar course on the internet, and we would say that even though Guitar Tricks pays us a commission and Justin does not. If you have no money for lessons, use it and do not feel you are missing out. This page is for people deciding whether $179 a year buys something Justin does not give you.
What is the same
Both have a proper beginner course that starts from nothing, both are taught by people who know how to teach, both have big song libraries, both have apps.
What the $179 buys
- Tab and notation next to every video, with multiple camera angles, loop and slow-down. Justin’s website lessons are a single video with a lesson page; the app adds more.
- Songs broken into parts, with single-guitar arrangements and jam tracks. Justin’s song lessons are excellent but usually one video per song.
- Four full style courses (Blues, Rock, Country, Acoustic) that take you from the basics to jamming in that style, plus Artist Studies and a technique library.
- Feedback. A weekly instructor Q&A video and a Feedback System in which you submit a video of your playing and an instructor replies, both included; a $39 custom lesson plan and 1-on-1 Zoom lessons as paid extras. JustinGuitar has a community, not instructors.
- Progress tracking and practice streaks built in.
- The fact that you paid. Not a joke: people finish courses they have paid for far more often than free ones, because the money is a commitment.
What JustinGuitar does better
- It is free, and the paid app is cheap.
- Justin’s teaching personality. One teacher for the whole beginner and intermediate journey, and he is very good.
- Theory, ear training and practice-routine material at intermediate level is deeper on JustinGuitar than on Guitar Tricks.
Who should pick which
- Tight budget: JustinGuitar.
- Tried free lessons before and drifted off: Guitar Tricks. The structure and the sunk cost are the point.
- Want to learn songs as recorded, all parts: Guitar Tricks.
- Want someone to look at your playing: Guitar Tricks.
- Want intermediate theory and ear training: JustinGuitar.
- Cannot decide: do Justin’s free Beginner Grade 1, then take the Guitar Tricks 14-day trial and compare them on the same song.
Frequently asked questions
Is JustinGuitar really free?
The website lessons are. The app has a free tier and paid subscriptions; in the App Store on 7 November 2026 they ran from $8.99 a month or $64.99 a year for Full Access to $129.99 a year for Unlimited Access.
Is Guitar Tricks better than JustinGuitar?
More structured, with more song and style depth and included feedback; not better taught.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many people learn fundamentals on Justin and subscribe to Guitar Tricks for songs and style courses.
Which is better for a complete beginner?
Either. Pick Guitar Tricks if you want to be led; JustinGuitar if you are happy to lead yourself.
Last compared 7 November 2026. Guitar Tricks review · Guitar Tricks vs JamPlay, TrueFire, Fender Play, Yousician and Pickup Music.
