Guitar Tricks VS ArtisWorks (Comparison)
Our pick: Guitar Tricks
ArtistWorks is more focused on social and feedback-oriented learning, while Guitar Tricks is built more for self-motivated students, and those wanted to follow a linear learning path. Overall, we think Guitar Tricks is a stronger program, especially for beginners.
This is a comparison of the Guitar Tricks and ArtistWorks programs, where the ArtistWorks membership focuses on the acoustic and electric guitar options. Since ArtistWorks actually provides programs for a wide range of instruments, we typically limit our analysis to the guitar portions to just get a feel for how their program runs.
Before comparing, it's important to know that the two programs are setup quite differently.
Here's a short summation:
- Guitar Tricks: High volume of guitar-focused content with streamable video
- ArtistWorks: Lower volume with multi-instrument focus and feedback system
Where ArtistWorks spreads resources around to multiple instruments, Guitar Tricks is specifically focused on guitar. They do not even have a bass program.
Here's a quick rating comparison of Guitar Tricks, ArtistWorks, and a couple other similar programs we've reviewed. Use the "Compare+" buttons to see more details about each one.
ArtistWorks VS Guitar Tricks Comparison Table
LESSONS | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar Tricks Membership | 92.8 | |
 | JamPlay Membership | 88.7 | |
 | ArtistWorks Membership | 76.3 | |
 | Yousician Membership | 72.3 |
Two very different guitar programs. Which one is right for you?
But what are the specific strengths and weaknesses of Guitar Tricks and ArtistWorks? Which one is right for you in your particular situation? We'll look at both in more detail to give you an idea.
Guitar Tricks Membership
Screen shot from one of the acoustic courses in Guitar Tricks, taught by Anders Mouridsen.
As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Guitar Tricks focuses only on Guitar and is one of the longest-running online guitar lesson programs in existence. It's extremely well-organized with structured courses that use pre-recorded streamable videos, though does not provide any kind of a feedback system.
Those who are more introverted and self-motivated would likely prefer this format, as it allows them to go through the material at their own pace.
It's also a program that I recommend most often for beginners, since that skill level segment of its content is particularly strong.
They also have over 1000 licensed video song lessons from popular artists, making their song bank one of the largest video lesson repositories in existence. For those wanting to focus on songs, Guitar Tricks should quickly become a top option.
Read more: Full Guitar Tricks review
ArtistWorks Membership
The Paul Gilbert course section of ArtistWorks, where you can interact and get feedback from Paul himself.
ArtistWorks also uses a streamable video format to deliver its content, but relies far more heavily on its feedback program, which utilizes involvement from actual guitar teachers to help students improve.
This includes the likes of Paul Gilbert, Keith Wyatt, and Guthrie Trapp, just to name a few.
For those wanting a more personal and social experience, this is a better alternative than Guitar Tricks because it heavily integrates those components. It also provides courses for a wide range of instruments, which might make it appealing for those wanting to learn more than just guitar.
Summary
For beginners, those wanting to focus on song lessons, or those wanting a more structured approach, Guitar Tricks is going to be the better option. But for social learners or those wanting more of an interactive and feedback oriented option, perhaps with aspirations to learn multiple instruments, we'd recommend ArtistWorks.
Both programs are exceptionally good at what they do and have strengths that play to different situations.
Keep in mind that both offer free trials that will allow you to try the program without paying anything.
These will give you a feel for what the programs are like and which one is better suited for you.
Your Questions
If you have questions about Guitar Tricks or JamPlay, feel free to leave those in the comments section below and I'll jump in to help out as much as possible. For questions I can't answer, I can easily get you in touch with people at Guitar Tricks or ArtistWorks who can help you out.
We'll see you there.
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