Books · Backing tracks · Video lessons
Learn guitar by playing along, in real time
Step-by-step lessons and play-along tracks from guitar teacher and author John Chamley. Start free, go at your own pace, and hear exactly how every exercise should sound.
Free 26-lesson beginner course · Backing tracks for every book · No sign-up needed to start
Where would you like to start?
Pick the path that fits you. You can always come back for the others.
1
I have one of the books
Book backing tracks
Play along with the tracks for the exercises and pieces in my books. Slow them down or speed them up on any phone, tablet or computer.
2
I’m new to guitar
Free beginner course
Guitar Chords & Strumming for Absolute Beginners: 26 short video lessons with play-alongs and a free printable chord chart.
3
I want it all, ad-free
Membership
Watch the complete course straight away with no ads, plus extra play-alongs and new member lessons and courses as they’re added.
Backing tracks for my books
Every track is free to stream. Tip: on mobile, tap the 3 dots on a track to change the playback speed. On a computer, right-click the player.


Guitar in Real Time, Levels 1–3
The step-by-step method series, from first notes to confident playing.
On Amazon: Level One · Level Two · Level Three

Fingerstyle Guitar Christmas
Captivating solos for acoustic or classical guitar.
Free course
Guitar Chords & Strumming for Absolute Beginners
It’s about more than memorising chord shapes. You’ll learn to play each chord with good technique, so it rings clearly and changes smoothly.
- Modules 1–2: one-finger chords, then the basic CAGED chords
- Modules 3–6: 7ths, minors, minor 7ths, major 7ths and sus chords
- Modules 7–9: strumming patterns and full play-along exercises
Already know a few chords? Skip ahead to Module 2 (Lesson 6) and focus on technique.

About
Hi, I’m JC
I’m John Chamley, the guitar teacher and author behind the Guitar in Real Time books, Read Music for Guitar and the GuitarBasement YouTube channel.
Everything here is meant to help you spend less time guessing and more time playing: clear lessons, real play-along tracks, and practical tips from my home studio.
Get new lessons by email
Join the mailing list and I’ll let you know when new lessons, backing tracks and free charts are out. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Ready to pick up your guitar?
Start with lesson 1 today. It’s free, and it takes less than ten minutes.
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