My Friends Used to Roll Their Eyes When I Picked Up a Guitar… Now They Sing Along
The Guitar Institute Taught Me More in 3 Weeks Than Traditional Lessons Did in 3 Years
April 30, 2025 | 1:37PM EST
by Tyler M.
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A few months ago, if you handed me a guitar, I’d politely set it down like it was a crying baby.
I’d tried to learn before—three separate times, actually—but my “playing” always sounded like two raccoons fighting in a dumpster.
Fast forward to a chilly night a few weeks back. My friends and I were camping in the mountains. We were listening to music, passing around a box of cheap wine, and watching the fire crackle.
Then, the bluetooth speaker died. Everyone booed while Marc went to try and find the portable charger in his tent.
No one took much notice when I picked up the guitar—except for Jen, who shot me a pretty vicious side eye. Based on my playing in the past, I couldn’t blame her. Like I said—raccoons fighting in a dumpster.
Normally I would feel petrified to play in front of other people, but this time it was different. I closed my eyes and started strumming the opening chords to “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.
And for a minute there I forgot where I was. I was just listening to the music, feeling my fingers move from chord to chord by muscle memory. It was like I had a second brain that took over.
Then something incredible happened. I opened my eyes… and saw that Jen was singing along!
Slowly the conversations around the campfire died out, and one by one, my other friends joined in too.
By the time we hit the chorus, we were all belting it out together:
TAKE ME HOME!!!”
It was the kind of moment I had dreamed about since I first started learning the guitar.
When it was over, everyone started shouting out requests for the next song. Nobody cared that Marc had the speaker working again.
Jen leaned over to me and said, “Hey, since when can you actually play the guitar? Did you take lessons?”
“No,” I told her, “I taught myself!”
How I Learned to Actually Play the Guitar—and Why
Traditional Lessons Don’t Work
Six months ago, my guitar was collecting dust in my closet. I was this close to selling it and giving up for good.
I had always wanted to play the guitar, ever since `my dad took me to my first Weezer concert when I was 15.
Over the years I had tried taking lessons and watched a million different video tutorial series, but I always hit the same dead end.
I could never wrap my head around music theory and I would get bored to death practicing the same basic scales over and over again.
It never felt like I was making any real progress.
But one night, I stumbled across something called The Guitar Institute.
It was founded by Jeffrey Kunde, a Grammy nominated producer and guitarist.
After teaching guitar for over 2 decades, he realized that most people actually prefer learning on their own.
So he created a series of handbooks called the Progressions: Classics series, made for people to teach themselves how to play beautiful chord progressions all over the guitar neck (like the kind you see in a John Denver song).
I decided I wasn’t quite ready to give up on my guitar dreams, so I ordered the books… and it completely changed the way I thought about playing.
Learning with The Guitar Institute is SO Much Easier—and More Fun!
The Progressions: Classics let you dive straight into playing real music, with classic chord progressions from famous pop and rock songs.
But unlike other guitar books I’ve tried, you’re not stuck using the same boring 4 chords that everyone teaches you.
These ones teach you tons of unique ways to play progression all the way up and down the neck.
It’s like they help you skip all the boring stuff and just get straight to sounding good!
Within a few weeks I already felt like I had made more progress than I had with months of traditional guitar lessons.
Honestly, it was the first time learning guitar felt… fun! I could actually hear myself getting better every time I sat down to practice.
It only took a few months before I could play a handful of songs in totally unique ways.
I felt like a real guitar player!
What Makes The Guitar Institute Different
Most guitar methods I tried before felt like they were built for robots or music majors.
This felt like it was made for normal people like me.
The Guitar Institute’s whole approach is different because it doesn’t make you memorize endless scales or theory charts. Instead, it focuses on chord progressions—the backbone of pretty much every song you’ve ever loved.
But here’s the wild part:
They don’t just show you one specific way to play a progression. They give you ten different ways to play each one—all over the neck—so you can actually explore and get creative.
And because every progression is displayed in all 12 keys, you end up with this massive library of sounds you can pull from.
They help you make twice as much progress in half the time!
The Guitar Institute Has Helped Thousands of People Learn the Guitar
I’m not the only one who had a eureka moment with the Progressions: Classics books.
Just take a look at their website and you’ll see thousands of five-star reviews from happy students like me.
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2025
I can’t express how grateful I am for these guitar books! My son discovered them and has been absolutely hooked on learning the guitar ever since. The practical exercises and clear explanations have made it easy for him to grasp the concepts. He’s now playing songs he loves and gaining confidence with each practice session. It’s been amazing to watch his progress, and I can’t thank Jeffrey enough for creating such fantastic resources!
Monica V.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
The simplicity of these books make seemingly complicated concepts easy to understand, and easy to apply to your playing immediately.
Dylan A.
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025
These books are so easy to understand! I’ve felt a need for this for a while, and it’s a cool guide and unique in the way that you’ve grouped it by common progressions. It stands apart from any other I’ve seen on the subject! Pretty sweet!
Keven J.
It looks like the secret is out!
People everywhere are realizing there’s a better, faster, and more enjoyable way to learn the guitar.
What You’ll Actually Learn
When I started with the Progressions: Classics series, I was amazed at how quickly I was playing real music.
They teach you the most common chord progressions in pop, rock, country, and folk—but in totally unique ways that are fun to play.
Here's what each volume covers:
Classics. Vol 1
Begins with a deep dive into classic progressions, and each one is broken down into 10 different ways to play it up and down the guitar neck.
Classics Vol 2
Adds in new variations with minor two chords, which lets you build more tension and emotion in your playing.
Classics Vol 3
Introduces the minor three chord and gives you tons of “brooding” progressions that sound super expressive and cinematic.
By the end, you’re not just playing songs—you’re playing them your way.
100% Practical & No-Fluff
No complicated theories, no boring exercises—just effective, easy-to-follow techniques
Created by Professionals
Designed and taught by Jeffrey Kunde, a pro guitarist with 20+ years of experience, bringing you expert-level techniques and knowledge.
Simple & Effective Learning
Just clear, actionable guitar techniques—no fluff, no unnecessary theory.
Proven Methods for Real Results
Every technique is tried, tested, and proven to help you achieve professional-level sound and skills
Special Bundle Offer (Limited Time)
If you’ve ever dreamed of confidently picking up a guitar and actually sounding good, The Guitar Institute is what you need.
Now is the perfect time to start, because they’re running a special offer. Here’s what you get:
The full Progressions: Classics series
Beautifully printed handbooks, volumes 1, 2 and 3.
eBook versions of each book
You’ll be able to download them instantly so you can get started right away.
Shop Now & Save 35%
BONUS - Exclusive Progressions video course
A video workshop that shows you how to use the book and how each progression should sound.
The normal price for this bundle is $167, but they’re offering it for just $39.99!
Click below to get your Progressions: Classics bundle before this offer ends!
Shop Now & Save 35%
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Since writing this article, we’ve learned that demand for The Guitar Institute's Progressions: Classics has never been higher. More and more fans are sharing their results on social media, and stock of the special bundle offer is running low.
If you’re thinking about trying it, now’s the time—before this offer sells out again.
Shop Now & Save 35%
In This Article
References
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Bahrami, M., Ataie-Jafari, A., Hosseini, S., Foruzanfar, M. H., Rahmani, M., & Pajouhi, M. (2009). Effects of natural honey consumption in diabetic patients: An 8-week randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 60(7), 618–626. https://doi.org/10.3109/09637480801990389
Featured
Recommended
★★★★★
4.8 | 2,789 Reviews
Classics. Vol 1
Begins with a deep dive into classic progressions, and each one is broken down into 10 different ways to play it up and down the guitar neck.
Classics Vol 2
Adds in new variations with minor two chords, which lets you build more tension and emotion in your playing.
Classics Vol 3
Introduces the minor three chord and gives you tons of “brooding” progressions that sound super expressive and cinematic.
Shop Now & Save 35%
William Devon
Has anyone seen real progress with these books?
Wade Vernon
I’m loving these books! They make learning guitar feel so much more accessible. I’ve even started jamming with friends, which is something I never thought I’d do!
Anna Skyler
I paid full price for the books, and now they're offering a discount!? That's not fair!
Leo Graig
I started using these guitar books last week, and wow—my playing has improved so much! I can’t believe I waited this long to get them!
Rhett Campbell
That’s amazing! I’ve heard great things about them. What specific skills are you working on?
Leo Graig
I’m focusing on fingerpicking right now. It’s challenging but so rewarding!
Nico Jefferson
These guitar books are a game changer! Jeffrey makes everything so easy to understand.
Dorian Herbert
I totally agree! His teaching style really breaks things down nicely.
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Don't hesitate, just get the books! You won’t regret it – your guitar skills will improve so fast.
Cyrus Remington
Jeffrey’s insights have really helped me improve my playing. Highly recommend his books!
Maverick Dudley
I was struggling with my guitar playing—feeling stuck, lacking confidence, and not making much progress. I decided to try The Guitar Institute’s Progressions: Classics bundle after hearing great things about it. Two weeks in, my skills have improved, I'm more confident, and I’m actually enjoying playing again. It feels like I’ve finally unlocked my potential.
Finnian Graeme
Jeffrey’s insights have really helped me improve my playing. Highly recommend his books!
Roman Bradley
I want these books so bad! I’m definitely getting them this weekend.
Zane Dean
That’s awesome! I’ve been meaning to buy them for a friend. Did anyone try them?
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I purchased the books recently, and I got instant access to all the materials! No shipping time for digital content – you can start learning right away. If you're buying for a friend, they'll receive their access link immediately after purchase as well!
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Dexter Prescot
I was constantly frustrated with my slow progress on guitar. I thought it was just me, but The Guitar Institute's bundle helped a lot. My playing has become smoother, my confidence is up, and I feel more focused and motivated every time I practice. These books really helped me level up!
Kai Madison
My guitar playing felt stiff and uninspired, and I was struggling to make progress. I didn’t want to give up, so I tried their bundle after a friend recommended it. Now, my playing is smoother, my skills are improving, and I feel more motivated every time I pick up the guitar.
Jasper Milton
Just got my hands on these guitar books, and I’m already hooked! The way they explain things is so clear. I can’t wait to dive deeper!
Jasmin Bradley
Same here! I started last week, and I’m already seeing improvements in my playing.
Thorne Mayson
These books are fantastic! I feel like I’m actually making progress for the first time. I’ve already recommended them to a couple of my friends!
© 2025 The Guitar Institute
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.
This course is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for formal music education or personalized instruction. Results may vary based on individual practice habits, skill level, and commitment.
The Guitar Institute’s Progressions: Classics bundle is designed to support self-taught and hobbyist guitarists with practical, real-world techniques—but it should be used as a supplement to consistent practice and not as a guaranteed path to mastery.
All materials are created by experienced professionals and provided in a digital format for personal use only. For best results, follow the course structure and practice regularly.