Free Resources Spotlight: How to Learn an Instrument Without Paying for Lessons

Music lessons can get pricey fast, but thanks to free tools online, you don’t need to shell out hundreds to learn your first song. YouTube is one of the largest music classrooms in the world, hosting millions of “play along” tutorials. Apps like Yousician and Fender Play also offer free trial tiers that are enough to get you playing chords and scales within days.

One great beginner strategy is the “3-Chord Method.” With just three chords—C, G, and D—you can strum along to thousands of pop songs on guitar or ukulele. Many beginners can learn 10–15 recognizable songs within their first month if they follow structured tutorials.

For those who prefer more structured learning without a price tag, local libraries are an underrated gem. Many now offer free access to music-learning platforms, sheet music archives, or even rentable instruments.