Ace Guitar Academy

LEARN ELECTRIC GUITAR FROM A LEGEND​

Dive into the world of Ace, guitarist of British rock group Skunk Anansie, and get to grips with everything you need to know to play electric guitar. With 20 years’ experience and 5 million albums sold, there’s no one better than Ace to show you the ropes and get you start playing!​

Flexible Payment Options

learn to Play ELECTRIC GUITAR

Want to learn electric guitar from a pro? Look no further than Elevate’s learn electric guitar course. In this charismatic course by Ace, guitarist in legendary British rock group Skunk Anansie, you’ll learn everything you need to know playing electric guitar. From the essential theories, guitar chords, techniques, and concepts, you’ll also get an overview of the electric guitar and the part it plays in contemporary music.

With 20 years’ experience and 5 million albums sold, there’s no one better than legendary electric guitar player, Ace, to teach you how to play electric guitar. Through immersive video tutorials, photo tutorials, audio and more, Ace is the guitar teacher you need to take you from easy guitar songs to mastering rock music, all at your own pace.

In this 6 module course, you’ll go from not knowing how to pick up your electric guitar, to enjoy playing it. From mastering the basics like posture and how to hold the guitar properly, to tabs, basic chords and scales, to more masterful bending, rolling and hammer ons – you’ll learn electric guitar the right way. Take it at your own pace and by the end, you’ll be able to pick up your electric guitar and play with flair and confidence, just like your favourite guitarists!

Leap into live session masterclasses, HD Video Industry Insider hints and tips, and downloadable lesson guides with lifetime access. Work through all the guitar essentials — including theory, reading tabs, and playing chords — at your own pace on an accessible mobile-friendly platform.

Course T&Cs

Only £50

Electric guitar for beginners

  • Taught by Ace, guitarist in legendary British rock group Skunk Anansie.
  • 30 Unique lessons across 6 packed modules
  • Created by practicing industry experts
  • Learn at you own pace in your own time
  • HD video industry insider hints & tips
  • Immersive interactive learning
  • Certificate on completion
  • Downloadable lesson guides
  • Lifetime access
  • Mobile friendly platform
  • Access to a live session masterclass

sponsored by

Learn New Guitar Skills

Jam packed flexible courses

Taught by ‘Ace’

From rock group Skunk Anansie

Music Industry Partners

Real world insider knowledge

Modules in this course

This online electric guitar course by rock guitarist Ace is packed full of HD video lessons, suggested tasks and industry insider hints to turn you into fully fledged electric guitarists.

1
Know the Electric Guitar

Before you can play guitar, you need to know how it works. Learn about the components of the electric guitar and how they help create that iconic sound. Once you know your way around, you’ll be off to a flying start and playing electric guitar like Jimi Hendrix in no time!

2
The Ace Method

What’s the Ace method to learn electric guitar, and how does it work? Which way should you hold your electric guitar? What are tabs – and how do you read them? It’s all covered in this module to help you get to grips with the basics of learning guitar.  

3
Let's Get it Right From the Beginning

Covering position and posture whether standing or seating playing guitar, as well as the best position for the guitar strap. This module shows you how to play electric guitar comfortably and effectively. It’ll also help you get into a solid practice routine — and avoid bad habits on your guitar journey.

4
Guitar Strings and Tuning Up

The next module looks at tuning your guitar, teaching you which string makes each guitar notes, what to use as a reference, and whether it’s better to use an electronic guitar tuner or try it by ear.

5
Picking the Guitar Techniques

A first look at electric guitar playing styles, this module explains about guitar picks, and how to hold a pick, as well as techniques like downstrokes, upstrokes and alternate picking, and counting beats. Try the troubleshooting tips to help you get it right and become the next great guitarist.

6
Fretting Techniques

How do you work the frets on your guitar fretboard like a rock star? Where should you put your hand? How much pressure should you apply to each guitar string? This module explains all that and more, with plenty of examples to help you hone your technique.

7
Open Chords

From single notes to several different chords, in this module you'll move on to reading – and playing – open chords. You’ll also touch on some more technical combinations of notes, like arpeggios, and major and minor chords.

8
Strumming the Guitar Techniques

Strumming is all about timing, so in this module you’ll cover both how to play this sweeping style and how to keep rhythm. You’ll also get to know some simple music notation, patterns, and types of beat.

9
Learning the Fretboard

Where do the notes lie on the fretboard? You’ll learn your way around the markers on the neck and the notes they make, whether notes are flat or sharp, and how to read clefs and ledger lines.

10
Barre Chords

Barre chords allow you to play major or minor chords in any key, but it takes practice to master a barre chord, because you’ll need to know your chord shapes. Alongside all that, this module dips into tuning and power chords to build your knowledge.

11
Palm Muting

A key technique to have in any guitar player’s arsenal, palm muting is often used in rock and indie music, and adds a closed, controlled sound to your playing. Give it a try here.

12
Scales, Solos and Melodies

Now you’re nearing the end of the course, you can start to build on your knowledge with more technical music theory. Here, you’ll get an introduction to scales, octaves and melodies.

13
Techniques and Tricks

Pull offs, bends, hammer ons. There are so many neat tricks and techniques to master on the electric guitar to shape your sound. This module explains how to manipulate the strings to pull off some impressive technical skills.

14
Advanced Scale Techniques

Next, learn the full minor pentatonic scale by adding key notes to the standard scale. It’ll take your solos and melodies to the next level, making them more diverse and interesting.

15
Level 1 and 2 Songs

Now it’s time to put it all into practice with level 1 and level 2 songs in Indie, Punk, Rock and Metal styles. Read from the prepared sheets and play along to the audio tracks and videos to discover just how much you’ve learnt!

  • Ace Guitar Academy
    1
    Know the Electric Guitar

    Before you can play guitar, you need to know how it works. Learn about the components of the electric guitar and how they help create that iconic sound. Once you know your way around, you’ll be off to a flying start and playing electric guitar like Jimi Hendrix in no time!

    2
    The Ace Method

    What’s the Ace method to learn electric guitar, and how does it work? Which way should you hold your electric guitar? What are tabs – and how do you read them? It’s all covered in this module to help you get to grips with the basics of learning guitar.  

    3
    Let's Get it Right From the Beginning

    Covering position and posture whether standing or seating playing guitar, as well as the best position for the guitar strap. This module shows you how to play electric guitar comfortably and effectively. It’ll also help you get into a solid practice routine — and avoid bad habits on your guitar journey.

    4
    Guitar Strings and Tuning Up

    The next module looks at tuning your guitar, teaching you which string makes each guitar notes, what to use as a reference, and whether it’s better to use an electronic guitar tuner or try it by ear.

    5
    Picking the Guitar Techniques

    A first look at electric guitar playing styles, this module explains about guitar picks, and how to hold a pick, as well as techniques like downstrokes, upstrokes and alternate picking, and counting beats. Try the troubleshooting tips to help you get it right and become the next great guitarist.

    6
    Fretting Techniques

    How do you work the frets on your guitar fretboard like a rock star? Where should you put your hand? How much pressure should you apply to each guitar string? This module explains all that and more, with plenty of examples to help you hone your technique.

    7
    Open Chords

    From single notes to several different chords, in this module you'll move on to reading – and playing – open chords. You’ll also touch on some more technical combinations of notes, like arpeggios, and major and minor chords.

    8
    Strumming the Guitar Techniques

    Strumming is all about timing, so in this module you’ll cover both how to play this sweeping style and how to keep rhythm. You’ll also get to know some simple music notation, patterns, and types of beat.

    9
    Learning the Fretboard

    Where do the notes lie on the fretboard? You’ll learn your way around the markers on the neck and the notes they make, whether notes are flat or sharp, and how to read clefs and ledger lines.

    10
    Barre Chords

    Barre chords allow you to play major or minor chords in any key, but it takes practice to master a barre chord, because you’ll need to know your chord shapes. Alongside all that, this module dips into tuning and power chords to build your knowledge.

    11
    Palm Muting

    A key technique to have in any guitar player’s arsenal, palm muting is often used in rock and indie music, and adds a closed, controlled sound to your playing. Give it a try here.

    12
    Scales, Solos and Melodies

    Now you’re nearing the end of the course, you can start to build on your knowledge with more technical music theory. Here, you’ll get an introduction to scales, octaves and melodies.

    13
    Techniques and Tricks

    Pull offs, bends, hammer ons. There are so many neat tricks and techniques to master on the electric guitar to shape your sound. This module explains how to manipulate the strings to pull off some impressive technical skills.

    14
    Advanced Scale Techniques

    Next, learn the full minor pentatonic scale by adding key notes to the standard scale. It’ll take your solos and melodies to the next level, making them more diverse and interesting.

    15
    Level 1 and 2 Songs

    Now it’s time to put it all into practice with level 1 and level 2 songs in Indie, Punk, Rock and Metal styles. Read from the prepared sheets and play along to the audio tracks and videos to discover just how much you’ve learnt!

Here what our students say

Tobi J.

Ace Guitar Academy

“Having been a fan of Skunk Anansie for a long time, it was really cool to get tips and advice from Ace! Phenomenal course, such great value for insights from someone active in the industry.”

Jaidon F.

Ace Guitar Academy

“Thoroughly enjoyed and picked up some really useful tips, would recommend.”

Rob O.

Ace Guitar Academy

“I loved the logical approach, the simplicity and the examples used to teach chords, strumming, licks, picking..It just made me a better guitarist and opened my mind to a whole musical universe”

Other guitar courses

Thinking about this online music course?

  • DID ACE WRITE THIS COURSE?

    Yes, he did. The Ace Guitar Academy was originally a book written by Ace which has since been adapted into a highly interactive online course and repeatedly revalidated. It’s packed full of guitar tips and music industry knowledge that Ace has picked up during his incredible career as guitarist and backing vocalist for British indie rock band, Skunk Anansie.

  • DOES THIS COURSE INCLUDE SONG TUTORIALS?

    Yes, absolutely. Ace will take you through over a dozen song tutorials on guitar, one step at a time.  

  • IS THIS COURSE ONLY FOR ELECTRIC GUITARISTS?

    While Ace is an award-winning electric guitarist himself, meaning this is the perfect course for anyone looking for electric guitar tuition, the Ace Guitar Academy content focuses on all aspects of guitar playing and can be applied to both acoustic and electric guitars.

  • DO I NEED ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

    The Ace Guitar Academy is designed to be a foundational guitar experience. Completing this course will see you progress from beginner to intermediate level as a guitarist.

  • Is it hard to learn the electric guitar?

    Learning how to play the electric guitar is a rewarding experience, but it can be challenging at times. The truth is, learning how to play any instrument takes a lot of time and effort. But if you're willing to put in the work and have fun practicing, you'll get it eventually. And by taking this course, you'll learn it much quicker than if you were self taught!

  • How long does it take to learn electric guitar

    There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on how often you practice. This course will give you a solid foundation for learning electric guitar basics, it's then up to you to practice regularly.

  • Do I need to be able to read music to take this course?

    No. Being able to read music will help you with this course, but it's not essential to do this course.

  • What's the difference between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar?

    Learning to play the guitar is a great way to improve your musical skills. Both acoustic and electric guitars have their own advantages, and you should pick the one that best suits your needs. While this course is written by Ace, an award-winning electric guitarist, it focuses on all aspects of guitar playing, making it suitable for both learning acoustic guitar and electric guitar. Electric guitars are louder (when they're plugged in), but they're easier to play quietly than acoustic guitars. For example, you can play an electric guitar much more quietly than a classical guitar so it's great for recording and playing in groups. Acoustic guitars have a wider range of sound than electric guitars do, and they have a mellow tone, but their sound is not as full or loud as the sounds that you get from an electric guitar.

  • Are electric guitars easier to play than an acoustic guitar?

    Electric guitars are generally easier to learn than acoustic guitars. This is because they require less movement to play, making them more comfortable for beginners. Electric guitars also tend to be tuned more frequently than acoustics, so they're easier to play when you're first starting out, as well as throughout your music career. Additionally, electric guitars have a wider range of sound effects that make practicing more fun and exciting!

  • WHEN CAN I BEGIN MY COURSE?

    You can start whenever you’re ready! Elevate courses are accessed on demand, so you can start and pause your learning at any time. There are no deadlines to begin or complete your course by, so you can progress your studies when it suits you. All course materials are yours to keep, so you can take the course again further down the track if you’d like.

  • WHAT KIND OF DEVICE DO I NEED?

    To study an Elevate course, you just need to bring an inquisitive mind.  You can easily complete your course on any mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

  • DO I RECEIVE ANY DISCOUNTS AS AN ELEVATE STUDENT?

    Yes. We work with a range of industry partners to provide Elevate students like yourself with discounted software to support your learning journey. Your courses will include links to discounts, where relevant.  

  • WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY COURSE?

    If you have any questions about your course, please send an email to hello@icmp-elevate.com.  We aim to respond to all emails within 24 hours – if not sooner! You can also call our admissions team on 020 7328 0222

Meet your tutor ‘Ace’

Ace, Skunk Anansie Guitarist

Formed in 1994, Skunk Anansie have become one of the biggest UK rock bands in Britain and Europe now with over 6 million physical sales to date and over 25 million Spotify streams per year plus winners of numerous awards.

Known for headlining Glastonbury festival to playing for Nelson Mandela’s Gift to the Nation Concerts and the Dalai Lama with Pavarotti, their achievements are as diverse as the music they make. Touring and playing with such bands as Metallica, Rammstein, Muse, U2, Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, Deftones, Bon Jovi, David Bowie, Stereophonics, Sex Pistols and Killing Joke, they still continue to do sell out shows and write and release new music with their own independent record label.

“Ever watched a great guitarist and thought? ‘I’d love to do that!’ to be a guitar player, or be in a band that’s out there, playing gigs and having fun. Learning ‘The Ace Method’ is easy to understand and enjoyable! This course teaches you how to play, but doesn’t tell you ‘how’ to play. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your own style, it’s just what sounds good. If it sounds right, it is right! ”

See what our guitar students say

This course is amazing

Rated 5 out of 5

This course is amazing, it’s been brilliant and so instrumental in my journey of learning the guitar. As a complete beginner I’ve found it so easy to understand and follow. The course structure is wonderful and I would most definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn the guitar. I am learning on an electric guitar, love it! Thanks so much.

Emma M.

grateful!

Rated 5 out of 5

It has been excellent so far, just need to be consistent in my practice (particularly moving from chord to chord faster/accurately).

Highly recommend this course, Grateful!

Darius W.

Got what I hoped for

Rated 5 out of 5

Very good match for me. I like the course and I like the teacher. I had been teaching myself guitar for a couple of years and had hit a wall of bad habits and zero progress. A friend who had been playing just a bit longer than me seemed to be flying with flow and confidence. So I started this course, not as a total beginner, but as someone looking for a fresh start. I definitely feel I get what I was looking for with the pace and thoroughness of Ace’s guidance.

Rachel P.

Awesome!

Rated 5 out of 5

I’m still following the course, but I felt the need to leave a review.

The course is amazing.

The way the instructor Ace teaches you is very relaxed, but at the same time to the point. Also he encourage you to try different things, which eventually will led you to breakthrough.

I tried several guitar lessons and so far this is the only one that has managed to keep me hooked and last but not least to get a real progress with playing guitar.

I highly recommend it for beginners.

Good job!

Emilio B.

Flexible payment method

We accept payments via Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay. You can even spread your payments using PayPal Credit.

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Ace Guitar Academy

£50