Psst…wanna learn how to play the guitar without spending money? Have you got your own guitar, a computer with a microphone attached, plus a nice comfy chair? Yes? Then we’ve got something you might be interested in.

Instinct is a brand new online guitar teaching service which provides instant lessons from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a guitar (any kind will do as long as it makes a sound and can be tuned), plus a computer with an Internet connection and a microphone inside (or attached).

To get going press the big friendly Get Started button and you’ll be prompted to choose your guitar setting, select your avatar (everyone needs one of those, right?) and then you’ll be taken through a quick tune up of the strings to make sure everything is in sync.

It’s deliciously simple and works surprisingly well. We set up with a standard laptop and internal mic and we were up and running in a couple of minutes. After you’ve tuned up, you’ll be led through the first lesson, which is Amazing Grace. And when you’ve mastered picking the melody of that, you’ll be given your total score and move on to the next lesson.

The service only offers single finger picking at the moment, but they’re working on chord tuition, and intend to open up the more difficult lessons over time. For now it’s strictly aimed at folks who are complete beginners, and who need to learn the first steps. If you’re one of the Stairway to Heaven brigade, you’ll have to wait for the service to catch up.

There’s a neat newsletter feature built in which will send you a new song to learn by email, and we also liked the community bits, which include a ranking table and things like share and like, so you can boast about your progress. Or not. All in all it’s a great tool, and one we think could be great, especially once there are more playing options for advanced learners.

You know that new year’s resolution you made to learn a new instrument? Well here’s your chance.