How to cancel Guitar Tricks and protect your subscription rights in ireland

What is Guitar Tricks

Guitar Tricks is an established online learning platform that delivers structured video lessons, song tutorials, guided learning paths and practice tools for guitarists at every skill level. Since its launch in the late 1990s, the service has built a reputation for comprehensive instruction and accessibility, offering thousands of lesson videos taught by professional instructors and arranged by difficulty and musical style. The platform serves beginner players learning basic chords through advanced musicians refining technique, with on-demand access to its full lesson archive available 24/7 to paid members.

You can start with a free Basic membership that gives you limited access to selected lessons, or upgrade to a Full Access subscription to unlock the complete video library and interactive practice features. Most users on Full Access billing pay either a monthly subscription at approximately EUR 28 per month or an annual subscription at around EUR 163 per year, though you should verify current pricing on the Guitar Tricks website as rates may shift. New members frequently receive introductory trial offers that automatically convert to paid plans if you do not cancel before the trial period ends, which is a critical detail when managing your account.

Subscription plans and pricing

Understanding your billing structure is the first step toward cancelling confidently. Guitar Tricks charges monthly or annually depending on which plan you selected when you signed up. The table below outlines the main options and renewal terms.

Both monthly and annual plans renew automatically unless you actively cancel your membership. Trial periods are particularly important to monitor because they convert to the monthly plan without action on your part. Yafee recommends checking your sign-up confirmation email to confirm which plan you selected and when your next renewal date falls.

What users report about Guitar Tricks

Guitar Tricks has earned a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating from users who appreciate the instructor quality, lesson variety and structured learning pathways. Many learners report genuine progress and satisfaction with the teaching approach. However, a recurring theme in user feedback centres on billing and cancellation friction. Some members describe surprise charges that occurred even after they believed they had cancelled, while others report difficulty obtaining refunds outside the advertised money-back window. These experiences underscore why precise cancellation steps and documentation matter so much. Yafee has documented numerous cases where clarity and timing made the difference between a smooth exit and prolonged billing disputes.

Why you might want to cancel Guitar Tricks

There are legitimate reasons you may decide to step away from Guitar Tricks.

Common reasons to cancel

You might cancel because you have progressed beyond the lesson level offered, because you have found a teacher or alternative learning method, because of budget constraints, or simply because you no longer use the platform regularly enough to justify the monthly or annual cost. If your trial period is about to end and you realise the service does not match your learning style, cancelling prevents unwanted charges. You may also cancel if you have completed your initial learning goals, discovered a competing platform with better pricing or content, or experienced billing issues that eroded your trust in the company.

When you should cancel before renewal

The timing of your cancellation is critical. If you are on a monthly plan, you must cancel before your next billing date to avoid a charge for the following month. If you are on an annual plan, you must cancel before your renewal date to stop the next year's payment. Check your confirmation email or account dashboard to identify the exact date your subscription renews. Cancelling at least 3-5 business days before renewal gives Guitar Tricks sufficient time to process your request and prevent the charge. If you wait until the renewal date has passed, you may need to pursue a refund under Irish consumer law.

Your consumer rights and what they mean for you

Irish consumer law grants you robust protections when cancelling digital services. These rights exist regardless of the company's cancellation policy.

Consumer rights act 2022 protections in ireland

The Consumer Rights Act 2022, which implements the EU Consumer Rights Directive, gives you the right to cancel a digital service subscription within 14 calendar days of purchase, provided you have not started downloading or streaming substantial amounts of content. This cooling-off period applies even if Guitar Tricks does not advertise it prominently. Consequently, if you purchase a subscription and change your mind within 14 days without significant use, you have the legal right to a full refund, regardless of Guitar Tricks' stated policy.

After the 14-day window closes, the law requires any subscription service to provide you with a clear, straightforward cancellation mechanism. The company must allow you to cancel online using the same method you used to subscribe. Furthermore, you retain the right to cancel at any time before the next automatic renewal, subject to reasonable notice requirements (typically the same length as the billing period or 30 days, whichever is shorter). If Guitar Tricks fails to provide a clear cancellation path or charges you after you have requested cancellation, you can escalate to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Ireland's consumer enforcement authority.

Your legal position on refunds and billing

You have a legal right to a refund if Guitar Tricks charges you after you have sent a valid cancellation request, provided the company received and processed your request in time. If you cancelled before your renewal date but were still charged, the company must refund that charge plus any interest on request. Additionally, if you are within the 14-day cooling-off period and have not substantially used the service, you are entitled to a full refund with no deduction for use or administrative costs. Yafee's experience shows that documenting your cancellation request (keeping emails, screenshots and timestamps) significantly strengthens your position if a dispute arises.

How to cancel Guitar Tricks

Guitar Tricks provides two primary cancellation methods. Below are the step-by-step procedures for each, along with critical timing information.

Step 1: cancel online through your account dashboard

The fastest and most traceable method to cancel Guitar Tricks is through your account settings.

1. Go to the Guitar Tricks website and sign in with your email address and password
   • If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it
   • Ensure you have access to the email address attached to your account
2. Navigate to the "Account" or "Settings" section (usually located in the top-right menu or account icon)
   • Look for a "My Account", "Subscription", or "Membership" tab
   • The exact label varies, but subscription options are always in account settings
3. Find your active subscription or membership plan
   • Guitar Tricks displays your current plan type, monthly or annual cost, and next renewal date
   • Note the exact renewal date shown on your screen before proceeding
4. Click the "Cancel" button next to your membership type
   • The system may ask you to confirm why you are cancelling (this is optional feedback)
   • Select a reason if prompted, but do not feel obliged to provide detailed explanation
5. Confirm your cancellation by clicking "Cancel All Billing" or the final confirmation prompt
   • Read the confirmation screen carefully to verify your cancellation is effective before your next renewal date
   • The platform should display a confirmation message with the cancellation date and final billing date
6. Screenshot or save the confirmation page
   • This confirmation serves as your evidence of cancellation if a billing dispute arises later
   • Save the URL and timestamp of the confirmation page

After you complete the online cancellation, your account remains accessible until the end of your current billing period. You retain full access to all lessons and features until that date. No further charges appear after the cancellation is processed.

Step 2: cancel by email if online method is unavailable

If the online cancellation link does not work or you prefer a written record, you can cancel Guitar Tricks by email.

1. Compose an email to Guitar Tricks customer support at [email protected]
   • If that address is no longer active, check the Guitar Tricks website "Contact Us" page for the current support email
   • Using the official support email ensures your request is logged in their system
2. Include the following information in your email
   • Your full name and the email address associated with your Guitar Tricks account
   • Your subscription type (monthly or annual) and the approximate monthly cost (EUR 28 or EUR 163 per year)
   • A clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Guitar Tricks subscription effective immediately" or "effective before [renewal date]"
   • The date you are sending the email
3. Request a written cancellation confirmation
   • Ask Guitar Tricks to reply with a confirmation email stating your cancellation has been processed
   • This reply serves as your proof of cancellation and receipt
4. Send the email from the same address associated with your account
   • This prevents disputes about whether the email came from an authorised user
   • If you use a different email address, include a statement confirming your name and the account email
5. Send via a method that provides a delivery receipt or read confirmation
   • Standard email suffices, but using your email provider's read receipt feature (if available) adds a layer of verification
   • Alternatively, send a follow-up email 3 business days later if you do not receive a reply

Yafee advises waiting up to 5 business days for a response to your cancellation email. If Guitar Tricks does not acknowledge your cancellation request within that window, send a second email restating your request and referencing the original email date. Keep copies of all emails.

Step 3: verify cancellation on your next renewal date

After you have submitted your cancellation, take one final verification step.

1. Mark your calendar for one day after your stated renewal date
   • Check your bank account or credit card to confirm no charge appeared
   • Log in to your Guitar Tricks account to confirm your subscription status shows as "Cancelled"
2. If a charge appears despite your cancellation request
   • Contact Guitar Tricks support immediately and reference your cancellation confirmation email
   • Request a refund and explain that you cancelled before the renewal date
   • If Guitar Tricks refuses or does not respond within 10 business days, escalate to the CCPC (see "Escalation" section below)

Refunds and billing after cancellation

Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and how much content you have used.

Within the 14-day cooling-off period

If you cancel your Guitar Tricks subscription within 14 calendar days of purchase and have not downloaded or streamed a substantial portion of the lesson library, you are entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2022. This applies even if Guitar Tricks' standard policy states no refunds for digital content. To claim this refund, contact Guitar Tricks support and reference your cancellation date and purchase date. State clearly that you are exercising your statutory cooling-off right. Guitar Tricks must process the refund within 14 days of your cancellation request.

After the 14-day period

Once the 14-day cooling-off period has expired, Guitar Tricks' refund policy applies. Most platforms do not refund subscription fees for the remainder of a billing period, but you cease incurring charges after your cancellation takes effect. For example, if you cancel a monthly subscription on the 15th of a 30-day billing cycle, you lose access to the service on that date and do not owe the company for the remaining 15 days. However, if you have already paid for the next month or year, most subscription services do not refund the unused portion unless there is a service defect or the company breaches contract.

Charges after cancellation

If you are charged after you have cancelled, you have the right to demand a refund. Send an email to Guitar Tricks support with the following information:

• The date you submitted your cancellation request
• A copy of your cancellation confirmation (screenshot or confirmation email)
• The date the unauthorised charge appeared on your bank statement
• A clear statement requesting a refund and stating: "I cancelled my subscription before this billing date and am entitled to a refund under Irish consumer law"

Allow 10 business days for Guitar Tricks to respond. If the company refuses or does not reply, you can escalate to the CCPC or your bank's payment dispute process.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Cancellation is straightforward when you follow the right steps, and Yafee's expertise shows that most problems arise from avoidable missteps. Below are the pitfalls to sidestep.

Mistake 1: assuming cancellation is complete without confirmation

Do not assume your cancellation is finished until you have received written confirmation from Guitar Tricks. Many members believe that closing the browser tab after clicking "Cancel" means the request has been processed. Instead, wait for a final confirmation screen or email before you leave the website. Screenshot or save the confirmation message and keep it until after your next renewal date passes charge-free.

Mistake 2: cancelling too close to your renewal date

If you cancel on the same day as your renewal date or after it, Guitar Tricks may still process the charge because the billing system has already initiated the payment. Ideally, cancel at least 5-7 business days before your renewal date to allow processing time. Check your account dashboard for the exact renewal date and set a phone reminder 10 days before that date.

Mistake 3: not checking your bank statement after cancellation

After your cancellation takes effect, verify that no charge appears on your next billing date. Even with cancellation confirmed, occasional system errors result in unexpected charges. By checking your statement 1-2 days after the renewal date, you catch unauthorised charges quickly and can dispute them with stronger evidence.

Mistake 4: cancelling by phone without written confirmation

If you speak to a Guitar Tricks representative by phone, request that they send a confirmation email to your registered account email address. Verbal cancellations leave no audit trail and become difficult to prove if the company later claims no cancellation request was received. Always obtain written proof.

Mistake 5: deleting confirmation emails immediately

Retain all cancellation confirmation emails and screenshots indefinitely. If a billing dispute arises, these documents are your primary evidence. Store them in a separate folder or cloud account so you can access them quickly if needed.

What happens after you cancel Guitar Tricks

Understanding the post-cancellation period removes uncertainty and helps you plan your next steps. Cancellation is rarely instantaneous, and your access may continue for a limited time after your request.

Immediate effects of cancellation

Once Guitar Tricks processes your cancellation, the following occurs:

• Your subscription status changes to "Cancelled" in your account dashboard
• No new billing charges are added to your account
• Your access to the lesson library continues until the end of your current billing period (e.g., if you cancel on day 15 of a monthly cycle, you retain access until day 30)
• You can still log in and download or review lessons until your access expires

After your access expires

When your billing period ends, Guitar Tricks removes your account access. You cannot log in, stream lessons, or use practice tools. Your account data (lesson history, progress notes) may be retained by Guitar Tricks for a limited period (typically 30-90 days) before deletion. If you wish to re-subscribe later, you can create a new account using the same email address or a different one.

Exporting your data before cancellation

Before your cancellation takes effect, consider downloading or screenshotting your lesson progress, notes and favourite lessons. Guitar Tricks does not always provide a data export tool, so take manual backups of content you wish to retain (notes, custom playlists, etc.). Yafee advises doing this while you still have active access.

Escalation: what to do if Guitar Tricks refuses to cancel

If Guitar Tricks ignores your cancellation request or continues charging you after cancellation, you have formal recourse under Irish law.

Step 1: contact Guitar Tricks support again in writing

Send a second email to [email protected] (or the current support address) referencing your original cancellation request. State the date of your first request, that you have not received confirmation, and that you expect a response within 5 business days. Copy the text below into your email:

"I submitted a cancellation request on [DATE]. I have not received written confirmation that my subscription has been cancelled. Please confirm within 5 business days that my subscription has been terminated and no further charges will apply. If I do not receive confirmation or if I am charged after this email, I will escalate this matter to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission."

Step 2: file a complaint with the competition and consumer protection commission (CCPC)

If Guitar Tricks does not respond or refuses to cancel within 10 business days, file a formal complaint with the CCPC. The CCPC is Ireland's national consumer protection authority and has enforcement powers over companies that breach consumer rights.

1. Visit the CCPC website at www.ccpc.ie
2. Navigate to "Make a Complaint" and complete the online form
3. Provide the following information
   • Your name, contact details and email address
   • Guitar Tricks' company name and website
   • A description of the issue (e.g., "Company refuses to cancel my subscription despite my written request on [DATE]")
   • Dates of all cancellation attempts and any charges after cancellation
   • Copies of emails, screenshots and bank statements showing unauthorised charges
4. Explain the impact on you, including any financial loss
5. State the resolution you seek (cancellation, refund, or both)

The CCPC reviews complaints and can take enforcement action against Guitar Tricks if the company has violated your consumer rights. You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint, and there is no cost to you.

Step 3: dispute the charge with your bank

If Guitar Tricks continues to charge your card after you have cancelled, contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback or dispute. Provide your bank with:

• Your cancellation confirmation email or screenshot
• Bank statements showing the charge date
• Copies of emails from Guitar Tricks refusing to refund

Your bank can reverse unauthorised charges and may refund you within 3-5 business days. This action does not prevent you from also filing a CCPC complaint.

Comparison of subscription platforms and alternatives

If you are cancelling Guitar Tricks because of cost, content gaps or poor cancellation experience, you may wish to explore alternative music learning services. The table below compares Guitar Tricks to similar platforms available in Ireland.

Yafee recommends comparing not just price but also cancellation ease and refund policies before you commit to a new platform. Many alternatives offer lower prices or more flexible billing, which may better suit your learning goals and budget.

Checklist for cancelling Guitar Tricks

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel correctly and retain all necessary documentation.

Summary and next steps

Cancelling Guitar Tricks is a straightforward process when you follow the correct steps and maintain documentation. Irish consumer law protects you at every stage: you have the right to cancel within 14 days for a full refund, the right to cancel online using the same method you subscribed, and the right to dispute unauthorised charges. Guitar Tricks provides two cancellation methods (online or email), and completing either one prevents future billing.

Your cancellation takes effect on the date you submit your request, provided you do so before your renewal date. After cancellation, you retain access until the end of your current billing period but incur no new charges. If Guitar Tricks continues to charge you after cancellation, you can escalate to the CCPC or your bank at no cost.

Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and dispute unauthorised charges by providing clear legal guidance and step-by-step procedures. Whether you are cancelling because you have outgrown the platform, found a cheaper alternative, or experienced billing friction, the process outlined above protects your rights and ensures a clean exit. Document every step, follow the timeline, and retain all confirmations. If you encounter resistance, remember that the CCPC exists to enforce your consumer rights, and escalation is always available.

For more information on your cancellation rights, visit the CCPC website at www.ccpc.ie or contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission directly at +353 (0)1 402 5555.

Guitar Tricks cancellation address (for formal correspondence):

Guitar Tricks
Customer Support
[email protected]

For disputes or refund claims, you may also reference the Consumer Rights Act 2022 and the Distance Marketing Directive (Statutory Instrument No. 173 of 2012) in your written communication with Guitar Tricks.