GuitarControl.com Derryl Gabel: online guitar lessons in the United States, chances are you’ve come across GuitarControl.com. Active since 2005, it’s one of the longest-running online guitar lesson platforms, offering structured video courses, riffs, licks, and step-by-step training for beginners through advanced players.
As of February 27, 2026, one name stands at the center of the platform’s modern identity: Derryl Gabel.
Known for his monster technique, fusion-inspired phrasing, and approachable teaching style, Derryl Gabel has become the primary instructor and face of GuitarControl’s modern content library. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with clean chords or an intermediate player chasing shred speed, his lessons aim to make progress simple and achievable.
Here’s everything US guitarists need to know in 2026.
What Is GuitarControl.com? (Founded 2005 – Still Going Strong)
GuitarControl.com is a US-based online guitar lesson platform delivering:
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Video-based courses
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Downloadable tabs and PDFs
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Style-specific lesson bundles
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Beginner-to-advanced structured programs
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Practice routines designed for real-world results
Unlike subscription-heavy platforms that overwhelm students, GuitarControl has traditionally offered one-time purchase courses, often bundled affordably.
Core Focus Areas
The platform emphasizes:
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Rock guitar riffs
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Blues soloing
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Pentatonic mastery
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Lead guitar techniques
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Legato and tapping
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Fusion and shred concepts
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Modes (Lydian, Mixolydian, etc.)
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String skipping & speed development
For US players balancing work, school, or family life, the self-paced video format allows learning on:
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Phone
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Laptop
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Smart TV
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Tablet
It’s built for convenience — something American adult learners highly value.
Who Is Derryl Gabel? (Full 2026 Profile)
Basic Bio
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Born: 1970
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Age (2026): 56
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Started Guitar: Age 15 (1985)
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Experience: 35+ years as professional musician and educator
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Based: United States
Derryl Gabel began playing guitar later than many virtuosos but built elite-level technique through disciplined practice and musical curiosity.
Musical Style
His playing is best described as:
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Fusion-influenced
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Instrumental shred
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Modern lead guitar
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Clean, precise execution
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Expressive phrasing over flashy excess
Early inspiration came from Eddie Van Halen, but his style expanded into fusion, modal improvisation, and technical mastery.
Professional Highlights
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Long-time GuitarControl instructor (lessons dating back to at least 2013)
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Heavy content output from 2020–2025
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Featured instructor on TrueFire
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Founder of derrylgabel.net
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Active YouTube channel @derrylgabel
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21.9K+ subscribers
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446+ videos (as of February 2026)
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Offers private 1-on-1 Zoom lessons
Community discussions for over a decade describe him as:
“A monster player and a genuinely great teacher.”
Derryl Gabel’s Teaching Style (Why US Students Like Him)
What separates Derryl from many fast-talking YouTube shredders?
1. Ego-Free Instruction
He teaches like a patient friend — not a rockstar showing off.
2. Practical Over Theoretical
Instead of overwhelming students with dense music theory, he focuses on:
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What sounds good
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Why it works
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How to practice it today
3. Real Demonstrations
He demonstrates:
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Common mistakes
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Finger placement corrections
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Tone adjustments
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Bending and vibrato fixes
4. Confidence Building
Rather than pushing perfection, he emphasizes:
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Flow
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Musicality
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Gradual progress
For American players aged 25–55, especially self-taught musicians, this approach resonates strongly.
What GuitarControl.com Offers in 2026
The platform remains active with hundreds of lessons covering every major rock and blues foundation.
Beginner Courses
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Ultimate Beginner Guitar Course
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Basic chord transitions
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First solo frameworks
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Amp tone setup basics
Rock & Classic Influences
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Dire Straits / Mark Knopfler style riffs
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John Fogerty-inspired rhythm
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Randy Rhoads-style lead licks
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Classic rock rhythm breakdowns
Blues Training
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Eric Clapton-style backing tracks
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Slow blues solo construction
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Pentatonic phrasing drills
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Vibrato control exercises
Advanced Lead & Fusion
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3-notes-per-string scales
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4-notes-per-string patterns
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String skipping
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Legato speed building
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Tapping technique
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Modal improvisation (Lydian, Mixolydian)
Many courses include:
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Tabs
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Backing tracks
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Downloadable PDFs
A February 2026 independent review (ampreviews.co.uk) described GuitarControl as:
“One of the smartest, no-pressure ways to learn guitar without quitting early.”
Pricing & Lesson Options (US Market – 2026)
Free Content
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GuitarControl free lessons
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Derryl Gabel’s YouTube channel
Paid Courses
Historically:
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Most courses priced under $50–$100
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One-time purchase model
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Bundles available
Private Lessons
On derrylgabel.net, Derryl offers:
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1-on-1 Zoom sessions
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Example pricing: ~$120 per hour
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5-hour package example: ~$600
Refund Policy
Many GuitarControl courses carry a 60-day money-back guarantee, a long-standing policy.
US Reputation & Community Feedback
GuitarControl and Derryl Gabel are particularly popular among:
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Self-taught American players
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Hobbyists returning to guitar
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Rock/blues enthusiasts
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Working adults who need flexible schedules
You’ll find discussions about Derryl in:
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Reddit (r/guitar, r/learnguitar)
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Facebook guitar groups
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YouTube comments
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Online gear forums
Important Historical Note
In the early Claude Johnson era (2005–2010s), GuitarControl had some refund-related complaints. However:
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Those issues predate Derryl’s leadership role.
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Derryl Gabel was not associated with those controversies.
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His reputation remains consistently positive.
Today, he is widely seen as the trusted instructional voice of the platform.
How to Get Started Today (US-Friendly Options)
Option 1: GuitarControl.com
Browse:
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“New Guitar Lessons”
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Rock lessons
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Blues bundles
Option 2: YouTube
Search:
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“Derryl Gabel”
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Or visit @derrylgabel
Option 3: DerrylGabel.net
For:
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Structured premium courses
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Direct Zoom bookings
Option 4: TrueFire
Search Derryl’s name for professionally produced course content.
Conclusion: Is GuitarControl & Derryl Gabel Worth It in 2026?
For US guitarists seeking:
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Clear instruction
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Encouragement without ego
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Practical playing skills
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Affordable structured learning
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Real improvement without overwhelm
Derryl Gabel via GuitarControl.com remains one of the best online guitar lesson options in 2026.
He combines:
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Elite technique
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Real-world teaching experience
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Patience
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Structured learning
Whether you’re:
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A total beginner
Derryl’s teaching makes complex ideas feel approachable.
When he says, “Here’s how to make this sound good,”
you actually understand — and you actually improve.
🎸 No ego. No fluff. Just results.
FAQs (2026)
1. Is GuitarControl.com still active in 2026?
Yes. It remains active with updated lessons and course offerings.
2. Who is the main instructor now?
Derryl Gabel is the primary instructor associated with modern GuitarControl content.
3. Are the lessons good for beginners?
Yes. There are structured beginner courses designed for total newcomers.
4. Does Derryl Gabel offer private lessons?
Yes. He offers 1-on-1 Zoom sessions through his personal website.
5. Is GuitarControl better than YouTube-only learning?
For structured progress and organized curriculum, many US players prefer GuitarControl’s step-by-step courses over random YouTube browsing.