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Guitar lessons near me in Chicago, IL
Master acoustic, electric, and bass guitar with expert teachers

Top rated Guitar lessons in Chicago
Guitar Lessons, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar etc
Free trial lesson
★ 4.3
(26)
$34
$31
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.1
(38)
$37
$34
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.9
(81)
$32
$30
/ hour
Popular
Free trial lesson
★ 4.6
(78)
$36
$34
/ hour
Popular
Free trial lesson
★ 4.8
(32)
$33
$30
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.8
(76)
$36
$34
/ hour
Student Favourite
Free trial lesson
★ 4.9
(95)
$33
$32
/ hour
Popular
Free trial lesson
★ 4.8
(32)
$31
$30
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.4
(22)
$37
$32
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.9
(111)
$33
$32
/ hour
Student Favourite
Guitar teachers in Chicago with top specialities

Recently taught Guitar lessons in Chicago
Real lessons. Real students. Real teachers.
Lluis taught Grau 1 day ago
Loopyllu tutored Yoann Grau on guitar techniques, covering E7#9 and Em7b5 chords, Travis picking with C and Am, and chord change exercises. Yoann practiced finger placements and hammer-ons. Loopyllu will send jazzy chord progressions for Yoann to practice improvisation.
E7 Sharp 9 Chord
Minor 7 Flat 5 Chord
Travis Picking
Guitar Grade Levels
Chord Voicing and Finger Placement
Snehasis taught Leon 3 days ago
Snehasis Bose and Team On a Roll had a guitar lesson focusing on speed exercises, triplets, and scale practice. They worked on playing in A minor and C major, using a metronome to increase speed and accuracy. The student was assigned to practice 16-note patterns at 180 BPM, and they scheduled another lesson for the following day.
Root
Fifth
Third
Increasing Speed
16 Note Pattern
Hip-Hop Influence
India
Lluis taught Michael 7 days ago
Loopyllu guided Michael White through a guitar lesson focused on chord progressions, strumming patterns, and chord memorization. Michael practiced transitioning between G, E minor, C major and D major chords, and was introduced to F major, E minor 7th and D7 chords. They discussed purchasing a capo and new guitar strings, and Michael plans to order more lessons.
Chord Memorization
Guitar String Gauges
D7 Chord
Capo Usage
Seventh Chords
E Minor 7th Chord
Shraddha taught Chuck 8 days ago
Shraddha Buddan guided Chuck Adkins through various guitar techniques, including bar chords, movable chord shapes (major/minor triads), arpeggiation, and fingerpicking, using a specific song as a practical example. Chuck worked on finger placements, transitions, and hand positioning. They also discussed using delay and reverb effects. The next lesson was tentatively scheduled, pending Chuck's availability.
Triads
Capos
Arpeggios
Fingerpicking Basics
Barre Chords
Giacomo taught Ryan 9 days ago
Giacomo worked with Ryan on playing "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC, focusing on rhythm guitar techniques, chord transitions, and song structure. They analyzed the ending of the song and the part preceding the solo. Giacomo assigned the guitar solo as homework and scheduled a makeup lesson for the following week due to his vacation.
Major 7 vs. Dominant 7 Chords
Feeling the 'One'
E Major 7 Chord
Song Structure Analysis
Rhythmic Guitarist Role
Yiting taught Christina 12 days ago
Yiting Xia and Yellow Daffodil had a guitar lesson where they tuned the guitar, practiced spider skills, and worked on the songs "Worried Man Blues" and "500 Miles." Yiting corrected Yellow Daffodil's chord work and singing. Yiting will prepare chords and lyrics for "I Walk the Line" for the next lesson.
Worried Man Blues - Emotional Expression
Strumming Techniques - Soft and Strong
100 Miles Song - Key and Pitch
Guitar Solo - Musical Breaks
Guitar lessons in Chicago for beginners, adults, kids and more
Free trial lesson
★ 4.8
(32)
$33
$32
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.8
(123)
$38
/ hour
Student Favourite
Free trial lesson
★ 4.6
(49)
$33
$32
/ hour
Student Favourite
Free trial lesson
★ 4.4
(34)
$39
$36
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.6
(77)
$34
$32
/ hour
Student Favourite
Free trial lesson
★ 4.8
(116)
$36
$32
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.5
(45)
$35
/ hour
Free trial lesson
★ 4.6
(48)
$28
$26
/ hour
Student Favourite
Free trial lesson
★ 4.8
(118)
$37
$32
/ hour
Student Favourite
Free trial lesson
★ 4.3
(26)
$31
$30
/ hour

Reviews and Ratings
Trusted by students - Reviews for our Guitar lessons in Chicago, IL
4.93
368 ratings of
Guitar lessons Chicago
Expertise
5
Engagement
4.94
Reliability
4.8
Results
4.91
Value
5
Marquise Harmon rated Paul
Uptown, Chicago
about 2 months ago
My guitar teacher not only assisted me in selecting my initial electric guitar but also guides me on maximizing its potential. Paul support extends beyond our scheduled sessions, which I truly appreciate.
Braydon Burns rated Quinn
Belmont Cragin, Chicago
2 months ago
For years, rhythm was a challenge for me, but Quinn shared a few easy techniques that really helped everything fall into place. I’ve never felt more assured while playing acoustic guitar!
Mina Hebert rated Teddy
Rogers Park, Chicago
3 months ago
Each lesson flows smoothly from the previous one, reinforcing what I've learned while introducing fresh techniques to keep me growing. My progress has been quicker than I imagined, and Teddy is truly exceptional!
Jonah Clay rated Prince
Roseland, Chicago
3 months ago
I've never advanced this much with any instrument before, and it's all because of Prince supportive and engaging way of teaching. I genuinely look forward to guitar lessons they’re the best part of my week.
Dakota Rojas rated Jitvar
Lake View, Chicago
4 months ago
Jitvar uses such a fantastic approach to breaking down both technical and theoretical aspects of guitar playing in a way that never feels too much. As I learn classical guitar, he's been instrumental in enhancing my posture, tone, and finger positioning.
Shirley Cameron rated Tara
Logan Square, Chicago
5 months ago
What stands out about Gozaydin is her perfect mix of order and freedom. While we stick to a solid learning plan, she also encourage me to dive into topics that spark my curiosity.
Simeon Yoder rated Xiomara
Irving Park, Chicago
5 months ago
Taking electric guitar lessons with Ezell has completely transformed my playing. I’m now tackling solos that once felt way out of reach, and I can play most of them confidently. The progress I’ve made is honestly incredible.
Shayla Ross rated Melissa
Humboldt Park, Chicago
6 months ago
Starting guitar as an adult felt intimidating at first, but with Fankhauser she created such a welcoming environment that the nerves quickly disappeared. she’s supportive every step of the way and always matches the lessons to my speed and comfort level.
Guide to learning guitar basics in Chicago
Learning guitar in Chicago: Key challenges & solutions
Learning guitar in Chicago is supported by a variety of resources, such as local music schools, online lessons, and private guitar teachers. One of the key challenges students face is building finger strength and learning different guitar techniques. Chicago's curriculum blends classical guitar methods with contemporary styles, with standardized evaluations offered by some music programs.
Local institutions like the Old Town School of Folk Music provide excellent learning environments, offering lessons for all skill levels. These programs emphasize both technique and musicality, helping students progress at their own pace. Whether you’re learning guitar, bass guitar, or taking private lessons, instructors can offer personalized instruction to overcome specific challenges, from mastering chords to performing complex solos.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Chicago’s music community provides valuable resources and support. With options for bass guitar, private lessons, and guitar classes, there’s something for everyone. By combining practice with expert guidance, you can master guitar and enjoy playing a wide range of musical genres.
Exploring different guitar types, such as acoustic, electric, classical, and bass guitar can significantly enhance your musical journey in Chicago. Acoustic guitars complement the city's rich folk, blues, and singer-songwriter traditions, allowing players to capture its soulful essence. Electric guitars align perfectly with Chicago's legendary blues and rock music heritage, ideal for expressive solos and dynamic performances at venues throughout the city. Classical guitar offers precision and technical mastery, often showcased in Chicago’s cultural institutions and classical music events. Meanwhile, the bass guitar anchors Chicago’s thriving jazz, blues, and contemporary bands, providing essential rhythm and depth. With its diverse musical landscape, Chicago offers abundant resources and instruction to master any guitar style, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling musical growth.
Essential materials for guitar learners in Chicago
Libraries
Chicago Public Library: Offers guitar music books and tutorials for beginners and advanced learners.
Chicago Music Exchange: Provides guitar resources and offers gear for practice.
School music programs
Old Town School of Folk Music: Offers private and group guitar lessons for all levels.
Guitar Center Chicago: Hosts in-store guitar lessons and clinics for students.
Academic workshops
Chicago Music Exchange: Regular guitar clinics and workshops for students.
Old Town School of Folk Music: Focused workshops for acoustic and electric guitar.
Competitions
Chicago Guitar Competition: Participate in one of the city's best-known guitar competitions.
Guitar Center Chicago: Hosts events and competitions for local guitar players.
Guitar teacher cost in Chicago explained
The average cost for guitar classes in Chicago is $55 per hour.
Entry-level guitar teachers charge around $35/hour for beginners, focusing on basic chords and strumming techniques. Mid-range guitar teachers charge $50-65/hour for more advanced topics like fingerstyle playing or music theory. Expert guitar teachers specializing in genres like jazz, blues, bass or rock charge $70-90/hour.
Local programs such as the Chicago Guitar Academy offer specialized lessons for all experience levels and help people to play guitar. Wiingy provides expert-vetted guitar teachers starting at $29 per hour, with a free trial lesson to help you get started.
Frequently asked questions
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