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Guitar lessons near me in Chicago, IL
Master guitar styles with top-rated instructors

Guitar teachers near Chicago with style focus

Learners participated in recent Guitar classes in Chicago
Frequently taken by learners in Lakeview, Bucktown, and Andersonville
Benjamin taught 15 days ago
The session involved learning and practicing A minor and E minor guitar chords, focusing on finger placement, strumming techniques, and reading chord charts. The Student also began learning to read guitar tabs with the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." The Student was advised to practice consistently and prioritize accuracy over speed when learning new chords and songs.
Basic Chord Finger Placement
A Minor and E Minor Chords
Reading Chord Charts
Guitar Posture and Hand Positioning
Importance of Strumming Technique
Tablature (TAB) for Single Notes
Nicolas taught 18 days ago
The Student learned basic guitar melodies and chord progressions. They practiced "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to reinforce finger placement and picking techniques. The class introduced A major, F sharp minor and D major and practiced transitioning between them, focusing on timing. The student was assigned to practice the melody and the chord progressions focusing on transitions.
Reading Rhythmic Figures
Chord Progressions
D Major Chord
F Sharp Minor Chord
A Major Chord
Finger Placement and Fret Numbers
Alternate Picking
Marco taught about 1 month ago
The session covered guitar techniques, open tunings (specifically open E), and slide guitar playing, with an exploration of chord shapes and inversions within open E. The Student discussed their music theory studies and interest in heavy guitar tones. The tutor suggested researching high-output pickups for achieving the desired sound and the Student is to explore guitars with dive bomb capabilities.
Guitar Resonance and Wood Dryness
Open Tunings and Chord Shapes
Slide Guitar Techniques: Muting and Action
Major and Minor Chord Construction in Open E
Sympathetic Strings and Open Tunings
Pickups and Guitar Tone
B-Bender Guitars
Marco taught Michael 5 months ago
Marco and Michael discussed guitar techniques for "Wish You Were Here" and delved into music theory, focusing on modes and borrowed chords. Michael practiced the solo, and Marco explained how modes relate to scales and chord progressions. They scheduled the next session for either Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week.
Dynamics
Pull-offs
Borrowed Chords
Ionian Mode
Modes
Dorian Mode
Patrick taught Erskine 5 months ago
Patrick gave Erskine a guitar lesson that included a review of blues progressions and an introduction to major and minor 7th chords in G major. Erskine also received guidance on adjusting his guitar's action to reduce string rattle and learned a basic finger-picking exercise. Patrick assigned sheet music for the chord drills and suggested Erskine practice finger-picking instead of using a pick for the week.
Guitar Action Adjustment
Dominant 7th Chords
Finger-style Picking
Chord Progressions in a Key
Relative Finger Position
Lluis taught Grau 5 months 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.
Travis Picking
Chord Voicing and Finger Placement
Guitar Grade Levels
Minor 7 Flat 5 Chord
E7 Sharp 9 Chord
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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