Best guitar teachers in Columbus: Top 1-on-1 guitar instructors, costs & how to choose

From the rising sounds of indie rock and alternative bands to the refined performances of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Columbus offers a dynamic landscape for musicians to explore and grow.

Legendary venues such as Newport Music Hall and vibrant local festivals create countless opportunities for inspiration and performance.

For aspiring guitarists, Columbus presents an ideal setting to develop their craft. A strong community of the best guitar teachers in Columbus provides the guidance and support needed to master new techniques, refine skills, and build confidence.

Private, 1-on-1 guitar lessons offer a tailored approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace, focus on preferred musical styles, and receive personalized feedback to accelerate improvement.

This guide will walk you through everything essential to choosing the best guitar teacher in Columbus – including how lessons are typically structured, what costs to expect, and profiles of top-rated guitar teachers available through Wiingy.

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

Why work with a guitar teacher in Columbus?

Private guitar lessons in Columbus offer significant advantages over group classes, especially in a city with so much musical energy and opportunity.

• You’ll benefit from personalized practice routines designed around your goals, whether you’re learning your first chords or preparing to perform at iconic venues like Newport Music Hall or local festivals such as ComFest. 
• Real-time feedback on technique, rhythm, and style will help prepare you for auditions, local gigs, or performances at music hotspots around the city – much like how bands such as Twenty One Pilots started their rise here.
• Private lessons also build confidence, helping you perform comfortably whether you’re taking the stage at a local open mic night, a university showcase, or larger city events.
• Flexible scheduling makes it easy to balance lessons with work, school, or other commitments. Whether you’re a student auditioning for programs at Ohio State or simply pursuing music as a passion, private guitar lessons in Columbus offer the support you need to advance.

Whether you’re strumming for fun, preparing for a performance, or dreaming of making it big, private lessons will help you reach your goals faster – and enjoy the journey along the way.

Factors to consider when choosing the right guitar teacher in Columbus

Finding the right guitar tutor isn’t just about credentials – it’s about finding someone who understands your musical goals and how you learn best.

Here’s what to look for:

• Experience: Do they teach a range of skill levels? Whether you’re preparing for a set at Newport Music Hall or just starting out at a local open mic night, you’ll want a teacher who’s comfortable guiding beginners and advanced players alike.
• Style: Can they teach the genre you’re passionate about? From indie rock and folk to blues, jazz, and metal, Columbus’s music scene embraces a wide range of styles – and your teacher should too.
• Format: Do they offer both online and in-person lessons? Flexibility is important, whether you’re based near Ohio State University, Downtown, or further out in areas like Dublin or Westerville.
• Flexibility: Is it easy to reschedule or book trial lessons? With busy work, school, and gig schedules common in Columbus, you’ll want a teacher who can adapt to your availability.

Pro tip: Wiingy guitar tutors are expert-vetted, offer free trials, and cover every style and skill level.

Best guitar teachers in Columbus

Wiingy makes it easy to find top-rated 1-on-1 guitar tutors in Columbus, offering both online and in-person options. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, our instructors are here to help you grow. Meet a few of our exceptional tutors:

1. Hector Olea – Best for Production, Mixing, Theory

• Specialties: Piano, guitar, bass, violin, music theory, songwriting, digital production
• Experience: 10+ years of teaching; dual degrees in Commercial Music & Philosophy
• Ideal for: Multi-instrumental learners, aspiring producers, theory lovers, and creative beginners

What makes Hector stand out?

Hector is the kind of teacher who turns learning into a jam session-one where creativity leads the way.

With a rare combo of Commercial Music and Philosophy degrees, he blends technical mastery with a thoughtful, student-first approach that inspires musicians to explore their full potential.

Whether you’re picking up your first instrument or polishing a track in a DAW, Hector’s lessons are personalized, playful, and packed with insight.

He’s fluent in piano, guitar, bass, and violin, and tailors each session around your goals-be it songwriting, sound engineering, or just learning to play for the joy of it.

Students appreciate the balance of fun and structure, especially those following IB, AP, or personal learning paths. With Hector, lessons feel less like school-and more like a space to grow, create, and love music.

Curious how Hector helps students strengthen their fingers and understand music theory? Read a student’s journey here.

Ready to explore music like never before? Book a session with Hector and turn your ideas into sound.

2. Alistair Bramwell – Best for music theory and chord progressions

• Specialties: Chord progressions, ear training, music theory, personalized guitar instruction
• Experience: Over 4 years of experience teaching all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals, with expertise in acoustic, electric, classical, and bass guitar.
• Ideal for: Students seeking personalized lessons, whether for school, college, or casual enjoyment, and those wanting a deeper understanding of music theory and ear training.

What makes Alistair stand out?

With a Bachelor’s in Music and a passion for making guitar accessible and fun, Alistair blends technical skill with personal expression, ensuring that each lesson is tailored to the student’s interests and goals. 

Whether you’re strumming your first chord or refining advanced techniques, his approach is engaging and adaptive, using tech tools like amp simulators and chord diagram apps to enhance learning. 

His expertise in music theory and ear training empowers students to not only play but understand the music they create.

Students often describe Alistair as patient and insightful, with a knack for breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps. Alistair’s warm and encouraging teaching style makes him a standout tutor for anyone serious about taking their guitar skills to the next level.

Want a tutor who adapts to your unique style? Start learning with Alistair and take your guitar playing to the next level.

3. Kyler Alexis – Best for music theory and chord progressions

• Specialties: Chord progressions, rhythms, music theory, interactive learning
• Experience: Over 2 years of teaching experience, specializing in guitar, electric guitar, classical guitar, and bass guitar for school students and beginners.
• Ideal for: Beginners eager to start their guitar journey and students who enjoy interactive, fun, and engaging lessons.

What makes Kyler stand out?

Kyler brings a refreshing approach to guitar lessons, combining a strong academic background with a deep passion for teaching. With a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Arts and a minor in music, Kyler creates a supportive, relaxed environment where students feel encouraged to learn and explore. 

His personalized teaching style focuses on making each lesson engaging and fun, ensuring that every student progresses at their own pace while enjoying the process.

Kyler stands out for his ability to integrate music theory in an accessible way, ensuring students understand the foundation of what they’re playing. 

Whether you’re learning basic chord progressions or reading sheet music, Kyler’s interactive methods and tech tools-like amp simulators and chord diagram apps-help bring each lesson to life. 

His empathetic and student-focused teaching style helps beginners gain confidence and skills quickly, and his focus on fun and creativity keeps students excited about their progress.

Just starting out or want to enjoy learning again? Join Kyler’s fun, interactive lessons and make progress with a smile.

4. Christopher Metchis – Best for music Theory, Composition, Mixing, Songwriting

• Specialties: Music composition, mixing & production, jazz improvisation, DJing
• Experience: Diploma in Music, 2+ years of teaching across Baroque to Blues & beyond
• Ideal for: Intermediate & advanced learners, adult students, aspiring producers & theory buffs

What makes Christopher stand out?

Christopher blends deep musical knowledge with real-world production savvy, offering students the tools to not only play music-but to create it from the ground up. 

With a passion for genres ranging from classical Baroque to groovy jazz and modern electronic, he equips learners with the versatility today’s musicians need.

His lessons are hands-on and highly personalized, often combining music theory, composition, and digital tools like recording apps and ear training software to reinforce key concepts. 

Whether you’re polishing your mixing technique or diving into live DJ sets, Christopher keeps learning practical, collaborative, and fun.

Students appreciate his tech-friendly approach and his ability to explain complex ideas in a down-to-earth way. With Christopher, you won’t just study music-you’ll explore your unique musical identity and build the skills to express it confidently.

See how one student boosted their confidence and overcame challenges with blues techniques through lessons with Christopher. Check out their story.

Want to compose, mix, and express yourself musically? Book a lesson with Christopher and bring your sound to life.

5. Raine Stern – Best for lessons in production, composition, theory and DJ

• Specialties: Guitar, voice, songwriting, creative direction, expressive performance
• Experience: Featured on NBC, NPR, and PBS; praised for guitar mastery comparable to legends like Prince and Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Ideal for: Creatives seeking authentic self-expression, aspiring songwriters, and musicians ready to elevate both their sound and stage presence

What makes Raine stand out?

Raine Stern is more than a music tutor – she’s a creative catalyst. With national performances and a career steeped in storytelling, Raine brings both technical expertise and emotional depth to every lesson. 

Her teaching is grounded in the belief that music is a personal, expressive art form. 

Whether you’re working on guitar riffs, vocal control, or penning original songs, Raine helps you tap into your unique voice. Students thrive under her mix of foundational training and open-ended creativity. 

She creates a space where experimentation is encouraged, confidence is built, and your individuality takes center stage. 

One student shares how Raine’s patient guidance and expressive teaching style helped them develop finger dexterity and confidently play popular chord patterns – bringing both skill and soul into their practice. Read their inspiring story here.

Want to find your authentic voice through music? Book a lesson with Raine and turn your passion into powerful performance and expression.

Inside a 1-on-1 guitar lesson: 3 real student stories

See what a private guitar lesson involves, through the eyes of real Wiingy students:

1. “Mastering precision picking and staying on beat” – Ethan

“I used to struggle with right-hand picking, especially at faster tempos. My tutor introduced me to the metronome, which helped me stay on track. We worked on alternate picking, and now I’m able to play faster and with more control.”

What you’ll learn: Right-hand picking, timing, metronome use

2. “Understanding and applying advanced rhythm techniques” – Ava

“I was struggling to incorporate the dotted half note into my playing. My tutor helped me understand the timing, and once I practiced it with slow counts, I started applying it correctly in songs.”

What you’ll learn: Advanced rhythm techniques, dotted half note, timing

3. “Improving timing and playing at faster tempos” – Emma

“Staying in time with the rhythm was one of my biggest struggles. My tutor, Marco, had me practice with a metronome to help me stay on beat. It took some time, but now I’m much more confident in my timing and can play at faster tempos with precision.”

What you’ll learn: Timing, metronome use, rhythm control

Guitar lesson costs in Columbus

Both online and in-person lessons can be effective. It depends on your goals and learning preferences.

Option	Price range	Format	Best for
Wiingy Tutors	$15 – $35/hr	Online or in-person	Beginners, flexible budgets
Private Local Tutors	$60 – $100/hr	Mostly in-person	Intermediate to advanced
Celebrity/High-End Coaches	$150 – $300/hr	Studio-based and in-home	Professional performance prep

Wiingy offers a free trial lesson, no long-term contracts, and flexible scheduling.

Want to find affordable guitar teachers? Browse experienced guitar tutors on Wiingy, which offers flexible pricing and expert guidance – starting at just $15/hr.

Online vs in-person guitar teachers in Columbus

Guitar lessons can be successful in either format; your choice should reflect your learning style, experience, and musical goals.

Format	Pros	Cons
Online	Flexible, more affordable, access to top tutors anywhere	Limited hands-on guidance
In-person	Great for stage presence, studio access	Higher cost, limited scheduling

With Wiingy, you can choose the format that fits your lifestyle – and even switch between online and in-person lessons as your needs change

How to get started with a guitar tutor on Wiingy

Starting your guitar journey is easy:

1. Browse guitar tutors here
2. Book a free trial
3. Start playing with a tutor who understands your goals and musical style

Interested in singing too?

If you’re passionate about expanding your vocal skills along with guitar, working with a vocal coach can help you develop your singing technique, pitch control, and stage presence.

Explore the best vocal coaches in Columbus to find experienced instructors who specialize in various singing styles and personalized lesson plans tailored just for you.

FAQs from guitar learners in Columbus 

Learn from the best guitar teachers in Columbus

Columbus is a city where creativity runs deep and local musicians carve out their own paths. Picking up the guitar here isn’t just a hobby – it can lead to meaningful musical growth and exciting performance opportunities. 

Whether your goal is to pursue music seriously or simply enjoy playing for yourself, the guidance of the right teacher can make all the difference.

With Wiingy, you can learn from top-rated guitar instructors who offer flexible, customized lessons designed to match your goals and fit seamlessly into your Columbus lifestyle.