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

Denver’s music scene, rich with history-from the heartfelt strums of folk and country to the electrifying beats of indie rock and electronic music-provides endless inspiration for guitarists and music enthusiasts.

If you’re committed to learning or rediscovering your love for the guitar, a personalized 1-on-1 lesson with a dedicated guitar teacher can be tailored to your musical interests.

They can help you focus on the styles you enjoy while providing constructive feedback that helps you improve quickly.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting the perfect guitar teacher in Denver-from lesson formats and pricing to the best instructors you can book through Wiingy.

Best guitar teachers in Denver

From beginners to advanced players, Wiingy offers personalized 1-on-1 guitar lessons in Denver, available online or face-to-face. Meet some of the exceptional guitar teachers who make it happen.

1. Jess Araten – Private guitar teacher with a bachelor’s from University of Pennsylvania

Jess Araten performed with legendary bands like Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith. In high school, she was featured in Guitar Player Magazine. Moreover, as a full-time musician and educator, she releases music under the name Yska.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 8+ years
• Professional Background: Jess holds Bachelor’s from University of Pennsylvania.
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $19
• Hourly Rate: $38/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available 

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Specialties

• Acoustic Guitar
• Classical Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Bass Guitar

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups:  School, college, or adult professionals
• Skill Levels: Beginners to advanced

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Jess uses tools like amp simulators, chord apps, and ear training software. This makes his lessons more interactive, effective, and fun.

2. Dave Astro – Private guitar teacher with 20+ years of experience

Dave Astro has shared the stage with artists like Jeff Hamilton, Bob Reynolds, and Bob Mintzer. He is also an independent recording artist. He has released singles like “Yosemite,” “Errands,” and most recently, “Study Kat”. 94% of students find his lessons fun, focused, and easy to follow.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 20+ years
• Professional Background: Dave holds a master’s in Music from USC Thornton.
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $18
• Hourly Rate: $36/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, trial lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Acoustic Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Classical Guitar
• Bass Guitar

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: Kids, Adults
• Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Dave uses a mix of online platforms like Zoom and offline tools such as music sheets and instrument demonstrations. He follows a structured curriculum that blends theory and practical skills. This ensures each student gets a well-rounded education and excels in their musical journey.

3. Lluis C. – Private guitar teacher with a bachelor’s degree in music from Leeds Conservatoire

Lluis Carnell-Lever focuses on the student. He combines practice with music theory. This helps build confidence, skills, and a love for guitar. 91% of parents say their kids start playing songs within weeks.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: Over a year of experience.
• Professional Background: Lluis holds a bachelor’s degree in Music.
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $19
• Hourly Rate: $38/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, trial lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Electric Guitar
• Music Theory
• Improvisation
• Strumming and Picking Techniques

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: Teens, Adults
• Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Lluis uses tech tools like amp simulators, chord diagram apps, and DAWs. He tailors lessons to fit A-Levels, AP, and IB curricula. This ensures a complete learning experience.

4. Tomás Insaurralde – Private guitar teacher with 7+ years of experience

Tomás Insaurralde, co-director at Garage, teaches through songs and group rehearsals. His method works online too, keeping the warmth of in-person lessons. 90% of students enjoy learning without pressure.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 7+ years
• Professional Background: Tomás pursued the Advanced Guitar Performance program at La Colmena in Argentina.
• Rating: 4.6/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $17
• Hourly Rate: $34/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available 

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Specialties

• Acoustic Guitar
• Classical Guitar
• Electric Guitar
• Bass Guitar

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: From school to professional musicians
• Skill Levels: Beginners to advanced

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Tomás uses tools like amp simulators, DAWs, and ear training software to make online learning engaging. His curriculum follows A-Levels, AP, and IB standards, giving students a clear and structured path.

5. Dillon Wells – Private guitar teacher with a bachelor’s of music from University of Manchester.

Dillon Wells specializes in creating curriculums that help students develop their musical identity. He focuses on improving both technique and theory. His main goal is to guide students in finding their own unique sound, no matter what it involves.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 7+ years
• Professional Background: Dillon holds a bachelor’s of Music from University of Manchester.
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $19
• Hourly Rate: $38/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, trial lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Electric Guitar
• Classical Guitar
• Bass Guitar

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: School, college, or adults/professionals
• Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Dillon uses tech tools like amp simulators, backing track libraries, and ear training software to enhance learning. He follows a curriculum tailored to each student’s goals and interests, including the CCSS.

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

Here’s a glimpse into what a private guitar lesson looks like, shared through the stories of real Wiingy students:

1. “Breaking through finger independence to play with ease” – Emma

“My fingers weren’t moving independently, and it made playing more complicated than it should have been. My tutor showed me how to isolate each finger and practice transitions one at a time. Now, my playing feels much smoother.”

What you’ll learn: Finger independence, muscle memory, chord transitions

2. “Mastering strumming and timing with confidence” – Ava

“I often struggled with staying on rhythm while strumming, especially when switching chords. My tutor had me count out loud while strumming, which helped me connect the beats to the strums. Now, I can strum with better control and timing.”

What you’ll learn: Strumming patterns, rhythm control, counting out loud

3. “Breaking free from scales to create melodic solos” – Dylan

“I used to rely only on pentatonic scales for solos. My tutor introduced me to seventh arpeggios, and it was a game-changer. Now, I can create melodies instead of just running through scales.”

What you’ll learn: Arpeggios, improvisation, melody creation

Guitar lesson costs in Denver

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	$19 – $35/hr	Online or in-person	Beginners, flexible budgets
Private Guitar Teachers	$40 – $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.

Why work with a guitar teacher in Denver?

Private guitar lessons offer significant benefits over group classes, especially in a city as musically rich and diverse as Denver.

• Customized practice routines, tailored to your goals-whether learning basic chords or preparing for a local gig-help you grow in Denver’s diverse music scene, from folk and country to rock and electronic.
• Getting real-time feedback on your technique, rhythm, and style is a game-changer, whether you’re playing small gigs or aiming for bigger shows. Just look at artists like Nathaniel Rateliff and The Lumineers-they’re a perfect example of the kind of raw talent and stage presence you can develop right here in Denver.
• Private lessons also help build the confidence you need to own the stage, whether you’re aiming for live gigs, auditions at music schools, or just enjoying music with friends.
• With flexible scheduling options, lessons can fit seamlessly into your life-ideal for students, working professionals, or anyone juggling music with a busy routine.

Whether you’re learning for fun or aspiring to take your skills to the next level, 1-on-1 guitar lessons in Denver can help you grow faster while staying inspired by the city’s thriving creative community.

Factors to consider when choosing the right guitar teacher in Denver

Finding the right guitar teacher in Denver isn’t just about credentials-it’s about connecting with someone who understands your musical goals and learning style, especially in a city as creatively vibrant as Denver.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Experience: Do they work with all skill levels? Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or preparing for a live show at a local venue or auditioning for a music school, you’ll want a teacher who can guide both beginners and experienced players with ease.
• Style: Can they teach the genres you love? Denver’s music scene is rich with influences from folk, rock, indie, and electronic. Your teacher should be able to match your taste-whether you’re into The Lumineers’ folk sound or Nathaniel Rateliff’s soulful vibe.
• Format: Do they offer online, in-person, or both? Whether you’re in downtown Denver, the suburbs, or the mountains, flexibility is key.
• Flexibility: Can you easily reschedule or book a trial lesson? Life in Denver can get busy, especially with the city’s outdoor activities, so finding a teacher who can accommodate your schedule makes all the difference.

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

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Online vs in-person guitar teachers in Denver

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

How to get started with a guitar teacher on Wiingy

Starting your guitar journey is easy:

• Browse guitar teachers
• Book a free trial
• Start playing with a tutor who understands your goals and musical style

To kickstart your guitar journey, start by reading through our detailed guide on How to learn guitar for beginner-friendly strategies and tips.

Interested in singing too?

If you’re passionate about music and want to strengthen both your guitar and vocal skills, working with a vocal coach is a great next step. Voice lessons can help you improve your pitch, breathing, and expression, perfect for aspiring performers or hobbyists alike.

Explore the best vocal coaches in Denver to find experienced instructors who offer personalized vocal training for all ages and levels.

Conclusion

With its vibrant local music scene, skilled guitarists, and iconic venues like Red Rocks, Denver has long been a city that plays to its own rhythm, just like the opening riff of “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”

Whether your goal is to take the stage or simply enjoy playing your favorite tunes at home, working with the right guitar teacher can bring your playing to the next level.

Wiingy makes it easy to get started, connect with a top-rated guitar teacher in Denver and enjoy personalized, 1-on-1 lessons designed to fit your pace, style, and schedule.

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