Best guitar teachers in Denver: Top 1-on-1 guitar instructors, 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.

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.

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

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 tutors who make it happen.

1. Jess Araten – Best for Music Theory, Techniques

• Specialties: Chord progressions, ear training, music theory, acoustic/electric/classical/bass guitar
• Experience: 8+ years teaching; performed with legendary bands and featured in Guitar Player Magazine
• Ideal for: Students of all levels who want a tailored, engaging approach grounded in real-world music experience

What makes Jess stand out?

Jess brings a unique blend of deep musical roots and academic insight to every lesson. Having shared stages with icons like Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith, and releasing critically acclaimed albums as ‘Yska,’ she channels her rich performance history into lessons that go beyond the basics. 

Her background in rock, funk, and blues combined with formal studies in English and Gender Studies means Jess approaches teaching with creativity, empathy, and precision.

Her lessons are highly personalized-whether you’re aiming to master chord progressions or dive into complex ear training, Jess adapts to your style and goals. 

If you want a guitar tutor who’s as passionate about your growth as you are, Jess is the guide to take your playing to new heights.

Curious what it’s like to learn power chords from a rockstar-level performer?

One of Jess’s students shares how her energetic, tailored lessons helped them master power chords and unlock new confidence on the guitar. Check out their journey here.

Level up with Jess’s real-world music insights and personalized coaching – book now.

2. Dave Astro – Best for acoustic, bass, electric, and classical guitar

• Specialties: Chord progressions, ear training, music theory, fingerstyle techniques
• Experience: Performed alongside Jeff Hamilton, Bob Reynolds, and Bob Mintzer; independent artist with singles like “Yosemite” and “Errands”
• Ideal for: Aspiring guitarists of all ages, from beginners to advanced players

What makes Dave stand out?

Dave Astro is a highly skilled guitar instructor with over 20 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Studio Guitar from USC’s Thornton School of Music. 

Based in Los Angeles and Bern, Switzerland, Dave has performed with renowned artists like Jeff Hamilton, Bob Reynolds, and Bob Mintzer, and is known for his independent music releases.

Dave’s teaching combines music theory, ear training, technique development, and performance coaching to provide a comprehensive, personalized learning experience. 

His lessons are adaptable to each student’s goals, focusing on everything from chord progressions to fingerstyle techniques. 

Students appreciate Dave’s patient, hands-on approach, which helps them grow musically while building confidence both in practice and on stage.

Ready to level up your playing with a world-class guitarist? Start learning with Dave today.

3. Lluis C. – Best for Technique, Ear Training & Creativity

• Specialties: Chord Progressions, Fingerstyle, Ear Training, Guitar Techniques, Rhythms
• Experience: Skilled guitar tutor with a Bachelor’s in Music Production, teaching school and college students with tailored, tech-enhanced lessons
• Ideal for: Beginners, intermediate players, and students preparing for A-Levels, AP, or IB music programs

What makes Lluis stand out?

Lluis brings a thoughtful balance of technical precision and creative freedom to every lesson. With a background in music production and hands-on experience using cutting-edge digital tools-like amp simulators and DAWs-he makes learning guitar both interactive and fun. 

Whether you want to nail chord progressions, master fingerstyle, or sharpen your ear, Lluis crafts lessons that fit your unique goals and learning style.

Students appreciate his personalized approach that mixes performance coaching with real-world music insights, helping them build confidence and musicality. From small group sessions to one-on-one coaching, Lluis ensures every student stays engaged and progresses steadily.

If you’re ready to strum, pick, and jam your way to guitar mastery, Lluis is the guide to get you there with enthusiasm and expertise.

Curious how Lluis helps students move from messy transitions to smooth chord changes? One learner shares how his lessons improved their music theory knowledge and playing fluency. Read the full story here.

Want to learn like this student did? Start your journey with Lluis today

4. Tomás Insaurralde – Best for chord progressions and music theory

• Specialties: Guitar technique, songwriting, applied music theory, group rehearsals
• Experience: Over 18 years of playing and teaching; co-director of Garage School; former member of Carola Mobile and Los Buenos Tiempos
• Ideal for: Beginners and intermediate players eager to learn through songs, explore musical theory, and develop their own style

What makes Tomás stand out?

With over 18 years of playing and songwriting experience, Tomás brings a wealth of knowledge to each lesson, making sure students not only improve technically but also gain a deeper understanding of the music they love. 

His experience with bands like Carola Mobile and Los Buenos Tiempos, combined with his time as co-director of Garage School, allows him to blend both the technical and collaborative aspects of music in a way that is both fun and effective.

Whether it’s learning to coordinate guitar and vocals, developing technique, or diving into music theory, Tomi ensures the process is enjoyable, practical, and stress-free. 

His unique blend of song-driven teaching, group rehearsal dynamics, and digital content ensures students gain the confidence to play, explore, and grow as musicians – on their own terms.

Curious about the impact Tomi has on his students? This success story dives into how one student built strong musical foundations and finally found confidence with chords thanks to Tomi’s guidance.

Want to learn guitar through the songs you love? Book a session with Tomás today.

5. Dillon Wells – Best for chords, scales and songs

• Specialties: Jazz, RnB, Rock, fingerstyle, chord progressions, music theory
• Experience: 10+ years of guitar experience, 7+ years teaching, First-Class Music Degree from University of Manchester
• Ideal for: School and college students, adult learners, and pros exploring expressive, genre-driven playing

What makes Dillon stand out?

Dillon is more than a guitar teacher-he’s a musical guide who helps you discover your own sound. With deep roots in Jazz, RnB, and Rock, and a Grade 8 certification in electric guitar, Dillon combines strong technical knowledge with creative flair.

His lessons balance theory, technique, and expressive playing, enhanced with modern tools like amp simulators and backing tracks. Whether you’re sight-reading for the first time or perfecting solos, Dillon adapts his approach to your goals. 

Students love his calm, structured, and explorative teaching style, which makes every lesson feel personalized and inspiring.

From soulful solos to rock rhythms, let Dillon guide your guitar journey with flair. Schedule a session with Dillon today.

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	$15 – $35/hr	Online or in-person	Beginners, flexible budgets
Private Local Tutors	$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.

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

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

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.

FAQs from guitar learners in Denver

Finding the best guitar teachers in Denver

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 tutor in Denver and enjoy personalized, 1-on-1 lessons designed to fit your pace, style, and schedule.