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

Detroit has music running through its veins – from the soulful sounds of Motown to the raw energy of garage rock and blues. If you’re a guitarist looking for a place to grow, this city has the vibe, the history, and the talent to keep you inspired.

What makes Detroit special is its tight-knit community of musicians and guitar teachers who truly get the city’s sound. Whether you’re into classic rock, punk, blues, or something totally your own, you’ll find someone here who can help you sharpen your skills and stay motivated.

If you’re ready to take your playing more seriously, working with a private guitar teacher in Detroit can be a game-changer. You’ll get lessons that match your style, focus on the music you love, and give you direct feedback so you can improve faster.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find the right guitar teacher in Detroit – from how lessons work and what they cost, to a shortlist of top instructors you can book through Wiingy.

Why work with a guitar teacher in Detroit?

Detroit is a city that lives and breathes music – from the soulful roots of Motown to the raw power of garage rock. If you’re looking to grow as a guitarist, one-on-one lessons here can take your playing to the next level.

• Customized practice plans: Your lessons won’t follow a one-size-fits-all path. Whether you’re vibing with blues, punk, funk, or writing your own songs, a local teacher can shape your practice around your goals – like getting ready to perform at a local bar or tracking your first demo.
• Instant, helpful feedback: In a place that values musical authenticity, getting immediate input from a pro helps you clean up your technique and stay sharp. Whether you’re rehearsing for a live show or just trying to tighten your sound, that real-time guidance makes all the difference.
• Confidence on stage: Performing in Detroit – from cozy cafes in Midtown to bigger stages like the Majestic – takes more than skill. It takes confidence. A private teacher can help you build that through steady encouragement, performance tips, and real-world experience.
• Learning that fits your life: Detroiters know how to stay on the move, and your lessons should move with you. Many instructors offer flexible options, whether it’s meeting up at home in Royal Oak or hopping on a video call after work or school.

Whether you’re picking up the guitar as a creative outlet or aiming to break into the local music scene, private lessons in Detroit will help you make real progress and stay connected to the heart of your sound.

Factors to consider when choosing the right guitar teacher in Detroit

Finding the right guitar teacher in Detroit isn’t just about their resume – it’s about finding someone who gets your musical goals, your style, and your pace, all in a city known for its authentic sound and creative spirit.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Experience: Can they teach students at different levels? Whether you’re brand new to the guitar in Corktown or getting ready to record tracks in a downtown studio, you’ll want a teacher who’s confident working across Detroit’s wide-ranging music scene.
• Musical fit: Are they comfortable with the kind of music you love? Detroit’s known for everything from soul and blues to punk and indie rock. A great teacher will not only support your taste but help you explore and expand it.
• Lesson setup: Do they offer in-person, virtual, or a mix of both? With Detroit’s spread-out neighborhoods and busy schedules, having flexible learning options – whether it’s online lessons from Midtown or at-home sessions in Ferndale – can make learning much easier.
• Schedule-friendly: Can you reschedule easily or try a lesson before committing? Life in Detroit can be unpredictable, whether you’re juggling work, gigs, school, or just life in general. A good teacher will be understanding and offer options that fit your routine.

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

Best guitar teachers in Detroit

Wiingy connects you with top 1-on-1 guitar tutors in Detroit – online or in person – who help students of all ages and experience levels. Meet some of our standout instructors:

1. Jonah Brooks – Best for Chords, Scales, Techniques

• Specialties: Indie, jazz, lofi styles, theory integration, performance coaching, ear training
• Experience: Finalist at the Wilson Center International Guitar Competition; founder of Top Shelf Music Library; over 3 million streams as a solo artist and with One Car Garage
• Ideal for: Indie/alternative fans, creative musicians, students of all levels seeking a personalized path

What makes Jonah stand out?

Jonah Brooks brings over 15 years of diverse musical experience into every lesson, blending technical mastery with creative exploration. 

Having studied jazz under Henry Johnson of the Ramsey Lewis Group and built a thriving career both as a solo artist and band member, Jonah knows how to bridge theory and artistry seamlessly. 

His lessons go beyond traditional practice – offering hands-on training with amp simulators, DAWs, and metronome apps to make learning interactive and practical.

Whether you’re strumming your first chords or producing your own tracks, Jonah’s student-centered approach adapts to your needs and aspirations. 

His guidance covers chord progressions, strumming, performance coaching, ear training, and creative development. Students appreciate his balance of structure and inspiration, helping them grow both technically and artistically. 

With Jonah, you’ll sharpen your skills, deepen your musicality, and have a blast doing it. Book a free trial today.

2. Raine Stern – Best for Production, Composition, Theory, 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.

Ready to turn your creativity into powerful music? Book a session with Raine Stern and start composing your sound.

3. Tara Gozaydin – Jazz soul meets pop spark: your go-to coach for heartfelt expression

Specialties: Vocal performance, piano, songwriting, jazz and pop vocals, creative expression, performance confidence

Experience: Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance & Clinical Psychology; classically trained opera singer and pianist; known for original songwriting and 1940s jazz sound

Ideal for: Creative spirits, budding singer-songwriters, and students who want a blend of technique, psychology, and personal growth

What makes Tara stand out?

Tara Gozaydin brings together vocal finesse, psychological insight, and a deep love for music in every lesson. With her background in both vocal performance and clinical psychology, Tara doesn’t just teach technique – she also focuses on emotional expression, learning style, and personal growth.

Her approach is grounded in empathy and adaptability. She uses multisensory teaching techniques and encourages students to explore music in a way that feels natural and inspiring. 

Tara even incorporates creative strategies like naming “wrong” and “right” chords to create a positive, judgment-free space for learning. 

Whether you’re a beginner or developing your voice as a performer, Tara supports you with patience, personalized plans, and encouragement every step of the way.

With her, learning music becomes not just a skill – but a joyful, empowering experience.

Looking for a voice teacher who nurtures both skill and self-expression? Start your musical journey with Tara today.

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. Alexander Reyes – Best for Composition and Production

• Specialties: Music production, live performance, audio engineering, classical & rock guitar
• Experience: 13+ years of teaching; trained at Berklee College of Music & Musicians Institute
• Ideal for: Beginners to pros, aspiring producers, performance-focused learners, and tech-savvy musicians

What makes Alexander stand out?

Alexander brings over a decade of real-world expertise to every lesson-backed by formal training from two of the world’s most respected music schools. 

His journey started with a love for guitar, but it quickly expanded into full-scale music production, audio engineering, and a passion for helping students thrive in any genre-from Baroque to Blues to modern rock.

His teaching style balances creative freedom with structured technique. Whether you’re learning to compose, record, or perform live, Alexander adapts to your pace and goals. 

Known for his patient and encouraging demeanor, Alexander’s lessons don’t just build skills-they build confidence. From your first chord to your next track release, he’s a guide who ensures your musical journey is inspiring, informed, and entirely your own.

Curious about how Alexander’s lessons actually transform a student’s skills? One learner talks about mastering blues chords and shuffle patterns with Alexander’s expert guidance. Check out their journey here.

Want to compose, produce, and perform like a pro? Book a lesson with Alexander and start creating music that’s truly your own.

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. “From Chord Struggles to Smooth Solos” – Dylan

“I always had trouble with chord transitions, especially between complex progressions. My tutor helped me understand the CAGED system, and I started visualizing the fretboard in a whole new way. Now I can transition smoothly between chords and improvise confidently in solos!” 

What you’ll learn: Chord transitions, CAGED system, improvisation techniques

2. “Strumming challenges no more” – Chloe

“I used to struggle with keeping the rhythm while switching chords quickly. My tutor had me slow things down and focus on my hand movements. It was tough at first, but once I mastered the basics, I gained so much confidence in my playing.”

What you’ll learn: Strumming precision, rhythm control, left-hand transitions

3. “Mastering complex chords and timing” – Ethan

“I had a hard time with barre chords and syncing both my hands. After working with my tutor, I learned how to visualize chord shapes and improve my finger coordination. Plus, using a metronome helped me improve my right-hand picking and stay in time with the music.”

What you’ll learn: Finger coordination, complex chord transitions, timing, alternate picking

Guitar lesson costs in Detroit

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	$20 – $100/hr	Mostly in-person	Intermediate to advanced
Celebrity/High-End Coaches	$100 – $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 Detroit

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 in Detroit 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, adding vocal lessons to your guitar practice can take your skills to the next level. A great vocal coach can help you master breath control, pitch accuracy, and stage presence, whether you’re preparing to perform or just singing for fun.

Explore the best vocal coaches in Detroit to discover experienced instructors offering tailored voice lessons for all ages and skill levels.

FAQs from guitar learners in Detroit

Start your guitar journey in Detroit

Detroit is a city where music is woven into its identity – from the legacy of Motown to the pulse of underground rock and hip hop. Picking up the guitar here isn’t just a pastime – it’s a chance to grow creatively and tap into the city’s rich musical energy.

Whether you’re aiming to perform on stage or just want to enjoy playing for yourself, having the right teacher by your side can make all the difference.

With Wiingy, you can learn from top-rated guitar instructors in Detroit who offer personalized, flexible lessons tailored to your goals and your lifestyle – no matter where in the city you’re starting from.