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

Los Angeles, with its legendary music scene and cultural diversity, is a city brimming with creativity.

Recent studies reveal that 72% of new guitar players are between the ages of 13 and 34, underscoring a vibrant, youthful surge in guitar learning. In a city like Los Angeles, this trend is palpable, with young musicians eager to make their mark.

Whether you’re into the smooth riffs of John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers or the raw energy of Slash from Guns N’ Roses, L.A. has long been home to iconic guitarists.

With its diverse community of musicians and skilled guitar teachers, you’ll find endless inspiration and expert guidance – whether you want to master classic riffs, improve fingerstyle technique, or start composing your own songs.

If you’re serious about advancing your guitar skills, a 1-on-1 guitar teacher can help you get there faster.

Personalized guitar lessons in Los Angeles can be tailored to your learning style, focus on your favorite genres, and provide hands-on feedback to help you play cleaner chords, sharper solos, and more expressive melodies.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about finding the best guitar teachers in Los Angeles – from lesson structures and pricing to the top-rated instructors available through Wiingy who specialize in everything from beginner fundamentals to advanced improvisation.

Why work with a guitar teacher in Los Angeles?

In a city like LA – buzzing with artistic energy and endless opportunities – private guitar lessons can make all the difference.

• Personalized practice routines: Lessons are tailored to your style – whether you’re into Sunset Strip rock, East LA funk, or composing for film. Your teacher helps you reach specific goals, like prepping for a gig or recording in a local studio.
• Real-time feedback: In a city known for perfection, instant feedback helps you refine your playing. Whether you’re auditioning for The Voice or a set at Hotel Café, quick corrections improve technique and prepare you for real performances.
• Building confidence: From open mics in Highland Park to major venues like The Troubadour, LA demands stage presence. A private teacher helps you build performance confidence so you’re ready to shine, just like LA-born stars before you.
• Flexible learning: With packed LA schedules, flexible lessons are key. Many instructors offer in-home or virtual options – perfect for students at LACHSA, creatives on the go, or anyone balancing gigs, school, and long commutes.

Whether you’re learning for fun, working toward a performance, or dreaming of a career in music – private lessons in Los Angeles will help you progress faster and feel more connected to your craft.

Many students dream of jamming like Tom Morello or composing cinematic scores like Hans Zimmer – LA’s guitar teachers can help get you there.

Factors to consider when choosing the right guitar teacher in Los Angeles

Finding the right guitar teacher in LA isn’t just about credentials – it’s about connecting with someone who understands your goals, vibe, and learning style in a city full of creative energy.

Here’s what to look for:

• Experience: Do they work with all levels? Whether you’re just starting out in Venice or prepping for a studio session in Burbank, you’ll want a teacher who’s comfortable guiding students across LA’s diverse music landscape.
• Style: Can they teach your favorite genre? LA’s music scene spans everything from surf rock and Latin pop to metal and film scoring. Your teacher should match your taste and help you grow in that direction.
• Format: Do they teach online, in-person, or both? In a sprawling city like LA, flexibility matters – especially if you’re bouncing between gigs, school, or neighborhoods like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Echo Park.
• Flexibility: Can you easily reschedule or book a trial lesson? LA life is unpredictable. A good teacher will understand that and work with your schedule – whether you’re in school, on set, or hitting up auditions.

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

Best guitar teachers in Los Angeles 

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

1. Derek Roland – Best for guitar performance coaching

• Specialties: Jazz guitar, performance technique, music theory, efficient practice routines
• Experience: 20+ years teaching, thousands of students worldwide
• Ideal for: Adult learners, intermediate guitarists hitting plateaus, players seeking structure and breakthroughs

What makes Derek stand out?

Derek brings nearly three decades of playing and over 20 years of teaching to the table – along with a proven formula for learning guitar in a way that actually sticks. His no-fluff approach helps you cut through information overload and focus on what truly improves your playing.

Students love his ability to simplify complex concepts and tailor lessons to their learning style. 

Whether you’re a total beginner or someone stuck in a rut, Derek’s mix of motivational coaching, problem-solving tips, and structured practice hacks will push your progress forward. 

His sessions feel like a reset button for your guitar journey – refreshing, productive, and full of real breakthroughs.

Want to master jazz guitar or perfect your performance technique? Book a lesson with Derek and learn efficient practice routines that work.

2. Ken Martin – Best for music theory and chord progressions

• Specialties: Guitar technique, music technology, improvisation, creative expression
• Experience: Belmont-trained guitarist with global performance experience
• Ideal for: Curious beginners, tech-oriented players, and motivated musicians of all levels

What makes Ken stand out?

Ken brings both heart and structure to every lesson. With a degree in Commercial Music from Belmont University and a background that spans international stages, he knows how to turn practice into passion. 

His teaching style is all about personalization – no cookie-cutter lessons here. Whether you’re working on chord transitions, fingerstyle fluency, or diving into music tech, Ken meets you where you are and helps you grow from there.

He strikes a balance between building strong fundamentals and encouraging creative exploration, using a mix of structured techniques and fun improvisational drills. 

Students love his approachable, motivating vibe – and how he makes complex ideas easy to grasp. If you’re looking for a tutor who’ll help you develop both skill and confidence, Ken’s your guy.

Looking to add technology to your guitar practice or dive into improvisation? Book a lesson with Ken and unlock your creative potential with music tech.

3. Julian Martinez – Best for sight-reading, music theory and songwriting

• Specialties: Guitar, voice coaching, songwriting, performance prep, creative expression
• Experience: Seasoned solo and group performer with years of teaching students of all ages
• Ideal for: Aspiring performers, beginner-to-intermediate players, and creative learners who want to write and perform

What makes Julian stand out?

Julian isn’t just teaching music – he’s shaping future performers. With deep experience both on stage and in the classroom, he knows how to guide students from first chords to live showcases.

His lessons combine the essentials of guitar and vocal technique with the energy of live performance, giving students a strong foundation and the confidence to use it.

Julian’s style is patient, practical, and hands-on. He tailors each lesson to the student’s interests – whether that’s jamming with friends, writing original songs, or learning to sing while playing guitar. 

Many of his students go from zero to stage-ready in just a few months thanks to his mix of real-world skills, interactive tools (like music notation apps), and a focus on self-expression. With Julian, you’re not just learning – you’re getting ready to shine.

Ready to perform with confidence? Book a lesson with Julian and get stage-ready with personalized performance coaching.

4. Yasmin Devan – Best for music production and composition

• Specialties: Piano, guitar, singing, music theory, custom songwriting guidance
• Experience: Experienced educator working with students from school age to professionals
• Ideal for: Beginners, hobbyists, multi-instrumental learners, and anyone seeking personalized guidance

What makes Yasmin stand out?

Yasmin brings a warm, flexible approach to music education – whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or returning after years away. With a strong background in piano, guitar, and voice, she helps students connect deeply with their music while building skills at their own pace.

What really sets Yasmin apart is how she tailors lessons to individual passions. Interested in learning your favorite songs? Want to write your own? Yasmin makes that happen. 

Her teaching is a balance of creativity and structure, blending theory with real-world playing. She’s especially great at helping students build confidence, whether they’re prepping for performances or just playing for fun.

From classical piano to pop vocals, Yasmin’s supportive, research-informed approach ensures that each student feels seen, heard, and inspired to grow musically.

Want to write your own songs or learn music theory? Book a lesson with Yasmin and take a personalized approach to music!

5. Alex Martinez Aviles – Best for theory, production and composition

• Specialties: Piano, guitar, singing, music theory, creative composition
• Experience: Versatile tutor with classroom and private teaching experience, including competition-level coaching
• Ideal for: Casual learners, aspiring performers, and anyone looking to build skills in a supportive space

What makes Alex stand out?

Alex brings a refreshing blend of fun and focus to every lesson. Whether you’re learning piano, guitar, or voice, her student-driven approach ensures that you’re working toward goals that matter to you – from jamming with friends to prepping for gigs or refining your stage presence.

With a background in both classroom and one-on-one settings, Alex knows how to meet students where they are. She blends practical technique with creative freedom, making room for both structured growth and spontaneous expression. 

Through engaging activities and practical exercises, she strives to create a positive and interactive learning environment where students can build confidence and genuinely enjoy their progress.

Above all, Alex believes music should be fun and accessible. Her friendly, adaptable style encourages learners of all ages to explore their musical voice, one personalized lesson at a time.

Interested in learning piano, guitar, or voice in a fun, creative way? Start your musical journey with Alex and explore the joy of making music!

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

Here’s what you can expect from a private guitar lesson – told through the experiences of real Wiingy students.

1. “From strumming struggles to consistent timing” – Ava

“I could never keep my strumming consistent. My tutor taught me how to focus on each strum individually, and that helped me improve my rhythm and maintain a steady tempo.”

What you’ll learn: Strumming control, timing, rhythm

2. “Building hand independence for smoother playing” – Emma

“I had difficulty with finger independence while playing scales and chords. My tutor focused on isolating each finger and helping me practice finger-by-finger. This made my playing smoother and more efficient.” 

What you’ll learn: Finger independence, muscle control, hand coordination

3. “Timing control through the metronome” – Dylan

“Keeping time was always a challenge, especially when improvising. My tutor showed me how to use a metronome to practice at slower speeds and gradually build my timing. It really helped with my improvisation.” 

What you’ll learn: Timing, metronome use, improvisation

Guitar teachers cost in Los Angeles 

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	$50 – $399/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 Los Angeles

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 Los Angeles as your needs change.

Not sure which learning format suits you best? Discover the best guitar lessons in Los Angeles – from private 1-on-1 coaching to group classes and self-paced options – to find the right fit for your goals, budget, and schedule.

How to get started with a guitar tutor on Wiingy

Starting your guitar journey is easy:

1. Browse guitar tutors in LA 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.

Want to add more music to your life?

If learning guitar has sparked your passion for music, why stop there? Exploring a second instrument or singing can deepen your musical skills and creativity.

Best violin teachers in Los Angeles
Interested in melody and musical expression? Violin pairs beautifully with guitar and helps sharpen your ear. Discover top violin tutors in LA who make learning fun and approachable for all levels.

Best piano teachers in Los Angeles
Piano strengthens your understanding of chords and music theory-skills that directly support guitar playing. Explore our curated list of piano teachers in LA offering engaging, personalized lessons for kids and adults.

Best singing teachers in Los Angeles
Love to sing while playing guitar? Improve your vocal technique, pitch, and confidence with top LA singing tutors. Great for aspiring singer-songwriters or anyone wanting to carry a tune better.

FAQs from guitar learners in Los Angeles

Take the next step in your guitar journey

In a city that gave rise to legends like Frank Zappa, Billie Eilish, and The Doors, learning guitar isn’t just a skill – it’s a way to connect with LA’s creative heartbeat

Whether you’re chasing a career in music or playing just for the joy of it, the right guitar teacher can help you shine.

Begin learning with a top-rated guitar teacher on Wiingy – delivering flexible, customized lessons that cater to your goals and lifestyle in sunny Los Angeles.