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

With its rich musical history – from jazz greats to iconic rock bands – NYC offers endless inspiration for musicians.

The city’s diverse community of guitarists and music teachers are eager to help you strum your first chord, master barre chords, or perfect your soloing technique.

It’s estimated that between 300,000 to 500,000 people are actively learning guitar across the five boroughs. Whether you’re dreaming of performing in local clubs or simply want to fingerpick your favorite acoustic tunes at home, New York provides the perfect environment to grow as a guitarist.

With access to live music, jam sessions, and genre-spanning influences, it’s a city where your passion for guitar can truly thrive.

If you’re serious about learning (or relearning), a 1-on-1 guitar teacher in New York can tailor lessons to your pace, help you build muscle memory, guide you through scales and chord progressions, and give you real-time feedback to boost your progress.

Whether you’re into blues, jazz, rock, or classical guitar, personalized instruction makes all the difference.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about choosing the best guitar teachers in New York – from how lessons are structured to what they cost, to the top-rated instructors you can book through Wiingy.

Best guitar teachers in New York

Tutor Name	Uyen Trinh	Bruno Elisabetsky	Eugene Knezevich	Sage Bava Melcher	Leandro Martins
Experience (years)	2+	15+	6+	3+	15+
Pricing	$29/hr	$32/hr	$32/hr	$33/hr	$29/hr
Music Genres	Fingerstyle, chord progressions, ear training	Jazz, Latin, folk, songwriting, theory	Rock, reggae, blues, fusion	Jazz, pop, indie, production	Fingerstyle, jazz, Brazilian fusion
Age Suitability	All ages	Kids to adults	All ages (including neurodiverse learners)	Teens – Adults	Late teens – Adults
Interactive Voice Lessons	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Performance Experience	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Trial Lesson Available	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Rating	4.8/5	4.8/5	4.6/5	4.8/5	4.9/5

Top rated guitar teachers in New York

Wiingy has built a strong network of 350+ expert guitar teachers, each carefully vetted for skill and teaching experience.

The platform makes it easy to find a skilled guitar teacher in New York -available for online or in-person lessons.

Whether you’re a beginner learning your first chords or an advanced player working on your skills, Wiingy has a guitar tutor for every level and style-technique, performance, or exam prep.

Here are five top-rated guitar teachers at Wiingy in New York, each bringing their own unique strengths, teaching philosophy, and passion for helping students grow at the keys:

1. Uyen Trinh – Best for chord progressions and music theory

Uyen Trinh’s teaching approach blends creativity and sight reading. She also focuses on progressive instruction, musical expression, and ear training to enhance the learning experience. 91% of parents feel their kids start playing songs within weeks.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 2+ years
• Professional Background: Uyen holds a bachelor’s degree from York University.
• Rating: 4.8/5

---

Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $15
• Hourly Rate: $30/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, trial lesson is available.

---

Specialties

• Bass Guitar
• Acoustic Guitar

---

Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: School student or professional adult
• Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

---

Teaching Style

• Approach: Uyen uses tools like amp simulators, backing track libraries, and guitar tuner apps for interactive lessons. She tailors lessons to fit A-Levels (UK), Common Core (USA), and IB curricula. This ensures students meet academic standards while improving their musical skills.

2. Bruno Elisabetsky – Private guitar teacher with a master’s degree in performance from Loyola University

Warm and engaging tutor with expert training in both guitar and singing. Bruno creates a fun and supportive learning space where creativity and technique grow together.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 15+ years
• Professional Background: Bruno holds both a master’s degree in performance from Loyola University.
• Rating: 4.8/5

---

Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $16
• Hourly Rate: $32
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available.

---

Specialties

• Digital Audio Workstation
• Music Mixing
• Electronic Music
• Sound Engineering
• Music Theory
• Songwriting

---

Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: Learners from school-age to adults
• Skill Levels: Beginners to advanced

---

Teaching Style

• Approach: Bruno blends music theory with ear training and creative practice in a clear, supportive way. He uses interactive tools to keep lessons engaging and tracks your progress with thoughtful assessments. Outside class, he’s always ready to guide you.

3. Eugene Knezevich – Private guitar teacher with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Berklee

Eugene Knezevich specializes in guitar, teaching chord progressions, fingerstyle, and music theory. 94% of students say his lessons are fun, focused, and easy to follow.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 6+ years
• Professional Background: Eugene holds a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Berklee.
• Rating: 4.6/5

---

Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $16
• Hourly Rate: $32/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, trial lesson is available.

---

Specialties

• Bass Guitar
• Electric Guitar

---

Age & Skill Suitability

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

---

Teaching Style

• Approach: Eugene uses tech tools like amp simulators, backing track libraries, and chord diagram apps to make lessons interactive. He also follows curricula such as A-Levels, AP, and IB to give students a structured learning path.

---

Wiingy provides a more budget-friendly solution for guitar tutoring with prices starting at just $19/hr. Get started today, try a lesson, and boost your learning without breaking the bank.

---

4. Sage Bava Melcher – Private guitar teacher with a master’s in contemporary performance/production from Berklee

Sage designs each lesson to spark creativity and keep students motivated. She helps build strong skills while encouraging self-expression. 88% of her students feel more skilled, confident, and ready to perform.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 3+ years
• Professional Background: Sage holds a Master’s in Contemporary Performance/Production from Berklee and a jazz piano diploma from Eastman School of Music.
• Rating: 4.8/5

---

Pricing

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

---

Specialties

• Electronic Music
• Music Mixing
• Mashups
• Songwriting
• Sound Engineering

---

Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: Learner of all levels
• Skill Levels: First-timers to experienced musicians.

---

Teaching Style

• Approach: Sage creates lessons that match your goals and music genre of choice. She uses creative and interactive techniques like improvisation, songwriting, and live performance training. She also brings in modern tech tools: ear-training software, recording apps, and digital apps for composing.

5. Leandro Martins –  Private guitar teacher with 15+ years of experience

Leandro Martins helps students build strong fundamentals. He combines music theory, technique, and practical exercises. This approach helps students become well-rounded musicians.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 15+ years
• Professional Background: Leandro holds a bachelor’s degree in Music from  Claretiano.
• Rating: 4.9/5

---

Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $15
• Hourly Rate: $30/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, trial lesson is available.

---

Specialties

• Bass Guitar
• Music Theory
• Strumming and Picking Techniques
• Performance Coaching

---

Age & Skill Suitability

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

---

Teaching Style

• Approach: Leandro focuses on theory, expression, and technique. He mixes traditional and modern methods for better learning. He uses tech tools like Amp Simulators, DAWs, and Metronome Apps. Lessons follow A-Levels, AP, and IB standards for a complete music education.

---

Wiingy provides a more budget-friendly solution for guitar tutoring with prices starting at just $19/hr. Get started today, try a lesson, and boost your learning without breaking the bank.

---

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 New York

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 Local Tutors	$60 – $200/hr	Mostly in-person	Intermediate to advanced
Celebrity/High-End Coaches	$150 – $399/hr	Studio-based and in-home	Professional performance prep

Wiingy offers a free trial lesson, no long-term contracts, and flexible scheduling, all while providing access to affordable tutors starting at just $19/hr, making high-quality learning more accessible than ever.

Online vs in-person guitar teachers in NYC

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

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

Why work with a guitar teacher in New York?

Private guitar lessons offer countless advantages over group classes – especially in a city as musically rich and competitive as NYC. 

• Personalized practice routines tailored to your goals, whether you’re starting with basic chords or prepping for a gig in the East Village. NYC’s competitive scene pushes you to stand out and sharpen your skills.
• Real-time feedback on technique, rhythm, and style, preparing you for auditions like America’s Got Talent, where many NYC guitarists rise to the occasion.
• Building confidence so you can perform like the greats who got their start in this city – think Paul Simon, Lou Reed, or Alicia Keys.
• Flexible learning to fit your busy schedule, whether you’re a student or professional. Private lessons complement school music programs and help with auditions for arts schools like LaGuardia.

Whether you’re learning your first chords, prepping for a performance, or jamming for fun – private guitar lessons help you progress faster.

Factors to consider to choose the right guitar teacher in New York

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

Here’s what to look for:

• Experience: Do they teach all skill levels? Whether you’re preparing for a Broadway pit band or jamming in Brooklyn, you need a tutor who’s comfortable with NYC’s wide range of skill levels.
• Style: Can they teach the genre you love? Whether it’s rock, blues, classical, acoustic, or metal, New York’s music scene thrives in every genre, and your tutor should too.
• Format: Do they offer online, in-person, or both? Flexibility is key in NYC, whether you’re in Manhattan or on the go.
• Flexibility: Can you easily reschedule or try a lesson? In NYC’s fast-paced lifestyle, finding a tutor who fits your schedule is essential.

---

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

---

How to get started with a guitar teacher on Wiingy

Starting your guitar journey is easy:

• Browse guitar teachers in NYC
• 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.

Ready to take your music skills even further?

Many guitarists find that exploring other instruments can deepen their musicality, unlock new creative paths, or help them perform with more confidence.

Here are a few next steps students often take:

• Want to sing while you play?
  Explore the best vocal coaches in New York and build the confidence to accompany yourself. Adding voice training can help you perform with heart and hit those high notes while keeping rhythm on guitar.
• Curious about songwriting or music theory?
  Check out the best piano teachers in New York. Many guitarists pick up piano to strengthen their understanding of chords, progressions, and composition.
• Love intricate melodies and want to train your ear further?
  The best violin teachers in New York might be your next musical challenge. Guitarists who enjoy fingerstyle or classical music often find violin a rewarding companion instrument

Start your journey with the best guitar teachers in New York

New York is where dreams are made and so are musical masterpieces. Whether you’re picking up the guitar for fun or preparing for a professional performance, finding one of the best guitar teachers in New York can make all the difference in your journey.

You don’t need to be Jimi Hendrix to get started but with the right guitar teacher in New York, you might just surprise yourself with how fast you improve.

Kick off your guitar journey today with a top-rated guitar teacher on Wiingy -offering flexible, personalized lessons tailored to your style, goals, and schedule.

Whether you’re searching for online classes or in-person instruction, Wiingy connects you with the best guitar teachers in NYC.

Discover guitar lessons near New York

Guitar lessons in The Bronx

Guitar lessons in Queens

Guitar lessons in Brooklyn

FAQs from guitar learners in New York