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

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 lessons help you progress faster.

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

Finding the right guitar tutor 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 tutors are expert-vetted, offer free trials, and cover every style and skill level.

Best guitar teachers in New York

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

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

• Specialties: Fingerstyle, Chords & Rhythms, Guitar for Beginners, Chord Progressions, Scales & Modes, Ear Training, Strumming & Picking Techniques
• Experience: Performance at numerous local gigs and shows, Organizer of “Accessible Music Jam for Adults” and “Music by the Water,” Event coordinator, and private and group guitar lessons at various music centers.
• Ideal for: Beginners, creative learners, community-focused students of all ages

What makes Uyen stand out?
Uyen doesn’t just teach guitar – she builds musical communities. With roots in both music education and live event coordination, Uyen brings a rare mix of creativity, empathy, and real-world experience to her lessons. 

Drawing on her background in music production and performance, Uyen empowers students to explore their own voice through improvisation, songwriting, and stage experience. Her students love the freedom to express themselves, experiment, and grow at their own pace.

If you’re looking for a teacher who cares about your growth as both a musician and a person, Uyen’s the kind of mentor who will inspire you to play, create, and connect with music for life.

Ready to explore music your way? Book a trial lesson with Uyen and start building your sound with chord progressions, ear training, and creative freedom.

2. Bruno Elisabetsky – Best for music theory and songwriting

• Specialties: Guitar & voice, music theory, ear training, creative expression
• Experience: Degree in Guitar Performance, Master’s in Vocal Arts, all-level instructor
• Ideal for: Singer-songwriters, expressive learners, theory-curious beginners and beyond

What makes Bruno stand out?

Bruno is that rare kind of teacher who’s equally at home helping you shred on guitar or belt out your favorite song. He offers a balanced, versatile approach that blends structure with self-expression. 

His lessons are designed to feel more like a jam session than a classroom, where theory, technique, and creativity go hand in hand.

What truly sets Bruno apart is his ability to adapt. Whether you’re tackling jazz chords, fine-tuning your pitch, or exploring songwriting, he tunes into your goals and customizes your learning path with thoughtful, practical strategies. 

Students appreciate his supportive style, mixing patience with playfulness and a deep understanding of music. If you’re looking for a coach who can guide both your fingers and your voice – while making every lesson feel like a step closer to your sound – Bruno’s your guy.

Want a teacher who gets both your voice and your instrument? Try a lesson with Bruno to blend songwriting, theory, and performance into your personal sound.

3. Eugene Knezevich – Best for chords, scales and music theory

• Specialties: Rock, reggae, blues, fusion, music theory, audition prep
• Experience: Performer in multiple bands, degree in Music Therapy, all-ages educator
• Ideal for: Beginners, neurodiverse learners, auditioning students, expressive players

What makes Eugene stand out?

Eugene is more than a guitar teacher – he’s a musical guide who adapts to every student’s journey. With a background in music therapy and a strong performance résumé spanning reggae to blues, he brings a deep understanding of how music connects with people on every level. 

His teaching style is thoughtful and flexible, built around each student’s strengths and learning style. Eugene has helped dozens of students go from strumming chords to confidently performing songs like ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ and ‘Shallow’.

From breaking down theory in a simple, accessible way to helping you find your unique sound through expression and creativity, Eugene’s lessons feel like a safe space to grow and explore. 

If you’re looking for someone who’s patient, skilled, and passionate about helping you grow as both a player and a person, Eugene is a great match.

Looking for a thoughtful, adaptive guitar coach? Book a session with Eugene and discover a teaching style built around you.

4. Sage Bava Melcher – Best for music production & theory lessons for various genres

• Specialties: Piano, guitar, voice, composition, songwriting, music production
• Experience: Master’s in Contemporary Performance from Berklee, Jazz Piano Diploma from Eastman
• Ideal for: Aspiring songwriters, genre-blending creatives, and multi-instrumental learners

What makes Sage stand out?

Sage brings a spark of creativity to every lesson. With formal training from Berklee and Eastman, she’s not only a skilled performer but also a passionate composer who loves helping others discover their own musical voice. 

Whether you’re learning piano, guitar, or vocals – or all three – Sage blends technique with creativity so you can build skills and confidence.

Her teaching style is imaginative and student-focused. From using improvisation and songwriting prompts to incorporating music production tools, Sage helps students connect theory to real-world music-making. 

Students describe her lessons as fun, inspiring, and full of encouragement. If you’re ready to explore your creative side and learn from a coach who supports you every step of the way, Sage is an excellent match.

Dreaming of composing your own songs or producing your music? Start your creative journey with Sage and dive into songwriting, guitar, piano, and more.

5. Leandro Martins – Best for advanced techniques like fingerstyle, scales, and modes

• Specialties: Acoustic & electric guitar, improvisation, advanced techniques, songwriting
• Experience: Postgraduate degree in Music Education, teaches all levels and styles
• Ideal for: Curious learners, aspiring guitarists, and genre-hopping musicians

What makes Leandro stand out?

Leandro is the kind of teacher who can take you from playing Taylor Swift riffs to shredding like Steve Vai – and everything in between. 

His lessons are flexible and tailored, covering fundamentals like chord progressions and basic theory, all the way to advanced techniques like sweep picking, tapping, harmonization, and improvisation. 

Want to write your own music? He’s got you covered there too, with support in composition and songwriting.

Leandro’s teaching style is upbeat, supportive, and tech-savvy – he often integrates digital tools and music apps to keep learning engaging and modern. 

If you’re looking for a mentor who can meet you at your level and challenge you to grow across styles and skills, Leandro’s the teacher to jam with.

Want to level up your guitar skills with advanced techniques? Try a guitar lesson with Leandro and take your playing to the next level with personalized coaching.

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	$15 – $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.

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 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

With Wiingy, you can choose the format that fits your lifestyle – and even switch between online and in-person lessons as your needs change.

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.

How to get started with a guitar tutor on Wiingy

Starting your guitar journey is easy:

1. Browse guitar tutors in NYC 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.

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

FAQs from guitar learners in New York

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 tutor 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.