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

From iconic rock legends like Alice Cooper and Stevie Nicks to today’s rising indie and Latin artists, Phoenix has long been a city fueled by music and creativity.

It’s a place where guitarists of all levels can find inspiration – from gritty electric solos to soulful acoustic melodies, and the right teachers to help them grow their skills.

Whether your goal is to perform onstage at local venues like the Crescent Ballroom, master fingerstyle techniques, or simply strum your favorite songs for family and friends, Phoenix offers a welcoming and energetic environment to learn and thrive as a guitarist.

Working 1-on-1 with a guitar teacher can make a huge difference, especially if you’re serious about learning (or picking it back up again). A good teacher can help you build proper technique, understand music theory, and stay motivated with lessons tailored to your goals.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding the best guitar teachers in Phoenix – from how lessons typically work to pricing, plus a look at some of the top-rated guitar teachers available through Wiingy.

Why work with a guitar teacher in Phoenix?

Private guitar lessons in Phoenix come with major advantages over group classes, where the music scene is thriving and incredibly diverse.

• With personalized practice plans shaped around your goals, whether you’re picking up your first chords or getting ready for a gig at Crescent Ballroom or The Van Buren, Phoenix’s music culture encourages you to develop your own unique style.
• You’ll get real-time feedback on your technique, rhythm, and stage presence, essential for standing out at local showcases, open mic nights, or even big events like the M3F Festival, whether you’re covering a classic like “Hotel California” or performing your own original song.
• Private lessons also build the confidence you need to perform like some of Phoenix’s own legends – artists like Alice Cooper, Stevie Nicks, and Chester Bennington, who all found their voice here.
• Plus, lessons are flexible to fit your busy schedule – whether you’re a student balancing schoolwork or a professional squeezing in practice between meetings. They also make a perfect complement to local school music programs or prep for auditions at arts-focused schools around the Valley.

Whether you’re strumming for the first time, prepping for a performance, or just jamming for fun, working 1-on-1 with a private teacher will help you grow your skills faster and more effectively.

Factors to consider when choosing the right guitar teacher in Phoenix

Finding the right guitar teacher isn’t just about checking qualifications — it’s about finding someone who understands your musical vision and matches your learning style.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Experience: Are they comfortable teaching all skill levels? Whether you’re prepping for a show at a local venue like The Rebel Lounge or just jamming with friends in Tempe, you’ll want a teacher who can guide beginners and advanced players alike.
• Style: Can they teach the genres you’re passionate about? From classic rock and indie to country and Latin music, Phoenix’s diverse music scene covers it all — and your teacher should be able to meet you where your interests are.
• Format: Do they offer lessons in-person, online, or both? With Phoenix’s wide layout — from downtown to the suburbs — having flexible learning options makes a big difference.
• Flexibility: Can you easily reschedule or try out a session? Life moves fast under the desert sun too, and a teacher who can work with your busy schedule will make it much easier to stay consistent and motivated.

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

Best guitar teachers in Phoenix

Wiingy connects you with top 1-on-1 guitar tutors in Phoenix – 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.

Want to blend creativity with technique like a pro? Book a lesson with Jonah Brooks and start creating music your way.

2. Shannon Liddy – Best for chord progressions, theory, and fingerstyle techniques

• Specialties: Acoustic, Electric, Classical, and Bass Guitar, Sight Reading, Ear Training, Music Theory
• Experience: Over 4 years of teaching experience, working with students from various curricula, including A-Levels, AP, and IB.
• Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate students eager to build a strong musical foundation and explore different guitar styles.

What makes Shannon stand out?

Shannon’s passion for music is at the heart of every lesson. With a diploma in music education and over 4 years of teaching experience, she brings a unique blend of creativity and structure to her lessons. 

Whether you’re learning the fundamentals of chord progressions, diving into fingerstyle techniques, or mastering sight reading, Shannon tailors each lesson to meet your individual needs and goals. 

Her interactive, tech-savvy approach, using tools like amp simulators, chord diagram apps, and metronomes, ensures students stay engaged while gaining a deep understanding of musical concepts. 

Students appreciate Shannon’s ability to make each lesson enjoyable and rewarding, instilling both discipline and creativity in their musical journeys.

Want to know what Shannon’s teaching looks like in action? A student describes how her lessons helped them master fingerpicking and strumming with confidence, transforming their guitar journey. Check out their experience here.

Looking to build a solid musical foundation with engaging, interactive lessons? Try a session with Shannon and feel the difference.

3. George Kozatsas – Best for electric and classical Guitar

• Specialties: Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Performance Coaching, Music Theory, Genre Exploration
• Experience: Over a decade of expertise in Filmmaking, Production, and Guitar, working with college-level students.
• Ideal for: College students or anyone eager to dive deep into guitar, music theory, and performance techniques.

What makes George stand out?

With a Bachelor’s degree and over a decade of experience as a Filmmaker, Producer, and Editor, George brings a unique creative flair to every guitar lesson. 

Whether it’s exploring chord progressions, mastering fingerstyle techniques, or diving into music theory, George’s lessons are infused with passion and a commitment to artistic expression. 

Specializing in Electric and Classical Guitar, he tailors each session to meet the needs and interests of college-level students. 

George’s focus on performance coaching, theory integration, and genre exploration creates an interactive and supportive environment, ensuring you have a comprehensive, enjoyable learning experience while building the confidence to excel in music.

Ready to take your performance to the next level? Book a one-on-one lesson with George Kozatsas and bring your sound to life.

4. Charlie Wilson – Best for music theory and fingerstyle techniques

• Specialties: Guitar, Electric Guitar, Music Theory, Ear Training, Performance Coaching
• Experience: Over 3 years of teaching experience with a Diploma in Music from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.
• Ideal for: Beginners, school, college, and adult learners interested in guitar or electric guitar.

What makes Charlie stand out?

With a passion for teaching and over 3 years of experience, Charlie Wilson offers guitar lessons tailored to all skill levels, with a special focus on helping beginners build confidence and skill. 

His diverse background in theatre pit bands, function bands, and his own band, Coming Up Roses, enables him to connect with students from various musical genres. 

Charlie’s lessons are designed to be interactive and engaging, incorporating performance coaching, ear training, theory integration, and tech tools like Amp Simulators, Backing Track Libraries, and Ear Training Software for an enhanced learning experience. 

His empathetic teaching style fosters a supportive and encouraging environment, where students can confidently progress in their musical journey.

Just getting started or want to level up? Schedule a class with Charlie Wilson and grow your guitar skills in a friendly, supportive setting.

5. Raine Stern – Best for lessons in production, composition, theory and 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.

Want to find your authentic voice through music? Book a lesson with Raine and turn your passion into powerful performance and expression.

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. “Mastering precision picking and staying on beat” – Ethan

“I used to struggle with right-hand picking, especially at faster tempos. My tutor introduced me to the metronome, which helped me stay on track. We worked on alternate picking, and now I’m able to play faster and with more control.”

What you’ll learn: Right-hand picking, timing, metronome use

2. “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

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 Phoenix 

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 – $100/hr	Mostly in-person	Intermediate to advanced
Celebrity/High-End Coaches	$70 – $150/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 Phoenix

Guitar lessons in Phoenix 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 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.

Also interested in singing?

Many guitar students also explore vocals to enhance their musical expression. Check out our list of the best vocal coaches in Phoenix to find top-rated teachers who can help you develop both skills together.

FAQs from guitar learners in Phoenix 

Start your journey with the best guitar teachers in Phoenix

In Phoenix, where the desert meets vibrant culture and music flows through the streets, picking up the guitar can lead you on an unforgettable musical journey. 

Whether you’re pursuing a career in music or just playing for the pure joy of it, the best guitar teachers in Phoenix can help you thrive.

Start your lessons with a top-rated guitar instructor on Wiingy, offering flexible, personalized lessons designed to suit your goals and lifestyle in the sunny Valley of the Sun.