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 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 – and the right teachers to help them grow.

Whether your goal is to perform onstage at local venues like the Crescent Ballroom or simply play 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). 

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 best guitar teachers available through Wiingy.

Why work with a guitar teacher in Phoenix?

Private guitar lessons come with major advantages over group classes — especially in a city like Phoenix, 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.
• 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.

Top rated guitar teachers in Phoenix

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

1. Jonah Brooks – Guitarist & producer helping you unlock your musical voice

• 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.

2. Shannon Liddy – Making music a fun and rewarding journey

• 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.

3. George Kozatsas – Infusing creativity into every lesson

• 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.

4. Charlie Wilson – Nurturing beginners, inspiring guitar mastery

• 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.

5. Jay Lee – Empowering guitarists to unlock their full potential

• Specialties: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Music Theory, Ear Training, Improvisation, Composition
• Experience: Over 5 years of teaching experience with a Bachelor of Music degree.
• Ideal for: Students of all levels, from school, college, to professional musicians interested in guitar or bass guitar.

What makes Jay stand out?

With a Bachelor of Music degree and over 5 years of teaching experience, Jay Lee offers personalized guitar lessons that focus on both technical proficiency and musical creativity. His versatile expertise covers various genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and more. 

Whether you’re a beginner learning basic chords or an advanced player honing your soloing skills, Jay tailors each lesson to match your interests and aspirations. 

His approach combines technique-focused instruction with a creative mindset, nurturing musical expression and improvisation. Jay emphasizes consistent practice outside of lessons, encouraging students to unlock their unique voice on the guitar. 

Through the use of tech tools like amp simulators, DAWs, and chord diagram apps, his lessons are interactive and engaging, making learning enjoyable while fostering steady progress.

Ready to strum your first chord or level up? Find top guitar tutors in Wiingy – free trial and flexible scheduling, no pressure, so you can jam on your terms 

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

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.

Online vs in-person guitar teachers in Phoenix

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 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.

FAQs from guitar learners in Phoenix 

How much do guitar teachers cost in Phoenix?

Guitar lesson costs in Phoenix vary widely. Wiingy tutors start from $15–$35/hr, offering affordable, flexible options for beginners. Private local tutors typically charge $60–$100/hr, ideal for intermediate to advanced players. Celebrity or high-end coaches range from $70–$150/hr for professional-level training.

How to find a guitar teacher in Phoenix?

When choosing a guitar teacher in Phoenix, look for someone experienced in your preferred genre, flexible with lesson formats, and aligned with your musical goals. Platforms like Wiingy make it easy to find expert-vetted tutors who offer free trials and personalized 1-on-1 coaching.

How can guitar tutors at Wiingy help me if I want to learn guitar?

Wiingy’s guitar tutors offer personalized 1-on-1 lessons that focus on your unique goals—whether you’re a beginner learning basic chords or an advanced player improving performance skills. With flexible scheduling, free trials, and both online and in-person options, learning guitar becomes easy and enjoyable.

What are the best guitar lessons in Phoenix?

The best guitar lessons in Phoenix combine personalized instruction, flexibility, and expert coaching. Wiingy offers top-rated tutors like Jonah Brooks, Shannon Liddy, George Kozatsas, Charlie Wilson, and Jay Lee, covering a range of styles from indie to classical, making learning accessible and inspiring.

Conclusion

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 right guitar teacher 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.