Find a guitar teacher in Durham, NC

Find guitar instructors in Durham, NC

Find guitar instructors in Durham, NC

Confirm your location to see the best guitar teachers near you.
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Find guitar instructors in Durham, NC

Confirm your location to see the best guitar teachers near you.
Zip code

Top 10 guitar teachers in Durham, NC

Students agree: these Durham guitar instructors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Colin McGuire

Colin McGuire

New on Lessons.com
26+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC
Hello there! My name is Colin McGuire. I have been playing guitar for the past 25 years. One of the great things about my experience is that I have played all kinds of music over my career. From Jazz and Rock to acoustic singer songwriter styles, nothing is out of reach! I also had a career as a high school physics teacher for a decade so I bring a solid foundation in teaching strategies paired with my love of music. I emphasize learning through your favorite music and mixing in the skills within that framework. I have experience playing as a studio musician for rappers in NYC and fronting a rock band in Pittsburgh and most things in between.
SnakkDaddy Productions

SnakkDaddy Productions

5.0(4)
6 hires on Lessons.com
28+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC
Mark says, "I've been working with Jay for 5+ years. He does a great job blending guitar theory with playing songs that you want to play. He adjusts his techniques and teaching methods based on where you are at in your skills and understanding." Read more
De Andrade Music Studio

De Andrade Music Studio

New on Lessons.com
8+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC
Hey there! At de Andrade Music Studio in Durham, NC, we’re all about helping students of all ages discover the joy of playing guitar. I offer personalized guitar lessons tailored to your musical interests and goals. Students appreciate my instruction in reading notation and becoming familiar with the neck and scales, as well as teaching chording and fingerpicking. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your technique, I hope that my 50+ years of experience as a performer and teacher will help you on your way.
Cary School Of Creative Arts

Cary School Of Creative Arts

4.9Exceptional(17)
5 hires on Lessons.com
17+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC
Herbert H. says, "Kam is an excellent instructor" Read more
Clayton School Of Creative Arts

Clayton School Of Creative Arts

5.0(3)
Top Pro
7 hires on Lessons.com
17+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC
Maria M. says, "Great music teachers. Best experience with voice, piano and digital recording lessons, my daughter is learning and improving her singing and piano every month, what I like the most is the friendly environment where my daughter is able to express herself choosing lessons that are not boring at all so she keeps interested at all times. Thank you Ms Dina, Mr Justin and Mr Tom." Read more
Raleigh Guitar School

Raleigh Guitar School

4.8(4)
5 hires on Lessons.com
6+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC & Online
Rowyna K. says, "The amount of student driven guitar learning. The patience and personability of the instructor. The music theory knowledge instilled by the instructor." Read more
Ellen Whitaker Guitar Studio

Ellen Whitaker Guitar Studio

4.9Exceptional(11)
12 hires on Lessons.com
45+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC
Anurag K. says, "Very sweet teacher with a very well thought out lesson plan!" Read more
Shane Bullis Music Instruction  (at Harry's Guitar Shop)

Shane Bullis Music Instruction (at Harry's Guitar Shop)

5.0(1)
1 hire on Lessons.com
31+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC
Bradley says, "Shane made it easy to understand. He has a very easy going personality. " Read more
Cary School Of Music

Cary School Of Music

New on Lessons.com
33+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC & Online
Cary School of Music was established in 1993 to provide an easily accessible, affordable, attractive and joyful environment for the study and performance of music. We offer private instruction in band and orchestra instruments, piano, guitars, drums, voice, harp, and more. The teachers at Cary School of Music are passionate about sharing the joy of making music with students of all ages and levels. For more information about our program offerings, please visit our website at https://www.caryschoolofmusic.com/ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see Cary School of Music students' latest achievements! https://m.facebook.com/Cary-School-of-M...
Hunter O'Neill Music And Language Lessons

Hunter O'Neill Music And Language Lessons

4.8Excellent(6)
6 hires on Lessons.com
9+ years in business
Serves Durham, NC & Online
Kasey B. says, "I love Hunters passion and knowledge for music. He keeps my son on his toes challenging him with hiskeyboard. I absolutely love when my son comes to me telling me how much fun he has learning the keyboard/piano. A wonderful teacher makes a huge difference in peoples lives and Hunter you are doing just that. Thank you for all that you do to keep music alive... You rock!!!" Read more

Your Guitar Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

How much do guitar lessons cost near me?

Guitar lessons cost $35 to $70 per lesson, depending on if they last 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. If it's a one-on-one lesson, it'll cost around $45 to $70 hourly. Learning guitar in a group is cheaper at $25 to $35 per session.

If you're taking lessons every month, it adds up to $170 to $315 with the typical prepaid discount.

Are guitar lessons worth it?

Guitar lessons are worth it since only a professional teacher giving you live feedback can guide you to learn faster. A good instructor helps you understand your mistakes and prevents you from developing bad habits.

Learning guitar by yourself takes a lot longer and won't prepare you as well to play in public.

At what age should I start guitar lessons?

Children can start guitar lessons from the ages of 6 to 10, or when they can comfortably hold the guitar and press the strings. Adults can start guitar lessons at any age, provided they practice regularly and patiently.

How many guitar lessons do I need?

The number of guitar lessons you need varies according to your goal and your practice routine. For many people, it typically takes about 2 to 6 months to play a simple tune. Mastering the guitar like a professional can take anywhere from 4 to 10 years.

What do you learn in guitar lessons?

In most guitar lessons, you can expect to learn:

  • How to correctly position your fingers to play chords
  • How to tune your guitar
  • How to play various scales
  • New techniques for plucking and strumming
  • How to read sheet music.

Are online guitar lessons good?

Online guitar lessons cost $35 to $55 per hour and are good for getting personal instruction from skilled teachers worldwide. Take advantage of flexible scheduling and immediate feedback while learning new guitar-playing styles. Plus, you can easily record lessons to review their advice later.

How do I find the best guitar lessons near me?

In order to find the best guitar lessons for you, look through nearby teachers listed here on the Lessons website. You can also ask for teachers at local music stores or community colleges.

Before you hire a guitar teacher, make sure to:

  • Check out prices from at least 3 different teachers.
  • Read their reviews on Lessons and Google.
  • Ask for a list of their current or previous students that you can talk to.
  • Talk to other parents about the teacher's reputation with their children.
  • Make sure you get a written agreement and schedule before your first lesson.
  • Avoid making a big payment upfront for a month of lessons until you're comfortable with the teacher.

What questions do I ask when choosing a guitar teacher?

To find the right guitar teacher, you can ask them these questions:

  • What kind of music degree do you have?
  • How many years of experience do you have in teaching guitar?
  • Can I have a free trial lesson to see if your teaching style helps me?
  • What is the average age of your students?
  • Will you assign me finger exercises as homework?
  • How often should I practice between lessons?
  • What textbooks do I need, and where can I buy used ones?
  • How many guitar-playing styles are you an expert in?
  • Can you modify your teaching style to suit my learning abilities?
  • What should I bring to our lessons, and how long is each one?
  • Can I get a copy of our schedule, agreement, and payment terms?
  • What is your policy if I have to cancel a class due to an emergency?
  • Can I choose some of my favorite songs to learn on the guitar?

Reviews for Durham guitar teachers

Recent success stories from people in the Durham area.
Siang L.
My 9 years old son loves to learn guitar from Jay. He gives us tips to look for electric guitar when we are looking for one. I will recommend him to whoever wants to learn guitar
SnakkDaddy Productions
Scott A.
Very practical approach for a adult student, gives materials and feedback, then lets me work through the process.
Cary School of Creative Arts
Amanda T.
Our family has been very pleased with the enthusiasm of our instructor and the knowledgeable approach that is shared with our children. He finds their interests and uses those to help them succeed in what they are learning. We think it is a great place to learn something new and have fun!
Clayton School of Creative Arts
Bob K.
The instructor is very patient, allowing the student learn at his /her own pace., even for a slow learner. That is important.
Raleigh Guitar School
John P.
An exceptionally talented instructor, Ellen is technically instructive and encouraging in a calm positive way. She readily identifies my limitations, and devises solutions that allow me to overcome and progress. Her endless patience combined with obvious practical knowledge results in the exact environment that suits me in a personally satisfying manner, which means I thoroughly enjoy the experience and thereby practice with more enthusiasm and interest. Highest kudos. -JP
Ellen Whitaker Guitar Studio
Corinne I.
Hunter taught guitar and piano to our 8 years old son, for 2 years before we move to CA, he did a great job, transmitting his passion and love for music. Thank you Hunter.
Hunter O'Neill Music and Language Lessons
Tristan B.
What you’re looking for is someone who cares more about the art form than its commodification, and this is the guy. Brian West isn’t just some guitar teacher, this is a Flamenco guitarist who loves what he does, Paco de Lucia style. Brian isn’t some real-life YouTube how-to guy who reenacts a script and forces a bovine smile to remind you how much he doesn’t care about you as much as he does the sum you just paid him. No, he cares alright. I specifically remember his patience and candor when I didn’t practice well or on time, or the subtle excitement in his eyes when I successfully learned one of his assigned classical pieces. Brian and his well-groomed beard don’t come to your house with a classical guitar just so that you learn Wonderwall, you’ve chosen someone who truly loves the intangible feelings and sensations of playing with an emphasis on technique; you will get good. Don’t worry though, you will easily imbibe his advice. He’s particularly good at explaining small details even to the most novice ear. The only thing standing between you and getting proficient within a few months is you. Otherwise, Brian will be right there watching on your path to appreciating the guitar.
Brian West Guitar
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