Guitar lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What guitar lessons is

A guitar teacher shows you chords, strumming, picking and songs, and adjusts the pace and style to what you want to play. People book guitar lessons when the instrument sits unused, or when they keep learning the same chord shapes without moving on.

Signs you need it

  • You can play one or two chords but cannot change between them smoothly
  • Your fretting hand buzzes or aches and you cannot tell why
  • You want to play your favorite songs but do not know how to break them down
  • You have watched online videos for months and still cannot keep a steady strum
  • You are not sure whether to start on acoustic or electric and need a direction

What the pro does

  • Checks how you hold the guitar and the positions of your fretting and strumming hands
  • Teaches your first chord shapes and how to change between them without stopping
  • Builds a strumming pattern with a metronome at a speed you can manage
  • Works through songs you choose, splitting each one into sections you can practice
  • Tells you when strings buzz or sit too high so you know when to take the guitar to a shop

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the lessons are acoustic, electric or both
  • Teacher experience and the styles they teach, such as rock, folk or fingerstyle
  • Lesson length and how many lessons you take each week
  • Private lessons compared with group classes
  • Whether the teacher comes to your home or you travel to a studio
  • Extra gear such as picks, a capo, a tuner or a method book

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number and length of lessons, and whether they are private or shared
  • The styles and songs the plan covers, so you know what you will play
  • The cancellation and makeup policy for missed lessons
  • Which books or accessories you must buy yourself
  • Whether lessons are in person, at your home or online

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you teach acoustic, electric or both, and which styles do you know best?
  • What will we work on in the first lesson, and what should I be able to play after a month?
  • Do you teach songs I already like, or only exercises?
  • How much practice do you expect between lessons?
  • If the student is a minor, do you run background checks, and what is your policy on parents in the room?
  • What do you do when a student's fingers hurt or their strings buzz?

Red flags

  • Promises you will play full songs within a few lessons no matter your starting level
  • Pushes you to buy a guitar, amp or effects before showing you the basics
  • Will not explain what each lesson covers or how progress is measured
  • Keeps changing the plan without asking which songs you want to play

What you can do yourself

You can tune the guitar, practice chord changes for short sessions with a metronome, and learn a few open chords from free online lessons to see if you enjoy it. Hire a teacher when you keep making the same mistake, when your fretting hand or wrist hurts, or when you want feedback on timing and technique.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach guitar lessons. Check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure whether a teaching business needs a registration.

Guitar lessons questions

Do I need my own guitar before my first lesson?

Yes, bring an instrument you can play. If you do not have one, ask the teacher which type to buy, since acoustic and electric guitars use different gear and suit different styles.

Can I switch from acoustic to electric later?

Yes. Chords, rhythm and fretting skills carry over. Tell the teacher which one you want to focus on, and they can plan the switch.

How long before I can play a whole song?

It depends on the song, your practice time and what you already know. Ask the teacher to pick a first song that matches your current skills.

How do I book a guitar teacher on infinibell?

Describe the lessons you want, including acoustic or electric and your level. Pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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