What is included in beginner guitar lessons?

At School of Rock, our beginner guitar lessons include one-on-one instruction combined with full-band group rehearsals. Students learn fundamentals like scales, chords, tuning, and arpeggios while playing famous rock songs. Our curriculum also teaches students how to read guitar tabs for beginners to ensure success both in and out of the classroom.

How long does it take to learn guitar with lessons?

The time it takes to learn the guitar can vary from 6 months to a few years. With steady practice, playing in a group, and weekly private guitar lessons, kids and adults can play with basic proficiency in as little as 6 months. Some students reach the level of advanced guitarists in as few as 3-5 years, but it does vary based on dedication.

How many hours a week should beginners practice guitar?

The bottom line is that it's not just the songs you practice, but the consistency of the time spent playing the guitar. To see the best results, our guitar teachers near me recommend that beginners spend at least 30 minutes practicing every day, which equals about three and a half hours a week.

How much do guitar lessons cost near me?

Exact prices depend on the program and vary between locations. Unlike most hourly guitar lessons, our programs include weekly private guitar lessons and group rehearsals that inspire confidence and teamwork. Guitar students are also welcome to use our facilities whenever we’re open.

Is it better to start with an acoustic or an electric guitar?

While concepts learned on one are immediately transferable to the other, an electric guitar is often recommended for beginners. Electric guitars usually have a narrower neck and thinner strings that are easier to press down, making them a great starting point. You can learn more about how to decide on the best beginner guitar for you in our buying guide.

Do you offer private guitar lessons?

At School of Rock, we teach private guitar lessons in-person or online in conjunction with weekly band rehearsals meant to build confidence and teamwork. While we do offer private guitar instruction, we strongly encourage students to play in band rehearsals as a way of exploring group dynamics as they become more proficient in the guitar.

What age should a child start guitar lessons?

There really isn't a best age for kids to start guitar lessons, but most children under the age of 7 generally don't have the dexterity or patience needed to learn to play the guitar. With persistence and motivation some kids have learned to play guitar at some impressively young ages, but it really comes down to the individual attitude and maturity level of the student.

Does School of Rock offer guitar lessons for 4-year-olds?

While four years old is a little young for formal guitar lessons, it's not too early to begin teaching your child musical concepts that will be important once they are old enough for guitar instruction at School of Rock. Your 4-year-old can participate in the Little Wing music program to learn fundamental concepts through fun, dynamic musical activities.

Should you have your own guitar, or does School of Rock provide one?

Students are encouraged to purchase their own guitar, especially as they reach higher skill levels. School of Rock does occasionally let kids borrow electric guitars for rehearsal, but for the best results, students are encouraged to have a guitar and amp at home for daily practice.

What kind of amp should you buy for the guitar?

A practice amp should be fine for most kids and adults taking guitar lessons with School of Rock. Our guitar instructors typically recommend a 2-channel amp with built-in distortion, so that students can play the guitar with a clean or distorted tone. Our guitar amp buying guide for beginners has more great information!

Do you offer online music lessons?

Yes, participating School of Rock locations offer online music lessons that utilize our patented School of Rock Method curriculum.

Guitar Lessons

Lessons

GUITAR LESSONS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS

Key Concepts

TECHNIQUE
SOLOS
CHORDS
THEORY

Instructor teaching guitar lessons for kids

Guitar Lessons for Beginners

Utilizing the patented School of Rock Method, our highly-trained professional instructors teach beginner guitar lessons starting with the fundamentals, including scales, chords, tuning, arpeggios and rhythm. They then use famous rock songs to help guide guitar students through the early stages of musical development. Our beginner guitar lessons inspire creativity and help develop new students into world-class players with a private weekly lesson for guitar and group rehearsals. School of Rock's core philosophy is that the best way for students to gain musical proficiency is through performance-based music education. All of our lessons for guitar students include a performance aspect. You can even check out our guide on guitar chords for beginners to get a head start before finding guitar lessons near you.

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Instructor teaching advanced guitar lesson to a teenager

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Lessons

Our intermediate and advanced guitar lessons are tailored to build on the skills that students have developed through their previous beginner lessons and programs. These programs pair private guitar lessons with full-band group rehearsals and live performances, allowing student guitarists to showcase their skills by playing advanced songs from famous musicians. Our world-class guitar teachers are some of the best guitar teachers near you, and our teaching system is proven to help students play and perform at a higher level. Learn more about how to tune your guitar with our helpful beginner’s guide.

Guitar Lessons You Can't Get Anywhere Else

Our revolutionary educational music program has been awarded a U.S. patent, making the School of Rock Method available nowhere else. The School of Rock Method builds musical proficiency through our proprietary Method App, Method Book collection, SongFirst approach, and performance-based music curriculum. The School of Rock Method has been refined and perfected for over 25 years, culminating in an educational music program that is proven to teach music. You’ll also be able to discover the 7 key elements of music and how our method incorporates them.

Electric guitar lessons are also available online and utilize the same patented curriculum we use in our schools. These virtual music lessons for kids and adults are a convenient way to begin or continue your child's music education from wherever you are.

GUITAR LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

Guitar Lessons for Preschoolers

School of Rock has a finely-tuned preschooler program called Little Wing that offers all the benefits of our beginner lessons, but is tailored to capture the attention of these young students and set them on a path towards music proficiency. Through playful exploration of rhythm, song structure, and melody kids are introduced to the guitar and other instruments.

Guitar Lessons for Kids

Through School of Rock's private guitar lessons and group rehearsals, children learn to play the guitar and eventually perform the songs they love in a fun, supportive and comfortable atmosphere. Based on the student's age and skill level, guitar lessons for kids are part of every School of Rock music program including Rookies, Rock 101, Performance, House Band, and AllStars. Additionally, if you’re wondering what the best age is to learn to play guitar, we have resources to help you decide when to start looking for guitar teachers near you!

Guitar Lessons for Teens

School of Rock's highly trained guitar instructors are experts when it comes to inspiring teens to learn to play the guitar like a pro. Our proven formula for learning to play the guitar effectively and quickly starts with private acoustic or electric guitar lessons, and group rehearsals in a safe and friendly environment. All teens are enrolled in or audition for one of the following programs: Rock 101, Performance, House Band, and AllStars.

Guitar Lessons for Adults

Whether you want to learn to play the guitar from scratch or capture the joy that comes from playing in a band, School of Rock has a place for you. We've created an engaging Adult Program that includes private guitar lessons for adults that will have you playing and performing the rock songs you love with confidence and skill.

School of Rock student playing guitar on stage

Are You Ready to Learn to Play the Guitar?

School of Rock offers both electric and acoustic guitar lessons for players at every skill level. Our expert guitar instructors guide students through private in-person or online guitar lessons and group rehearsals on a path to the stage where our students will eventually perform live shows at venues throughout their community. If you're looking for the most immersive guitar lessons near you, you've found the right place.

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Where Can I Find Guitar Teachers Near Me?

Our music programs are taught by the best guitar instructors in the business. These classes are designed to create a supportive environment where students of all skill levels are comfortable and geared towards lasting proficiency on the guitar. We pride ourselves on hiring the absolute best guitar teachers near you to guide your musical journey.

Local Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher

Ben

Local Glen Ellyn

More Instructors

Where Can You Get the Guitar Gear I Need?

Guitars can come in many different forms. Electric, acoustic, solid body, semi-hollow body, single pickup, dual humbuckers and countless other variations. The School of Rock GearSelect Program offers an incredible selection of guitar gear from some of the music industry’s biggest brands, including Fender and Squier. Get accessories such as straps, picks and strings. Browse over 1,000 products. If you aren't sure where to start, check out our buying guide on how to buy your first guitar.

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FAQ

What is included in beginner guitar lessons?: At School of Rock, our beginner guitar lessons include one-on-one instruction combined with full-band group rehearsals. Students learn fundamentals like scales, chords, tuning, and arpeggios while playing famous rock songs. Our curriculum also teaches students how to read guitar tabs for beginners to ensure success both in and out of the classroom.
How long does it take to learn guitar with lessons?: The time it takes to learn the guitar can vary from 6 months to a few years. With steady practice, playing in a group, and weekly private guitar lessons, kids and adults can play with basic proficiency in as little as 6 months. Some students reach the level of advanced guitarists in as few as 3-5 years, but it does vary based on dedication.
How many hours a week should beginners practice guitar?: The bottom line is that it's not just the songs you practice, but the consistency of the time spent playing the guitar. To see the best results, our guitar teachers near me recommend that beginners spend at least 30 minutes practicing every day, which equals about three and a half hours a week.
How much do guitar lessons cost near me?: Exact prices depend on the program and vary between locations. Unlike most hourly guitar lessons, our programs include weekly private guitar lessons and group rehearsals that inspire confidence and teamwork. Guitar students are also welcome to use our facilities whenever we’re open.
Find your local School of Rock to inquire about the specific cost of guitar lessons near you.
Is it better to start with an acoustic or an electric guitar?: While concepts learned on one are immediately transferable to the other, an electric guitar is often recommended for beginners. Electric guitars usually have a narrower neck and thinner strings that are easier to press down, making them a great starting point. You can learn more about how to decide on the best beginner guitar for you in our buying guide.
Do you offer private guitar lessons?: At School of Rock, we teach private guitar lessons in-person or online in conjunction with weekly band rehearsals meant to build confidence and teamwork. While we do offer private guitar instruction, we strongly encourage students to play in band rehearsals as a way of exploring group dynamics as they become more proficient in the guitar.
What age should a child start guitar lessons?: There really isn't a best age for kids to start guitar lessons, but most children under the age of 7 generally don't have the dexterity or patience needed to learn to play the guitar. With persistence and motivation some kids have learned to play guitar at some impressively young ages, but it really comes down to the individual attitude and maturity level of the student.
Does School of Rock offer guitar lessons for 4-year-olds?: While four years old is a little young for formal guitar lessons, it's not too early to begin teaching your child musical concepts that will be important once they are old enough for guitar instruction at School of Rock. Your 4-year-old can participate in the Little Wing music program to learn fundamental concepts through fun, dynamic musical activities.
Should you have your own guitar, or does School of Rock provide one?: Students are encouraged to purchase their own guitar, especially as they reach higher skill levels. School of Rock does occasionally let kids borrow electric guitars for rehearsal, but for the best results, students are encouraged to have a guitar and amp at home for daily practice.
What kind of amp should you buy for the guitar?: A practice amp should be fine for most kids and adults taking guitar lessons with School of Rock. Our guitar instructors typically recommend a 2-channel amp with built-in distortion, so that students can play the guitar with a clean or distorted tone. Our guitar amp buying guide for beginners has more great information!
Do you offer online music lessons?: Yes, participating School of Rock locations offer online music lessons that utilize our patented School of Rock Method curriculum.
Learn More

Programs

PROGRAMS WE OFFER

Our music programs are designed to create a supportive environment where students of all skill levels are comfortable, yet challenged at every turn when learning how to play the guitar.

All Programs