If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
So you’re looking for a guitar teacher! Maybe you’re trying to get to that next level of playing. Maybe your fingers keep going to the same positions, and you’d like to understand exactly how to navigate the guitar. Maybe you’d just like to strum on your favorite songs around a campfire. In any case, I’ve been teaching guitar professionally for over 10 years and have worked with all ages. I have enjoyed offering students lesson plans and roadmaps to their specific goals, from the absolute basics, to to the most nuanced of technique. As a professional musician, I’ve played and toured with bands, and understand not only how to build good habits, but what works in a band situation as well. I’ve taught people from all backgrounds and even tutored students in all subjects at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. (As well as graduating there myself). Whether you’d like to learn ear training, theory, songwriting, improvisation, any style, I can be your guide to your goals. Feel free to reach out about any questions as well as a free consultation lesson. Thank you!
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 90 times
Serves Los Angeles, CA
Background checked
Business hours
SunClosedMon9:00 am - 11:59 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
2022
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
33 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Josh C.
Aug 10, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Jimmy is a legend!
I went through a rotation of instructors that seemed to have a “one size fits all” type of approach. Once I found Jimmy, he listened to what I was looking for, then gaged where I was musically and pretty much created a plan tailored to me.
He’s made this whole experience enjoyable and has boosted my confidence to whole other level.
Look no further if you’re feeling hopeless.
Thank you, bro!!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Blues • Country • Jazz • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • I'm flexible • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Lily D.
2 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jimmy has been teaching my teenage son guitar for the past nine months, and I’m happy to say that I’ve seen tremendous improvement. Jimmy is respectful, patient, and easygoing. It’s amazing to see how quickly my son has progressed, and Jimmy has even helped him rediscover his love for playing bass when his interest had started to fade.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Brandon’s i.
Dec 4, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Jimmy’s a great teacher and I’d recommend him to anyone learning guitar or trying to improve their skills. At our first lesson last year I was only studying guitar for about a year and struggling with classes in jazz guitar at my local city college. I’ll be graduating next semester now and Jimmy helped improve my technical skill level and understanding of music theory to where I can handle the classes even given the short amount of time I’ve been playing guitar.
Details: 18 - 25 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Electric • Rock • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Ashley I.
Sep 8, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I just had my first lesson with Jimmy after playing for a year and I can already see improvement! The lesson was so fun and I learned a ton. I’d recommend him to anyone!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Bilal C.
Jul 23, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Jimmy is an excellent guitar instructor for my 10 year old son! He is very personable, highly skilled, very talented, and extremely professional!! My son loves him ever since his first lesson and is excited every time he has his guitarlesson! He has a way of getting kids engaged and excited about music. I highly recommend jimmy without reservation! We are lucky and very thankful to have him as a guitar teacher!
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • I'm flexible • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
James Mcelravy
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I usually will ask my students what their goals are in order to best serve the student. If the student would like to learn the fundamentals of solid guitar technique, we would learn modes, chords, arpeggios, along with repertoire. If the student wants to be able to strum chords and sing, then we would begin with chord shapes and strumming patterns etc. Every student is different and I like to bring out the specific strengths in my students.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have extensive experience in both playing music and teaching. I studied guitar at Berklee College of Music from 2012-2015. I was a tutor at Berklee as well so my knowledge of theory and ear training is very expansive. My first job after college was teaching music at a private elementary school. Since moving to Nashville I have gigged around town and have played writers rounds.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I began teaching music for extra money while I was an undergrad. Teaching comes very naturally for me and I really enjoy it.
