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Guitar instructors near Chicago, IL

Guitar lessons in Chicago, IL teach technique, music reading, and song practice while instructors tailor lessons to skill level and instrument needs. Focused learning may help you avoid buying unnecessary gear and reduce the time and cost of reaching goals. They may suggest gear options.

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These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

Avatar for Lyra Studios
Avatar for Lyra Studios
2.
Lyra Studios
2.
Lyra Studios

5.0

(1)

5.0

(1)

  • Serves Chicago, IL
  • Serves Chicago, IL

Online now

Lyra Studios founder Harrison Nida has done it all. From Classical in the form of the Ragazzi Boys Choir and San Francisco Orchestra, Jazz residencies at Stanford Jazz Institute and California Jazz Conservatory, a degree in Music from Fordham University, but ultimately landing as co-founder of Ska Punk band Victory Kid. Signed to Sbäm Records in Austria, Victory Kid has worked with some of the industry's best. Allan Hessler (Story Of The Year, Avenged Sevenfold, The Used) elevated the band's sound with debut record, Discernation, an ambitious, technically accomplished album. Featuring Matt Appleton (Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, Ice Nine Kills) on horns, Discernation received over 3 million streams on Spotify and counting, as well as a record deal and tour in Germany with the Mad Caddies in 2022. Nine companions set out, including Matt on sax, Arion Salazar (Third Eye Blind) on bass, and Jonas Wolf (Eluveitie, Illumishade) on lead guitar. But Victory Kid has an ace in the hole: Catalyst, their sophomore album, is a seventeen track masterpiece. Continuing with Appleton, who wrote and recorded horns, the gang enlisted Michael Pepe (Taking Back Sunday, Set It Off, Silverstein) to produce their next project. With drums recorded at Capitol Studios (along with an acoustic track) and the rest done at Fab Factory,Catalyst, puts an even stronger foot on the line as Victory Kid squares up for success. Since then, they've toured the US, including a sold out Viper Room show in LA in 2024, and returned to Europe for a massive tour with Zebrahead, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and The Real McKenzies in 2025. They have shared the stage with Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, Bowling For Soup, Millencolin, Alien Ant Farm, Save Ferris, Authority Zero, Destroy Boys, Enter Shikari, The Bouncing Souls, and more! But what really sets Harrison apart is his previous teaching experience. Having taught for years at Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, as well as giving lessons with SoundLife Academy, Harrison uses not only his experience but his collective knowledge coming from a long heritage of educators to tailor the needs of every student with attention and care.See more
Lyra Studios founder Harrison Nida has done it all. From Classical in the form of the Ragazzi Boys Choir and San Francisco Orchestra, Jazz residencies at Stanford Jazz Institute and California Jazz Conservatory, a degree in Music from Fordham University, but ultimately landing as co-founder of Ska Punk band Victory Kid. Signed to Sbäm Records in Austria, Victory Kid has worked with some of the industry's best. Allan Hessler (Story Of The Year, Avenged Sevenfold, The Used) elevated the band's sound with debut record, Discernation, an ambitious, technically accomplished album. Featuring Matt Appleton (Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, Ice Nine Kills) on horns, Discernation received over 3 million streams on Spotify and counting, as well as a record deal and tour in Germany with the Mad Caddies in 2022. Nine companions set out, including Matt on sax, Arion Salazar (Third Eye Blind) on bass, and Jonas Wolf (Eluveitie, Illumishade) on lead guitar. But Victory Kid has an ace in the hole: Catalyst, their sophomore album, is a seventeen track masterpiece. Continuing with Appleton, who wrote and recorded horns, the gang enlisted Michael Pepe (Taking Back Sunday, Set It Off, Silverstein) to produce their next project. With drums recorded at Capitol Studios (along with an acoustic track) and the rest done at Fab Factory,Catalyst, puts an even stronger foot on the line as Victory Kid squares up for success. Since then, they've toured the US, including a sold out Viper Room show in LA in 2024, and returned to Europe for a massive tour with Zebrahead, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and The Real McKenzies in 2025. They have shared the stage with Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, Bowling For Soup, Millencolin, Alien Ant Farm, Save Ferris, Authority Zero, Destroy Boys, Enter Shikari, The Bouncing Souls, and more! But what really sets Harrison apart is his previous teaching experience. Having taught for years at Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, as well as giving lessons with SoundLife Academy, Harrison uses not only his experience but his collective knowledge coming from a long heritage of educators to tailor the needs of every student with attention and care.
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Reviews for Chicago guitar instructors on Thumbtack

From Thumbtack Customer

Shaun's Guitar Studio
Shaun's Guitar Studio
Shaun was a fantastic beginner guitar instructor. I had never even picked up a guitar until our first lesson and I was reading music and playing songs by my second lesson. He was extremely patient, articulate and talented. He also came to my apartment which was very convenient. I would highly recommend him for anyone interested in learning how to play the guitar.

From Joseph S.

Matt O'Brien
Matt O'Brien
Started taking virtual lessons with Matt after a few years of playing and learning guitar on my own, and just after a month of lessons, he has helped me make significant progress.

From John A.

Ramiro Marziani Music
Ramiro Marziani Music
In a handful of lessons with Ramiro, my understanding of theory and the guitar has increased substantially. Ramiro is a great guitarist and an even better teacher. Lessons are throughly planned out each week and . Highly recommend for anyone who wants to seriously improve

From Nyssa G.

Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul responded quickly to my request of creating a gift card for my husband to surprise him on Christmas morning with guitar lessons. Would definitely recommend Paul!

From Junting A.

Music Teacher – Jonah Lazarus
Music Teacher – Jonah Lazarus
Jonah has been teaching my son guitar lessons for a few months. My 6-year old son really likes him and his lesson. He is very good at having the children engaged in music and keeping their interest on the instrument learning.

From Thumbtack Customer

Shaun's Guitar Studio
Shaun's Guitar Studio
I've only had a few lessons with Shaun so far but I'm impressed already with his teaching method, and his deep understanding of classic guitar (and his talent). I'm looking forward to really learning how to play guitar under his tutelage. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in not only learning how to play classical guitar, but understanding the fundamentals as well.

From Cary K.

Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul is an outstanding instructor! Patient, easy-going, friendly, knowledgeable, excellent communication and provides a fun environment to learn. Really happy I chose to take guitar lessons with Paul.

From Ben C.

Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul is an excellent teacher. I knew several aspects of playing the guitar before taking lessons and Paul helped identify a practice plan that worked for my level of skill and goals.

From Alex v.

Shaun's Guitar Studio
Shaun's Guitar Studio
Shaun customized a lesson plan just for me to play beyond my potential. I have been playing guitar for 20 years, but really wanted to dig into theory and techniques to make me better excel at it. After the first lesson I already found myself playing in tempo, increasing dexterity, and breaking bad habits. I would highly recommend shaun if you would like to learn or up your game in playing guitar.

From Thumbtack Customer

Guitar Lessons by Rico
Guitar Lessons by Rico
Rico is AWESOME! I am only six lessons in and already strumming to songs. His technique is easy to follow and has helped me pick up the guitar very fast. I highly recommend him! -Greg

From Ginett C.

Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul is great to work with. He is patient, and has been a musician all his life, something that becomes evident the minute he starts the lesson. Super nice and easy to talk to. This was my first of many more lessons with him. He made playing guitar a lot of fun after many years of not playing. I highly recommend Paul!

From Thumbtack Customer

Tim O'Donnell
Tim O'Donnell
My 10 year old is learning bass guitar. Tim is patient, has an easy going personality, reasonable rates, is flexible (though busy) plus he has a sweet & welcoming dog to entertain you if you stay during the lesson.

From Bastien E.

Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul is my first guitar teacher and I feel lucky to find such a great teacher and friendly man for that first experience. Paul gives me homework to practice in between two lessons and I can see improvement! I strongly recommend

From Joseph T.

Rock Hands Music - Chicago, IL
Rock Hands Music - Chicago, IL
Shane is an excellent guitar teacher. I have been taking lesson with him since March and have very much enjoyed the experience. Very knowledgeable and flexible when it Comes to what I am interested in learning. Also very flexible with schedule especially considering the crazy times we are in. We had to adjust from in person to online lessons very quickly and it was a seem less transition. I would highly recommend anyone at any age to take lessons with Shane.

From Mary L.

Sam Schacker
Sam Schacker
Sam is a fabulous teacher and incredible musician. My 15 year old son took beginning guitar lessons with Sam, and always looked forward to each lesson. My son learned a large amount in a short period of time due to Sam’s expert knowledge, patience, and skilled guidance. I really appreciated the convenience of Sam coming to our home. Thank you, Sam!

From Lyd L.

Patrick Dugan Music
Patrick Dugan Music
Patrick is a great teacher! He’s super patient, laidback and flexible and his style is good combo of bringing his own material and ideas as well as working with your guitar goals and things you want to accomplish. Definitely gonna keep taking lessons. 👍

From Abed A.

Lotus Guitar, the New Way to Play
Lotus Guitar, the New Way to Play
I’ve been working with Teague for a couple months, having started my guitar journey with a prerecorded online course. I’ve made progress faster than I could have expected since working with Teague; specifically, I’ve been making progress towards my own goals, not a generic lesson plan. Teague is an incredible, patient, and helpful teacher.

From Thumbtack Customer

Getting Started with Guitar
Getting Started with Guitar
Kevin made it a personal goal that I learned every aspect of the guitar, not just songs. I really felt that I got better with every single lesson, and if I had a question about anything he was very educated and had a prompt answer for me. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for great one-on-one training

From Jason O.

Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
As a novice guitarist, I was intimidated to commit to guitar lessons, but Paul quickly diffused any hesitation with his warm patience and custom-paced lessons. He has not only taught me new techniques and songs, but very foundation things that I would've overlooked without a teacher, such as posture and thumb position. Stand up guy, who is very considerate of my work erratic work schedule! I would encourage any level guitarist to sign up with Paul. He has expedited my learning experience with his knowledge.

From Thumbtack Customer

Shaun's Guitar Studio
Shaun's Guitar Studio
I've had a fantastic experience working with Shaun. A solid teacher. He is patient, helpful, and talented. I had been wanting to take guitar lessons for a very long time and I am so happy that Shaun is my teacher. Would definitely recommend him. Moreover, the fact that he comes over to my place for the class makes my life a thousand times easier.

From Anthony S.

Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
Paul’s Guitar & Bass Guitar Lessons
I have been playing guitar for several years and had a good foundation but was hitting a wall making any real progress, especially when it came to learning guitar theory. I had tried several other methods of self teaching, Youtube/Patreon channels and even group classes, but was not having any success. I was a bit apprehensive on starting personal lessons, but I have made vastly more progress over the last 6 months with Paul than I had made over the previous 3 years trying other methods. I think the biggest thing that stands out to me is Paul's personalized way of teaching. He has tailored specific exercises that have helped me learn concepts that I have tried to understand for years and how they are incorporated into different songs that we will work on. Prior to starting lessons, Paul sent out a questionnaire to get an understanding of experience level, goals, fav artists, etc. Every song that we have worked on to better understand the concepts has been from an artist that I had noted in that questionnaire, which makes "practice" much more fun an approachable. Little things like that have gone a long way and I think really set Paul apart. Paul has also helped me overcome some bad habits that I have picked up along the way, which has also really helped to elevate my playing. I would highly recommend Paul for any level guitar player from beginner to advanced who is interested in taking their playing to the next level. Really looking forward to continuing my guitar playing journey with Paul's exceptional guidance!
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