Guitar Lessons in California

What guitar lessons cost across California, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 28 min read

Guitar lesson prices across California
Meet teachers
How guitar learning works in California
Auditions and events in California
Starting at any age
Finding the right teacher
Guitar in California
Area by area
A little guitar history in California
Frequently Asked Questions

Guitar lesson prices across California

A one-hour guitar lesson in California typically costs $74 to $118, and a half hour $40 to $65. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The San Francisco area runs highest, up to $137 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a guitar lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Los Angeles area
Los Angeles	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Mission Viejo	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Long Beach	$41–$68	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Anaheim	$41–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Santa Ana	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Irvine	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Santa Clarita	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Huntington Beach	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Glendale	$41–$68	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Garden Grove	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Lancaster	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Palmdale	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Pomona	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Torrance	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Fullerton	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Orange	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Pasadena	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
East Los Angeles	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Downey	$41–$67	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Costa Mesa	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
West Covina	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
El Monte	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Inglewood	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Burbank	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Norwalk	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Carson	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Compton	$41–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
South Gate	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Santa Monica	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Westminster	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Lake Forest	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Whittier	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Hawthorne	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Newport Beach	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Buena Park	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Alhambra	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Lakewood	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Tustin	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Bellflower	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Baldwin Park	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Redondo Beach	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Yorba Linda	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Lynwood	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Laguna Niguel	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
San Clemente	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
La Habra	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Montebello	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Florence-Graham	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Pico Rivera	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Gardena	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Monterey Park	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Fountain Valley	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
South Whittier	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Arcadia	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Hacienda Heights	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Diamond Bar	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Huntington Park	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Placentia	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Paramount	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Aliso Viejo	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Glendora	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Rosemead	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Covina	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Cypress	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Azusa	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Cerritos	$41–$66	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
Brea	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
La Mirada	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Rancho Santa Margarita	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Rowland Heights	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Altadena	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Rancho Palos Verdes	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Culver City	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Stanton	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
San Gabriel	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Bell Gardens	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Monrovia	$40–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
La Puente	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Claremont	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Temple City	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
San Juan Capistrano	$40–$65	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
West Hollywood	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Manhattan Beach	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Westmont	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
San Dimas	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Dana Point	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Bell	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Beverly Hills	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Lawndale	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Laguna Hills	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
La Verne	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Walnut	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
South Pasadena	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
North Tustin	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
West Whittier-Los Nietos	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Seal Beach	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Maywood	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Ladera Ranch	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
San Fernando	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
East San Gabriel	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
West Rancho Dominguez	$41–$67	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
Laguna Beach	$40–$65	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Calabasas	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
West Puente Valley	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Duarte	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
West Carson	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Cudahy	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Willowbrook	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Stevenson Ranch	$40–$65	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Valinda	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Lomita	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
La Cañada Flintridge	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Agoura Hills	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
La Crescenta-Montrose	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Lennox	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
South El Monte	$41–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Hermosa Beach	$42–$69	$79–$127	Lessons Costs
Santa Fe Springs	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Castaic	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Laguna Woods	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
South San Jose Hills	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
El Segundo	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Artesia	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Vincent	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
La Palma	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Coto de Caza	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Walnut Park	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
East Rancho Dominguez	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Hawaiian Gardens	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Lake Los Angeles	$39–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Palos Verdes Estates	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Avocado Heights	$41–$67	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
San Marino	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Commerce	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Rancho Mission Viejo	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Los Alamitos	$40–$66	$76–$120	Lessons Costs
Rossmoor	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Quartz Hill	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Signal Hill	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
View Park-Windsor Hills	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Del Aire	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Sun Village	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Sierra Madre	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Citrus	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Malibu	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
San Francisco area
San Francisco	$46–$75	$86–$137	Lessons Costs
Concord	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Oakland	$45–$73	$84–$133	Lessons Costs
Antioch	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Fremont	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Hayward	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Berkeley	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Richmond	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
San Mateo	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Daly City	$46–$75	$86–$137	Lessons Costs
San Leandro	$44–$72	$83–$133	Lessons Costs
San Ramon	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Livermore	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Redwood City	$45–$73	$83–$133	Lessons Costs
Alameda	$45–$73	$84–$133	Lessons Costs
Pleasanton	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Pittsburg	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Dublin	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Walnut Creek	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Union City	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Brentwood	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Castro Valley	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
South San Francisco	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
San Rafael	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Novato	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Newark	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Oakley	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Danville	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
San Bruno	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Pacifica	$44–$72	$83–$131	Lessons Costs
Martinez	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Pleasant Hill	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Foster City	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Menlo Park	$44–$72	$83–$132	Lessons Costs
San Pablo	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Burlingame	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
San Carlos	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
San Lorenzo	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
East Palo Alto	$46–$75	$86–$137	Lessons Costs
Belmont	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
Hercules	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
El Cerrito	$45–$73	$83–$133	Lessons Costs
Lafayette	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Bay Point	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Millbrae	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Ashland	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Orinda	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Albany	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Pinole	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Moraga	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Discovery Bay	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Alamo	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Cherryland	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Mill Valley	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
North Fair Oaks	$46–$75	$86–$137	Lessons Costs
Emeryville	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
Larkspur	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
San Anselmo	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Half Moon Bay	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Hillsborough	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Piedmont	$44–$72	$83–$132	Lessons Costs
Clayton	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Fairview	$44–$71	$81–$130	Lessons Costs
Riverside area
Riverside	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Indio	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Victorville	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
San Bernardino	$37–$59	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Fontana	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Moreno Valley	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Hemet	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Ontario	$37–$59	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Rancho Cucamonga	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Corona	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Murrieta	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Temecula	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Menifee	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Jurupa Valley	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Rialto	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Hesperia	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Chino	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Perris	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Upland	$37–$60	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Chino Hills	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Apple Valley	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Redlands	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Lake Elsinore	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Eastvale	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Highland	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Beaumont	$35–$57	$66–$104	Lessons Costs
San Jacinto	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Yucaipa	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Colton	$36–$59	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Cathedral City	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Palm Desert	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
French Valley	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Palm Springs	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Coachella	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
La Quinta	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Adelanto	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Montclair	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Wildomar	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Desert Hot Springs	$34–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Banning	$35–$57	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Temescal Valley	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Twentynine Palms	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Bloomington	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Loma Linda	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Barstow	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Norco	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Yucca Valley	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
East Hemet	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Mead Valley	$34–$56	$64–$103	Lessons Costs
Valle Vista	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Phelan	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Rancho Mirage	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Blythe	$35–$57	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Woodcrest	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
El Sobrante	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Grand Terrace	$37–$60	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Lakeland Village	$35–$57	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Muscoy	$37–$60	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Big Bear City	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Canyon Lake	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Calimesa	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Lake Arrowhead	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Home Gardens	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
San Diego area
San Diego	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
Chula Vista	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Oceanside	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Escondido	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Carlsbad	$39–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
El Cajon	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Vista	$40–$65	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
San Marcos	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Encinitas	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
La Mesa	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Santee	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
National City	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Poway	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
La Presa	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Fallbrook	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Spring Valley	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
Lemon Grove	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Imperial Beach	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Ramona	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Lakeside	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Winter Gardens	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Rancho San Diego	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Casa de Oro-Mount Helix	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Coronado	$38–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Bostonia	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Camp Pendleton South	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Alpine	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Solana Beach	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Bonita	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Valley Center	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Sacramento area
Sacramento	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Elk Grove	$38–$63	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Roseville	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Arden-Arcade	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Citrus Heights	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Folsom	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Rancho Cordova	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Davis	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Carmichael	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Rocklin	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Woodland	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
West Sacramento	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Lincoln	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
El Dorado Hills	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Florin	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Antelope	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
North Highlands	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Vineyard	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Foothill Farms	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Orangevale	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Fair Oaks	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Galt	$38–$62	$71–$114	Lessons Costs
Rosemont	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Granite Bay	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
South Lake Tahoe	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Cameron Park	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Rio Linda	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Parkway	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Lemon Hill	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Auburn	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
North Auburn	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
La Riviera	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Diamond Springs	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Placerville	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
San Jose area
San Jose	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Sunnyvale	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Santa Clara	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Gilroy	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Mountain View	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Milpitas	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Palo Alto	$41–$66	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
Cupertino	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Morgan Hill	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Hollister	$42–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Campbell	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Los Gatos	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Los Altos	$41–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Saratoga	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Stanford	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Alum Rock	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Fresno area
Fresno	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Clovis	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Madera	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Sanger	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Reedley	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Selma	$33–$54	$63–$99	Lessons Costs
Chowchilla	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Coalinga	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Kerman	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Parlier	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Kingsburg	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Mendota	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Oxnard area
Oxnard	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Thousand Oaks	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Simi Valley	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
San Buenaventura	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Camarillo	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Moorpark	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Santa Paula	$39–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Port Hueneme	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Fillmore	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Oak Park	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Bakersfield area
Bakersfield	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Delano	$35–$57	$66–$104	Lessons Costs
Oildale	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
East Niles	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Ridgecrest	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Wasco	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Rosamond	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Shafter	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Arvin	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Rosedale	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
California City	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
McFarland	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Lamont	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Tehachapi	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
East Bakersfield	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Hillcrest	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Stockton area
Stockton	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Tracy	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Manteca	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Lodi	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Lathrop	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Mountain House	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Ripon	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Garden Acres	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Modesto area
Modesto	$37–$60	$69–$111	Lessons Costs
Turlock	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Ceres	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Riverbank	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Patterson	$37–$60	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Oakdale	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Salida	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Newman	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Santa Barbara area
Santa Barbara	$38–$63	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Santa Maria	$40–$66	$76–$120	Lessons Costs
Lompoc	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Goleta	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Orcutt	$39–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Eastern Goleta Valley	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Isla Vista	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Carpinteria	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
University of California-Santa Barbara	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Vallejo area
Vallejo	$39–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Fairfield	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Vacaville	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
Suisun City	$40–$65	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Benicia	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Dixon	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Salinas area
Salinas	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Seaside	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Monterey	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Soledad	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Marina	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Greenfield	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Prunedale	$38–$63	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Pacific Grove	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
King City	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Santa Rosa area
Santa Rosa	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Petaluma	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Rohnert Park	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Windsor	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Healdsburg	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Sonoma	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Visalia area
Visalia	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Tulare	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Porterville	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Dinuba	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Lindsay	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Farmersville	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Merced area
Merced	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Los Banos	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Atwater	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Livingston	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Winton	$33–$54	$63–$99	Lessons Costs
Delhi	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Santa Cruz area
Santa Cruz	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Watsonville	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Live Oak	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Scotts Valley	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Soquel	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
El Paso de Robles area
El Paso de Robles	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
San Luis Obispo	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Atascadero	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Arroyo Grande	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Nipomo	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Los Osos	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Grover Beach	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Morro Bay	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Yuba City area
Yuba City	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Linda	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Olivehurst	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Marysville	$34–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Hanford area
Hanford	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Lemoore	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Corcoran	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Avenal	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
El Centro area
El Centro	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Calexico	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Brawley	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Imperial	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Redding area
Redding	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Anderson	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Chico area
Chico	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Oroville	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Napa area
Napa	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
American Canyon	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Eureka area
Eureka	$39–$63	$73–$115	Lessons Costs
Arcata	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
McKinleyville	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Fortuna	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Truckee area
Truckee	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Grass Valley	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Other California towns
Clearlake	$39–$63	$73–$115	Lessons Costs
Red Bluff	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Susanville	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
Ukiah	$38–$63	$72–$114	Lessons Costs

Meet a Guitar Teacher in California Before You Continue Weekly

For parents, the first lesson can show how the teacher connects with the student. For adults, it can make starting feel less intimidating.

Meet the teacher before weekly billing begins
Hear real-time feedback on the guitar you practice with
Talk through songs, style, and setup questions
Pick a weekly length after the first meeting

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Guitar Teacher in California

Browse guitar teachers, compare availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in California.

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

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5 guitar instructors available in the next 5 days

Will Orchard

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in GuitarMulti-Genre SpecialistTheory ExpertiseStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Will

Gabriel Maia

Top Rated 5.0

Master’s in GuitarTechnique ExpertVersatile RepertoireStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English, Portuguese, Spanish🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Gabriel

Jacob Billings

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in GuitarPatient & ThoroughVersatile RepertoirePopular

Genres: Acoustic, Classical, Electric Guitar

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Jacob

Jess Kerber

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in SingingFun & UpbeatWarm & EncouragingPopular

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Jess

How guitar learning works in California

How does guitar fit school music in California?

Guitar is not part of the school group options described for California, so you or your child can study it privately while taking part in the music schools do offer. California’s grade 1 music standards include creating musical ideas and expressive performance, and some districts offer ensemble choices later: San Diego Unified gives fifth graders band, choir, or string orchestra. A guitar lesson can build reading, rhythm, and technique alongside school music without implying a school guitar program.

Who runs what for California guitarists?

California’s student music routes serve different instruments and goals. California Music Educators Association (CMEA) runs student festivals, including solo and ensemble events, while California Band Directors Association (CBDA) and California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) run honors for band and string players. Guitar is not included in California’s All-State ensembles, so those band and orchestra routes are not guitar honors. The Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) uses Certificate of Merit examinations to assess repertoire, sight reading, theory, ear training, and technique, giving a guitarist a separate structured goal.

Who runs what in California

California Music Educators Association (CMEA)

Runs: Runs student solo and ensemble festivals and other student events.
For: School music students; some routes require qualification.

California Band Directors Association (CBDA)

Runs: Runs All-State Honor Bands and All-State Honor Jazz Bands.
For: Junior high and high school band students.

California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA)

Runs: Auditions students for junior high and high school All-State orchestras.
For: Grades 7–12 string players.

California Choral Directors Association (CCDA)

Runs: Runs junior high and high school All-State Honor Choirs.
For: Students in grades 6–12.

Auditions and events in California

How does a guitarist reach California's top student honors?

California does not offer an All-State guitar ensemble, so a guitarist’s clearest student honor route is through solo and small ensemble festivals. A school music student can first enter a regional CMEA festival; at North Coast CMEA, a Superior rating can make a student eligible for the state festival. The North Coast event is scheduled for January 30, 2027, in Arcata, with entries due December 4, 2026. CMEA state festivals are set for May 7–8 in Northern California and May 22 in Southern California, with registration opening February 1, 2027. MTAC Certificate of Merit is another structured evaluation route, though it is separate from All-State honors.

The guitar route in California, step by step

Regional festivalSchool music students enter a regional CMEA solo and ensemble festival; North Coast entries for January 30, 2027, are due December 4, 2026.
State festivalCMEA’s state solo and ensemble festivals follow regional qualification; registration opens February 1, 2027.

The California guitar year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

2027 California State Solo & Ensemble FestivalCalifornia Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Nov to Feb

Start the piece Nov to FebMay 7–8

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For California’s solo and small ensemble festivals, you and your teacher choose the music rather than follow a single required piece list. At North Coast CMEA in Arcata, memorization is optional; if you play from the score, bring extra copies of your part. You can bring your own accompanist or use a festival accompanist, and the accompanist’s music must arrive at least two weeks before the festival. A polished festival piece usually takes three to six months of weekly lessons to prepare, so you have time to make the performance feel secure.

What else is there to enter?

California guitarists have a separate skills-based goal in the Music Teachers’ Association of California Certificate of Merit, while regional solo and small ensemble festivals suit students who want an adjudicated performance without pursuing an All-State group. In Arcata, North Coast CMEA’s festival offers a route to possible state eligibility. Students who prefer playing with others rather than entering a contest can explore community jams and guitar ensembles.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on guitar

Guitar suits a child who can manage the instrument comfortably and is ready to coordinate both hands; the right starting point depends more on size, focus, and interest than a fixed birthday. Since California school options named here do not include guitar, private study can begin before a school ensemble choice or run alongside band, choir, or strings. A teacher builds the basics that group settings may not cover, such as clear fretting, steady rhythm, reading, and changing chords, so your child can make music early while developing technique at a manageable pace.

A teen in California

A teen guitarist in California can pursue solo and small ensemble festivals, but the state’s All-State ensembles do not include guitar. That makes a school music teacher’s role important when an event requires school participation or a qualifying regional result. Weekly private lessons can keep guitar moving alongside school commitments and shape a festival piece over time, while also building skills for community jams or guitar ensembles. The route is less about joining an All-State guitar group and more about choosing a performance goal that fits your teen’s interests.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults are welcome to begin or return to guitar in California, and there are ways to play with others when you are ready. The Sacramento Guitar Society’s community guitar orchestras in Sacramento and Davis are for intermediate and advanced players who read sheet music; acoustic players with basic chords can join the monthly community jam hosted by Ladera Recreation District in Portola Valley. A teacher can meet you at your current level, whether you are learning your first chords or returning after a break, and help you work toward playing in a group.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good guitar teacher do?

A good guitar teacher helps you or your child build clean fretting, relaxed hand use, steady time, and music reading while choosing repertoire that matches the student’s goals. For a California student aiming at a solo festival, that teacher also helps shape a piece and prepare for adjudicator feedback; a casual player may need more focus on chords and playing with others. Training matters, but so does a teacher’s fit with the student’s age, pace, and personality. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in guitar, and you can choose one yourself or ask us to recommend a fit.

How do live online guitar lessons work?

A live Zoom guitar lesson lets the teacher hear timing, tone, and chord changes in real time and see both hands closely enough to guide finger placement. Set the camera so the fretboard and picking hand are visible, and keep the guitar, music, and a stable chair ready before the lesson. Online study removes the commute and gives you access to a teacher who fits the student rather than only whoever is closest, while a weekly meeting helps keep practice connected. A guitarist in Los Angeles and one in Alpine get the same choice of teacher and the same lesson.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in guitarEvery Lesson With You guitar teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in guitar.

GabrielMaster’s in Guitar

WillBachelor’s in Guitar

JacobBachelor’s in Guitar

Meet the teachers below

The same teacher every weekLive, one-on-one lessons with one teacher who knows your goals.

Practice goals every weekEach lesson ends with what to practice before the next one.

Switch or pause anytimeSwitch teachers at no cost, or pause with 24 hours' notice. There's no term to sign up for.

Guitar in California

Where to hear guitar

California students can hear guitar directly at the free Guitar Recital in UCLA’s 2026–27 Dobrow Series in Los Angeles, with solo, chamber, and ensemble performances. In Monterey, the Monterey Jazz Festival brings jazz performers together each September, giving you or your child another setting in which to listen for guitar’s role in an ensemble.

Where to play with others

A guitarist looking for an ensemble beyond school can find several different kinds of shared playing in California. In San Bernardino, CSUSB’s Guitar Ensemble invites community artists and high school students to audition, with high school participation available through its university programs. In Corralitos, acoustic players can join Saturday jams spanning folk, country, Americana, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and blues, while Portola Valley’s monthly community jam welcomes guitarists who know basic chords. These options give you a choice between an auditioned ensemble and informal playing with other musicians.

Guitar around California, area by area

Los Angeles area

In Los Angeles, the MAC·LA summer concert series at MacArthur Park is free for all ages, with no tickets or reservations required. It gives families a relaxed way to hear live music together. Student guitarists can also explore concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic through its student ticket program.

Town guides: Los Angeles, Mission Viejo, Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Santa Clarita, Huntington Beach

San Francisco area

In San Francisco, the Golden Gate Park Band presents free family-friendly concerts, usually on Sunday afternoons from late April to early October. Full-time college students can also get rush tickets to select San Francisco Symphony concerts at Davies Symphony Hall, subject to availability. These concerts offer a way for guitar students to hear musicianship across styles, even when the program is not centered on guitar.

School year: Aug 17 to Jun 2, 38 lesson weeks (San Francisco Unified School District)
Town guides: San Francisco, Concord, Oakland, Antioch, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, Richmond

Riverside area

Redlands is a concert destination for families in this area. The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival offers free performances on summer Tuesdays and Fridays, while students in grades 6–12 who attend school in Riverside or San Bernardino County can get four free tickets to Redlands Symphony concerts and recitals this season. These are listening opportunities rather than guitar-specific events, but they give young musicians a chance to hear live performance.

Town guides: Riverside, Indio, Victorville, San Bernardino, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Ontario

San Diego area

In San Diego, the Symphony offers student tickets for Masterworks concerts, with a valid student ID required for pickup and up to two tickets available per concert. In La Jolla, most UC San Diego Department of Music events are free and open to the public. A guitar student can use these concerts to hear a range of musical ideas and observe how musicians shape phrasing and ensemble sound.

School year: Aug 10 to May 26, 38 lesson weeks (San Diego Unified School District)
Town guides: San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos

Sacramento area

Sacramento offers free all-ages Concerts in the Park, with evening performances running from the gates opening at 6 p.m. until the final band finishes at 9:30 p.m. Sacramento State’s Opera Theatre also lists student tickets for $5. These events give guitar students a chance to hear live music in different settings, from outdoor popular music to staged opera.

School year: Aug 11 to May 27, 38 lesson weeks (Sacramento City Unified School District)
Town guides: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Arden-Arcade, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Davis

San Jose area

San José State University hosts a free public noon-time concert series with faculty, students, and visiting artists. Symphony San Jose offers accompanying guests age 17 or younger half-price single tickets, with some exclusions. For guitar students, the university series is an easy way to hear varied performers, while symphony concerts provide another perspective on ensemble playing.

School year: Aug 6 to Jun 3, 38 lesson weeks (East Side Union High School District)
Town guides: San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Gilroy, Mountain View, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Cupertino

Fresno area

The Fresno Philharmonic’s Saturday Masterworks concerts offer free tickets for student groups in seventh grade and above. Engelmann Cellars in Fresno also has family-friendly free live music every Sunday afternoon. Together, these give young guitarists both a concert-hall listening experience and a casual setting where they can hear live musicians perform.

School year: Aug 17 to Jun 10, 38 lesson weeks (Fresno Unified School District)
Town guides: Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Reedley, Selma, Chowchilla, Coalinga

Bakersfield area

Bakersfield families can hear the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra at subscription concerts, with student tickets priced by seating tier. The Bakersfield Community Concert Association offers student season subscriptions as well as single student tickets. These performances are useful listening experiences for guitarists, even when the program features orchestral or other musical traditions.

Town guides: Bakersfield, Delano, Oildale, East Niles, Ridgecrest, Wasco, Rosamond, Shafter

A little guitar history in California

California has a strong connection to guitar-driven music and guitar performance. In Southern California, instrumental surf music began in the early 1960s, with Dick Dale and the Del-Tones and the Belairs playing dances for thousands of teenagers in 1961. In Fullerton, Leo Fender’s radio store became the center of his business in the late 1940s, where he designed guitars, basses, and amplifiers that helped popular music move toward smaller guitar-driven groups. The Parkening International Guitar Competition is usually held every three years in Malibu, and Carmel Guitar Society plans a classical guitar retreat in Pacific Grove for 2027. These traditions give a student several musical directions to explore, from amplified styles to classical guitar.

Start Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You

Meet the teacher before weekly billing begins
Hear real-time feedback on the guitar you practice with
Talk through songs, style, and setup questions
Pick a weekly length after the first meeting

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good guitar teacher in California?

Choose a teacher whose approach suits your goals, age, and learning style, whether you want to play for fun, prepare a festival piece, or build reading skills. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons, and the first 30-minute lesson is free so you can meet the teacher before deciding.

Do live video guitar lessons really work?

Yes, a live video lesson gives you and your teacher time to work through a piece together and make adjustments as you play. Set up your camera and guitar before the lesson, and weekly online meetings let you learn without a commute.

How does a guitarist reach California's top student honors?

California has no All-State guitar ensemble, so a guitarist’s clearest student honor route is through regional solo and ensemble festivals and possible qualification for a CMEA state festival. At North Coast CMEA, a Superior rating can make a student eligible for the state event.

Can homeschool students enter California music contests?

California’s CMEA solo and ensemble festivals are described for school music students, so a homeschool guitarist should confirm eligibility with the regional festival organizer. CODA’s homeschool entry provision applies to string players auditioning for orchestra, not guitarists.

What age should a child start guitar lessons?

A child can start when the guitar is comfortable to hold and they are ready to coordinate both hands and focus on short practice periods. There is no single right birthday; a teacher can adjust the instrument, pace, and early goals to the child.

Is it too late to learn guitar as an adult in California?

No, adults can begin at any age, whether they are learning their first chords or returning after a long break. A teacher can build from your current level and help you work toward playing with others, including community guitar orchestras or acoustic jams when you are ready.

How much are guitar lessons in California?

Guitar lessons in California typically cost about $88 an hour, or $40 to $65 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Guitar lesson prices across California

Meet a Guitar Teacher in California Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Guitar Teacher in California

Will Orchard

Gabriel Maia

Jacob Billings

Jess Kerber

How guitar learning works in California

How does guitar fit school music in California?

Who runs what for California guitarists?

Auditions and events in California

How does a guitarist reach California's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Starting at any age

Starting a child on guitar

A teen in California

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good guitar teacher do?

How do live online guitar lessons work?

Guitar in California

Where to hear guitar

Where to play with others

Guitar around California, area by area

Los Angeles area

San Francisco area

Riverside area

San Diego area

Sacramento area

San Jose area

Fresno area

Bakersfield area

A little guitar history in California

Start Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You

More for California

Frequently Asked Questions