How Much Do Guitar Lessons Cost?

Understanding the real cost of guitar lessons and the skills you’ll gain

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Marc Levesque

updated 10/8/25 • 4 min read

The Average Guitar Lesson Cost:

Most guitar lessons cost about $70 per hour on average, though prices can range anywhere from $40 to $90 per hour* depending on the teacher’s background, location, lesson length, and whether lessons are online or in person.

On average, a one-hour guitar lesson costs about $70. Live online lessons through platforms like Zoom or Google Meet are often more affordable, typically $25–35 for a half-hour session. Local private lessons in person usually range from $35–45 for a half-hour, and group lessons tend to be around $25 for the same length of time.

Some guitar teachers without a formal music degree charge closer to $40 per hour, while professional players with touring or recording experience can charge $150 or more for their time and expertise.

* All prices are converted to USD.
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What Determines Guitar Lesson Costs?

Guitar Teacher Level

Guitar teachers without a music degree usually charge around $40 to $45 per hour, but their lessons might not go very deep in terms of technique or musicianship.

Some teachers have a music degree in another area, such as drums or general music, and also teach guitar. They often charge about $50 to $55 per hour. They usually understand music well but may not have the playing experience to demonstrate proper technique or tone, which can cause beginners to develop habits that are difficult to fix later.

If you’re serious about improving, look for a teacher with at least a bachelor’s degree in guitar performance or a related field, such as jazz studies with a guitar focus. Their lessons usually range from $60 to $80 per hour, depending on experience. Teachers with a master’s or doctorate in guitar often charge $70 to $90 per hour and bring years of playing, performing, and teaching experience.

In-person vs Online Lessons

Online guitar lessons are usually the most affordable option and a great way to learn from top teachers without leaving home. On average, in person lessons at a teacher’s studio cost about $10 more per hour, with a small additional increase of around 10 percent if the teacher travels to you.

If time and budget allow, in-person guitar lessons can be a great choice, especially for players who enjoy face to face interaction and hands on guidance. But for many beginners and especially kids with busy school schedules, online lessons are often the most convenient option. Parents also find that online learning makes it easier to stay consistent with lessons and still get quality instruction.

Pre-recorded vs Live Lessons

If you’re looking for the most affordable way to learn guitar, pre-recorded lessons can be a starting point. These video or app based courses usually teach basic skills for a monthly fee, but they follow a fixed path and can’t adapt to your playing goals. Many guitar players find they make some early progress, then hit a plateau because there’s no feedback or direction to help them improve.

Live private lessons make a big difference once you reach that point. A real teacher can spot what’s holding you back, guide your practice, and help you break through to the next level. 

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How to Find the Most Affordable Guitar Lessons

We surveyed over 100 guitar teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, and three other major sites, Wyzant, Lessonface and Thumbtack, using a random zip code as the location. We specifically looked for teachers who have a degree in guitar and teach online lessons.

Lesson With You offers a set rate of $65 per hour, which is more affordable than most other options while maintaining professional quality. All guitar instructors hold advanced degrees in guitar and have extensive teaching and performance experience. Every new student also gets a free 30 minute trial lesson, making the live online guitar lessons an excellent value.

Wyzant had a higher average price among qualified guitar teachers, around $70 per hour. Some instructors who didn’t major in guitar, such as those with degrees in drums or general music, charged similar rates. Many profiles didn’t specify formal music training, though Wyzant offers a large selection of teachers to choose from.

Lessonface showed a slightly higher average, at about $73 per hour. Around half of the teachers taught more than just guitar or held degrees in other areas of music, with most charging at least $30 per half hour lesson.

Thumbtack had the highest average price among the sites surveyed, at about $75 per hour. Like Wyzant and Lessons.com, many guitar teachers also offered lessons in other instruments, which may indicate a broader focus rather than guitar-specific expertise. All three platforms have a large number of instructors, but finding teachers whose education and pricing align with Lesson With You’s standards can take more time and research.

Getting Started and What You’ll Learn in Guitar Lessons

Guitar lessons are great for both beginners and players who have been learning on their own. When you find the right guitar teacher, they can help you build solid technique, fix small issues that slow you down, and break through the plateau that many players hit after the first few months.

Building the Basics

You’ll learn how to hold the guitar comfortably, position your hands naturally, and play without tension or pain. These simple foundations make a big difference in how easy the guitar feels and how good your tone sounds. If you already know a bit of guitar, your teacher will go over the basics with you and help clean up small habits so your playing feels smoother and more confident.
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Core Guitar Techniques

If you’re new to guitar, your teacher will start with the basics, helping you build control and coordination before moving on to more advanced skills. As you progress, you’ll work on techniques such as alternate picking, hammer ons, pull offs, slides, and bends. You’ll also learn rhythm and fingerpicking patterns that make your playing more dynamic and versatile, no matter what style of music you enjoy.

Making Real Progress

Even if you already know the basics, having a teacher gives you structure and guidance. They can spot what’s holding you back, help you focus your practice, and show you how to play with more control and confidence. Over time, you’ll build better habits, a stronger sound, and the motivation to keep improving.

Find Your Next Guitar Instructor

Mathew Mozzoni - Guitar instructor at Lesson With You

5.0

Mathew Mozzoni

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Master’s in Guitar
Great with All Ages
Multi-Genre Specialist
Popular
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial
Gabriel Maia - Guitar instructor at Lesson With You - Guitar Lessons

5.0

Gabriel Maia

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Master’s in Guitar
Technique Expert
Versatile Repertoire
Student favorite
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial
Will Orchard - Guitar instructor at Lesson With You - Guitar Lessons

5.0

Will Orchard

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Bachelor’s in Guitar
Multi-Genre Specialist
Theory Expertise
Student favorite
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial
Jess Kerber - Live online singing and guitar lessons - Lesson With You

5.0

Jess Kerber

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Bachelor’s in Songwriting
Fun & Upbeat
Warm & Encouraging
Popular
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial
Jacob Billings - Guitar Instructor at Lesson With You - Live Online Guitar Lessons

5.0

Jacob Billings

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Bachelor’s in Guitar
Patient & Thorough
Versatile Repertoire
Popular
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial
Levi Matthews - Guitar Instructor at Lesson With You

5.0

Levi Matthews

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Bachelor’s in Guitar
Improvisation Expert
Creative Lesson Planner
Student favorite
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial
Sean Atkinson - Guitar teacher at Lesson With You - live online guitar lessons

5.0

Sean Atkinson

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Bachelor’s in Guitar
Versatile Repertoire
Fun & Upbeat
Popular
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial
Jeff Frantom - Live Online Guitar Teacher

5.0

Jeff Frantom

✓ Passed selective interview screening

Master’s in Guitar
Theory Expertise
Technique Expert
Student favorite
$0 $35
/ 30 minute trial

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About the author

Marc Levesque is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where he studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before attending Carnegie Mellon University to study educational technology. As a pianist, Marc made his debut with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra at age 15, playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2., and he has performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Croatia. Marc is a co-founder of Lesson With You, which fully combines his love of music, technology, and education.