I've spent a significant portion of my short life looking back on great guitarists in reverent awe. Richards, Page, Hendrix, Townsend, Clapton, Allman and Young are among the masterful deities I continue to look towards for inspiration. My attempt to mimic their craft alone was met with frustration, despair and often failure before finally giving in, as so many aspirational musicians eventually do. It was not until a friend recommended I check out Guitar Chicago that I dusted off my cheap Epiphone to climb back on the Steel Horse (Bon Jovi, what a gifted poet). I met with Jason, who came highly recommended. Jason has the ability to help demystify the guitar with a strong background in Jazz and a firm grip on musical theory. He's equally skilled and comfortable going through chord patterns, technique and odd Jazz rhythms as he is deconstructing a Kiss song. My goal in taking lessons was to make myself comfortable enough to play a few songs without too much butchering. Jason has helped me reach a level of comfort where I can plug my crappy guitar into my less crappy computer and record myself playing. I feel much more comfortable with the instrument than I did only a year ago. The location is great, the scheduling is flexible, online payment takes no time at all and perhaps best of all, you don't need to bring your guitar. I often leave each half hour lesson feeling accomplished and hungry for more guitar. Jason and Guitar Chicago continues to contribute to my early onset of arthritis and I couldn't be happier. read more

So, I have now been taking lessons for more than 1 1/2 years at Guitar Cities (Chicago), and I love it more now than I did when I first started! My skill has progressed nicely, and I'm happy and pleasantly surprised at how much I have learned and continue to learn week after week. Jim is an outstanding instructor who offers top-notch skill, patience (much needed in my case), humor, and a lot of encouragement! I couldn't be happier. I love it so much, I am now also adding Ukelele to my repertoire, in addition to acoustic guitar. However, when I took a new job 40 miles away, the commute was literally inducing psychotic levels of road rage. So in an effort to save my sanity, I began to take my lessons over Skype more than a year ago and it has been great! There are absolutely NO issues with taking lessons online vs. in-person, and I have never felt like I wasn't getting as much out of the interaction. Now it doesn't matter where you live, because technology can bridge the gap and make it possible for everyone! I HIGHLY recommend lessons with Guitar Chicago for anyone and everyone...give them a try!!! read more

A great option for working professionals in the city! My instructor - Forrest is proficient, knowledgeable and great teachers - the real deal. There are three key factors that makes this ideal for the working professional: 1. Personalized lessons - They match you with an instructor based on what you want to learn and where you want to take your guitar skills. This is important given that you are allocating a limited amount of time out of your busy week towards this so you want to focus on what you are interested in. They are very good about this and the instructors are very open to customizing the lessons based on the styles you want to learn 2. Instructor quality and focus on fundamentals - Instructors interested in teaching you things the right way and explaining the why as well as the how. 3. Flexibility of Schedule - Given my travel / commute heavy schedule, this was important. Great work Guitar Chicago. Looking forward to another great year and seeing you guys expand! read more

I took guitar lessons with Jim (the owner) at Guitar Chicago for about 6 months. I had a good time and learned a lot, unfortunately I had to quit because of time constraints. However, I think Guitar Chicago is a solid place for anyone to take lessons. It's located in the heart of the loop and convenient to most businesses downtown. They have classes during the day and in the evening so it's easy to take lessons on a lunch break or after work. They also provide guitars if you don't have your own or don't want to lug one around during the day. Jim is a very knowledgeable instructor who can teach and show you about anything you want to know. He's patient (he used to teach kids) and doesn't rush the lessons. He also provides notes for home practice. Overall, I had a good experience and would recommend this place for anyone looking to take guitar lessons downtown. read more

If you're a spiteful jerk like I am, you'll instantly want to hate Jim for building this guitar empire and having what seems to be the coolest job in the whole world while the rest of us trudge through employee grievances (or pivot tables, or TPS reports, or whatever the flavor of your own personal work hell) on a day to day basis. But I admit, he's pretty cool. I started taking bass lessons about a year and a half ago. I'm one of those people who gets mad at the world if I'm not really good at something really fast and I also am prone to shooting myself in the foot long term if it means short term gratification. (Example:if playing with a pick is hard to do, I won't do it. Even if I know it will make me ten times faster and better down the road. I don't want to do it NOW.) Compound this with my needing to know WHY I'm doing something before I can do it and I've been told by others that I'm a challenge to teach. Not so for Jim- he has a wealth of patience with me (probably because he's also taught kids)! In fact, I liked him so much that I referred my husband and he has been taking lessons for about a year now as well. I was brand spanking new to the bass while my husband has been playing guitar for 15 years... Jim adapts to each of us perfectly which I think speaks volumes for his versatility whether you are a brand new student and have always wanted to try this or you are somebody experienced and feel like you hit a wall, or want to learn theory. Or just need that extra razzle dazzle. This place has the perfect set up. Downtown at Michigan and Randolph, it's in a regular office building and you play guitar (or bass) into a mixer with headphones so as not to disturb the neighbors. They have a bunch of guitars there (I'm quite fond of the Hofner bass myself- so keep your greasy mitts off it) so if you work downtown all you have to do is trot over there for 1/2 an hour a week and you're on your way to rockstardom. I'm kicking myself that I didn't do this years ago- I could have been a Beatle by now dammit. FYI there are two other guys that work there so you might get one of them. Jason subbed once for Jim and was very knowledgeable- I liked him a lot. The other guy I've never met. However, Jim assures me he hand picked these fellows out of a very large crop of applicants (think: best of the best; the shiniest apples on the tree) so I'd say you're pretty safe no matter what. read more

I started taking guitar classes 2 weeks ago and have really enjoyed it. Forrest has been my instructor so far and he doesn't assume you know anything and also doesn't talk to you like you are dumb. He asks what you want to know, what you already know and what you want to learn and goes from there. It has been really good and he will break you of all your bad habits, which is great to have. Look for groupons because they are out there from time to time. 30 minutes goes by really fast and I wish it was a little longer, but I think that is the standard. read more

I've been taking lessons with James for over a year now. When I started taking lessons, I was dismal. My main goal when I started private lessons was to improve my soloing ability. I had always heard that the only way to really learn how to solo is to take private lessons. Taking lessons with James has improved my musical ability in all areas. I am much better versed in music theory, my rhythm playing has improved, and my soloing has improved greatly. My other musician friends have noticed a huge improvement in my ability since starting lessons. James has taught me a number of different styles and techniques. He always has good answers for my questions, and is always able to help me out when I am struggling with something. He teaches you the right way to do things, so you don't end up treading water. If you are considering taking guitar lessons in the loop or anywhere else, give Guitar Chicago a look. read more

About a year ago, my girlfriend bought me a coupon for guitar lessons at Guitar Chicago as a very thoughtful birthday gift. Being that I was my mid-20s and having a brother who is a very accomplished Spanish/Classical guitar player, I felt a bit intimidated taking lessons. From the first moment I met Jim, my whole attitude towards guitar lessons were changed. Jim's program is unlike a traditional lesson, being that its not a traditional step by step approach. Jim focuses on the individual and their respective goals. He does all in his power to ensure that the lessons are fun, but also that they have real educational value. I have to say that after the coupon ran out, I went back for many more lessons and have never regretted it! Guitar Chicago is a different kind of learning experience and has changed the way I play guitar and understand music as a whole. Jim and his team are a wealth of musical knowledge truly understand that the instructor must establish a level of trust with the student in order to be successful. It is very clear that the Guitar Chicago staff loves what they do and works to see that every lesson is a solid progression. In the short amount of time I spent with Jim, I learned a lot and built up more confidence in my abilities. I would HIGHLY recommend Guitar Chicago to anyone looking learn guitar in a very respectful and inviting environment. read more

I learned about Guitar Chicago through Groupon. Before I provide my review I will say that I attended (electric) guitar lessons for 6 months with Forrest. There is no doubt that Forrest is a phenomenal guitarist. Very inspiring and encouraging. His guitar abilities are one of the best I have seen in person. Great guy and very personable and down to earth. I enjoyed all our conversations. The reason for the 3 stars is I struggled a bit with the structure and learning plan (there wasn't any). I consider myself an "advanced" amateur. I've been playing guitar for ten years and piano for twenty. So it is hard to convey how much I know about music. Nevertheless, it was hard coming up with a structure and learning plan that fit my level. In retrospect, I would like to have sat down and drafted this so we didn't waste class time (read: $$) discussing this. Similarly, we spent some time transcribing songs - strongly recommend against this. If you can, buy the sheet music or ask them to see if they have it. I was satisfied with what I got out of the lessons and I would recommend it for guys and girls who are starting with instruments. If you are a seasoned player who wants to go back to fundamentals I would strongly suggest you create the study plan and topics you'd like to cover. read more

Perfect. When I started lessons I just wanting to play a few tunes...forget that, I am learning to play lead guitar. Jim has a balanced approach to teaching and learning, ensuring every aspect is covered and understood. It has inspired my creative side. Now I own three guitars and recently started with bass lessons. Most of all, I am having fun. Blues and Rock are my interests and Chicago Guitar is my place to learn. read more

Jim is a great guy and I look forward to each lesson I have with him. He is attentive and is able to create lessons that focus on my goals as well as ensuring I am developing a good foundation. He is also very good at pointing out the bad habits I have created over the years and suggesting ways to address them. It is great to take lessons with somebody who is both patient and energetic at the same time. He is especially good at recognizing if the pace is getting too fast/slow and adjusting for that. I consider myself fortunate to have found such a good teacher. read more

I needed to do an update to give credit when credit is due. After my situation my trainer Dan contacted me and gracefully apologized and made up for the mistake. I am a firm believer in mistakes can happen and the way you rebound from them measures your skills. I am back in class and still learning at a fast pace. As I wrote originally I could have just had bad luck in the beginning and it turns out I did. I am happy with the way they handled the situation and got me back on track. So I do recommend Guitar Cities for their professionalism and especially the trainer Dan. read more

Not having a musical background, and being a more "mature" student, I'd been happy with learning to play the guitar in a group, assuming I may slowly progress with persistence. However, after a few lessons with Jim, I was energized and convinced that I could stretch the limits much farther. Jim does a terrific job teaching fundamentals, which I really needed, and music theory in a logical fashion, and at the same time he keeps it fun. The environment at Guitar Chicago is conducive to learning, and Jim's program and style is tailored to an individual's level and musical interests. Half hour lessons are very effective, especially when you follow the recommended practice exercises. I'm very happy with my Guitar Chicago experience and highly recommend it to anyone that wants to be challenged in a very positive way. read more

Excellent instruction integrates solid and necessary - but not overwhelming - music theory with functional skill development. If you are ready to do the work they are ready to work with you. read more

I had an old guitar sitting in my basement for 10 years and always told myself I was going to learn to play. I finally decided it was time in January 2015, found guitar Chicago on Google, and signed up for a free one time lesson. I've been working with Dan now since then, and I'd recommend him if anyone asked about guitar lessons. I was a complete beginner, knowing absolutely nothing, but he's been patient and encouraging. There also has been some times where my schedule has been all over the place, but he's been super accommodating and we've always made it work out. I'm very happy I found this place, and if you are thinking about taking lessons, I'd highly recommend it. read more

Dan Larson of Guitar Cities Chicago is one confidence inspiring teacher! He has been helping me push my limits way beyond what I could have dreamed was possible. He is quick on his feet and an excellent communicator via Skype. Dan's explanations of theory (I have never been able to understand so much about scales, chord structures, and modes as I do now) are clear and concise and he ties everything together with great examples. Dan has been able to cater toward my personal taste in music by choosing songs that give me enough challenge with plenty of reward. He has a great sense for a students needs and is a highly motivating teacher. His follow up lessons are great in that I am constantly progressing and never feel stuck and frustrated as I have felt so many times in the past which has inevitably led to putting down the instrument for long periods of time. Dan can pack a lot of punch into a 30 minute lesson too, which is perfect for a working professional! read more

I was skeptical taking my son for his first ever guitar lessons. Then we met Jason Steele and HE IS GOOD. He captured my son's attention the very first lesson and kept it. I was very impress by the ease he worked with him. Thank you Jason and hope to continue taking your class. From a very grateful mom and son read more

I had thought about taking lessons for some time and finally settled on Guitar Chicago because of the location and the fact I don't have to bring my instrument, because they already have them there for you. My instructor Forrest, who I was really impressed with, was very organized and has such a broad knowledge on so many aspects of playing. I definitely recommend Guitar Chicago for anyone who is looking for lessons in the downtown area as their instructors are professional and fun and the location is very nice. read more

James is the man. A non stressful learning experience. Makes you feel at ease that learning is not as hard as it seems.

Love this place. After studying the guitar for years, I started taking private lessons at Guitar Chicago. I've learned more in the last year, than I have in the last five. I was intimidated by private lessons, but it's a laid back atmosphere. Jim does a great job of helping you work on your goals, while pulling in other lessons that will be beneficial. Definitely check it out! read more

I have been taking lessons from Dan for more than two and a half years and it something I look forward to every week. Aside from being a great teacher, he is fun, understanding and very talented. He takes the time to help you understand the structure of what you are learning without over burdening you with theory. He is also really interested in making sure you are enjoying playing (that is the point) and getting out of it exactly what you want. Any time I have a request (no matter how absurd) of a song to learn, Dan takes the time to find a good arrangement at my level and teaches it to me. It is really nice having that flexibility and personal investment in my lessons. In just two and a half years, I went from playing no to guitar to be comfortable jamming with my friends while also developing my classical guitar playing skills. This blend of genres and talents truly sets Dan a part and I would encourage anyone looking to finally learn the guitar to sign up for lessons with Dan. read more