I started with guitar later in life. I had always wanted to play but other things always got in the way. So in my mid-forties after finally deciding to make time for myself I decided to start. My first year I tried learning with a popular DVD series and youtube videos. I learned quickly that there are definite shortcomings to these options. You can't ask questions of or be critiqued by a video or DVD. I tried these methods for a year and realized I was not as far along as I had hoped to be. I started searching for an instructor. I chose Chris because I was very impressed with his background. Between his study of music in the ASU program, his real life music experience and his having a degree in education it seemed like the perfect combination. It's one thing to be able to do something but not everyone that can do something has the knowledge, ability and personality to be able to teach it. Having him host his monthly jam sessions has also helped me with my nerves when performing in front of others. I have now been taking lessons from Chris for six years. Very quickly Chris was able to teach me the fundamentals of guitar and I could have stopped taking lessons then and been an ok guitarist. The thing I like about guitar is that you can take it to whatever skill level you wish from beginner to master. I am confident that no matter how long I take lessons from Chris he has the knowledge and skill to help me to continue to improve my playing to whatever level I choose. read more

I started lessons with Chris when I was in my late forties and had just a basic ideas of a handful of chords. I've been with Chris now for over 5 years and I can play over 40 songs of all different genres including lead guitar on a handful of them. There is literally nothing Chris doesn't know about popular and contemporary music. I play hard rock, classic rock, folk, country, jazz and the blues because Chris knows all of these genres and more. Whenever I challenge him with a new song he's never heard, within one lesson he has it tabbed out and is playing it. Then he teaches me to play it. He has helped me choose the right guitars and equipment and helps me set them up. He even teaches me how to use various pedals and other gear. Not only has he helped me learn how to play, he has helped me learn how to write songs. I am to the point where I play in public at open mics, I play around the campflre and I've even played at two of my kids weddings. I would have never come as far as I have without his help and guidance. As you can tell Chris is not a fly by night teacher. This is his profession. He cares about his students and nudges them along to do something with what he has taught them. There is likely no better teacher in the valley. If you are serious about learning how to play the guitar Chris is your guy! read more

Sat around for two years with Starcaster and cheap amp, trying to learn to play it with DVDs and the Rocksmith game. Saw an ad in the local Fresh and Easy market for guitar lessons with a guy a couple of miles away. Called him and set up a lesson. Chris started playing his guitar during our first lesson, and my jaw dropped. Truly talented. And he has a music degree from ASU. And plays in a band. He is also a very skilled teacher. He asked me what I was into musically. We started out with House of the Rising Sun and Zombie. He is never negative, giving constructive criticism and suggesting alternate strategies for playing certain pieces of music. He also gives technical drills to develop certain skills based on the kind of music you want to learn. Nor does he pass judgement on what you are interested in. After taking weekly lessons with him since last July, I have a notebook binder full of songs we have worked through. As of today I was able to play Purple Haze from memory. Not only does he suggest equipment upgrades, but he also accompanied me to Guitar Center where we tried out a few Strats. With his help, I found a really nice used Strat. You can't go wrong with this guy. He has students that have been with him for years. He's not a pretentious a-hole like some other guitar salesmen and local musicians. read more

Chris has been teaching me guitar for years, starting with the basics of putting chords together to the most recent lessons of music theory. I've branched out from classic rock into multiple genres of music in my time with him: metal of various difficulties, classical, bluegrass, jazz, you name it. And none of it would be possible without Chris guiding me the whole way through. I've never met a teacher with his raw talent and passion for teaching guitarists how to play whatever it is they want to learn. There is -- quite literally -- nothing he can't play. Even after years of learning from him and seeing his skill over and over again, he never ceases to amaze me. Not only can he teach anyone to play, he hosts jam sessions in which his students can put their talents on display in a relaxed and constructive environment with other experienced musicians. He's professional, patient, flexible, and very enjoyable to be around. If you're looking for a true guitarist, look no further than this man. read more

I have met and worked with many musicians in my life, but none of them compare to Chris. Not only is he an amazing musician and person, he knows how to TEACH effectively based on different learning styles. This is SO important. There are plenty of guys out there who can shred on the guitar, but few who can teach you how to do it! As an added bonus, it won't take long to feel like Chris is your friend because he's just an all around great guy. Extra bonus are the jam sessions he puts on for students. This is an excellent way for players of all levels to meet other musicians and take their playing to the next level. Because of those sessions, I gained the confidence to become a gigging musician. I can't say enough about Chris...if you or anyone you know want to learn to play the guitar, you will not find anyone better!! read more

Chris can certainly teach an old dog some new tricks! I was 57 and always had a dream of learning guitar, but work, kids, and life in general, always got in the way. Chris is experienced, nurturing, patient, challenging, creative, and fun. He even went to the store with me to help me pick out my first electric guitar! His scheduling is very flexible for busy working people. I recommend him very highly for all types and styles of guitar - from country to classical to progressive metal - he knows it all. It's never too late! Doro T. read more

I believe you cannot get a better instructor than Chris. He is patient, knowledgeable and a fantastic musician. He is learned in all kinds of music. I was not interested in the current style of music and wanted to learn the Spanish guitar music. He not only taught me but also wrote several scores for me. They are not only beautiful but also helped me master my weak spots. You cannot do better than Chris! Carol Perica read more

I've been with Chris for over a year now, I gotta tell you, he has a vast knowledge of music in any genre and impeccable guitar skills, Glad I found Chris, If it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't be playing. He's very patient and gives the confidence and pushes you to succeed. Lessons are fun in a relaxed environment, cool studio...Look no further Chris is your guy!! read more

Chris is a very knowledgeable and competent instructor. He can take any song or skill you are looking to learn and make it very achievable with a little time and effort. He is well equipped in his studio and the environment there is very relaxed and enjoyable. I would suggest Chris to anybody looking for a well-rounded guitar instructor. read more

Chris is simply a great musician and teacher. He has the knowledge, skills and patience to get your playing to the next level. The environment is professional and comfortable. I highly recommend Phoenix Guitar Lessons to anyone interested in learning how to play or advanced students as myself. Thanks Chris! read more