John PerryPicking up a guitar is exciting, but figuring out where to start can get overwhelming fast.
From beginners trying to nail their first chords to intermediate players stuck in a rut, the right instructor can make the whole process feel easier.
I looked around for the best guitar lessons in Philadelphia to help you compare studios, group classes, and private options without overthinking it. Whether you want casual weekend lessons or a more structured path, these spots are worth checking out.
How much do guitar lessons cost in Philadelphia?
Guitar lessons in Philadelphia generally cost between $35 and $70 for a standard session, with the final hourly rate depending on the instructor’s experience and the location.
| Lesson Format | Estimated Rate |
| Private In-Studio Lessons (30 Minutes) | $30 – $45 |
| Private In-Studio Lessons (45 Minutes) | ~$60 – $67 |
| Private In-Studio Lessons (60 Minutes) | $65 – $90+ |
| Group Lessons / Package Rates | $25 – $35 per session |
| Monthly Packages | $170 – $315 |
| Budget Options (Specialized Platforms) | $31 – $36 per hour |
1. Philly Music Lessons
Website: https://phillymusiclessons.com/
Address: 2111 East Susquehanna Avenue
Contact: (215) 645-0405 | [email protected]
Hours: By appointment only
Trying to squeeze guitar lessons into a busy work week can be a real headache. Philly Music Lessons helps by offering both studio instruction and convenient in-home sessions, which is a big plus for families juggling packed schedules.
A parent we spoke with raved about how much time they saved by having an instructor come right to their living room.
The teachers also work functional music theory into lessons, so students learn fretboard navigation instead of only memorizing tabs. That kind of base can help if you eventually want to move into recording studios or more serious music projects.
The main drawback is the mandatory travel surcharge for in-home lessons. Over time, that can make the service noticeably pricier than commuting to the studio.
Customer Reviews
I would recommend this to anyone interested in music lessons.
I’ve been taking guitar lessons for 6 months and my teacher, Joe, has made learning a new instrument as an adult a very fun, encouraging, and positive experience. Overall, the Philly Music Lessons team has been great, from the initial set-up process to the flexibility they’ve shown when I needed to reschedule a lesson. I appreciate the online lesson option, as well as the ability to take bi-weekly lessons. Pricing is very fair, transparent, and comparable to other teachers in the area. I would recommend this local small business to anyone interested in music lessons.
- Elizabeth Spencer | Google Review
The lessons are great.
I’ve been taking banjo and guitar lessons with Joe over at Philly Music Lessons for almost 4 years. I’ve grown so much as a musician and have accomplished a lot of goals. The lessons are great and they do a good job at balancing technique and teaching what the student wants to learn! I would highly recommend taking lessons with them.
- Beck Macey | Google Review
2. The Green Tambourine
Website: http://www.thegreentambourine.com/
Address: 711 South 50th Street
Contact: (215) 360-3215 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Some music programs lean so hard on drills that lessons stop feeling fun. The Green Tambourine takes a warmer route by building guitar lessons around creativity, community, songwriting, and simple fretboard improvisation.
That makes it especially friendly for younger students and total beginners who need encouragement as much as structure.
We also appreciate that the school offers rental packages for $25 a month, which can make starting out less stressful.
Their early childhood focus is another strong point, especially for families with kids who are not ready for a more formal program yet.
The tradeoff is that advanced adult players may outgrow the setup. Since the culture leans toward beginners and children, it may not be the best fit for someone looking for a tougher, performance-heavy track.
Customer Reviews
The instructors and staff are knowledgeable and easygoing.
Thoughtful, fun, and safe. From the beginning, we felt the encouraging, relaxed, and accepting spirit of Green Tambourine. The instructors and staff are knowledgeable and easygoing. My kid has taken lessons for about seven years (violin and bass guitar). She loves the pace and various methods (string patterns and sheet music) when learning her favorite songs.
- Monava Jones | Google Review
Highly recommend!
I love the vibe of the this music school and the sense of community it creates. My son is enrolled in the Intro to Instruments and really enjoys the teacher’s energy and coming to the space each week. I previously took adult lessons and thought the quality of the teaching was excellent. … And they handle all the administrative elements (enrollment, policies, etc.) really well. Highly recommend!
- Grace Sica | Google Review
3. Mister John’s Music – The School
Website: http://www.misterjohnsmusic.com/
Address: 761 South 8th Street
Contact: (267) 223-9180 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Learning an instrument as an adult can feel awkward, especially when everyone else seems to have started years ago.
Mister John’s Music makes that first step feel less intimidating with its Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) Adult Beginner Guitar Bootcamps.
These group sessions turn guitar practice into a social night out instead of a lonely chore.
The school also stands out for its inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming teaching environment. Instead of leaning only on old beginner songs, instructors use modern pop music that feels more familiar and fun.
The downside is the rigid group schedule. If you miss a week, you may lose that part of the curriculum because makeup classes are rarely available.
Customer Reviews
His classes are always fun and engaging.
MJM is the most welcoming, charming, magical musical community you could ever find. My daughter has taken classes since she was a toddler, and I have recently started taking adult guitar class with Emmet Drueding. What a treat to learn from such a talented musician! I love that he incorporates music theory even in beginner classes and pushes students to experiment. Thanks to him, I have expanded my expectations of what I can learn. His classes are always fun and engaging.
- Silvia Licciulli | Google Review
Flexible, fun, affordable and effective at teaching guitar to all ages!
Mister Johns Music has been an amazing experience. They are flexible, fun, affordable and effective at teaching guitar to all ages! I am 24 years old and I have been wanting to learn guitar since I was little but didn’t have the means until now. I’m so happy I chose Mister Johns and so grateful to all of the help my teacher Diego has provided! 🙂
- Rosalie Wetzel | Google Review
4. New Groove Music Studio
Website: https://newgroovemusicstudio.com/
Address: 401 Lombard Street
Contact: (215) 857-9354 | [email protected]
Hours: Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Teaching Hours: Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Finding an instructor who understands the real music scene can be tough for aspiring performers. New Groove Music Studio stands out by pairing students with active professional musicians who can teach technique and practical stage skills.
When we attended one of their local showcase events, we were impressed by how comfortable the students looked while performing.
The studio hosts relaxed gatherings at local venues, giving students a chance to share their guitar progress in a supportive setting.
The vibe has the same encouraging energy you often find in local dance studios, where progress feels easier when people are cheering each other on.
Just note the monthly membership model. Its makeup-credit limits can be frustrating if your schedule changes often.
Customer Reviews
We couldn’t be happier!
My son has been taking in-home guitar lessons with Randy Louise since Fall 2023 and we couldn’t be happier! She has a great approach to teaching, a warm personality and is considerate of my sons musical desires (eventually playing AC/DC)! We plan to continue working with Randy for the foreseeable future! He also took part in a recital recently and it was great to see the whole New Groove school come together!
- Ian Jacobson | Google Review
Made playing guitar so approachable
I can’t say enough good things about New Groove! I have been taking guitar lessons as a beginner and my teacher Augie has made my lessons fun and educational as well as making playing guitar so approachable. Kathy and team are wonderful at helping me get acquainted with the app and scheduling and everyone has been so friendly and pleasant to work with.
- Lizzie Pinkerman | Google Review
5. Settlement Music School
Website: http://www.settlementmusic.org/
Address: 416 Queen Street
Contact: (215) 320-2601 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Formal music education can get expensive fast, and that can keep talented students from even trying.
Settlement Music School is a strong option because it offers a large community-school setup with financial aid programs and a wide range of ensemble opportunities.
For guitar students, that can mean access to jazz combos, rock ensembles, and more structured private instruction. Students work with credentialed, university-trained faculty who can move between improvisation, theory, and popular styles.
The scale of the school also gives private students a clearer path into group playing, which is helpful once they are ready to collaborate.
The main limitation is flexibility because the school follows a traditional semester calendar. It’s not ideal for adults who want casual drop-in lessons or a mid-semester start.
