(Hint: It’s Not Just Guitar Skill)
Let’s be real — being good at guitar doesn’t always mean you’re good at teaching it.
Sure, your teacher might be able to shred like crazy or play the solo from “Hotel California” backwards, but does that help you when your fingers are cramping on your first F chord? Not really.
I’ve been teaching guitar for years, and one thing I’ve learned is this: people need someone who understands them, not just the instrument.
Here’s what really matters when choosing a guitar teacher:
1. Patience beats perfection
We all mess up. And in the beginning? You’ll mess up a lot. A great teacher doesn’t get frustrated — they actually expect you to make mistakes. That’s how you learn.
2. They listen more than they talk
You ever had a teacher that just talks and talks… and you leave the lesson more confused than before? Yeah, me too. The best teachers ask you about your goals, and then build the lesson plan around that.
3. It’s not about showing off
Some teachers love to flex their skills. But if you’re just trying to learn a clean open G chord, all that flash won’t help. A great teacher knows how to keep it simple when it needs to be.
4. They follow a clear plan — and keep you focused
Sure, there’s room for inspiration and new ideas. But in my lessons, we stick to the path. Every student gets a clear plan — and we follow it. Of course, if a student brings in something they’re excited about, we might take a quick detour, but the focus always comes back to steady progress and building real skills.
5. They make you feel like you’re already a guitarist
This one’s big. You might be a beginner, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a guitarist already. A great teacher sees that, treats you like one, and doesn’t hesitate to let you play along to your favorite songs, even if on an easier skill level.
Final thoughts?
It’s not about finding a “guitar god” to teach you. It’s about finding someone who gets how you learn. Someone who makes you look forward to every lesson — even when you feel stuck.
So if you’re looking for a teacher, sure, check their skills… but also ask yourself: Would I want to hang out with this person once a week while learning something new?
That’s probably your teacher right there.
About The Author
Janez Janežič is a passionate guitar mentor from Slovenia who’s helped hundreds of students — from total beginners to aspiring shredders — find joy in playing. His lessons aren’t just about technique, but about connection, motivation, and getting better in a way that actually sticks.
👉 Discover how to learn guitar the right way – učiti se igrati kitaro na pravi način – and fall in love with playing — no matter your age or level.
