5 Best Guitar Lessons in London for Learning Guitar From Scratch
A dusty acoustic sat in the corner for years after a disastrous attempt at internet tutorials left my fingers blistered. That frustration proved that generic videos never correct bad posture.
Real progress needs a patient teacher who actually watches hand placement and tailors the pace to an absolute beginner.
I wanted to build a reliable directory to save other adults from simply giving up on the instrument. I visited trial classes and talked to local musicians about their experiences to track down the best guitar lessons in London.
Below is a guide to supportive mentors who make practice genuinely enjoyable.
How much does a guitar lesson cost in London?
Private guitar lessons in London generally cost £30 to £55 per hour. Shorter sessions and online classes are more budget-friendly.
| Lesson Format | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Private Lesson (1 Hour) | £30 – £55 |
| Advanced Academy Lesson (1 Hour) | £60+ |
| Short Session (30-45 Minutes) | £20 – £25 |
| Online Lesson (1 Hour) | £15 – £40 |
1. London Guitar Academy
Website: https://www.londonguitaracademy.com/
Address: 4 Lonsdale Rd, Queens Park, NW6 6RD
Contact: +44 7957 230354 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
London Guitar Academy is a solid choice if your main interest is rock, pop, or blues guitar. They teach both electric and acoustic players, with lessons designed around the styles you enjoy.
The one-on-one sessions are tailored to your skill level and favourite music. That makes the lessons suitable for different ages and abilities.
I also like the comfortable setting, especially when you’re working through tricky chord transitions or learning something new.
You can attend lessons at their Queens Park studio or request home visits across London’s 32 boroughs. That flexibility makes it easier to keep up with weekly lessons.
The main limitation is the focus on modern guitar styles. Classical guitar exam pathways aren’t part of the lessons.
If graded classical exams are an important goal, you may need to consider a different option
Customer Reviews
Highly recommend!
I’ve been having guitar lessons with James, and it’s been an amazing experience. He goes above and beyond to help me understand the basics, while sharing practical tips and tricks that make learning feel fun and achievable. On top of being a great teacher, he’s also a genuinely kind and fun person to learn from. Highly recommend!
Shashwat Ganguly | Google Review
Highly recommended for anyone passionate about guitar in London.
Whether you’re a beginner or advancing your skills on electric or acoustic guitar, the instructor’s vast knowledge, patient approach, and creative teaching style make complex concepts feel accessible and exciting. Progress feels natural and enjoyable—no dull moments here! Highly recommended for anyone passionate about guitar in London.
Achillies Stevenson | Google Review
2. The Guitar Social
Website: https://theguitarsocial.com/
Address: 25-27 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3LT
Contact: +44 7425 871904
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Thursday-Friday, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The Guitar Social puts a fun twist on group learning with interactive courses, lively jams, and social music events. Beginners and seasoned players gather here to build skills and meet other guitar fans.
Once you’re in, their purpose-built East London venue has an on-site bar, so the chats can continue after class. If you enjoy the vibe of live music bars in London, you’ll feel right at home.
Along the way, courses dive into improvisation, songwriting, funk guitar, and country styles. That group format builds stage confidence faster than practising alone at home.
Flexibility is limited, though. Classes follow set course terms and fixed weekly schedules. So, you won’t get private, one-on-one lessons. Courses also only run on certain days.
Customer Reviews
Lessons are great fun and move along at a good pace.
Like others I found 1 to 1 guitar lessons a bit tedious. I searched for ‘group’ lessons and it’s not easy. Then I came across Guitar Social. Just the ticket. A gang of Intermediate players, varied backgrounds, ages, tastes etc but all with several things in common. Open minded, friendly, cool and up for it. Guitar Social cater for all abilities and music genres. Lessons are great fun and move along at a good pace.
John Gregory | Google Review
It has a really friendly community atmosphere.
I used to have 1-1 guitar lessons but playing – and learning – with other people is much more fun and will make you a better player. But there’s much more to Guitar Social than the lessons (which really are more like facilitated jams with some teaching) – there are end of term performances, open mic, workshops, retreats and more. It has a really friendly community atmosphere. Thomas is a great teacher, v friendly, makes sure to involve everyone and does a great job organising everything.
Tim Webb | Google Review
3. Music Space London
Website: https://www.musicspacelondon.com/
Address: 4 Lonsdale Rd, NW6 6RD
Contact: +44 7749 775974 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Music Space London is a good option if you want to learn more than one instrument in the same place. Alongside guitar, the academy teaches piano, drums, and singing, so you can explore different instruments without having to use separate schools.
For guitar, students can choose between electric, acoustic, and classical styles. Each session is shaped around the student’s goals too.
That structured approach also extends to graded exam preparation through ABRSM, Rockschool, and Trinity College London.
Lessons are available for all ages and can take place either in the studio or at home. The flexible weekend slots also make it easier for working adults and young families to fit lessons into their routines.
As the academy isn’t focused solely on guitar, this may not suit students wanting a dedicated specialist.
You’ll also need to pay at least 72 hours in advance, so some planning is required
Customer Reviews
I have already recommended him a few time
It’s been a year now since I started the lessons and I am super proud of myself cause I have been able to learn some John Mayer songs. We have done a bit of classical guitar too which was quite fun. Eugenio is very easy going and knowledgeable. I have already recommended him a few times!
cristina garcia caballero | Google Review
i couldn’t ask for a better teacher !!
eugenio is less like a teacher and more like a super talented guitarist friend who just loves playing music. for six years, he’s helped me get to grade 8 in classical guitar, become the lead guitarist in bands, and just love playing guitar even more. he’s always happy to jam on whatever you want, and lessons never feel like work. i couldn’t ask for a better teacher !!
cadence | Google Review
4. Cool Gool Music
Website: https://malcolmcallus.com/
Address: 3 Tillett Sq, SE16 6HR
Contact: +44 7983 868507
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cool Gool Music offers expert private tuition from founder Malcolm Callus. He teaches guitar, bass, ukulele, and music theory in SE16, across Transport for London (TfL) Zone 3, or online.
Behind the lessons, Malcolm holds a Berklee College of Music Honours degree and has 34 years of performing experience. He also has full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
He delivers clear instruction in English, Italian, German, and Maltese. He also prepares students for the Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT), London College of Music (LCM), and ABRSM exams.
Availability is limited, though, since he’s the only tutor. You also need to bring your own guitar, so a music store may be your first stop if you need one.
Customer Reviews
I highly recommend him.
Malcolm is a very experienced teacher. An accomplished musician, he has been teaching for decades and has refined his method. He is meticulous, disciplined and knows how to bring out the best of his students, regardless of their previous knowledge of the instrument. He rewards commitment with a great deal of useful knowledge.
If you are serious about learning guitar and improving your technique, he’s the one to call. I highly recommend him.
Francisco Godefroy Castaldi | Google Review
Highly recommend!
I’ve been taking guitar lessons with Malcolm (serious School of Rock vibes 😄) and I’m really happy with the classes.
They’re a lot of fun, he’s super nice and incredibly knowledgeable, and you can tell he genuinely enjoys teaching. Makes learning guitar feel easy and enjoyable.
Aniket Sharma | Google Review
5. Your Guitar Academy
Website: https://yourguitaracademy.com/guitar-lessons/tutors/adriano-in-brockley-south-east-london
Address: 57 Brenchley Gardens, SE23 3RD
Contact: 0330 223 3480
Hours: Contact for availability
Your Guitar Academy combines structured learning with professional coaching from Adriano, a Guildhall School of Music & Drama graduate.
I like that he builds programmes around your goals, whether you’re interested in jazz or pop. He can even tailor programmes if you like funk, rock, blues, or classical guitar.
That personalised approach carries into the course materials. Handcrafted resources connect theory with practice by linking lessons directly to real songs.
After each session, you also receive personalised notes, practice material, and feedback through your online student portal.
Lessons take place in a fully equipped music room with high-quality gear, so you can practise on good equipment from day one.
The setting may not suit everyone, though. In-person sessions take place in a private residential home studio rather than a high-street location.
Since there’s only one instructor, lesson times can also fill up quickly.
Customer Reviews
Adriano is more than a guitar teacher, he’s a true Maestro!!
Adriano is more than a guitar teacher, he’s a true Maestro!!
His passion for music is contagious, and his ability to adapt to your level, style, and pace is a gift.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Adriano creates a space that is both inspiring and grounded.
Grateful to be learning under his guidance — highly recommended! 🎸
Gianni Amendola | Google Review
My son thoroughly enjoys his lessons and has learned so much in a few short months.
My son has been having lessons with Adriano for a few months now and has improved so much with his guitar playing. Adriano is an excellent tutor; very patient and explains everything clearly. My son thoroughly enjoys his lessons and has learned so much in a few short months. Thanks Adriano!
Charlotte Shin | Google Review