Rated 5 / 5 from 9 reviews
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Learn Guitar Chicago I teach guitar the way I wish I would have been taught. When I first started my musical education, I had teachers who just gave me songs and scales without explaining why we were doing these exercises. Each week was about learning a new song and I didn't really know why.

I'm not a song-based instructor per se. I use songs as exercises in order to demonstrate certain musical principles and techniques rather than using songs just to learn the song. A few of the artists that I routinely use include: Clapton, Santana, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Black Crowes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and a whole host of others.
Highlights and features
  • Curriculum, Topics, Techniques etc.
  • Chords
  • Rhythm Patterns
  • Scales and Modes
  • Arpeggios
  • Blues Patterns
  • Improvisation
  • Improvisational Theory
  • Guitar
People
Mitch Lavin
Mitch Lavin
I founded Learn Guitar Chicago for all guitar players from novices picking up a guitar for the first time to experienced players looking to expand their abilities and musical styles.
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Reviews (9)
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Jimmy M.
Jan 08, 2021
I LOVE LEARN GUITAR CHICAGO! I've been a student for 5 years now! I've come so far! Mitch has an extremely comprehensive curriculum and a super casual and fun approach to teaching the guitar! Originally, I started in the studio but due to Covid we were seamlessly able to convert to virtual with zero issues and it's amazing! If you're a newbie or more advanced, LGC is the best place in Chicagoland to work on your skills! 5 Stars! Highly recommended!
Snorkeling B.
Dec 04, 2018
I am going into month 5 with Mitch. I was a "guitar player" years ago. Or so I thought. I would stress that this type of learning for a younger person would be an ideal situation. This comes from a guy who noodled and noodled for YEARS in my previous playing without a proper teacher or direction. The Youtube dreamer. I can say that this 5 month (once a week) period is the most I have ever learned about an instrument, music and just all around being a musician.

I don't think I even set out to become a musician when I picked up my guitar for the first time in years, but if you hang with this program, you will become a musician too(I'm not there yet but I see it!). So yes, even for someone a bit older as myself, this program is the place to be. Not to mention, the pure joy and sense of fulfillment that comes with learning, failures, new horizons - all within the program. You really have no idea just how good you can get in a short period of time, and I'm talking to everyone. Highly recommended.
Jp S.
Jul 10, 2018
I moved to Chicago about 3 1/2 years ago from New York, and my first move was to find where I was going to continue taking guitar lessons. I had been playing guitar for about 4 years before the move, and had bounced around between numerous different instructors, books, and YouTube videos in search of the right environment and teaching style for my aspirations as a guitar player.

After a trip to Chicago Music Exchange and finding Mitch's business card on the counter, I finally found the master I was looking for. I have been taking lessons with Mitch first weekly, and now bi-weekly for the last 3 1/2 years and couldn't have imagined how far my skills as a guitarist would have developed in that time. On day one, I told Mitch that my goal was to learn how to play the guitar as a musical instrument and not as a way to just learn my favorite songs.

From that first day, each lesson has progressed as my skills have continued to progress. Mitch continues to feed me new scales, modes, and playing techniques that have allowed me to play all over the fret board upon just knowing which key the song is in. Each lesson begins with a 10 minute warm up mastering the current set of scales/arpeggios we're working on, followed by 30 minutes of straight improvisational playing to a background track.

There has been no better way to build my confidence as a player than to hear myself continue to improve with each lesson during these 30 minutes of improve play. The final 20 minutes are spent learning songs from artists that I listen to that incorporate all of the things we are currently learning. We've played everything from Van Halen to Phish. Seriously.

If you are looking for an awesome environment to learn how to play guitar from an instructor who is as excited as you are about achieving your goals as a player, then there is no better option than Mitch!
Nick G.
Jun 16, 2018
I have been taking guitar lessons from Mitch for about 5 months and have learned so much in a short period of time. Many years ago, I worked with another person for lessons and feel like I wasted my time and money. Mitch's attention to detail and shaping lessons around your strengths is a huge plus and has accelerated my development. Besides that, Mitch is really outgoing and a great guy to chat with. If you are looking for a true professional who also makes sure you are having fun, he is your guy!
James P.
Dec 08, 2017
I have been learning from Mitch for about 8 months, since spring of '17. I cannot recommend him highly enough. I almost never write reviews of anything but wanted to do this. I am a guy with a family and lots of commitments between family and work etc. I had neglected, and to be honest that's too generous, my teen and early adult love of guitars and music for a long time.

I had a decent guitar collecting dust. I decided I wanted to start learning to play again and "do it right" this time. I learned about Mitch and Learn Guitar from a friend who's son is taking lessons (Mitch is great with kids - has two himself - as well as adults). Mitch is the Man. Smart, patient, thoughtful and incredibly gifted at teaching and playing the guitar.

He has his own system that starts with certain basics and then is tied to the student's aptitude and desired playing style. Mitch had been a performing and recording musician for a long time and now exclusively teaches - I think because it's what he loves to do. Check it out if you want to learn to play or get really good (ultimate specialty is more around theory and technical skill building that can aid all levels). And an all around good person.
Tripp Chapman
Apr 28, 2017
Mitch is a great teacher. He makes learning to play guitar fun. His teaching method has made me explore music in a way that I could not have imagined. I highly recommend him as a guitar teacher for all ability levels.
William P.
May 28, 2015
I don't usually write reviews but now that I'm a year and a half into it, it's time. Mitch is GREAT! Upon first meeting him and completely nervous about learning to play guitar, Mitch made me, and still does, feel very at ease. He has great knowledge and is VERY patient. If your thinking about lessons, Mitch is the best.
D S.
Aug 30, 2012
I have been playing guitar for a long time, but never learned how to play lead before. However, after just a brief period of time with Mitch, I can already play some solos. I highly recommend Mitch to anybody else in a similar situation.
Jordan C.
Aug 29, 2012
Mitch inspired me to follow my love of the guitar and I'm now proud to say that I am a graduate of Berklee College of Music and a professional touring musician. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to learn how to express himself through music.