Lessons · Guitar
Guitar lessons in Santa Barbara
Acoustic or electric — start with the song that made you want to play.
Guitar is the instrument most people walk in already dreaming about. We start with the music you love — the riff, the artist, the song — and build real skill from there, on acoustic or electric.
What you'll learn
- Chords, strumming, and your first full song
- Riffs, scales, and lead playing when you're ready
- How to figure out any song you hear
- Songwriting, for students who want to make their own
Styles: Rock, blues, folk, pop, and singer-songwriting.
Who teaches guitar
All ages and levels, beginners welcome.
Your first lesson is free
Free first lesson: tell your teacher the song stuck in your head, and you'll leave having played a piece of it. That's the whole idea.
Why learn at Detar
A real recording studio
Every room is treated and mic'd — students learn where records actually get made, not a strip-mall practice room.
A band to play in
Our band program puts students together for real rehearsals and a show at a Santa Barbara venue — the fastest way to fall in love with playing.
Then you record it
Advanced students cut their own tracks in the studio with founder Gus DeTar — the journey from first lesson to finished song, under one roof.
Guitar lessons — common questions
How much do guitar lessons cost in Santa Barbara?
Guitar lessons at Detar Music Studios are $70 for 30 minutes, $100 for 45 minutes, and $130 for 60 minutes, weekly. The first trial lesson is free and there is no registration fee.
Who teaches guitar at Detar Music Studios?
Hudson Caceres, Micaela McCall and Gus DeTar teach guitar at Detar. They're working musicians who gig and record, not a rotating cast of college kids.
What age can you start guitar lessons?
All ages and levels, beginners welcome. We'll match the student to a teacher who suits their age and goals.
What styles of guitar do you teach?
Rock, blues, folk, pop, and singer-songwriting. Lessons are built around the music the student actually wants to play.
What happens in the first guitar lesson?
Free first lesson: tell your teacher the song stuck in your head, and you'll leave having played a piece of it. That's the whole idea.
Explore other instruments
Ready to start guitar?
Your first lesson is free.
Thirty minutes, no commitment, no registration fee — just come play.
Book a free trial lesson146 Powers Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 · (805) 280-5439