GUITAR LESSONS

Guitar Lessons in Gallatin, TN

Whether you're dreaming of strumming your first chords or ready to tear into your next solo, Ovation Music & Studios is the place to make it happen. Located at 107 East Main St. in historic downtown Gallatin, our private guitar lessons pair you with experienced, working musicians who teach the music you love — one-on-one, at your pace, in a welcoming studio built for players of every age and skill level.

Don't be basic, be Ovation.

What You'll Learn

Every student gets a plan built around their goals, favorite music, and experience. Along the way, you'll develop:

• Chords & strumming — open chords, barre chords, and the rhythm patterns behind thousands of songs
• Picking & fingerstyle technique — clean, confident playing with a pick or your fingers
• Reading music — tablature, chord charts, and standard notation
• Lead guitar — scales, riffs, solos, and improvisation
• Rhythm & timing — playing in the pocket and locking in with other musicians
• Music theory — understanding how music works, right on the fretboard
• Ear training & songwriting — learning songs by ear and writing your own
• Tone & gear — getting great sound from your guitar, amp, and effects

Lessons for Kids, Teens & Adults

Kids — Fun, encouraging lessons that build a strong foundation, good practice habits, and real confidence. We keep young players motivated by mixing fundamentals with songs they actually want to play.

Teens — From learning favorite songs to building serious technique, teens get the skills to play with friends, join a band, write original music, or prepare for school and community performances.

Adults — It's never too late to start (or come back to) the guitar. Whether you're a complete beginner or picking it up again after years away, our instructors meet you where you are and help you play the music you love.

Acoustic & Electric Guitar

Acoustic guitar lessons are perfect for singer-songwriters, worship players, campfire strummers, and fans of country, folk, bluegrass, and pop. Electric guitar lessons dive into rock, blues, metal, funk, and more — including lead playing, effects, and amp tone. Not sure which is right for you? Your instructor will help you choose, and many students learn both.

Beginner Through Advanced

Beginner: Holding the guitar, tuning, your first chords and strumming patterns, and playing complete songs sooner than you'd expect.

Intermediate: Barre chords, scales, lead technique, rhythm variations, and expanding your song list across styles.

Advanced: Improvisation, advanced theory, speed and precision, songwriting and arranging, and performance and recording preparation.

Meet Our Guitar Instructors

Our guitar instructors are experienced musicians who love helping students grow.

• Kirk Caravello
• Brandon Blackburn
• Travis Wetzel
• Chelsea Beachy
• Ella Aven
• Greg Rausch
• Lonnie Cravens — Beginner guitar

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child need to be to start guitar lessons?

Every child is different — readiness depends on attention span, hand size, and interest. Reach out and we'll help you decide whether guitar (or a smaller-scale instrument like ukulele) is the best place to start.

I've never played before. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Many of our students start with zero experience, including plenty of adults. Your instructor will start right where you are and build from there.

Should I start on acoustic or electric guitar?

Either one works! The best choice is the guitar that matches the music you're excited to play. Your instructor can help you decide, and the skills you learn carry over to both.

Do I need my own guitar?

Yes — you'll want a guitar at home so you can practice between lessons. Not sure what to get? We sell guitars and accessories right here at Ovation and are happy to help you find the right size, style, and fit.

How often should I take lessons and practice?

Most students take one private lesson each week. Short, consistent practice sessions — even 15 to 20 minutes most days — make a big difference, and your instructor will give you a clear plan for what to work on.

Can I learn the songs and styles I like?

That's the idea! Rock, country, blues, worship, pop, metal, folk, and more — your lessons are built around your goals and the music that inspires you.

Do I need to be advanced to join RockShop?

No. RockShop groups students by skill level and instrument, so players at different stages can experience being in a real band and performing live.

How do I get started?

Just send us a quick inquiry through our Contact page. We'll answer your questions, match you with the right instructor, and help you find a lesson time that fits your schedule.