I offer private 1-on-1 guitar lessons either in person at my San Jose studio or online via Skype or Zoom. Ranked as the best guitar teacher in the San Jose Bay Area, I have over 20 years of experience in teaching, touring, and recording. My specialties include rock, metal, blues, fingerstyle, pop acoustic, and classical music. My techniques are developed from years of learning from guitar masters such as Joe Satriani, John Mayer, Steve Vai, and George Lynch.
As for my credentials, I am a highly enthusiastic musician who began teaching myself guitar at the age of 12. After moving to the US in 2001, I earned my B.M. and M.M. in music and audio production from San Francisco State University. I later trained with the likes of John Mayer, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and George Lynch. I've played hundreds of concerts both in the US and Europe with legendary artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, and Guns N Roses, among others. I was even ranked #1 in the Slash Guitar Center competition and have been recognized by various publications and competitions.
My lessons aim to help students powerfully communicate through the essence of music, develop their musical talents, and find their strengths and weaknesses. I strongly emphasize basic skills, good sight-reading, guitar technique, and theory. I teach students of all ages and levels, designing lessons tailored to the individual's needs and goals.
While my rate may appear higher than others, my wider and deeper playing and teaching experience enables better and faster results. I'm all about efficiency and effectiveness, so my students save time and money in the long run. Additionally, I have a cancellation policy of at least 24 hours notice to reschedule or cancel lessons without penalty.
Guitar type:
Acoustic, Electric, I can make a recommendation
Interested musical styles:
Rock, Blues, Country, Folk, Jazz, Classical, Recommendations available
Service location:
Remotely
Service Reviews
5.0
63 reviews
Service as described
5.0
Communication
5.0
Punctuality
5.0
NG
Nicole G.
With his exceptional level of patience, Ahmad proves to be an exemplary teacher. He has a unique way of initiating your guitar playing journey from day 1 while also ensuring that the basics are thoroughly understood. What strikes me the most is his ability to tailor his teaching pace according to his students. This approach has particularly assisted me since I began as an absolute novice. Additionally, his extensive professional experience is truly captivating. Partnering with Ahmad will undoubtedly be advantageous regardless of your skill level.
January 6, 2023
NC
Nicole C.
For over a year and a half, I've been Ahmad's student despite being a beginner at 59 years old. Under his guidance, I've been happily rediscovering guitar-playing. Though I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar since high school when I first heard rock and roll music, I doubted myself due to my short fingers. Ahmad, however, has instilled confidence in me and made me realize that I'm progressing as a guitar player. I'm now able to play simple songs, jam along with a backing track, and quickly pick up new techniques. Ahmad has been teaching me guitar techniques that are seemingly complicated but ultimately manageable. He has successfully debunked the guitar's mystery, which is credit to his teaching skills. Ahmad is always punctual and flexible with scheduling our lessons, despite us being almost 50 miles apart. Though I've considered finding a closer instructor, I've enjoyed every bit of his lessons. Ahmad has been patient with me, especially when my old fingers don't keep up with the music. Surprisingly, I'm now practicing more after becoming more accomplished and confident in executing musical techniques. Ahmad has also been teaching me musical theory, and I'm slowly but surely becoming better at it. We've also had fascinating conversations about life and happiness during our sessions. Overall, I highly recommend Ahmad to any level student because he offers much more than just guitar lessons. Thank you for fulfilling my lifelong dream of playing the guitar, Ahmad. Even if I never perform on a big stage, being able to play a song for my friends and family has been life-changing.
November 29, 2022
JJ
Joseph J.
Ahmad is extraordinary! He has the ability to play almost any genre on the guitar, and he excels at teaching. I await eagerly for my weekly lesson with him!
October 9, 2022
JR
Jonathan R.
Ahmad is an exceptional and gifted teacher! His teachings are informative, beneficial and enjoyable. He possesses an incredibly perceptive and attentive ear which makes it effortless for him to identify where you might be struggling in a particular portion or scale. This enables him to quickly offer multiple useful solutions that resolve any issues which may arise while playing. He has a remarkable ability to make the guitar truly sing and is excellent at guiding you through the intricacies that elevate the sound to the next level. The pieces we learn are exquisite and enjoyable thanks to his amazing teaching skills. Additionally, he is an amiable and laid-back person which makes the lessons more fun.
July 10, 2022
AC
Ashley C.
For a year now, I have had the privilege of taking lessons from Ahmad as my instructor. I consider myself lucky to have found him. Despite being a beginner, Ahmad had a perfect plan in place when I shared with him my musical interests. He possesses a remarkable knowledge of music, and he has a gift for explaining complex concepts in a simple and concise manner. As a teacher, he is a positive, authentic, patient, and encouraging person. Moreover, he is a thorough professional who is always punctual and dependable. I wholeheartedly recommend Ahmad to anyone who wants to learn guitar or improve their skills, regardless of their musical preferences.
