Guitar lessons in Belfast
Learn guitar in Belfast with local professionals — lessons available in person or online for all abilities.
Teachers near Belfast
Browse a few nearby teachers to get started — or search again above to refine.
My name is Joel Harkin, I’m a folk singer/guitar teacher based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I have been playing for 15 years and in a number of different outfits of various styles: Indie, Punk, Folk, Country etc. I understand that each student comes with their own aspirations and goals, and I’m here to help you reach them. Together, we’ll create a roadmap that focuses on what excites you most about playing the guitar, ensuring that every session brings you closer to achieving those milestones. I take pride in cultivating an encouraging environment where you can experiment and grow at your own pace. By incorporating your musical interests and goals into our lessons, I keep the learning experience fresh and enjoyable. From mastering essential techniques to tackling more challenging pieces, my support will empower you as you navigate your musical journey and unlock your potential as a guitarist.
Mike Yip is an experienced music educator, composer and performer. Coming from a strong Jazz and Improvisation background, he is also proficient in folk, pop, rock, blues, and funk music. Having giving lessons to students at various levels for over 20 years, Mike understands the process of learning. He captures and sustains students’ motivation by tailoring lessons for each individual to meet their needs. He also helps students to build up confidence by encouraging them to perform in public and taking examinations. He is familiar with the syllabus of Rockschool and Trinity Rock & Pop examinations. On top of his guitar teaching, Mike lectured in various universities in Hong Kong before his relocation to Northern Ireland in 2021. He posses a master degree (M.Phil) in music composition from The University of Hong Kong, and a grade 8 guitar certificate with distinction from Rockschool. He also offers lessons at the Ulster College of Music in Belfast. Qualifications: RSL Electric Guitar Grade 8 (Passed with Distinction), Master of Philosophy in Composition (The University of Hong Kong), Bachelor of Arts (Music), First Class Honours (The University of Hong Kong)
Andrew Mackle has been playing guitar almost 40 years and has been performing and touring with the international ABBA tribute band 'The Bjorn Identity' since 2019 . Throughout his career he has studied various styles of music and performance. He began playing guitar at the age of 12 and quickly fell in love with music. For over 10 years he toured the world extensively as part of the Irish rock band 'Million Dollar Reload' sharing the stage with many rock legends such as Alice Cooper, Def Leppard and various members of Guns N Roses to name a few as well as playing to audiences of up to 30,000. Following a 2 year hiatus from music, Andy began working in musical theatre before returning to the stage to work with Musicon Entertainment on The Iconettes & the Hitzvilles Motown show prior to joining The Bjorn Identity. Andrew achieved his Grade 8 from Rockschool in 2005 and teaches primarily rock and pop guitar. The Rockschool Grades allow players from beginners upwards to cover all aspects of the guitar as well as building confidence in performance. Qualifications: RSL Pro Zone Grade 8
I have been playing the guitar for more than 30 years and I have been teaching guitar for 25. Since I embarked on my musical endeavour, the guitar has brought me to many different countries, through performance and pursuit of musical knowledge. I have played in duets and big bands, soul bands, funk bands, reggae bands, punk bands, ska bands, pop bands and have a special interest in Bossa Nova and Jazz as well as music of eastern influence, mainly from the Balkans. I studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and graduated in 2003 with a Bmus(hons). There I learned guitar under the tutelage of Fred T. Baker and I also studied composition. I started to teach guitar when I was 21 and have continued to do so since then. I enjoy teaching and feel that it has helped me to learn my trade in much more depth as a result. The road to mastery is through teaching. Music Qualifications & Achievements: Bmus(hons). Guitar and composition. I have played extensively in the UK and in many European cities as well as in the USA and Brazil having done support concerts with the likes of Jethro Tull, The Beat, Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello) and worked with Chiekh Lo.
About guitar lessons in Belfast
Whether you’re learning chords for the first time or preparing for performances, Belfast guitar teachers can tailor lessons to your goals. Online lessons are also an option.
Many Belfast teachers offer lessons from home studios, travel locally, or teach online depending on preference.
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Guitar lessons: what to expect
The best guitar lessons near you aren’t just about distance — they’re about a teacher who helps you progress with clarity. Search by location to find in-person guitar lessons, or choose online lessons to access specialist teachers for acoustic, electric, fingerstyle, rock, or grades.
Guitar lessons work for complete beginners, intermediate players, and advanced students. Lessons can be tailored for children, teenagers, or adults returning to guitar — with a focus on the styles and songs you actually want to play.
Most students work on chord fluency, rhythm, strumming feel, scales, finger placement, and repertoire. A good teacher will also structure your practice so you build confidence and technique without getting stuck.
Online guitar lessons can be highly effective, especially for busy schedules and specialist tuition. In-person lessons can feel more hands-on and are great if you prefer local support and face-to-face feedback.
A simple learning path for guitar
A good teacher will tailor lessons to your goals — but here’s what progress often looks like.
Learn posture, tuning, chord changes, strumming patterns, and how to practise without building bad habits.
Build a steady sense of timing, expand chord vocabulary (including barre chords), and play full songs with confidence.
Develop picking, fingerstyle, lead basics, improvisation foundations, or exam preparation — depending on your goals.
Getting started: what you need
Keep it simple at first — your teacher can help you choose the right setup.
- Acoustic vs electric: your teacher can recommend what fits your music taste and comfort.
- A tuner + a few picks is enough to start — then add a capo or strap as you progress.
- A simple practice routine beats long sessions: aim for consistency, not intensity.
Styles & goals your teacher can support
Choose a direction — lessons can be tailored around what you actually want to play.
Chord progressions, strumming feel, accompaniment patterns, and building a set of songs.
Riffs, power chords, pentatonic shapes, bends, vibrato, and solo phrasing.
Right-hand patterns, independence, tone control, and arranging songs for solo guitar.
Technique, repertoire, sight-reading or musicianship skills, and a clear practice plan.
Popular cities for guitar lessons
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Other lessons in Belfast
Trust & safety
Parents and students should always feel confident asking about safeguarding, insurance, and lesson policies.
FAQs about guitar lessons in Belfast
It depends on the teacher; many travel locally, some teach from home studios, and many provide online lessons.
Yes — online lessons are widely available and work well for flexible schedules.
Consider teaching experience, lesson structure, and the teacher’s approach to practice and repertoire.
Many beginners can play simple songs within a few weeks. Consistent practice and guidance from a good teacher help you progress faster and avoid bad habits.
Yes. Guitar lessons are popular with adult learners of all levels, including complete beginners and those returning after a break.
It helps to have your own guitar so you can practise regularly. Your teacher can advise on a suitable beginner acoustic or electric option.
Online lessons work well for many students and can be just as structured as in-person lessons when taught by experienced teachers.
Yes. Many guitar teachers support students preparing for graded exams, helping with technique, repertoire, and practice structure.