Jay Mathes Private Guitar Instruction

Dale Howard _{on Google}

Aug 3rd, 2020

I am a middle aged adult who recently took up guitar. I tried the "self taught" online approach for a year or two, but realized the computer cannot see what I'm doing wrong and correct me. Jay challenges me and does not allow me to take the pitfall shortcuts in playing. After starting lessons with Jay my progress accelerated. The value of developing core skills which translate to better playing in the long run cannot be understated. Also I appreciate Jay's understanding and flexibility when it comes to schedule adjustments due to my professional travel requirements.

Steve Thill _{on Google}

Apr 19th, 2020

Jay is an awesome guitar instructor! Ive taken lessons with him for 11 months and he has greatly expanded my playing and knowledge of the fretboard. If you are looking for theory he can go as deep as you want. If you are looking to just play he can help you build a toolbox to more easily pickup songs. Jay was able to customize his lesson plan to fit my goals and make the most of our time together. Nothing is better than in-person lessons with a great instructor and Jay delivers!

Feli Arn _{on Google}

Dec 17th, 2019

I am a senior who decided to start learning to play the guitar for pure enjoyment and to hopefully in the future, jam with my grandsons, the oldest being 6 and interested in guitar. I travel quite a bit especially to the west coast and to the mountain Rockies to visit my children. Jay had been very accommodating with my schedule. My elderly finger joints were not cooperative at times limiting the chords I can play but Jay was patient with me, gave me good tips, he is truly an excellent teacher. I enjoy playing the guitar, it is a good exercise for my fingers and I highly recommend Jay Mathes for guitar lessons.

Jeff Fischer _{on Google}

Jul 21st, 2018

Jay will not only teach you guitar, but he will customize your lessons to what you need and want to learn. Jay is a one of a kind and highly recommended.

Brian Welk _{on Google}

Oct 21st, 2015

I took guitar with Jay for nearly three years along with my dad before moving away, and he taught me everything I know about how to play the guitar. I learned from scratch from Jay, not being able to play a note, and while I'm no instant expert or rock star yet, I never thought I would be able to play this well or would have guitar become this much an important part of my life before having taken lessons from Jay.
Jay is an extremely laid back individual, very fun to talk to and get to know, and he's a great guitar player as well as a solid songwriter with his own catalog of albums. But he attended music school and has a background in music theory, so he'll teach you music as well as how to play the guitar. It's something to know when starting to take lessons should you initially find it a little slow or immediately want to learn a song, but it's worth the wait because it will really enrich your playing later. What Jay will teach you is stuff you can't find online from quick YouTube tutorials. And yet he will rock out with you in jam sessions and teach you blues, songs, soloing and technique. Let him know what you want to learn and he will listen and help you out and answer questions, often with elaborate detail.
His prices are reasonable and he's a great option if you live in the Western Chicago suburbs. Jay operates out of a basement in a suburb home, but don't let that throw you, as he often records bands down there as well and has produced some great results.
If it weren't for moving away, I'd still be taking lessons, and I'm going to miss spending my Mondays with Jay!