Haiden Hibbert
There’s no question that people look for videos and tutorials more than in-person classes nowadays, whether that’s for cooking, yoga, or music. If you have guitar expertise and are considering teaching guitar online, just know you have several options for how you might monetize your skills!
From selling 1:1 virtual lessons to offering a subscription to a content library of tutorials, there are artists out there making a living from selling guitar content on their websites – and I’m going to show you exactly how to do it in five steps.
Teach guitar lessons online!
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Table of Contents
Step 1: Figure Out What Your Business Will Offer
Selling guitar lessons, whether they’re live classes or prerecorded tutorials, is not the only option when it comes to making money from teaching guitar. Just think about all the resources you would’ve found valuable when you started your music journey.
I’ve seen online guitar instructors sell all sorts of exclusive content to students, like:
- Online courses – Structured lessons covering specific techniques or styles
- 1:1 or group virtual lessons – Private Zoom sessions for personalized coaching
- A members-only content library – Access to video tutorials, practice exercises, and downloadable materials
- A private community – A space where students can ask questions, get feedback, and connect with other guitarists
- Premium newsletters or podcast episodes – Exclusive insights, practice tips, or Q&A sessions for subscribers
A great example of this in action is Mike’s membership, The Art of Guitar. He offers online video guitar lessons with a private lesson feel for just $10.95 a month – a fraction of the cost of private lessons, which can run hundreds of dollars. With over 30 years of teaching experience, he’s built a valuable, affordable content library for students at all skill levels. His model shows how you can provide high-quality lessons while making them accessible to a wider audience.
Step 2: Launch a Guitar Teaching Website
While a YouTube channel is a great way to build an audience, you’ll need your own website to sell lessons and premium content directly. This gives you full control over your business, pricing, and customer experience.
Don’t worry – setting up a website is easier than you might think! Platforms like Squarespace (best for beginners) and WordPress (ideal for flexibility and advanced features) allow you to create a professional-looking site in no time.
Start with a simple one-page website that includes:
- A brief introduction about who you are and what you offer
- Details about your lessons or membership options
- A clear call-to-action, such as a button to sign up or book a lesson
You can always expand your site later, but getting something live quickly lets you start selling content right away.
Step 3: Add Exclusive Content to Your Website
Now that your website is set up, it’s time to upload your guitar lessons and other exclusive content. Whether you’re offering video tutorials, audio lessons, practice guides, or written breakdowns, your website will serve as the central hub where students access everything.
You can add content in any format, including:
- Videos – Embed tutorials from Vimeo or YouTube (unlisted) or upload them directly.
- Audio files – Share backing tracks or practice exercises.
- PDFs & Sheet Music – Offer downloadable lesson notes and chord charts.
- Written Lessons – Provide step-by-step guides for different techniques.
Each lesson or resource can be added to its own page, making it easy for students to navigate. Once everything is in place, the next step is ensuring that only paying members can access your content!
Step 4: Lock Your Content Pages
Right now, all your webpages are open to the public, so you’ll need to gate them to ensure only paying students can access your content. To do this, you’ll need to install a membership tool like MemberSpace (this takes just a few minutes!).
From your MemberSpace dashboard, just tell us which pages should be members-only, and our paywall will instantly appear. Students will need to log in or create an account and pay before they can access your exclusive content.
With your content now protected, the final step is setting up your pricing plans.
Step 5: Set Up Your Pricing Plans
Now for the most important part – charging for your lessons! With MemberSpace, you can:
- Offer one-time purchases (e.g., a single course or lesson pack)
- Set up monthly or yearly memberships (e.g., access to all lessons for $X/month)
- Enable tiered pricing (e.g., different levels of access for different price points)
- Give away some content for free (e.g., a lead magnet to attract email subscribers)
And to make checkout as easy as possible, you can also enable quick-pay options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Once your pricing plan is ready, you’ll get a signup link to add to your website’s CTA buttons. When a student clicks the button, they’ll be prompted to create an account, pay, and instantly unlock their lessons.
And just like that – you’re officially in business!
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Guitar Online
1. How can I teach guitar online?
You can teach guitar online by offering live lessons, selling pre-recorded tutorials, creating an online course, or building a membership site with exclusive content. Choose a format that fits your teaching style and students’ needs.
2. Can I make money teaching guitar online?
Yes! Many instructors earn income through one-time course sales, monthly memberships, or private coaching. Using a membership tool like MemberSpace, you can lock your lesson pages and charge for access.
3. How do I start teaching guitar for beginners?
Create structured lessons covering basic chords, strumming patterns, and simple songs. Offer video tutorials, PDFs, and practice exercises to help beginners learn step by step.
4. Do I need to be an advanced guitarist to sell lessons online?
No, as long as you can teach the basics clearly, beginners will find value in your lessons. Many successful instructors focus on helping beginners get started.
5. Can I still use YouTube if I have a paid membership?
Yes! Many instructors use YouTube to offer free content and attract an audience while selling premium lessons on their website.
6. What’s the best way to get my first students?
Promote your lessons on social media, offer a free mini-course, and use email marketing to build an audience. Collaborating with other musicians can also help you grow.
Final Thoughts
Selling guitar lessons online is a great way to share your expertise while building a steady income. With the right setup, you can create a business that works for you – whether that’s offering live lessons, on-demand courses, or a full membership experience!
For more resources on growing a successful membership business, check out MemberSpace University. It’s free for membership business owners and includes webinars, workshops, templates, and more to help you scale your business. Let us know if you have any questions, and good luck!
Teach guitar lessons online!
The easiest way to accept membership payments or one-time charges for digital products like online courses, communities, content libraries, and more — all from your own website!
Get started for free! 5 minutes to set up.
