Business Details
42 Years
experience
Online Guitar Lessons & Courses | Jim Sutton Institute
The Jim Sutton Institute of Guitar has been a trusted leader in guitar education since 1984, offering structured, instructor-supported distance learning programs for acoustic and electric guitar. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive education, with courses and supplementary studies that progress from beginner to professional levels. We specialize in personalized learning experiences, allowing students to customize programs based on their goals, whether they are hobbyists or aspiring professionals. Our courses include the Moving Toward Great Guitar Playing Course for beginners and intermediates, the Music Theory Course for Guitar Players for intermediate learners, and the advanced Modal and Solo Composition Course. With over 90 supplementary studies covering blues, jazz, country, fingerstyle, and more, our structured approach ensures students develop a cohesive understanding of guitar theory, technique, and performance.Our global reach has benefited students from Europe, Canada, Asia, and beyond, all supported by direct instructor feedback. Founded by Jim Sutton, a seasoned educator with decades of experience, we emphasize a holistic approach to guitar mastery, combining technical skill with creative expression. Our commitment to quality education at an affordable price has made us a preferred choice for guitarists seeking structured, self-paced learning. We provide all necessary support materials, including free resources like weekly online studies and personalized guidance through email or phone. Our mission remains to help students achieve their musical goals through a well-rounded, accessible, and expertly crafted curriculum.
Services
Online Guitar Lessons
Private Instruction
Music Theory Courses
Supplementary Studies
Bundled Course Packages
Modal Composition
Ear Training
Reading Notation
Fingerstyle Guitar
Jazz Guitar Studies
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer a structured curriculum designed to fill educational gaps and build cohesive guitar skills.
- Our courses are customized to align with individual student goals and interests.
- Founded in 1984, we bring decades of experience in guitar education.
- Direct instructor support ensures personalized feedback and guidance.
- Global student base benefits from our accessible, self-paced learning model.
Services
Online Guitar Lessons
Structured self-paced guitar courses cover theory, technique, and performance. Designed for all skill levels, lessons include personalized feedback and resources. Students progress from basic chords to advanced solo composition with expert guidance.
Private Instruction
Live sessions via Skype or in-studio lessons in Spring, Texas. Tailored to individual needs, focusing on specific goals like songwriting, improvisation, or technical mastery. Includes real-time feedback and customized practice plans.
Music Theory Course
Comprehensive curriculum covering scales, chords, notation, and harmonic progressions. Builds foundational knowledge for intermediate players transitioning to advanced techniques. Combines practical exercises with theoretical concepts for applied learning.
Supplementary Studies
Over 90 focused studies on blues, jazz, fingerstyle, ear training, and more. Designed to reinforce core courses or explore niche areas. Each study addresses specific skills like rhythm drills, modal improvisation, or reading notation.
Bundled Course Packages
Curated bundles offer cost-effective access to multiple courses. Includes progressive tracks from beginner to advanced levels. Bundles combine core curricula with supplementary studies for a cohesive learning path.
People
Jim Sutton
Founder
Jim Sutton established the institute in 1984, bringing decades of guitar education expertise. He designs courses emphasizing structured learning and practical application. His approach focuses on bridging technical skill with creative expression for students worldwide.
Questions
What guitar courses do you offer for beginners?
We offer the Moving Toward Great Guitar Playing Course and Bundle 1 for absolute beginners.
Do you provide personalized guitar instruction?
Yes, we customize programs based on individual goals with direct instructor support.
Are your courses available internationally?
Yes, students worldwide can access our correspondence courses and studies.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments via PayPal for all courses and study materials.
Do you offer refunds for damaged products?
Yes, damaged merchandise can be returned within 10 days for a full refund.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Matt Long
Oct 29, 2021
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I have been a student of Jim's for a little over two years and our lesson time is one of the highlights of my week. Jim is a fun and patient teacher and he mixes great song selections (from country, to surf rock, to punk, to metal, and everything in between) with just the right amount of music theory and technique practice to steadily build my guitar skills while enjoying the process. Jim has been super flexible in adopting to teaching on-line since the pandemic started and I hardly know the difference anymore (although in-person lessons are available again). Taking lessons with Jim has really increased my enjoyment of the guitar!
S. S.
Oct 23, 2021
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I have been taking lessons with Jim for about 2 years and he has been an excellent teacher! He's able to teach in a wide variety of styles and his lessons all involve not only pieces of music, but also several exercises that help me to better understand scales, chords, and theory. I would highly recommend him as a teacher for any skill level.
Greg M.
Oct 20, 2021
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I have been taking lessons with Jim for over 2 years now and I can say he is beyond compare when it comes to guitar instruction. He has a very encouraging style of teaching which helps you to build confidence and more importantly to have fun! His program keeps you highly engaged with a new song or two to learn every week. The end result is that you have your guitar in your hands more of the time throughout the week which is what is going to get you better faster. Jim's program also builds your knowledge of musical theory, writing, soloing, etc. Jim is an incredibly humble and amazingly talented guitarist in his own right but the focus of his lessons is always on the student. My lessons with Jim are definitely a weekly highlight in my life.
The Ravenpuff
Oct 08, 2021
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Mr. Jim is awesome! I have been playing for a little over a year online and I am nowhere near where I started. The lessons are very easy to understand and you can always ask questions about pieces you struggle with, no matter what skill level you are at. Mr. Jim makes 30 minutes of learning and/or improving very fun and I highly recommend this institute.
Michael Pieper
Aug 15, 2021
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Jim gave me guitar lessons throughout junior high and high school, now about fifteen years ago, and recently has come back to mind as I've now started thinking about teaching my own guitar lessons. I am delighted to see he's still teaching! Music has given me so much joy and so many opportunities over the years, and a huge part of that is thanks to Jim. If you watch the videos on his site, you can clearly see he's an absolutely incredible player.
But believe me when I say that his teaching skills are even better. He didn't just teach me how to "play guitar", but how to play with a variety of techniques, how to blend genres, improvise, challenge myself, and overall, just how to love music and have fun with it. Over the years I have heard second hand from friends or family what other guitar lessons are often like, and am consistently reminded how much I hit the jackpot with having Jim teach me during my first 5 or so years of playing. And he's quite a kind man! If you're looking for a guitar teacher, you can stop now, because I can't imagine that it gets any better than Jim.
But believe me when I say that his teaching skills are even better. He didn't just teach me how to "play guitar", but how to play with a variety of techniques, how to blend genres, improvise, challenge myself, and overall, just how to love music and have fun with it. Over the years I have heard second hand from friends or family what other guitar lessons are often like, and am consistently reminded how much I hit the jackpot with having Jim teach me during my first 5 or so years of playing. And he's quite a kind man! If you're looking for a guitar teacher, you can stop now, because I can't imagine that it gets any better than Jim.
Thomas Kerr
Jun 28, 2017
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Jim is an excellent instructor. Patient and prepared. He can handle a wide interest in musical styles. He has taught my kids for 2+ years lured me in to taking lessons too. Best part of my work week.
Earl Eichenlaub
Jan 30, 2017
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Jim is a fantastic teacher! He is very knowledgeable. I look forward to my lesson time every week. I would highly recommend him to anyone at any level of playing ability.
