Business Details
36 Years
experience
Private Guitar Lessons Fort Worth
Established in 1990, Private Guitar has been dedicated to providing personalized guitar instruction tailored to each student's unique goals and musical preferences. Our founder, Derek Neece, combines 30+ years of professional performance experience with a patient, adaptive teaching style that caters to all skill levels and genres. We prioritize practical application over rigid theory, helping students develop authentic playing styles while avoiding common technical pitfalls. Our community of satisfied learners includes professional musicians, aspiring songwriters, and hobbyists who credit our method for accelerated progress and sustained motivation. Located conveniently between Keller and Watauga, our studio offers a welcoming environment where students focus solely on musical growth. Through individualized lesson plans and real-time feedback, we ensure each student receives the guidance needed to achieve their personal milestones. Backed by decades of industry experience and a track record of successful students, we remain committed to making quality guitar education accessible and transformative. Our approach balances technical precision with creative expression, ensuring students build both competence and confidence.
Services
Blues Guitar Lessons
Classic Rock Guitar Lessons
Acoustic Guitar Classes
Beginner Guitar Lessons
Intermediate Guitar Lessons
Advanced Guitar Lessons
Country Guitar Classes
Jazz Guitar Classes
Kids Guitar Lessons
Group Guitar Lessons
Served areas
- Dallas/Fort Worth, Keller, Watauga, North Richland Hills, Southlake, Grapevine
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of professional music performance experience
- Customized lesson plans for individual learning styles
- Proven track record with 100% satisfied students
- Specialized instruction in blues, rock, jazz, and country
- Conveniently located between Keller and Watauga
Associations and certifications
- KEGL EAGLE, KDGE THE EDGE
What people say
Amazing instructor
Huge change
Passionate
Best teacher
Improved skills
Services
Blues Guitar Lessons
Master blues guitar techniques from beginner to advanced levels through personalized instruction. Learn authentic blues phrasing, improvisation, and song structure while studying legendary artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. Develop expressive playing with emphasis on tone, timing, and emotional delivery in a supportive learning environment.
Classic Rock Guitar Classes
Study iconic rock guitar techniques through note-for-note analysis of legendary songs. Focus on essential rock scales, soloing techniques, and rhythm patterns from artists like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Build stage-ready performance skills with practical applications of rock guitar theory and mechanics.
Acoustic Guitar Classes
Develop proficiency in acoustic guitar with specialized training in fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques. Expand chord vocabulary and rhythmic precision while learning to create dynamic performances. Focus on proper hand positioning, finger independence, and song interpretation for both solo and ensemble playing situations.
Advanced Guitar Lessons
Refine advanced techniques including modal systems, sweep picking, and complex improvisation. Study advanced music theory application and transcription analysis while developing professional-level performance skills. Focus on personalized artistic development and mastery of technical challenges across multiple genres.
Beginner Guitar Lessons
Start your guitar journey with proper foundational techniques and structured learning. Learn basic chords, correct hand positioning, and essential strumming patterns in a supportive environment. Develop practical skills to play favorite songs within months while avoiding common technical mistakes.
Questions
What guitar styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in blues, rock, jazz, country, and acoustic styles with specialized focus areas for each genre.
Do you accept beginners?
Yes, we specialize in teaching beginners with customized lessons that build essential skills while maintaining musical enjoyment.
How long for noticeable improvement?
Most students see measurable progress within 6-8 weeks with consistent practice and weekly lessons.
What's your teaching experience?
Instructor Derek Neece has 30+ years professional experience and has taught hundreds of students since establishing this studio in 1990.
Are group lessons available?
Yes, we offer family lessons and small group sessions for shared learning experiences while maintaining quality instruction.
What makes you different from music stores?
Private instructors provide personalized attention compared to retail store lessons, with flexible scheduling and customized curriculum focused on individual goals.
Videos
Reviews (18)
Ryan Morris
Feb 27, 2022
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I have been taking lessons with Derek for a couple months so far. Derek is an amazing instructor. After over 20 years of playing I was still severly lacking on theory side of things. Derek has unpacked this in a way so much easier for me to understand than the thousands of youtube videos out there on the topic. Taking a lesson face to face allows the instructor to get live feedback and that has been very valuable. Derek is the best musician I have ever met. I am looking forward to continuing the journey!
Josh Pyron
Jul 19, 2020
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Derek is second to none as far as teaching and mentoring somebody wanting to learn how to play guitar. I'm a beginner and I started my journey at the beginning of this month and I can play several chords with transition. He's taught me proper strumming patterns. His communication is well versed and I look forward to my lesson every week because I know when I leave, my skills and perseverance improve more and more every week giving me the confidence to pursue my passion and dream of performing in front of family and live audiences.
Highly recommend this instructor. He's been worth the investment, he makes the lessons very personal and I'm gonna continue to use his talents and knowledge in the industry to supplement my own success.
Highly recommend this instructor. He's been worth the investment, he makes the lessons very personal and I'm gonna continue to use his talents and knowledge in the industry to supplement my own success.
Bree Mata
Jun 22, 2020
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Great guitarist and great teacher! I've really learned alot from Derek in the two years I've had him. He really takes into account what you are interested in learning and your music taste of what you want to learn. Derek has taught me not only about learning guitar but music as a whole itself. I definitely reccomend him!
Andrew Cain
May 27, 2020
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Derek is a fantastic instructor. My son (9) has been going for about 5 months and his playing has improved tremendously. The lessons are always fun and we learn a lot besides just how to play songs. We also learn about gear, amps, different musical styles, and even music history. Derek plays a lot of different styles, but we especially like rock music. He takes the time to help us play the songs exactly like the recordings, and shows us how to add our own flair if we want. If you're serious about growing as a guitar player I definitely recommend checking him out.
Ben Randolph
May 16, 2020
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I've been taking guitar lessons from Derek for over a year now and he's been an invaluable guide on my guitar journey during that time. He has a deep understanding of music theory, technique and tone with an ability to convey that to his students. I've advanced far beyond where I could have on my own in this stretch of time with Derek. I feel much more like a musician rather than a guy who knows how to play a few tabs. I feel I'm developing as a 'whole guitarist'.
Mark Long
Mar 17, 2020
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After a few attempts at learning guitar from YouTube, and failing miserably, I finally got on the internet and sought out a good teacher. I had the good fortune of finding Derek Neece's website, and reading the many positive comments from his students. What impressed me was that the accolades were similar from advanced students to beginners, the guy knows his stuff and knows how to teach guitar. I have been very pleased with my weekly lessons from Derek.
As a beginner, he has been instructive, encouraging and each week has been good. I feel Derek is vested in my effort to learn and his lesson plans each week build from the weeks before. His love for music, and the guitar, is evident in his time you are working with him. Regardless of your skill level, Derek can help you to achieve your aspirations with the guitar. Very highly recommended.
As a beginner, he has been instructive, encouraging and each week has been good. I feel Derek is vested in my effort to learn and his lesson plans each week build from the weeks before. His love for music, and the guitar, is evident in his time you are working with him. Regardless of your skill level, Derek can help you to achieve your aspirations with the guitar. Very highly recommended.
Joe Cerda
Mar 04, 2020
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My 13 year old son Joel has been taking guitar lessons with Derek for approximately 2 years. Initially i made the mistake of enrolling him in the nearest music school available. After about a month I realized my son was stressing out and obviously not enjoying the traditional guitar instruction. However the more I searched, the more I realized many music schools pretty much stick to the tradition guitar book teaching method.
I almost gave up and then I found Derek! And soon realized it's sometimes worth driving a little further! Derek is passionate and knows how to connect with his students at all levels. He gives me real feedback on my son's progress. My son is himself and comfortable around Derek and enjoys his style of teaching because he's learning different styles of songs and rhythms in comparison to the average instructor who uses those boring music books with children songs that my son hated lol. he's progressing beautifully
I almost gave up and then I found Derek! And soon realized it's sometimes worth driving a little further! Derek is passionate and knows how to connect with his students at all levels. He gives me real feedback on my son's progress. My son is himself and comfortable around Derek and enjoys his style of teaching because he's learning different styles of songs and rhythms in comparison to the average instructor who uses those boring music books with children songs that my son hated lol. he's progressing beautifully
Justin Beckner
Feb 05, 2020
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I have been taking lessons from Derek for two years and from the very first lesson I found that he almost instantly improved my musicianship. Derek is very patient and encouraging as a teacher and able to give you confidence in your playing. Not only is his own playing inspiring, but I find myself inspired by his playing as well. If you are serious about learning guitar or building on your existing experience, Derek is your guy.
Luke Bray
Dec 14, 2019
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I have been taking lessons from Derek for a little over 2 years now. I knew i wanted to learn how to play the guitar when i first started lesson but Derek helped me to understand the guitar and music in general. I couldn't recommend a better teacher if i tried. Derek has been nothing but helpful and i look forward to my lessons every week! He is also helpful in that he won't push you to learn something you don't want to he wants you to find what you want to learn and then dissect that song to it's very core. This is the best guitar teacher in the state!
Tnarg Eel
Nov 16, 2019
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Derek is an excellent teacher and musician. He's knowledgeable in all styles of music and guitar techniques. He can teach you anything you want to learn. Derek is also very good at breaking down complex musical theory concepts so the student can make connections and learn. I finally understand modes! He has a very nice, we'll equipped home studio and will make you feel welcome. I took lessons from Derek for more than a year and plan to return to continue studying with him one day.
Braxten Gilbert
Jul 15, 2019
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Derek is a awesome teacher! He will show you every detail and technique on whichever artist you wish to learn. He has a lot of passion and soul towards music which is rare these days. His ambition for music and the guitar will inspire you to play that much more!
Ben R.
Oct 13, 2014
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Good guitar teacher. Very versatile. Derek is really your quintessential session player, versatile in many techniques and styles. Also has a great command of music theory, not to mention a collection of some fine guitars and amplifiers. He's a bit of a night owl, which is nice for people like me who sometimes can't make it until later in the evening. Give him a try.
David A.
Apr 29, 2014
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Simply one of the best guitar players I've ever met, and I've met a lot. Seemingly fluent in every style from straight-ahead rock to blues to jazz to metal to chicken-picking, Derek is, just as importantly, able to translate to your level, from beginning to advanced. He'll teach you what you want to play--no pointless exercises in styles you don't care about. He's patient, he's reliable, his prices are very reasonable; what more could you ask for? Oh, and here's the highest endorsement I can give: I've been taking lessons with him for years, and will continue to do so!
Brian G.
Mar 23, 2011
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Derek is an outstanding teacher. I took lessons from Derek for roughly a year and I can't even begin to describe how much I learned in the process. I went from a guy who could barely play anything but bar chords, to a guy who could hold his own playing with others. Take the chance, it's a great opportunity.
Paige
When I started taking guitar lessons from Derek I noticed a huge change. He is really the best teacher I could ever ask for. Thanks so much Derek.
David Abercrombie
Simply one of the best guitar players I've ever met, and I've met a lot. Seemingly fluent in every style from straight-ahead rock to blues to jazz to metal to chicken-picking, Derek is, just as importantly, able to translate to your level, from beginning to advanced guitar. He'll teach you what you want to play--no pointless exercises in styles you don't care about. He's patient, he's reliable, his prices are very reasonable; what more could you ask for? Oh, and here's the highest endorsement I can give: I've been taking guitar lessons with him for years, and will continue to do so!
Jon Martin
I was looking for a competent guitar tutor to help me prepare for my Berklee Audition. I am now accepted in the Berklee College of Music and I feel it was a very wise choice to seek guidance from Derek Neece as a guitar instructor.
Ben Randolph
I've been taking guitar lessons from Derek for over a year now and he's been an invaluable guide on my guitar journey during that time. He has a deep understanding of music theory, technique and tone with an ability to convey that to his students. I've advanced far beyond where I could have on my own in this stretch of time with Derek. I feel much more like a musician rather than a guy who knows how to play a few tabs. I feel I'm developing as a 'whole guitarist.