Lessons
Improve your playing, and your guitar maintenance chops, with guitar lessons by Dan Holtz, a working luthier and guitar tech in Colchester, Vermont.
- 6 string guitar only
- Electric or acoustic guitar
- Rock, blues, folk & country (but not fingerpicking)
Why Choose Dan?
I’ve played guitar since 1988, mostly self-taught. I’ve taken some lessons here and there to break plateaus. Over the years, I’ve played solo and in bands, and recorded at home and in studios. I can move around the fretboard and improvise in any key. My mental understanding is probably better than my live chops these days, I just play for fun.
I’m a patient, thorough teacher who enjoys learning how people learn. Rather than follow one system, I adapt lessons to your style. You will break a plateau and have new ideas to explore when we’re done. It’s just inevitable.
How Lessons Work
I give short, focused lesson packages called flights: 3 or 5 lessons built around one goal. No monthly commitment, open-ended enrollment, or fixed time slot. It works around you.
🚀 1. Buy a Flight
See options below, or propose your own. I will adjust to fit your goals.
📆 2. Book Times
Pay once, then schedule around your life anytime within 60-90 days.
📈 3. Level Up
Finish having broken a plateau. Take another flight, or don't. Your call.
Pricing
Every lesson is 60 minutes, which is enough time to settle in and relax – not watch the clock.
3-Lesson Flight $225
Buy up front, schedule three lessons around your availability. Use all three within 60 days.
$75 per lesson. 60 minutes each.
5-Lesson Flight $325
Buy up front, schedule five lessons around your availability. Use all five within 90 days.
$65 per lesson. 60 minutes each.
Trial Lesson (Optional) $50
Try me out before committing to a flight. I’ll assess your playing, you can assess my teaching style. Together we can work out where you’re stuck and what to work on.
30 minutes. No package required.
In-Person or Online
Teaching online means I am unable to full assess your physical posture and hand/finger positioning. That can be challenging for early beginners, just something to consider.
In-Person
Take your lessons in my workshop. I have a variety of amps ready to rock. It’s a comfy space where most folks really enjoy hanging out.
Online
I recommend connecting via Zoom. There are audio settings we can tweak to make playing in real-time sound better.
3-Lesson Flights
These fit a wide range of players, but feel free to propose your own.
First Foundations
You get: Learning to tune, first five open chords, a simple practice routine, and the confidence to tell "normal" from "something's wrong with my guitar."
You are: Brand new to guitar, or your started and stalled.
Buying a first guitar for someone? Add a Setup and this makes a great gift.
Knock the Rust Off
You are: Returning after many years (or decades) away.
You get: Refreshed fundamentals, songs you actually want to play, and a plan for the guitar that's been in the closet. Bring it along and we'll find out what it needs.
Comfortable Hands & Body
You are: Struggling with soreness in fingers, wrists, shoulders, etc. when you play.
You get: Better posture, easier fretting technique, smart string and action choices, and a practice routine that respects your hands.
5-Lesson Flights
Know Your Guitar
You are: Curious about what makes your guitar work and want some hands-on bench time. This flight is only available here.
You get: A feel for what relief, action, and intonation actually do; the words to describe a problem to any tech; and a few basic adjustments you can safely do yourself.
Need the real thing? See Signature Setup and Restrings & Setups.
Fretboard Freedom
You are: Ready to stop playing shapes and start seeing the whole neck.
You get: A working grasp of CAGED, intervals, and why notes and chords fit together, so you can move anywhere on the neck without guessing.
Dynamics & Performance
You are: Comfortable with the notes and ready to make them mean something.
You get: Control over touch, volume, and phrasing, plus one song performed with intent.
Play a Song With Friends
You are: Ready to get good enough to jam with other people.
You get: One song from start to finish, clean chord changes, solid rhythm, and the know-how to keep time with others.