Guitar Efficiency

Beginner guitar lessons with a national competition winner

Zach Adkins · First place, 2017 Ibanez Flying Fingers U.S. guitar competition

You want to play a song you love. But when a chord buzzes, what do you fix? My course shows you one step at a time. If you get stuck, ask me in the app. I’ll help you figure it out.

New to guitar? Watch this first.

Students I’ve taught

Read all 72 reviews
Connor S.Google review★★★★★Google
I’ve been working with Zach a couple of months now and he has been great. I already know 4 songs! He’s very knowledgeable, a great teacher, and makes the lessons fun.
Chanda C.Google review★★★★★Google
My daughter could only play a couple of notes. Now after 7 months with Zack, she is playing whole songs.
Dayle R.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is incredibly patient and a great motivator , not to mention a professional himself.
BryanGoogle review★★★★★Google
I’ve made more progress in a few months with Zach than I did during the entire time I spent on my own.
Gabe N.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is an amazing musician and instructor. Very good communication. He makes it easy and fun to learn guitar.
Tim R.Google review★★★★★Google
Been a student of Zach's for quite a while now and have no intention of quitting. The best, period!!
Eileen D.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach has been a great guitar instructor and mentor for our son. He knows how to keep him engaged while also challenging him.
Justin P.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach has been encouraging, makes things so easy to understand, and makes learning the guitar fun.
Preston S.Google review★★★★★Google
I can say, beyond the shadow of any doubt, that Zach is the best guitar teacher in Omaha, in Nebraska, and has to be one of the top ones in the nation.
Critical T.Google review★★★★★Google
We have been taking guitar with Zach for two years…
Teresa B.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is a patient and thorough teacher. He relates well to my 12 year old and always keeps him motivated to keep working.
John S.Google review★★★★★Google
Started lessons a few months ago and can definitely see improvement! Would definitely recommend Zack to anyone look to improve at guitar!
Caleb C.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is an amazing teacher he's very knowledgeable very patient i highly recommended taking your lessons here!
Craig P.Google review★★★★★Google
I encourage anyone wanting lessons to seek Zach out. He is an amazingly talented player and has the ability to translate those techniques in a way anyone can understand.
J B.Google review★★★★★Google
The lessons here are awesome, and Zach will take the time to teach you everything you need to become an awesome player.
Lori L.Google review★★★★★Google
My son has been taking lessons with Zach for only 6 months and already can play so many songs.
Jake F.Google review★★★★★Google
I've been with Zach for a little under a year now and am starting to feel comfortable enough with my playing to actually start posting videos and signing up for gigs (no musical understanding at all previously).
Michael P.Google review★★★★★Google
I reached out to Zach after searching for a guitar teacher that I could actually sit in front of and learn this stuff. He explains everything so clearly that it all started clicking very fast for me.
Mike S.Google review★★★★★Google
I've been taking lessons from Zach for a couple of months now. Even though I've played guitar for over 20 years, my skills have increased significantly.
Callum B.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is an excellent instructor!!
Robert S.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach has been patient and understanding. We found a common starting point and have worked from there. He makes the lessons interesting, and does not try to intimidate.
Sean O.Google review★★★★★Google
He's been taking double length lessons with Zach twice a month for the last four months and his progress has been amazing.
Mike L.Google review★★★★★Google
In just over five months I have learned quite a few songs. He takes the time to explain things and to break down a song so we learn it in pieces.
Steven H.Google review★★★★★Google
I’ve been attending lessons with Zach for about 5 months now and it’s absolutely turned my guitar fame around.
Jason H.Google review★★★★★Google
Being an older student I was a bit skeptical that my time had passed but with Zach’s help I can confidently tell people that I can actually now play the guitar.
Josiah B.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is a great teacher no matter what age you are. Whether you are an old player looking to learn new things or just getting started, I would highly recommend giving these guy's a try.
Alejandro C.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach has been teaching my 12 year old for a couple of months and his progress has been amazing! He knew an entire song in less than a month.
Danny J.Google review★★★★★Google
Within two lessons Zack Adkins had me running pentatonic scales AND arpeggios up and down the neck, but in a way that I could almost instantly use in actual playing.
Cindy M.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach was amazing and knew exactly how to inspire me to get started again and STICK with it this time (I tried one other time 20 years ago and gave up).
Andrew D.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is a friendly and highly capable teacher great at breaking down music theory and technique
Rodney A.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is an extremely gifted, yet down to earth musician. He's patient yet pushes and also helps tailor lessons to the specific needs/situations of the student.
Matthew M.Google review★★★★★Google
But Zach was able to captivate my passion for guitar by intriguing me with his knowledge. After just a few lessons I can already tell I'm more confident at open mic nights and improv sessions due solely to what he's been teaching me theory wise.
Nicole C.Google review★★★★★Google
I reached out to Zach to inquire about taking lessons and not only did he respond to me immediately, he made me feel welcome and more comfortable about taking this plunge.
John G.Google review★★★★★Google
Zachary has all the qualities of a great instructor. He's passionate about his craft, he's patient, personable, and very genuine.
Michael B.Google review★★★★★Google
Zac is an awesome instructor, very professional, very patient,and loves to listen to your questions, I always tell my friends about Atkins Guitar and music lessons.
Pranav S.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is an amazing guy and a superb guitar teacher. I have been taking guitar lessons with Zach for the last 3 months, the lessons are always fun and I always look forward to my sessions with him.
Liz W.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is an excellent teacher. I had little music experience but had always wanted to learn an instrument.
Barry E.Google review★★★★★Google
I can’t recommend Zach enough to ANYONE looking to either start learning from the beginning or anyone who’s experienced to up their game.
Tristan C.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is a great dude and a great instructor!
zerotideGoogle review★★★★★Google
Zac has been great at helping me build on my intermediate skill level and changing the way I think about the guitar, allowing me to bring more fluidity and creativity to my playing.
Adam S.Google review★★★★★Google
It doesn't matter if you are a beginner, or experienced guitar player, Zach can teach all wide ranges of abilities.
Anthony G.Google review★★★★★Google
He began lessons with Zach about 5 weeks ago and has learned more in that short of time compared to the previous years with other instructors. Zach makes things easy for our 13 yr to follow while keeping him interested and making it fun.
Priority C.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach teaches him through this music he loves, which makes him want to learn and keep taking lessons!
LisaGoogle review★★★★★Google
Zach loves teaching and it shows. His patient and low key approach has been the key to my daughter’s love for playing.
Julio Q.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is an outstanding teacher and really takes his time.
TomGoogle review★★★★★Google
I’m now close to two months into my lessons and don’t regret it one bit. I’m excited to go to the lesson every week because I learn something new that makes me better each time.
Amy L.Google review★★★★★Google
Zack is a great guitar teacher.
Katie D.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach has been a very patient instructor. He is an amazing artist who also has the rare ability to teach.
Brittany B.Google review★★★★★Google
I was very nervous for my first lesson as I really didn’t know the first thing about a guitar, Zach has taken the time to teach me at my pace and I would highly recommend him to anyone!
Fred H.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach also teaches my son who has made leaps and bounds in his playing in just a short period of time.
Taylor F.Google review★★★★★Google
Had gotten as far as I could go on my own being self taught so I went to Zach Adkins for some lessons. Best money I have spent on music lessons! Learned more in 4 lessons than I have in a half dozen years!
Andrew W.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach has an energy that is infectious and motivating. He has a great teaching style and in the first lesson he was able to gauge what I could do and find things to stretch my skills and expand my knowledge of the instrument.
Sam H.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach makes a conscious effort to be a "non traditional" guitar teacher; he doesn't want to make the instrument more difficult than it needs to be.
Rhiannon N.Google review★★★★★Google
My 10 year old daughter had her first guitar lesson with Zachary. She has anxiety and gets nervous in new environments and new people. He really helped us and her relax in a professional way .
Court O.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is a really cool guy. Would definitely recommend taking lessons with him.
EllaGoogle review★★★★★Google
I started off not knowing anything about guitar, Zach has made me progress a lot then I first thought. I enjoy every lesson and learning knew things about guitar and music theory.
Troy C.Google review★★★★★Google
I've had several guitar instructors over the years and Zach is by far the best out there. What really sets him apart from other teachers is he develops lessons based on the students skill level and goals, and explains his lessons and the reasoning behind them very well.
Chris B.Google review★★★★★Google
Met with Zach as an absolute beginner. He and his brother put my wife and I at ease instantly.
Elizabeth M.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach has been super responsive and shown genuine interest in sharing his passion with a beginner.
Aj E.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach excels at understanding what level the student is currently at and, after discussing where the student would like to end up, finds the best way to teach in accordance with his or her learning style and experience.
Michel N.Google review★★★★★Google
You want to learn how to play the guitar, Zachary is the right person to contact. In addition to being very skilled and professional, he is very friendly.
Adam B.Google review★★★★★Google
Zach is great to work with and makes learning easy and fun.
Alexander M.Google review★★★★★Google
He's extremely knowledgeable and uses a very laid back but intensive method of teaching. He caters towards what you want to learn as an individual musician all the while adding his expertise in a way that is easy to understand.
Alec R.Google review★★★★★Google
Great Guitar teacher. Super patient and nice. Will work with you on your level and really cares. Highly recommend zach.
Jason B.Google review★★★★★Google
I've just started with Zach and he took the time to get to know me and my musical interests and is thoughtfully putting together a plan to get me where I want to be.
Justin M.Google review★★★★★Google
He isn't just teaching you a guitar lesson, he's teaching you his passion.
Interested O.Google review★★★★★Google
My experience with Zach has been great! I came to him with no background in guitar or music theory.
Chris B.Google review★★★★★Google
I was taking guitar lessons elsewhere until I found out about Zach. I have not looked back since I have started with him. I feel a strong sense of direction and motivation with him as an instructor.
ElijahGoogle review★★★★★Google
Very dedicated to his craft, making his knowledge and love for music a real experience for his students. If you are looking to take your music to the next level, Zachary is just the man to get that done.
Justin M.Google review★★★★★Google
Zack does a good job of keeping you engaged and interested. His enthusiasm for the guitar is infectious. My skill level has grown tremendously in the first month of lessons.
SamGoogle review★★★★★Google
Awesome personalized lessons, with the right amount of push to achieve your guitar goals.
Aidan F.Google review★★★★★Google
I first went to Zack to get some help with a project I was going to be working on. He taught me so much in such a short amount of time!

The four music schools I opened

I own four music schools in the Omaha area. Since 2017, my team and I have taught 150,000+ lessons across those schools.

Exterior of the Omaha music school
Omaha
Guitar lesson room at the Gretna music school
Gretna
Lobby of the Bellevue music school
Bellevue
Exterior of the Elkhorn music school
Elkhorn
First-place plaque awarded to Zachary Adkins in the 2017 Ibanez U.S.A. Flying Fingers guitar competition
First place, 2017 Ibanez Flying Fingers U.S. national guitar competition

I’ve played guitar for 23 years. When you send me a link to a clip, I can listen for the string that buzzes or the beat you miss. Then I can show you one thing to try the next time you pick up your guitar.

I want to get better 7 days in the app · $0 today · Card required
Yearly: $279 after your trial. Cancel before day 8 to pay nothing.
Try the first lesson ↓

Your step-by-step beginner guitar course

Wondering what to learn first? I’ve put 104 bite-sized video clips in order for you. Work through 20 lessons in six sections at your own pace. Check off each step so you can pick up where you left off. Try the first clip below.

Steve Vai playing guitar
“I can only say thank you for what you are doing. Because lessons are really, for some people, they are just key.”
Steve VaiPhoto: Kevin Dooley · CC BY 2.0
I want to get better 7 days in the app · $0 today · Card required
Yearly: $279 after your trial. Cancel before day 8 to pay nothing.
Alec R.Zach’s student · Google review
“Great Guitar teacher. Super patient and nice. Will work with you on your level and really cares. Highly recommend zach. Its been years since lessons and I am seeing big improvement.”

Guitar & Tones

Choose a chord and tap Strum Chord to hear it.

Get each string to ring out.

If a chord sounds dull, play one string at a time. Tap the same string here. Move your finger a little and listen again. Hear it ring? Now strum the whole chord.

Bumblefoot playing guitar
“Zach is an intelligent, creative player with incredible skill! Students will benefit greatly from his wisdom and expertise.”
BumblefootPhoto: Ed Vill · CC BY 2.0
I want to get better 7 days in the app · $0 today · Card required
Yearly: $279 after your trial. Cancel before day 8 to pay nothing.
BryanZach’s student · Google review
“As an adult beginner, I struggled trying to learn with online instruction. I’ve made more progress in a few months with Zach than I did during the entire time I spent on my own.”

Chord Changer

Choose two chords and play along with the beat.

Keep the song going when you switch chords.

Ever stop in the middle of a song to find the next chord? Pick two chords and slow the beat down. When your fingers land in time, turn it up a little.

Mark Tremonti with Zach Adkins
“Zach is a tremendous player. His techniques and creativity are TOP NOTCH!”
Mark Tremonti
I want to get better 7 days in the app · $0 today · Card required
Yearly: $279 after your trial. Cancel before day 8 to pay nothing.
Robert S.Zach’s student · Google review
“Been taking lessons for 3 months. I am older and have just recently decided to learn guitar. Zach has been patient and understanding.”

Needle Tuner

Tap a string to hear its tuning note, or use your microphone to tune your guitar.

What do you want to work on today?

Tap a phone for a closer look.

Find notes and chords

Practice and track your progress

Take a short look around the app

Let’s work on your first song together

  • Know what to play next. My 104 short clips take you from how to hold the guitar to your first chords. The full course and weekly live group lessons open after your first payment.
  • Get feedback from me. Tap Chat with Zach from day one. Ask a question or send a link to a clip of you playing. I’ll listen and tell you what to try next.
  • Play along at your speed. Use the app to tune up, hear the chord and slow the beat down until your fingers can keep up.

The founding rate is for the first 100 paying members. Check availability at signup.

Founding yearly membership

Get started with

$0 today

7-day free trial · Card required

After 7 days: $279 / year

That’s $23.25 a month, billed yearly. Once the first 100 places are filled, this founding price won’t be offered again. Keep your rate for as long as your membership stays active.

$0 today. Try the full app for 7 days with a card. Cancel before day 8 to pay nothing. Otherwise, $279 is charged on day 8 and every year until you cancel.

I want to get better

The yearly plan has a 60-day money-back guarantee after your first payment. See the membership terms and privacy policy.

A few things you might want to know.

Is this right for me?

Start here if you’re new to guitar or still working on the basics.

Where do I start?

Try one clip at the top of the course preview. Pick up your guitar and follow along. In the full course, check off each step as you go.

Can this help me learn songs and solos?

Yes. Chords, scales, timing, and ear training are building blocks for the music you want to play. Use the tools with the songs, solos, and lessons you already work on.

What happens when I join?

Pick monthly or yearly. Add your email and card. You pay $0 today and get seven days in the app. My online course and weekly live group lessons open after your first payment. You can use one free trial.

When do I pay? How do I cancel?

Your plan starts charging on day 8 unless you cancel before then. To cancel, open Account in the app. If you cancel in the trial, you pay nothing. You can use the app until the trial ends.

How do I get my free lesson?

Join the yearly plan. After your first yearly payment, message me in the app to book your free 30-minute Google Meet lesson. I’ll help you find what to work on next. It’s a $50 value, included once with yearly. New monthly memberships do not include this lesson.

Can I ask for help? What if it doesn’t work for me?

Message me in the app when you need help. The yearly plan has a 60-day money-back guarantee after your first payment.

The Guitar IQ guarantee starts after your first payment. Practice in the app at least five days a week. Share one practice clip each week for four weeks. If your score has not gone up, message me within seven days of those four weeks ending. You can get your payments back, plus $100. See the full membership terms.

Grab your guitar. Let’s get that first chord to ring out.

I want to get better 7 days in the app · $0 today · Card required
Yearly: $279 after your trial. Cancel before day 8 to pay nothing.