Now Enrolling for 6-Month Beginner Coaching Program!

I’m currently continuing regular 1:1 lessons with my existing students, many of whom are doing incredible work learning songs, building skills, and growing at their own pace.

At this time, I’m only accepting new students through my 6-month coaching program. This format is best suited for those looking for a more structured, goal-focused path that includes weekly lessons, personalized exercises and drills, and built-in accountability over a clear timeline.

If you're someone who wants to develop specific skills like rhythm, technique, fluid chord changes, or confident strumming, and you enjoy having a plan, tracking your progress, and working toward meaningful milestones, this program may be a great fit!

Click below to learn more

Please note, much of the content on this site refers to my regular 1:1 guitar and ukulele lesson offerings, which I’m currently only continuing with existing students.

Beginner-Friendly Guitar and Ukulele Lessons for Kids, Teens & Adults – In Park Slope or Online!

Great for beginners and casual players ready to build skills and confidence.

Please note, I am not taking new students for regular 1:1 lessons at this time. If you’d like to be put on the waiting list for regular 1:1 lessons for if/when they may become available please contact me at dfishler1@gmail.com. Thanks!

Ready to Start Your Musical Journey?

Why Guitar Lab Works

Brooklyn guitar lesson for beginners and early intermediate players with Dave

Get Inspired to Play!

I design a learning path tailored to your musical dreams. Whether it’s playing your favorite songs, jamming with friends, or building a solid practice routine, we’ll work together to achieve your goals.

Your Teacher, Coach, and Mentor

Think of me as your coach, guiding you step by step to develop both the skills and motivation to enjoy playing music for life. From early wins to long-term accountability, I’m here to keep you inspired and excited to play.

Go Beyond YouTube

Have you tried learning guitar through books or YouTube, only to feel lost or unsure of what to practice next? Without structure, it’s easy to hit a wall. With my background as a corporate trainer, I bring clarity and organization to your learning journey. You’ll have a personalized plan, clear lesson notes, and practice suggestions—easily accessible on a user-friendly website—so you’ll always know your next step.

Let Me Be Your Guitar or Ukulele Coach

Hi, I’m Dave, a guitar and ukulele teacher based in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with 30+ years of playing experience. I help students of all ages—from beginners to intermediates—improve their playing, build a healthy practice routine, and develop a positive relationship with their instrument. Lessons are available at my home studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn, virtually, or at your home.

🎸 Safe, Supportive, and Kid-Friendly

Many of the students at Guitar Lab are kids and teens from the Park Slope area. I know how important it is for parents to feel confident that their child is learning in a safe, positive, and professional environment.

Here’s what you can expect when your child takes lessons with me:

  • Dedicated home studio – A cozy, welcoming space set up for learning, with minimal distractions and a relaxed, homey feel.

  • Parent-friendly environment – You're always welcome to sit in on the lesson or hang out nearby.

  • Experienced with kids – I’ve worked with students of all ages and create a patient, encouraging environment where they can feel confident and proud of their progress.

  • 1-on-1 personalized lessons – Every lesson is tailored to your child’s unique goals, learning style, and attention span.

  • In-home lessons available nearby – If you're within a short walking distance of my studio, I offer travel lessons for a small additional fee.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • I offer lessons at my home studio in Park Slope. I also offer lessons virtually or in-home lessons if they are within a reasonable distance from my home studio. This flexibility allows you to choose the environment that works best for you.

  • I typically teach rock, blues, pop, folk, and bluegrass on guitar, but I love all kinds of music. For ukulele, with younger students, I focus on popular songs, folk tunes, and favorites from Disney movies. For adult ukulele students, we can explore whatever interests you, as the ukulele is a very flexible instrument. I’m always open to teaching songs or styles that inspire you, whether it's a favorite track or something new you’d like to try.

  • Yes! As both a teacher and a mentor, I create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where children feel comfortable exploring their musical potential. I understand the importance of making sure your child feels at ease, and I offer personalized attention that allows them to learn without the distractions and noise of larger music schools. Parents are welcome to sit in during lessons, and my home studio is a clean, quiet space focused on learning.

  • I generally prefer to teach students ages 8 and above. If you have a younger child and you think they are ready to start learning guitar or ukulele feel free to book an intro call and we can make sure it’s a good fit!

  • I offer competitive rates for one-on-one instruction that’s personalized to your needs. Your first lesson is 50% off, so you can experience the difference before committing. Plus, you get the added benefit of having lessons right here in Brooklyn, whether at my home studio or in your own home. The flexibility and personalized attention you get make it a great value for the Brooklyn area. See the pricing page for details - https://www.guitarlabwithdave.com/pricing

  • It’s recommended that you have your own guitar or ukulele so you can practice between lessons. If you don’t have one yet and based on availability you can borrow one of the instruments from my home studio. I can also help guide you in choosing the right instrument for your needs and budget.

  • Your first step is a free 15-minute intro call, where we’ll discuss your skill level, musical goals, and what you’d like to achieve through lessons. After the intro call, we’ll schedule your first lesson, which is a calibration session. In this lesson, we’ll dive into a few exercises to get you learning right away while also helping me assess your progress and ensure I’m placing you on the right learning path moving forward.

  • Beginner Guitarists
    As a beginner guitar student, you’ll learn how to play clearly, form all the common chord shapes, and master essential strumming patterns. My goal is to get you playing your favorite songs as soon as possible. I’ll help you develop the fundamental skills needed to start your musical journey with confidence.

    Intermediate Guitarists
    If you’re looking to refine your guitar skills, we’ll focus on more advanced techniques like fingerpicking, scales, and improvisation, while also deepening your understanding of music theory. With lessons conveniently located in Park Slope or available virtually, you’ll receive personalized feedback to help you continue progressing and expanding your repertoire.

    Ukulele for All Ages
    The ukulele is a fantastic instrument for anyone looking to explore music. Its small size and simple chords make it an accessible and fun way to start playing songs right away. Young students will enjoy engaging lessons that build confidence and foundational music skills, while adults will find the ukulele to be a rewarding, stress-free way to bring more music into their lives. Whether you want to strum along to your favorite tunes or develop your skills further, I’ll tailor lessons to your goals and experience level.

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