Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Guitar Education Solutions
The Jim Sutton Institute of Guitar has been dedicated to advancing guitar education since 1984. Our structured curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of guitar theory, technique, and composition, catering to students from beginner to professional levels. Each course is crafted to interconnect seamlessly, ensuring a cohesive learning experience that builds both skill and confidence. With personalized support and a focus on creative expression, we empower students to achieve mastery in playing, arranging, and composing. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our decades of experience, individualized feedback, and a proven track record of student success.We prioritize practical application, offering supplementary studies that address diverse musical styles and technical challenges. Our mission extends beyond teaching notes and chordswe aim to cultivate a deep understanding of music theory and its real-world application. Whether through correspondence courses or local instruction, we maintain rigorous standards to deliver reliable, accessible education tailored to individual goals. Our transparent approach, free from hidden fees, ensures students receive the full value of our expertise and resources.
Services
Music Theory Course
Modal Composition Course
Supplementary Studies
Private Guitar Instruction
Home Study Programs
Ear Training Series
Fingerstyle Guitar Lessons
Blues Lead Guitar Series
Country Lead Guitar Series
Technique and Speed Drills
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer a structured curriculum designed to interconnect seamlessly for cohesive learning.
- Our personalized feedback ensures tailored guidance for individual progress.
- Decades of experience in guitar education since 1984 demonstrate proven expertise.
- Supplementary studies address diverse musical styles and technical challenges.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees guarantees full value for educational resources.
Services
Music Theory Course
Our Music Theory Course for Guitar Players builds foundational knowledge through structured lessons that connect scales, chords, and harmonic progressions. Designed for intermediate players, it explains how music works across genres. Students learn to analyze compositions and apply theoretical concepts practically, enhancing both playing and composing skills.
Modal Composition Course
This advanced course teaches modal improvisation and solo composition techniques. Students explore scale modes, phrasing, and dynamic expression to create original solos. Practical exercises develop creativity while maintaining musical coherence, ideal for players aiming to refine their unique style in rock, jazz, or blues contexts.
Private Guitar Instruction
Local and online private lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to individual goals. Sessions cover technique, repertoire, and theory with real-time feedback. Available for all ages and skill levels, focusing on student interests from classical to modern styles.
Supplementary Studies
Topic-specific supplementary studies include blues, country, fingerstyle, and ear training. These 1-6 difficulty-rated lessons complement core courses, helping students master niche techniques. Regularly updated content ensures continuous skill development aligned with current musical trends.
Home Study Programs
Self-paced home study programs deliver course materials via mail with instructor support. Students receive printed lessons, audio examples, and grading services. Ideal for remote learners seeking structured education without internet requirements, covering beginner to advanced topics.
People
Jim Sutton
Founder & Instructor
Jim Sutton established the institute in 1984 after decades of teaching experience. He specializes in structured guitar pedagogy, developing interconnected curriculum materials that emphasize practical application of music theory and technique for players of all levels.
Questions
What guitar courses do you offer?
We offer three main courses: Moving Toward Great Guitar Playing (beginner/intermediate), Music Theory Course, and Modal/Solo Composition Course (advanced), plus 90+ supplementary studies.
Are your courses accredited?
Our courses aren't university-accredited but provide college-level content. Completion certificates are issued for theory and composition courses.
How do assignments work?
Theory and composition courses include graded assignments. Students can opt for ungraded study, but certificates require completed assessments reviewed by instructors.
Can I buy courses in installments?
Yes, courses can be purchased incrementally by stage or book. Bundled purchases offer shipping cost savings for complete course materials.
Do you teach reading music?
Most materials use tablature with notation. Reading notation lessons are included, teaching both systems for comprehensive musical literacy.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card payments via phone orders. No online payment system is available for our correspondence course materials.
Videos
