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Guitar Making School - Student making an OM Acoustic Guitar

Build One Guitar.
Learn the Craft.

Hands-on guitar making programs for hobbyists, musicians, and aspiring luthiers.

Small Classes. Real Shop.
Personal Instruction.

THE WHITNEY APPROACH

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Learn Traditional Skills

Master the craftsmanship, techniques, and shop practices behind fine handmade guitars.

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Personal Guidance

Receive direct instruction and individualized support throughout every stage of your build.

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Build Your Own Guitar

Leave with a completed instrument and the confidence to continue building on your own.

Luthier Michael Whitney of Whitney Guitars teaching a course on Gypsy Jazz Guitar Making_e

Two Paths.
One Craft.

Build your first guitar—or develop the skills to build independently. Start where you are.

Build One Guitar.

For enthusiasts.

  • ​​5-Week Full-Time Courses

  • 1-Week Modular Programs

  • Build a Complete Instrument

Learn the Craft.

For aspiring builders.

  • 3-Month Intensive Program

  • 6-Month Extensive Program

  • Multiple Instruments Builds

*No prior guitar building experience is required for admission.

Featured Courses

Explore a selection of our most popular offerings. View the complete 2027 schedule below.

Looking for a More Immersive Experience?

For students seeking a deeper immersion into the craft, our 3-Month Intensive and 6-Month Extensive Programs provide extended mentorship, multiple instrument builds, and the skills needed to work independently.

Learn from a Working Luthier.

Michael Whitney
Guitar Maker • Instructor

Michael's path to lutherie combines a lifelong background in design, craftsmanship, and woodworking with formal training and mentorship in guitar making.

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Today, every course is taught in a working custom guitar shop, where students receive direct, hands-on guidance through each stage of the build process—from raw materials to final setup.

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Whether you're building your first instrument or pursuing lutherie more seriously, you'll learn alongside a professional builder in a focused small-class environment.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

From Student to Builder

Elliott Wooding

3-MONTH INTENSIVE GRADUATE

The course gave me the knowledge and confidence to set up my own shop and continue building guitars independently.

— Elliott Wooding, Gibsons BC
3-Month Intensive Graduate

★★★★★

THE JOURNEY DOESN'T END WHEN YOU LEAVE THE SHOP

Beyond the Guitar

Build Something Real

Learn the Craft

Continue Building

Stay Connected

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Take home a completed guitar built entirely by your own hands.

Gain the confidence to keep building long after the course ends.

Gain the confidence to set up your own shop and keep creating.

Join a community of builders who share your passion for the craft.

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Student Builds & Shop Life

Inside the workshop at Whitney Guitar Making School.

Ready to Build?

From your first guitar to advanced lutherie training, there's a course designed to meet you where you are.

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