Weekly lessons
Build your playing, week by week.
One-to-one lessons tailored to your experience, favourite music and goals. Start from scratch or work on your next challenge.
50 minutes · in-person lessons
Explore weekly lessons →Greenside, Johannesburg · Online & in person
Private guitar lessons
in Greenside,
Johannesburg.
Learn with John Malan in Greenside, Johannesburg. Personalised, one-to-one lessons for beginners and experienced players, in person or online.
No experience needed to get started. First lesson free.
John Malan · GIT graduateGuitar Institute of Technology
- One-to-one lessons
- Greenside, Johannesburg
- Online available
- Beginners welcome
Made for your playing
Choose your path.
A regular practice habit, a specific skill, or a lesson from home. Find the format that fits.
Focused skill sessions
Make one skill your next step.
Give a specific technique or musical topic your attention across five weekly sessions. Choose your focus with John.
Five weeks · one hour each week
Explore focused sessions →Online lessons
Bring the lesson to your home.
Learn with John remotely. Discuss your goals, agree your setup and find a time that works for your location.
One-to-one · live online
Explore online lessons →How it works
A clear next step.
From your first enquiry to lessons built around your goals.
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Tell John about yourself
Share your experience, what you want to play and the times that suit you.
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Arrange your free first lesson
John confirms a suitable time, the format and what to bring.
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Choose your direction
Agree a learning plan around your interests and current level.
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Keep building your skills
Work on your playing in regular lessons and practise between sessions.
Your teacher
Learn with John Malan.
John teaches private guitar lessons in Greenside, Johannesburg, with online lessons available too. With over 30 years of playing and teaching experience, he works with beginners and experienced guitarists alike, tailoring lessons to each student’s level, musical interests and goals.
A graduate of the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), the guitar programme at Musicians Institute, John studied with musicians including Scott Henderson, Russ Parrish, Carl Schroeder, Paul Gilbert, Keith Wyatt, Steve Trovato, Jamie Findlay and Norman Brown.
Alongside teaching, John is an active performing and recording musician, composer and producer. He has performed on four continents, was a founding member of the electronic rock band ME’EK, and currently plays with Cabal XIX. He also composes and produces commercial music, with clients including Cell C, Dell, Old Mutual and Santam.
This breadth of experience informs a practical approach to teaching that connects technique and musical understanding with making music. Lessons might focus on learning songs, developing technique, exploring theory or building confidence with improvisation, depending on what you want to achieve.
Above all, lessons offer space to ask questions, work through challenges and progress at your own pace—with the aim of becoming a more confident, independent guitarist and enjoying the process along the way.
Plan your lessons
Rates & availability.
Clear lesson prices. Ask John to confirm a suitable time.
Weekly private lesson
R500
Per 50-minute in-person lesson
Monthly booking
R1 800
Confirm the number of lessons and payment arrangements with John.
Focused skill sessions
R2 250
Five weekly sessions · 60 minutes each
Your first lesson
Free
Confirm duration, format and a suitable time with John.
Weekly and monthly rates updated . Ask about online rates and package conditions before booking.
Weekly lesson times
Hourly start times · South African Standard Time (UTC+2)
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Published snapshot: . Contact John to confirm current availability.
An available cell is a time you can ask about. Your lesson is booked only when John confirms it.
Free resources
A little help between lessons.
Free guitar worksheets to support your practice.
Beginner chords
Beginner
Start with common open-chord shapes. Use this sheet while practising clear notes and changing between chords.
Download worksheetMinor pentatonic scale
Beginner / intermediate
Explore a useful scale for lead playing and improvisation. Practise the shapes slowly before adding them to music.
Download worksheetMajor pentatonic scale
Beginner / intermediate
Add the major pentatonic sound to your practice. Compare its patterns with the minor pentatonic worksheet.
Download worksheetGood to know
Before you pick up your guitar.
Answers to a few common questions.
Can I start as an absolute beginner?
Yes. Private lessons are tailored to your current level, including starting from scratch. Tell John what you would like to play and whether you already have a guitar.
Where are in-person lessons held?
Lessons are in Greenside, Johannesburg. Ask John for the exact location and practical details, including access and parking, before your visit.
Can I learn online?
Yes, online lessons are available. You will need a guitar, a device with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. Agree the video platform and test your sound with John before the lesson.
What happens at the free first lesson?
Your first lesson is free. Enquire about a suitable time and tell John about your experience and goals. John will confirm the duration, format and arrangements with you before you attend.
Do I need my own guitar?
Tell John whether you have a guitar when you enquire. Check instrument requirements for your chosen format before booking or buying equipment.
Let’s start playing
Book your free first lesson.
Tell John a little about yourself and the music you want to play. He will confirm a suitable time and the arrangements with you.
john@guitarlessons.co.za
+27 72 644 4474
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