Guitar classes in Kathmandu
Our guitar teachers are some of the most dynamic musicians around. They will not only give you guitar lessons but also insights into music production, as you explore different genres and become a capable player.
- Acoustic & electric
- Beginner · intermediate · advanced
- Kids & adults
- In person & online
Your instructorRizol PokhrelGuitar · ECA house bandLearn from the band, not just the book
Our guitar classes run in beginner, intermediate and advanced batches, led by instructor Rizol Pokhrel: the lead guitarist and arranger behind many Daju Bhai Studio covers, and the guitar section of ECA's live band at our 3rd anniversary and the ECA Idol Season 2 finale.
The guitar has driven Nepali pop and rock since Prem Dhoj Pradhan first performed with one in the 1960s, through bands like Nepathya and 1974 AD. At ECA you play the songs you love, jam with other students in our hall, record at our studio and perform at our Monthly Programme every month.
Guitars at ECA Open MicChords, rhythm, solos & the band
From your first three chords to playing lead in a band.
Chords & strumming
Open chords, clean changes and strumming patterns, including the 6/8 feel heard in many Nepali songs.
Rhythm & fingerstyle
Fingerpicking patterns, power chords on electric and playing in time with a metronome.
Lead & solos
Scales, bends, slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs, and improvising over chord progressions.
Band & studio
Accompanying singers, arranging covers, live sound basics and recording at Daju Bhai Studio.
From first lesson to the stage
Four stages most students move through. Your teacher sets the pace for your age, level and goals.
First chords
- Parts of the guitar and tuning
- Holding a pick
- Open chords: E, Em, A, Am, D, G, C
- Clean chord changes and down-up strumming
- Easy Nepali songs with 2–4 chords
- Reading chord charts and simple tabs
Rhythm & reach
- Barre chords (F, Bm)
- 6/8 and other strumming feels
- Fingerpicking patterns
- Power chords on electric
- Major scale and minor pentatonic
- Playing in time with a metronome
Lead guitar
- The whole fretboard (CAGED)
- Bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, vibrato
- Improvising over chord progressions
- Solos and riffs from Nepali rock and pop
- Keys, transposing and the number system
- Electric tone and effects
Band & stage
- Accompanying a singer
- Playing in a band
- Arranging covers
- Live sound basics: amp and DI box
- Recording at Daju Bhai Studio
A typical path based on standard teaching practice for this instrument, not a fixed ECA syllabus. Your teacher adapts it to you.
Learn from our lead guitarist
Rizol Pokhrel arranges and plays on many Daju Bhai Studio releases, and guitar maestro Aman Shahi has joined us for a studio session.
GuitarRizol Pokhrel
Lead guitarist and arranger of the ECA house band.
Guest session: Aman Shahi
Guitar maestro Aman Shahi joined us for a studio session at Daju Bhai Studio in June 2026.
Inside our guitar classes
Real clips from our classes, rehearsals and stage, posted on ECA's TikTok and YouTube.
Guitar clips
Solos, practice sessions and Open Mic moments.
Which guitar to buy?
Your first guitar
A beginner acoustic costs about Rs 5,000–20,000 in Kathmandu; an electric about Rs 10,000–30,000 plus an amplifier (prices vary). Look for low strings and in-tune frets, and add a tuner, picks, a capo and a gig bag. ECA Music Store can advise.
A little practice
At least 15 minutes a day, six days a week. Sore fingertips in the first weeks are normal: short, frequent practice helps calluses form.
Try 2–3 classes before you pay
Book your demo class
Take 2–3 demo classes with our teachers before you pay the monthly fee. Call or email us to choose your class and batch. Open Sunday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM.
Guitar class questions
What is the best age to start guitar?
Usually around 6 to 8 years, on a smaller (1/2 or 3/4 size) guitar; younger children often start on ukulele. Adults can start at any age.
How long until I can play my first song?
First chords take a few weeks and simple strummed songs a few months. With regular practice, a basic level is reachable within a few months.
Should I start on acoustic or electric?
Either works. Acoustic suits Nepali songs and needs no amplifier; electric is easier on the fingers but needs an amp. We teach both.
My fingertips hurt. Is that normal?
Yes, for the first few weeks until calluses form. Short, frequent practice sessions help.
Do you have advanced lessons?
Yes. We run beginner, intermediate and advanced batches, including an advanced guitar course with Rizol Pokhrel.
Can I learn guitar online?
Yes. Online lessons work well for guitar if your camera shows both hands.
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Take 2–3 demo classes, then decide.
Meet your teacher, try the class and see our studio and stage. Open Sunday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM, opposite Chabahil Stupa.