Sam Davis is a wonderful guitar teacher and a very nice guy. I've enjoyed every lesson I've had with him. It had been over 35 years since I had taken guitar lessons as a teenager and I was a bit anxious to find a teacher who would help me restart my fretboard explorations. Sam was the perfect teacher for this. He introduced me to a host of new concepts, exercises, and ideas. I particularly appreciate the quality of the written materials he gave me each lesson. These charts and diagrams will be a rich resource for me to draw from for years to come. I feel lucky to have found Sam and sat in his student's chair. I also feel quite privileged to have been introduced to Darla.

The Boston area is crammed with great guitar players, but that doesn't mean they can teach. I'd heard Sam play many times and knew he had the chops, but didn't see the teacher side of him until I started lessons a year and a half ago. I was 60 when I started with him, with 7 or 8 years of half hearted playing up to then. A late comer to music for sure. Sam insisted on getting to the point where we were speaking the same language first, then went with whatever agenda or song I brought to the lesson. No matter what I'm trying to figure out or learn Sam insists on getting there his way: by making me understand what we're up to. He's a patient, but relentless teacher. He Wants you to learn. This guy knows his stuff and can handle any style you want to learn, regardless of your skill level. Funny, quirky guy. Great to hang out with.

I have been taking guitar lessons with Sam Davis for a year, and he is a great teacher. Not only has he taught me a lot, he is also very friendly, funny, and nice. He has taught me all sorts of chords, songs, and music theory. He figures out each individual's needs and customizes the lessons accordingly.
His underground lair is an enchanting setting.
During my lesson, my mom likes to relax on the extremely comfortable couch and listen to Sam and me play music.
If you are looking for an amazing guitar teacher, call Sam Davis.

Jonah
Age 11

Sam Davis is a both knowledgeable and personable in his dynamic style of teaching guitar and bass (electric and/or acoustic). He has many years of experience in various genres of music, and his studio is easy to find, inviting, and much decorated.

I have been playing guitar for about ten years and have taken lessons on-and-off throughout that time. I started taking lessons with Sam in the summer of 2011, and within just a few lessons, he was able to fill in gaps in my music theory knowledge and general form. Sam is very thorough in his teaching and even creates his own worksheets and guides to reference when practicing at home.

Sam teaches a wide range of ages, playing styles, and experience levels from children to adults. He caters his lessons to your needs as a musician, whether you're a beginner or active performer. His lesson rates are reasonable, and he has a very flexible schedule. I would definitely recommend Sam Davis for all your guitar/bass needs!

Sam is an amazing guitar teacher and player, plus he’s a pretty cool dude in general. I’ve had lessons with him for almost a year and he has helped me develop as a player. I’m a recent college grad who has messed around with guitar for several years, but never got really far because I didn’t know what I was doing. Sam taught me the stuff I wanted to play, but more importantly he always explained the theory behind everything so that I was learning concepts and techniques instead of just songs. He’s also very good about catering the lesson to your specific needs or interests at the time. I would recommend him to beginners or any experienced player that needs more guidance in their guitar journey.

I've been taking acoustic guitar lessons from Sam Davis for the past four years, and I can honestly say it's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. When I came in, I "knew" four open-position chords (but I couldn't tell you how to construct any other chords!) and could barely play "Smells Like Teen Spirit,". I definitely couldn't play barre chords without buzzing the strings, and my strumming was about as rhythmic and controlled as a white guy trying to dance. Now I can play and sing at the same time, I actually practice and I know James Taylor and can improvise blues and folk guitar. That's like waking up one day and knowing Kung Fu. TRUE STORY.

Sam doesn't care how much you do or don't know, he always tailors lessons to you. Do you have problems hearing how the music should sound? He's on it. Can't figure out strumming rhythm? He's there playing it with you, always patient, never tiring of your constant and un-improving repetition of "Paint It Black." Are you scared of mistakes? He'll coach you through and build your confidence so that you begin to love messing up so that you learn new things. Do you feel like bringing your accordion to the lesson instead of a guitar? Right on, he'll help you figure out the chord relationships. Are you feeling sad today and can't bear to play arpeggios? He'll find a song to learn that gets you through the lesson AND improves your day.

The posters don't lie, Sam Davis is a mystic musicality guru who inherently knows all the gaps in knowledge, bad habits and failure to practice that stand in the way of the guitar player you are today and the guitar player you want to be.

Sam Davis is not a lesson manager. He's not a slave driver. He's one of the best people you can know, secretly masquerading as the best guitar teacher you'll ever have. You could be 8 or 80, a novice or a virtuoso. Sam Davis is appropriate for all ages.

I can’t agree more with all the 5 star reviews that are given to Sams Guitar lessons! Back in the Netherlands I started learning playing the guitar by doing lessons on the internet. I have tried a lot of websites, some are better than others but no lesson could substitute one of Sams lessons. When I came in Boston I really wanted to get better in playing the guitar so I started searching the internet for “real” guitar lessons. Luckily I found Sam! After just one single lesson with Sam, I learned more than have ever learned by surfing the internet. I’ve had just a few lessons now and I already feel like I know the guitar much better as an instrument. Sam is really good in explaining everything in a way that you understand it. I’m 23 but I am sure that Sam can also make everything understandable for children. Unfortunately, I’m just in boston for 6 months. In short, if you really want to master the guitar (whatever guitar you want to play), you should really try a lesson with Sam Davis!!!

Our son has a passion for guitar. He has been strumming guitars, books, brooms, tennis rackets since age 3. He first expressed his desire to take guitar lessons when he was 4. My wife and I then started to ask our friends in Cambridge and Boston, if a guitar teacher would be crazy enough to teach a 4y old. We thought that person did not exist, until we found Sam.

Sam is undoubtedly unique. He is enthusiastic and warm, amazingly patient, funny, extremely knowledgeable. He is very creative in finding ways to teach while maintaining the joy of playing. Our son always looks forward to seeing Sam. Besides, we have the genuine feeling that Sam is happy to teach our son. Sam is a fabulous teacher.

We are so thankful to have been able to connect our son with him.

Sam Davis is a great guitar player and a great teacher. My son has been taking lessons with Sam since he was 6 or 7 years old (my son, not Sam) and at 12 he is still going strong. The music is challenging but reasonable for his playing level.

I took lessons with Sam for a while as well, and this is the real deal - he's not handing you lessons out of somebody else's book - he puts the songs together right there on the spot. And talk about eclectic! The guy can play anything!

I highly recommend you give him a try.

Generally speaking, I’m not one for teachers, but I quickly discovered that Sam is not your average guitar teacher (or player, for that matter). Not only is his knowledge of music extensive and seemingly endless, it is also without pretense--a rare virtue in the guitar world.
However, what truly sets Sam apart from the scads of other teachers is his unique ability to convey complex information in a manner that is understandable to beginners, working professionals, and those of us stuck somewhere in between. He is especially gifted at transforming the theoretical into the practical: he actually shows you how to integrate and apply modes, scales (the triads within the scales…), chord structures, etc., to your own music, thus enabling you to become more creative. He is beyond patient, never, ever makes you feel stupid for asking questions, and is one of the funniest guys around, not to mention one of the smartest.
Aside from all of that, Sam has been extremely flexible with scheduling and understanding that not everyone can afford to come every week. I usually go two or three times a month, budget permitting. He is easy to get a hold of, and always replies to texts/calls/emails quickly. I also love that he writes out all of the stuff you’ve gone over, so that you have material you can refer back to throughout the week, month, year, etc. You know the guy loves to teach when he tells you to call him if you find you don’t understand something or have additional questions. And he means it, too.
I have found Sam’s knowledge to be invaluable, and his teaching style second to none. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

My first lesson with Sam was above a guitar store in a tiny room.
I am 60 yr old female and although I knew the basics I had been on a
guitar plateau intermittently for years playing in bursts and then
becoming frustrated. Sam was the first teacher to really inspire me.
We arranged another lesson at his house and told me he would
see me next week and would love me to meet his cow. Well
that perked my interest and indeed the next week I met his
prized cow and all the trimmings.
Three years later I am still coming to lessons and not only look forward
to them but practice as much as I can and actually have developed an avid
passion. Sam is a terrific teacher, patient, funny, and extremely flexible.
He is good with all ages, kids to senior citizens like me. He is a highly talented
musician who is able to convey technique with music theory in a unique, fun and
very patient way. I would say that his true talent is that he loves people and loves
what he does. His students are his family. He is on vacation now and I am missing
my lesson this Friday. In the past I would have rejoiced however now I’m saying,

“when are you coming back”?

I've been taking guitar lessons from Sammy for about 2 years now. Having played bass for 25 years, I came in with at least some knowledge of both guitar and more generally music theory; Sammy's been great at tailoring his teaching to build on the knowledge I already had - although after a couple years with him, have realized just how much I don't know. I've seen a little of how he interacts with beginner students - he's great at mixing it up - building confidence through through teaching songs and just relaxing and playing with students, while sneaking a good dose of theory at the same time. If you've been playing for years - he's great at breaking habits and enabling you to see the fretboard in a new light and showing you that there's always something new to learn.

Plus, cows.

Sam is a great guitar teacher who is great at guitar and teaches it in a great fun way. Plus he has a rocking cow show and a hilarious picture of him dressed like a chicken by the freeway. That pictures been on my guitar binder for months, and it’s still hilarious. On scale of one to ten of fun musical ability he’s a twelve. Matt R., 12.

When my son asked to try guitar lessons again, I decided to do some research and luckily found Sam Davis, guitar teacher, extraordinaire. The previous attempt was not successful. Sam has a way with kids, my son is dazzled by him and really looks forward to his lessons . My son enjoys his lessons now and practices regularly without much if any of a reminder and is progressing at learning how to play. Sam has a great approach and wonderful sense of humor. Check him out you will not be disappointed. Gianna R.

Sam is great! I've been taking bass lessons from Sam for over a year. I was originally referred by my brother Whitney, who has taken guitar lessons with Sam since 2005. Sam is a great teacher, awesome to play with, and a blast to hang out with. Perfect for all ages, and all skill levels.

An hour never seems like enough, and you'll always leave with a smile on your face, guaranteed!!

I have been taking bass guitar lessons with Sam Davis for almost a year now. Having had some previous experience taking lessons, i really feel that in a short amount of time not only has my learning rate accelerated but my enthusiasm for playing has increased greatly. Shortly after starting lessons with Sam he connected me to other students, encouraging us to play together which of course was a big confidence boost. He regularly facilitates jam sessions which allows us to practically apply the theory and technique that he imparts during lessons. This class environment has demonstrated his skills in nurturing group collaboration which i think is essential in learning to play with others! He is always encouraging and is clearly attentive to different learning styles. I have on several occasions seen him perform professionally which further attests to his versatility and talent as a performer as well as teacher. I am a full-time dance teacher and continually draw inspiration from his creative and always professional approach to teaching. And of course, his sense of humour, charisma and kindness add to the overall lesson experience. I would happily recommend him and frequently do to anyone interested in taking lessons.

I've been a student of Sam's for a few years now and he's been such a personality since the day I met him. He lives on a hill on Broadway, equidistant from Harvard and Central Square. The first thing to say about Sam is that he knows his stuff. He may not consider himself to be a good guitarist, but he's just being humble. Also, he knows so much about music theory, so he's the perfect guy if you're into that sort of thing. When he writes his master book about the theory of music and everything, you can be proud to know you heard the wisdom firsthand from the guru himself.

He knows a wide variety of songs and will totally roll with whatever works with you. He tailors his lessons to your personality and what makes you happy. Furthermore, he breaks up the monotony of lessons with very lighthearted jokes and will get into a discussion with you about whatever you want. He loves laughing and being just a highly personable guy. It's nearly impossible to hate him.

Also, the dude's got mad connections, so he can get you in touch with people in a whole bunch of fields if you're into that sort of thing. He's such a quirky and crazy man that he'll change your life perspective very quickly. With an awesome cow in his quaint basement lair, you will feel like you are sitting down with a true god in his craft. But don't cross him, or you'll be subjected to the Torture Chamber. And the Torture Chamber is freaky.

Take lessons with this man, and your life will be complete. The eternal path to supreme knowledge will open for you and you will experience an hour of nirvana every week. Thus, Sam Davis is the man.

Getting there: Sam's location on Broadway is fairly easy to get to by T, walking distance from my apartment, or by car (he has guest parking permits).The space: Sam's pad-cum-studio is a reflection of his personality. Fanciful, eclectic, colorful, and bovine...I don't want to ruin the experience, but I suggest you suspend all disbelief before entering his domain. Oh, and ask him about "the cow." Enjoying surrealism will help you enjoy the space.

The instruction: I've been a student of Sam's for 7 months now, and it has been going very well. Sam and I discuss where I want to focus my learning effort on, and he tailors our time together to help me achieve my goals. In addition to being an excellent guitarist, he can comfortably teach important musical theories, helping me move from "sort of guitar player" to "guitarist" and "musician."Sam's style: Sam is really friendly and easy to get along with. Given the nature of a one-on-one teacher-student relationship, this is critical. Though he can definitely be, "fanciful, eclectic, colorful, and bovine," he takes his music very seriously. His style naturally puts you at ease, and makes you feel comfortable with trying some new or difficult concept. Sam is a great teacher, no doubt.

Logistics: Sam will schedule lessons any day of the week, from roughly 9AM to 9PM. Lessons are $50/hr. with a discount if you book 10 lessons at a time.

So why 4 stars, and not 5? There are two reasons:
1. I've only been a student for 4 months. In time I might revise my rating - you can rate a restaurant on Yelp having been once, but I feel like this is different.
2. $50 per lesson is a little more than other instructors in the area. However, I believe that in this case you get what you pay for.

If you're looking for a great guitar instructor, I recommend you talk to Sam and schedule a lesson.

Sam Davis is an excellent teacher with years of experience. You can tell that he loves what he does, and he wants you to love learning about guitar. As a student of his for several years now, I can say that he doesn't shy away from pushing your limits, but always within what your current level is so you never get bored because there is always more to learn.

Sam is not just a great teacher, but an amazing person. He is funny, brilliant, interesting, and just an all-around good guy. You really should take lessons from him. As a bonus, you get to meet Darla.

Sam Davis is just the funniest, wackiest most upbeat teacher around. You feel that you have known him for a zillion years,(which in my case I have). He is also a brilliant teacher and an active performer and musician. This guy has deep knowledge. He has been teaching my teenage son for 3 years and it has been a huge success.

Sam Davis is a great guy and a helluva teacher. I had taken guitar lessons from a couple other teachers in the past, but never was able to connect to a teacher or the instrument until I met Sam. He has a blend of intelligence, love for the instrument and music, and humor that makes learning fun. When I first started with Sam, I wasn't a very skilled player, but by the end of the first lesson I had improved greatly. And it has felt that way ever since. He really has a great feel for teaching to the level of the student; some days I show up without having practiced, or feeling mentally dead, but somehow Sam manages to get the best out of me, and I always leave his lessons waiting to pick up my guitar again.

As a student for the past five years, I have learned a lot of enriching material from Sam. Sam Davis makes sure that his students understand and apply the material they are taught. He is a patient, understanding yet vigorous teacher with decades of musical experience. Sam teaches Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Blues, Folk and many more genres. Many experienced musicians in Cambridge and Boston that I have played music with agree that Sam Davis is the best guitar teacher in the area.

Sam Davis is for anyone who wants to be fully immersed in music. The music theory that Sam masterfully teaches has allowed me to access my full potential of song writing. Just one hour with Sam is enough to practice for weeks. Sam's lessons are taught in the comfort of his home though a one to one bases. Weather you're someone looking to master music theory or just picking up the old guitar and want to lean how to play a few songs, Sam is a great teacher and I recommend him to anyone willing to learn.

Sam Davis is hands down the best guitar and bass teacher in the Boston area. His experience goes back over twenty years of teaching full time and even longer owning a music store and playing in bands.

Sam's talent is in his ability to break down a song to the student's ability. Want to learn a song you really like but it seems too technical? Sam can teach you a simpler version of the song and when your skill improves you can revisit the song with some of the leads and solos and play the song the way it was written. Not a guitarist? No problem! Sam plays and teaches bass as well.

There isn't any style of music Sam can't do, over the past two years he has taught me songs by the Clash, the Ramones, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Dick Dale, the Ventures, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Cramps, Joan Jett, the Misfits, and more.

Some of the best lessons are when Sam plays bass and I play guitar and we just rock out to silly songs like Tequila and Wooly Bully. So why not get off the sofa and stop struggling with trying to get better at guitar and take some lessons with the coolest cat in town, Sam Davis.