About Dave – Guitarist, Teacher, Mentor
I got my first guitar in the summer of 1980—a 1966 baby blue Fender Mustang with an old Univox tube amp. I began learning from my father, a professional guitarist and bassist who played in bands throughout the 1960s. That early spark led me to study with private instructors and immerse myself in the music of legends like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, and Peter Frampton. Later, I became deeply inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, and expanded my listening to include Eric Johnson and Allan Holdsworth.
In 1989, I enrolled in the Atlanta Institute of Music, graduating with honors a year later. My studies there covered rock, blues, jazz, classical, country, music theory, technique, sight reading, chord melody, composition, and more. I had the privilege of learning from world-class musicians including Jimmy Herring, Steve Freeman, Bill Hart, Robben Ford, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker, and Ritchie Kotzen.
After graduating, I began teaching guitar at Howren Music Company in Charlotte, NC, then later moved to St. Louis to teach and perform professionally. In 1992, I returned to Lake Wylie, SC, where I began building a loyal student base and playing locally. By 1994, I was teaching over 50 lessons per week at Howren, serving a wide range of students of all ages and skill levels.
In 2002, I left that position to focus full-time on building Dave’s Guitar School. Since then, I’ve created an extensive curriculum, authored three instructional books, worked as a studio guitarist, and composed music for television commercials.
In 2011, I launched CustomGuitarTabs.com, a music transcription service that has since delivered over 2,000 custom transcriptions to clients around the globe. These include songs in virtually every style of guitar and bass playing—everything from simple arrangements to advanced, note-for-note recreations.
A Lifelong Student—and Teacher
To this day, I continue to teach, transcribe, write, record, and practice daily. I'm constantly exploring new players and styles—on both acoustic and electric guitar—and I’m as passionate as ever about pushing my own limits as a musician.
But far more importantly…
I'm obsessed with helping you become a better guitar or bass player.
Wherever You’re Starting, Let’s Move Forward.
Every musical journey is unique—and I’d be honored to be part of yours.
When you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here to help you move forward with purpose, clarity, and undeniable progress.