ABOUT

BELIEF #1

Life is too short - have fun and play with wreckless abandon.

BELIEF #2

Can't never could. Mindset is everything. You are in control.

BELIEF #3

Learning is not linear. Connect the puzzle pieces you can and enjoy the ride.

I'M HAYES

— a musician, teacher, and coach for guitar and mandolin players.

My love for these instruments has led me all over the world, from earning degrees at Denison University and New England Conservatory, to touring internationally with acts like Canadian fiddler April Verch and the progressive bluegrass band Newtown.

Along the way, I recorded chart-topping albums, released my own project Midwestern Swing, managed an independent radio station, became a college professor, and placed 2nd at the National Flat Pick Championship in 2024.

MY MISSION

There are a lot of ways to learn guitar online - YouTube, paid step-by-step video courses, various Patreon pages - the list goes on.

Most of these materials are great, but nearly all lack one thing that jump-starts long-term progress: personal interaction with an expert.

To help fill that void, I decided to use my years of touring, teaching, and surveying the online educational landscape, to launch Guitar Club - an online community designed to provide you with high-quality tutorials and workshops, paired with live, personal access to yours truly.

Each month, you'll get access to 3 monthly Q&A opportunites, as well as 1 live jam session and 1 live masterclass on a rotating topic.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to help you unlock your full musical potential!

"Hayes’ knowledge and perspective of music theory has helped me get past a painful block I have had for years (like 50) and the fretboard is opening up for me and finally starting to make sense."

Lyn Jackson

"Hayes is a great teacher, as well as a great player, who really understands music and is a patient communicator. I highly recommend that you join the Guitar Club. You’ll learn a lot."