3-Week Electric Guitar Building Course
- Michael Whitney
- Dec 17, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Build Your Own Electric Guitar From the Ground Up
Thank you for your interest in our 3-Week Electric Guitar Building Course.
While this course is no longer part of our regularly scheduled annual calendar, it remains available on a custom basis for students interested in building a Telecaster-style, Stratocaster-style, or flat-top Les Paul-style guitar in a focused, one-on-one environment.
Designed for hobbyists, aspiring builders, and guitar enthusiasts alike, this immersive program guides students through the complete construction of a solid-body electric guitar from raw wood to finished instrument.
Michael Whitney | Luthier, Instructor
What Can I Expect from the 3-Week Electric Guitar Building Course?
Students enrolled in this course will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to build their own solid-body electric guitar from the ground up.
Working one-on-one in a professional guitar making shop, students will build a Telecaster-style, Stratocaster-style, or flat-top Les Paul-style guitar while learning the techniques required to complete a high-quality instrument.
Throughout the course, students are guided through every major stage of construction including stock preparation, body shaping, neck construction, fretwork, finishing, assembly, and setup.
Course Snapshot
Below is a general overview of what students can expect during the 3-Week Electric Guitar Building Course.
WEEK 1: Body construction, routing, neck preparation, fretboard slotting, truss rod installation, and neck construction.
WEEK 2: Neck carving, body shaping, sanding, fret installation, fitting hardware, and preparing components for finishing.
WEEK 3: Finishing, assembly, wiring, setup, fretwork, final adjustments, and bringing the guitar to playing condition.
Due to individual pace and learning style, exact timelines may vary. The focus of the course is to guide students through the complete construction of a solid-body electric guitar while developing the skills and confidence to continue building in the future.
Student Spotlight
ELLIOTT WOODING - GIBSONS, BC CANADA
I recently finished the three month guitar building course at Whitney Guitars and I have to say it was an amazing experience. I’m now at home and have the knowledge and confidence to set up my own shop and start building guitars. Mike is an awesome teacher. -Elliott Wooding
*Elliott continued his studies through one of our longer guitar building programs.
3-Week Electric Guitar Building Course Details
Certificate Program Yes |
Course Type On-site; hands-on; one-on-one |
Style Tele-style, Strat-style, or flat-top Les Paul-style |
Body Wood Mahogany, Ash, Alder, or Walnut |
Nut Bone |
Fretboard Ebony or Rosewood |
Finish Hand-rubbed oil finish |
Course Duration 3 Weeks |
Hours 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What course dates are available?
This course is offered on a custom-scheduled basis. Students interested in attending are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss availability and scheduling options.
How do I register?
Prospective students interested in the 3-Week Electric Guitar Building Course are encouraged to contact the school directly.
As this program is offered on a limited, custom-scheduled basis, availability varies depending on the teaching calendar and shop workload.
If suitable dates are available, additional information regarding scheduling, deposits, and registration will be provided.
Do you provide accommodations?
At this time, we do not offer accommodations. Most students choose to stay in local vacation rentals, guest suites, or other short-term accommodations in Summerland and the surrounding area.
Located in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Summerland offers easy access to wineries, hiking, cycling, lakes, and a wide range of outdoor activities, making it an enjoyable place to spend an extended stay while attending the program.
Can I go on a wait-list for your next course?
Yes. Students interested in this course are encouraged to contact the school as far in advance as possible.
Because the 3-Week Electric Guitar Building Course is offered on a limited, by-request basis, availability may vary from year to year. If you have questions about future availability or would like to discuss scheduling options, please contact the school.
Do I need to bring anything with me for the course?
As you'll be working in a professional guitar making shop, hearing protection, safety glasses, a dust mask, and appropriate footwear are recommended. If you'd like a detailed list of suggested items, please contact our admin department.
Notebooks, binders, and pens or pencils are also useful for taking notes throughout the course.
All required tools and equipment are provided. However, students who already own a small collection of lutherie tools are welcome to bring them if they wish.
Do I get to apply finish to my guitar?
Yes. Students apply a hand-rubbed oil finish to their instruments as part of the building process.
While finishing is discussed throughout the program, the primary focus remains on developing strong guitar making skills and completing a well-built instrument. The hand-rubbed oil finish provides an attractive, durable finish that students can confidently apply themselves during the course.
Do I require my own hardware? What is included?
Course tuition includes the wood and consumable materials required to complete the instrument being built.
Hardware and specialty components—including items such as tuners, bridges, pickups, electronics, pickguards, cases, and other upgrade options—are typically selected and purchased separately by the student.
This allows students to customize their instrument according to their goals, budget, and personal preferences.
We are happy to provide guidance and recommendations when selecting hardware and components prior to the course.
I still have questions. Can you help?
Of course. If you have additional questions about our programs, application process, or guitar making training, please contact the school directly. We're always happy to help prospective students determine whether a program is a good fit.
Comments