6-Month Intensive Guitar Building Program
- Michael Whitney
- Dec 18, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
A Fully Immersive Guitar Making Experience
Thank you for your interest in our 6-Month Intensive Guitar Building Program.
Building on the foundation established in our 3-Month Comprehensive Guitar Building Program, the 6-Month Intensive allows students to further refine their skills through additional builds, advanced techniques, and greater creative freedom.
This program is designed for students seeking a truly immersive guitar making experience. Whether your goal is to build guitars as a serious hobby, pursue guitar making professionally, or develop the confidence to work independently in your own shop, the 6-Month Intensive provides the time, repetition, and one-on-one guidance needed to build a strong foundation.
Students typically complete multiple instruments during the program, with the exact number varying based on individual pace and project complexity.
Michael Whitney | Luthier, Instructor
What Can I Expect from the 6-Month Intensive Guitar Building Program?
Students enrolled in this program take an immersive deep dive into guitar making while developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to build fine acoustic and electric guitars from the ground up.
Building on the foundation established during the 3-Month Comprehensive Guitar Building Program, students continue to develop greater independence while refining their techniques through additional instrument builds and increasingly complex projects.
Students typically complete multiple acoustic and electric guitars throughout the program while exploring a variety of construction methods, body styles, and design approaches. The exact number and types of instruments completed will vary based on individual pace, experience, and project choices.
Little-to-no experience with power tools? No problem. I take a ground-up approach with all of my students and build upon more basic tasks. This fosters the confidence and skillsets that students require to complete any shop task be it in my shop, or in their own.
*NOTE: While previous tool use is not mandatory, it is an asset in the course. A minimum of grade ten math is mandatory.
Course Snapshot
Below is a general overview of what students can expect during the 6-Month Intensive Guitar Building Program.
MONTH 1
TELECASTER BUILD: Students will begin their learning with discussions on scale-length and move into blueprinting and layout using traditional drafting techniques. From here, we move into precise template building to develop hand-eye skills and explore neck faceting and ‘dummy carves’ before creating our finished body and neck. Finishing, assembly, fret-work and a setup will complete this build.
MONTH 2-3
OM ACOUSTIC BUILD: Students will work from a shop blueprint and develop their own templates from which to construct their own acoustic guitar. Milling and prepping stock, bending sides, preparing the rim, installing kerfing, final rim profiling to receive the plates, establishing correct neck geometry, building the bridge, neck carving and so forth will all be covered in great detail. The build is completed with fretwork, finishing and setup work.
MONTH 3-4
INTERMEDIATE ACOUSTIC BUILD: During this phase of the program, students continue to expand their skills through an additional instrument build of their choosing. Greater emphasis is placed on efficiency, problem solving, design decisions, advanced joinery, assembly, finishing, and setup work.
MONTH 4-5
SECOND ELECTRIC OR ACOUSTIC BUILD: During this phase of the program, students continue to expand their skills through a project aligned with their interests. Greater emphasis is placed on efficiency, advanced joinery, assembly, wiring, finishing, setup work, and independent decision making.
MONTH 5-6
FINAL PROJECT: At this point in the course, students are free to implement all of the knowledge they have amassed to date to design and build their own custom guitar!
Due to individual learning styles and pace, not all students will complete the final guitar within the six-month course window but will have amassed the skills necessary to complete the project independently.
Student Spotlight
ELLIOTT WOODING, GIBSONS BC
I recently finished the 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, Gibsons BC Canada
6-Month Intensive Guitar Building Program Details
Certificate Program Yes |
Course Type On-site; hands-on; one-on-one. |
Style Multiple acoustic and electric guitar builds. Specific projects vary based on student goals and program progression. |
Woods A variety of quality tonewoods are available depending on project requirements and material availability. |
Nut Bone |
Finish Hand-rubbed oil finish |
Course Duration 6 Months |
Hours 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What course dates are available?
As we are a working shop, much of our calendar year is reserved for custom guitar commissions. With only a portion of the year being allocated to teaching, program dates vary from year to year. We recommend reviewing our Extended Guitar Building Programs page for current availability and program information.
How do I apply?
Prospective students can learn more about our Extended Guitar Building Programs and submit an application through the program information page. Successful applicants will receive additional information regarding deposits, scheduling, and registration requirements.
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. Because enrolment is limited, prospective students are encouraged to apply as far in advance as possible.
If a program is full, we are happy to add qualified applicants to our wait-list and contact them should a space become available. If you have questions about current availability or future program dates, please contact the school.
Do I need to bring anything with me for the course?
As you'll be working in an active shop environment, we recommend bringing safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask, appropriate footwear, and comfortable work clothing.
A notebook and pen or pencil are also useful for taking notes throughout the program.
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?
All woods and basic hardware required for the program are included in the course cost. We use quality tone-woods and components selected to provide students with a rewarding building experience and a finished instrument they can be proud of.
Students are welcome to discuss alternative materials or specialty components prior to the program, though additional costs may apply.
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