Gítarskólinn – Iceland's Online Guitar School

About Gítarskólinn

Founded by Icelandic guitarist and educator Bent Marinósson, Gítarskólinn (gitarskolinn.is) is Iceland's leading online guitar school. What started as an experiment in online teaching around 2004 became a full-fledged platform in 2020, and has since helped hundreds of students — from complete beginners to returning players — build real skills in a supportive, pressure-free environment.

What's on Offer

Live Group Courses

Structured beginner courses run in partnership with Ferðafélag Íslands (the Iceland Travel Association). Starting from zero, students learn chords, strumming patterns, and rhythm — and play songs together from day one. No prior experience or note-reading required. Courses regularly sell out.

Tónsmiðjan (The Music Workshop)

A subscription series for adult guitarists who want to keep progressing. Each month brings a new theme, fresh songs, weekly exercises, live masterclass sessions with Bent, and regular community jam sessions — including open-air meet-ups in Heiðmörk.

Self-Paced Online Courses

• Gítar grunnur 1 (Guitar Basics 1) — All the essentials: chords, fingerpicking technique, and more.
• Gítarhálsinn 1 (Guitar Neck 1) — Learn every ABCDEF note across all strings and positions on the fretboard.
• Gítar þvergrip (Barre Chords) — Master the barre chord shapes that unlock the entire fretboard.
• Ukulele grunnnámskeið (Ukulele Basics) — Chords, fingerpicking, and songs for the ukulele.

Each course includes quality video lessons, written explanations, and downloadable materials — learn at your own pace, on your own schedule.

Private Lessons

One-on-one instruction, available both in person in Reykjavík and online via video call. Tailored to your level and goals.

Student Testimonials

"I've been taking private lessons at Gítarskólinn with Bent Marinósson for several months. I chose the online option since the flexible format suits me well. Bent has a great way of making the lessons fun, educational, and encouraging. He's an excellent guitarist and is good at conveying both technical material and stories about the greatest guitar legends."

— Kristján Guðmundsson

"A fantastic course I recommend without hesitation for anyone who wants to start from scratch. A very encouraging and ambitious teacher with the right goals for beginners. I've played the guitar nearly every day since my first lesson and I love it."

"The course has a great structure, both online and in the group sessions. You start with simple elements and build on them. Bent's infectious joy of playing fires up your own guitar enthusiasm — you just want to learn more and more."

"I hadn't touched the guitar in 20 years and thought it was forgotten and buried. Bent's course was exactly what was needed to dust off both the guitar and my fingers. Now I play every evening!"

"I decided to make an old dream come true in my retirement years. The teaching is calm and the teacher's patience is endless. There's no pressure, just joy and encouragement to do better. Highly recommended."

"Bent has a unique ability to explain complex music theory in plain language so everyone understands. The curriculum is set up in a very comfortable way where you build on your knowledge week by week without losing momentum."

"More than just guitar learning — these are the best moments of the week. Not only do you learn the instrument, it's a kind of mindfulness and rest from the rush of the day. Bent radiates positivity and his love for music shines through in every lesson."

"Professional, encouraging, and fun teaching. Bent is an ocean of knowledge and clearly cares deeply that students succeed on their own terms. 10 out of 10."