“Play from the heart, not from the chart.”
Fingerstyle guitar lessons, workshops, and live music with David Wolff —
trusted instructor, lifelong musician, and student of the masters.
Based between New York and Martha’s Vineyard, David works with guitar players around the world through private lessons and immersive in-person workshops.
“Play from the heart, not from the chart.”
Fingerstyle guitar lessons, workshops, and live music with David Wolff —
trusted instructor, lifelong musician, and student of the masters.
Based between New York and Martha’s Vineyard, David works with guitar players around the world through private lessons and immersive in-person workshops.
This isn’t about memorizing songs.
It’s about understanding the music.
David teaches fingerstyle and acoustic guitar players how to hear, feel, and interpret what they’re playing — so it actually sounds and feels like music, not just notes.
No tab. No shortcuts.
Just a clear, proven approach rooted in blues, folk, and Americana traditions — inspired by artists like Jorma Kaukonen, Jerry Garcia, Reverend Gary Davis, and Blind Blake.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re close — but something’s missing — this is where things start to click.
Wolff and Friends:
-
![]()
David & Jorma Kaukonen
-
![]()
Derek Trucks, David, & Oteil Burbridge
-
![]()
Oteil Burbridge & David
-
![]()
Jack Casady & David
-
![]()
David Bromberg & David
-
![]()
Jorma & David
-
![]()
"Hot Tuna sandwich"!
-
![]()
Oteil & David- aka “The Hebros”
-
![]()
Victor Wooten & David
-
![]()
Marc Quiñones & David
Upcoming Events
Come see David play live.
Small group instruction with focus on fingerpicking techniques.
Workshop w/ Jorma Kaukonen
San Diego
March 1-5, 2027
Workshop w/ Jorma Kaukonen
Martha’s Vineyard
Workshop w/ Jorma Kaukonen
Martha’s Vineyard
September 24-26, 2027
Small group instruction with focus on fingerpicking techniques.
September 18, 2026
Live Music
Wogies in Katonah @ 7pm
January 8-10, 2027
Small group instruction with focus on fingerpicking techniques.
Workshop
Los Angeles
October 2-4, 2026
Workshop
Martha’s Vineyard
Small group instruction with focus on fingerpicking techniques.
Small group instruction with focus on fingerpicking techniques.
September 17-19, 2027
The Inner Circle
For years, the only way to learn from David like this was to be in the room.
Now there's a way in.
Monthly live sessions, 70+ workshop recordings, direct access to his process — and a community of players who take this music as seriously as you do.
Starting at $97/month.
THE INNER CIRCLE
THE INNER CIRCLE
“Easier done than said, but we do say it.”
-David Wolff
This is more than guitar instruction.
It’s a community of players who care deeply about the music.
Workshops are intentionally small and personal — often held in unique, intimate settings like David’s home on Martha’s Vineyard.
Students return year after year, forming friendships, playing together, and growing alongside each other.
From shared meals to evening jams and live student performances, the experience extends far beyond the lesson itself.
People come for the music.
They stay for the community.
David Wolff has spent decades studying, performing, and teaching fingerstyle guitar.
His work is rooted in the traditions of:
• Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna)
• Jerry Garcia & The Grateful Dead
• Reverend Gary Davis
• Blind Blake
He has taught alongside and collaborated with musicians connected to:
• Fur Peace Ranch
• The Allman Brothers Band
• Dead & Company
• Hot Tuna