Guitar Setup, Maintenance & Repair Classes

Join us and learn how to do pro-level guitar setups and repair work at one of our private workshops. Guitar repair classes and training courses are held in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, Portland, Toronto and beyond. Visit the Events Calendar for registration information. Visit the individual class pages Guitar Setup Class or Guitar Repair Technician Course for more information.

Meet the Instructor

Jonny Blackwood

Jonny Blackwood is a warranty-authorized, factory-certified Fender technician (since 2007) and Taylor technician (since 2014), professional guitarist, and luthier with over 25 years of hands-on experience. As Content Developer and lead instructor at Blackwood Guitarworks, he has taught group classes and workshops since 2009, sharing the craft of guitar maintenance and repair to hundreds of people all over the country. He is also the author of the best-selling Complete Guitar Care & Maintenance: The Ultimate Owners Guide, trusted by players and techs worldwide.

Past Partners

“I enjoyed the class and was nice to confirm what I knew and learn some new things. I can’t add anything else, nice informal format, opportunity for questions, good location and the right size group for the time allotted.” –
Bob G. (Calgary, Alberta)

“Thanks for the (wiring) course today. Learned a lot and although i didn’t quite get my project finished, I’m confident i won’t have a problem getting it done as well as another one I’ve had sitting…” – Ian W. (Edmonton, Alberta)

“Really enjoyed the Wiring Class. Plugged the Tele in at home and it really does sound better – there is a degree of clarity that wasn’t there before. Had the same experience when the same mods were done to my Strat…. Really enjoyed Sunday’s Setup session. Thought it had the right amount of time allocated and you went through things systematically. Great setup guide handout!” – John A. (Edmonton, Alberta)

“I thought the course was excellent! I came home and set up another guitar just to make sure it stays in my mind. I feel much more confident in changing things now, I have messed around with the truss rod before, but was never quite certain what the results would be.” – Aaron B. (Edmonton, AB)

“The class was very good. I would like a class on guitar electronics.” – Walker M. (Edmonton, AB)

“Thank you!! The class was great. You were super helpful and the over all pacing of the class was excellent.” – Dan F. (Edmonton, AB)

“I had a great time and learned a lot. You’re very approachable, knowledgeable and you make it easy to ask questions. In my estimation, these are the most important qualities for a good teacher to have.  Keep up the great work and I hope to take another of your classes in the future.” – Jon H. (Edmonton, AB)

“I thought the class was great!  I knew a little bit about intonation before the class but I had no idea of relief or fret radius or saddle and pick up height – lots of interesting stuff.” – John W. (Edmonton, AB)

“That was great – my brother loved the setup on the acoustic. I’ve got a lot of practicing to do on the instruments around the house. Great Course – Thanks Jon!” – Dean F. (Edmonton, AB)

“I took a guitar setup and electronics course with you in Calgary last spring. Just finishing up my guitar setup on my tele; installed a set of n3s on her this afternoon and just about to finish up the intonation. Just wanted to say thanks.  Since the course I’ve wired and setup a tele that I built myself… My first partscaster … as well as the MIM that I’m putting the n3s in now.  I learned a lot, and your manual really is great for all the things I forgot to write down. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again. You did an amazing job at the course, and it gave me a ton of confidence. Hope to see you in the future for a fretwork/nut adjustment session!” – Chris W. (Calgary, AB)

“I wasn’t sure if I stopped to thank-you for your time on my way out the door today, but “thank-you”.  I did enjoy the course, I learned a bunch and I did appreciate the extra personal attention that you provided. I would say that over the last year the amount of “geometry” (for lack of a better term) that is involved in guitars (and I’m assuming all stringed instruments) that I’ve come to be aware of has really been eye opening, and you definitely added to that today. Anyhow, thanks again- really enjoyed it. Not sure if I feel ready to take on my 12/6 double neck, but small steps.” – TWK (Edmonton, AB)

“I wanted to thank you for the very informative class and I already have put your teachings into action. All my guitars now play like I always wanted them to. Cheers!” – Michael D. (Edmonton, AB)

“I just wanted to say thanks for a righteous weekend.  It was well paced (but fast), the delivery was great, and it was nice to have immediate access to your expertise.  I learned a lot, and look forward to honing my skills on future projects. Thanks again, it was very cool.” – Francis K. (Calgary, AB)

“Thanks for putting on the workshop. I learned lots, although I can see where one needs to practice applying these things (like anything!). I feel much more confident now in terms of what to check and what to measure to see if my guitar is properly setup, or needs attention. I might need a refresher next year! Cheers” – Jim (Calgary, AB)

“Thanks for coming down to Seattle for instruction last Sunday. Was a fun and educational experience! Although I came with some basic knowledge, I certainly felt I walked away with a few new tools and tricks in my bag and several questions answered. Was nice to share a room full of others passionate about the same musical niche.” – Eric R. (Seattle, WA)

“Thank you for the course. I’ve been communicating with my fellow guitarists that the course is well worth it. I’m looking forward to using your system to setup my many other guitars and my brothers…(he lives is Calgary and I’ll be there this week). Thanks again.” – Vince (Edmonton, AB)

“I can say it was such a great experience and learning. I would’ve never come near a truss rod if it were not for Johnny Blackwood Guitarworks.” – Brad White (Calgary, AB)

“Johnny is the best guitar tech and luthier I’ve ever met. He’s top.” – Mark Phillips (Edmonton, AB)

“Attended the class last Saturday and it was EXCELLENT!!! I’ll never pay to have someone else setup my Guitars again.” – Tony Sarmiento (Seattle, WA)

“Just wanted to say, I appreciate the course! My strat sounds fantastic now, and I’m looking into a new bridge for the SG. Funny, I had two different luthiers set it up over the years, and neither noticed the bridge problem, so thanks.” – Joe (Vancouver, BC)

“Just a quick note to say I really appreciated the setup class in Seattle yesterday. I’ve watched a ton of setup videos on YouTube and done some on my guitar, but the in-person format w/ an expert was invaluable. The feeler gauge approach seems way more accurate than using other approaches and it was great to be able to ask questions and get expert answers in real time. My PRS sounds so much better after I got home and plugged in! Many thanks.” – Tom (Seattle, WA)

“Great class in Seattle last weekend!!! Thanks for your guidance and knowledge!!! Wish I would have attended before I made my AntlerCaster Moose Guitar lol.” – Mark Stratton (Seattle, WA)

“Excellent class. Loved it!” – Ian Thomson (Victoria, BC)

“I just wanted to say thanks again for the course. It was really informative and a lot of hands on which is great! I really appreciated all the input and tips you gave me on what to work on, etc.” – JM (Calgary, AB)

“Thanks Jon! I had a great time in class. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!” – Greg (Calgary, AB)

“Thank you so much for the past two days. It was my first time about learning guitar maintenance, and you were incredibly kind and professional. I really enjoyed our time together. I’ll keep practicing what you taught me, especially the action adjustments!” – Kosuke N (Vancouver, BC)