Guitar Wars is Arkansas’ only statewide amateur guitar competition. It is a nonprofit event focused on performance, education, and equal access to instruments and private lessons for underserved youth.

Any Arkansas resident of any age may enter. The only restriction is income. If you make more than 25 percent of your annual income playing guitar, or if you are a full-time musician or guitar teacher, you are not eligible.

There are two divisions: youth and adult. Each has three skill brackets: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each bracket awards first, second, and third place winners. A total of 18 winners are named each year.

Prizes vary year to year and may include music gear, recording time, gift cards, or cash. Award details depend on the sponsor pool and donations received that season.

The event takes place at the Ron Robinson Theater in downtown Little Rock. It is typically scheduled for the second Saturday in August.

There is a $35 registration fee per contestant. The public is welcome to attend for free, with no tickets or RSVP required.

Each year, we partner with roughly 25 sponsors. Current and past sponsors include D’Addario, Delta Dental, The Edge, Vino’s, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Guitar Lessons with David Dunavant.

Yes, but contestants cannot bring their own. For legal reasons, all performers must use official tracks provided by Guitar Wars or play solo. If you create your own track, contact the director for advance approval.

Judging is completely blind. Judges never see the performers and only hear the audio. See the competition rules for further details related to the criteria for judging.

You can donate through Cash App at $LRGuitarWars or through our donation page. If you would prefer to send a check, call or text us and we will provide a mailing address. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Yes. In 2025, we launched our first drum-off category, and we plan to continue expanding. Beginning in 2026, we will introduce a one-off any instrument performance category. Updates and entry information will be posted on our official social media pages, so follow us there to stay informed.

Players can use any type of guitar, including acoustic or electric, six-string, seven-string, or twelve-string models. Acoustic players will be mic’d on stage. Electric players must use the provided house amplifier but may bring their own pedalboard. Personal amplifiers are not permitted.