About Me
Hey! My name is John Bacino. I’m a freelance musician and music instructor based in Phoenix, Arizona. With over five years of experience teaching guitar and bass, I’m passionate about helping students find their muscial voice. As a freelance guitarist and guitar/bass tech, I thrive in live settings, bringing seven years of touring experience as a hired gun across diverse genres—from Pop and Emo to Hardcore Punk and Metal. On the creative side, I write and perform with my post-hardcore band, deathdotgov. I have been an active member in the Phoenix music scene, playing in bands and collaborating for other artists since 2016.
Adaptable and quick-thinking, I excel in high-pressure environments, and I’m able to accomplish whatever needs to be done to make your event run smoothly. I am a low-maintenance, easy-going addition to any artists roster, and I’m always eager for new opportunities to collaborate.
I’m currently available for tours, gigs, sessions, tech work, and lessons!
Explore my world, and let’s create something amazing together!
Individual Guitar/Bass Lessons
I offer high-quality, affordable, and engaging guitar and bass lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. You can choose to take lessons in person at my home studio in Chandler, AZ, or at your preferred location. Online lessons are also available via Zoom, featuring studio-quality audio and video with multiple camera angles to ensure you get the most from each session. Concepts covered in our lessons together include but are not limited to:
Practical understanding and application of music theory
Building dexterity through exercises to build/improve technique
Songwriting and using the guitar/bass as a creative tool
Music technology essentials (Music production, composing/transcribing software)
How to engage in your music community (starting a band, booking shows, improving live performances, etc)
Video recordings of our lessons together are also available upon request. For booking and availability, please reach out via the Contact form below.
John is a very helpful guitar teacher. If there was something I didn't understand he was very accommodating and patient with me. - Nick Kula
John is a very helpful guitar teacher. If there was something I didn't understand he was very accommodating and patient with me. - Nick Kula
John is talented, friendly, and reliable. He's the first on our list for hired guitarists - Will Urtuzuastegui
John is talented, friendly, and reliable. He's the first on our list for hired guitarists - Will Urtuzuastegui
I always enjoyed our lessons together. Once we figured out which learning style worked best for me, we stuck to it! - Joslin Diaz
I always enjoyed our lessons together. Once we figured out which learning style worked best for me, we stuck to it! - Joslin Diaz
Previous Tours
Troubled Minds
2018 Spring West Coast
2018 Troubled Minds vs The West Coast Round II
A Call to the West Coast 2019
Summer 2022
Winter 2022
Diva Bleach
Spring 2024 (supporting Young Rising Sons)
Spring 2023 (supporting Telltale)
Sundressed
2023 (supporting TellTale)
Fall 2022 (supporting Wheelwright)
Winter 2022 (supporting Mega Ran)
Bite the Hand
Summer 2024 weekender
Tech Work
In addition to my performing roles, I work as a backline tech and house guitar tech for Vision Media and Backline Onstage Support. I have been working with them for the last 2 years fulfilling backline rental services and house tech services.
Notable events:
Viva Phoenix 2024
Sound Bites Music and Food Festival (Gin Blossoms)
Bases and Brews fest 2023 (lovelytheband, Walk the Moon)
Wild West music fest 2023 (Nelly, FloRida)
Contact Me
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!