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For most people, guitar competitions bring to mind highly trained musicians battling it out for prestige and prize money. We’ve all seen School of Rock, right? Guitar Wars is something entirely different. Sure, there is a competition, and even some prizes, but Little Rock guitarist and educator David Dunavant designed the event for everyday players who simply want a chance to get on stage, play music and have fun. What started as a performance opportunity for his students has grown into Arkansas’ only statewide amateur guitar competition and a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to music education for kids across the state.
Dunavant, a Little Rock native, has spent nearly three decades teaching guitar. He began teaching lessons at nineteen before earning his music degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and later completing a master’s degree in jazz guitar at Bowling Green State University. He then returned to Arkansas to teach at several colleges and universities. Today, he teaches private lessons through his business Guitar Lessons with Dave Dunavant at the Little Rock Music Academy, working primarily with adults and older teens.
The idea for Guitar Wars grew out of a simple problem. His students wanted an opportunity to perform on stage, but his older students weren’t interested in recitals. They wanted to strum and shred on stage, even though they weren’t part of a band. Dunavant wanted to create an event where amateur guitarists of all skill levels could experience the excitement of a live performance; thus, Guitar Wars was born. The competition portion is divided into youth and adult sections, both with beginner, intermediate, and advanced brackets, so it’s a relaxed and welcoming environment for players, no matter where they are in their musical journey. It’s ideal for someone who has been playing for three months or thirty years. Judges evaluate performances and prizes are awarded, but the atmosphere is intentionally fun and playful rather than intimidating.
While the competition itself is entertaining, the heart of Guitar Wars is its mission. Through the Guitar Wars Educational Foundation, the organization provides guitars and several months of private lessons to Arkansas children who might not otherwise have access to music instruction. Scholarship recipients receive a guitar of their own to keep, along with lessons from teachers located near their hometowns. Dunavant says finding funding is often easier than finding the right students. He’s looking for students who not only have a financial need but have a desire to learn music. The organization works with churches, schools, and community organizations to identify young people who genuinely need and will benefit from the opportunity. Scholarship recipients are awarded on stage at the completion of the event.
One of the most unique things about Guitar Wars is its focus on the audience experience. Admission is free, and Dunavant intentionally keeps it that way. He strives to create an electric environment that supports the musical artists and gives everyone a good time. Throughout the day, family members, friends, and curious visitors come and go, filling the theater with energy and encouragement. In 2025, Dunavant estimated 700 spectators were in attendance during the day-long event. Special attractions like audience-participation drum-offs, costumed appearances by members of the 501st Legion (an international costuming organization dedicated to celebrating STAR WARS™) and an afterparty at Vino’s help create a festival atmosphere that feels more like a community celebration than a traditional competition. Audience members are invited to donate to support the scholarship program, but there is never any pressure.
“We want people to have a good time,” Dunavant said. “If you want to donate to the cause, great. If not, just enjoy the show.”
In a state known for producing talented musicians, Guitar Wars has carved out a unique niche. It gives amateur guitarists a reason to keep playing, provides a stage for performers who might otherwise never have one, and helps introduce a new generation of Arkansas kids to the joy of making music. That’s a mission worth cheering for, whether you can play a guitar solo or not.
Interested in performing at Guitar Wars?
Guitar Wars takes place August 8, 2026, at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock. The competition is open to amateur players of all skill levels, and participants can perform any song they choose or play along with one of the event’s pre-approved backing tracks in a variety of styles and genres. Performances are limited to five minutes or less, and players are grouped into divisions based on age and experience level.
Those who register before June 30 receive a free event T-shirt and a pack of guitar strings, which together are nearly enough to cover the registration cost. Even better, every entry helps support the Guitar Wars Educational Foundation, which provides guitars and four months of lessons to Arkansas students who might not otherwise have access to music education. Scholarship recipients are announced during the event, giving participants and audience members a chance to see the program’s impact firsthand.
Learn more about the event at Guitar Wars Inc.
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