Great discounts, poor employee morale but great co-workers. - Assistant Manager Guitar Center Employee Review

2.0
Sep 23, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

To be around music everyday and others who feel the way you probably do is truly amazing

Cons

There is no possible way to carve out a decent living here. No way whatsoever. Even if somebody comes in with significant experience, amazing salesmanship, know how and years of experience as a respected touring musician, the system is oriented to keep the door revolving. There are lots of bodies out there that can sell music gear. Really too bad. I have friends ( co-workers), that stepped down from management back to sales because the financial rewards were not significant enough to compensate the increased responsibility. (not nearly). It definitely paints a very negative face on upper level management. I believe that they do not truly understand what their own potential is with great motivated professional people all on the same page store wide. For those reading this, I would seek out opportunity in smaller independent stores where you have the opportunity to make more of a difference. You won't make any more money at Guitar Center believe me. Also look at Sam Ash. I have several friends that have worked there for over 12 years, ( one over 15), doing great, respected and rewarded by management. Much better. I will probably stay here as I am entrenched for the time being, then go there myself! So see you at Sam Ash someday soon!!

Explore other reviews about Guitar Center

5.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very flexible with hours working.

Cons

Difficult to stray away from Hal Leonard curriculum sometimes, but may be different now.

3.0
Jul 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Sweet deals and discounts Coworkers are very pleasant to work with Good as extra income Good for aspiring musicians to network with experts of the industry

Cons

Obsolete softwares Scheduling system software that is thenmost imperative tool as of it will be the backbone of a lesson lead for your team of instructors success it's also somewhat obsolete amd constantly crashing both IT and Upper management are aware. IT is very diligent and pleasant to work with but Upper management expects their lessons lead to work and deliver at 100% capacity while they continue to have an operating system that only works at 75% capacity, just beware of that and if you're willing to work under those conditions. With that put there go at your own discretion. Nobody gets Christmas/winter holiday vacation time off, also go at your own discretion on that one especially if you have kids and family looking for work-life-balance.

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