Total Guitar Lab Membership

30+ Courses. One Clear Path. Direct Access to James.

Stop
drifting.
Start
playing.

You've tried YouTube tutorials, books, maybe even one-to-one lessons — and the progress has been painfully slow.

It isn't your age. It's the way you've been taught.

No commitment. Cancel any time.

James Shipway with guitar in home studio
500+
Video Lessons
30+
Structured Courses
20,000+
Teaching Hours
17+
Guitar Books Published
30 Days
Free Trial
Sound familiar?

The YouTube
rabbit hole.

One day it's pentatonic licks, the next it's modes, then you're watching someone shred at 240bpm and wondering if it's just too late for you.

The result? Years of playing and still not sure what to practice next.

You're not stuck because you lack talent or because you're too old. You're stuck because nobody has given you a clear why — just a never-ending pile of what.

Every guitar player knows this feeling…

close

Jumping between random YouTube tutorials with no clear plan

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Not knowing what to practice next — theory? Scales? Solos?

close

Playing the same chords and licks for years, spinning your wheels

close

Bought courses you never finished — they just gather digital dust

close

No one to ask when you're stuck — YouTube comments don't cut it

close

"Is it my age? Maybe it's just too late for me."

What if there was a better way?

What if you had a clear, step-by-step path — and a real teacher who actually replies to your questions?

Why TGL is different
WHY
before
WHAT.

Traditional courses pile on licks, solos, and techniques — the what — without ever explaining the why. You end up with a head full of disconnected things you can't actually use.

Total Guitar Lab starts from the other end.

We teach you the concepts, the connections, the reason things work — so you can improvise, solo, and play music you care about. Not just copy somebody else's licks forever.

Watch the overview of Total Guitar Lab Membership

Introducing

Total
Guitar
Lab

"One thing. Ten ways to use it — instead of ten things you'll never use."

— James Shipway, Founder & Author of 17+ Guitar Books

  • 30+ courses on demand — theory, blues, rock, fretboard mastery
  • Study Plans to end the drift — a clear path for your level
  • James replies — personally — to your questions
  • Backing tracks, tabs, chord charts — all included
  • New courses added at no extra charge
Start Free Trial arrow_forward
Everything you need

What's Inside

Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

01 school

30+ Courses

Theory, blues, rock, improvisation, fretboard mastery — an ever-growing library. All included. Nothing locked away.

02 map

Study Plans

End the drift. Curated paths based on your level and goals — so you always know exactly what to practice next and how it connects to the bigger picture.

03 medical_services

The Guitar Clinic

Technique-specific lessons for real problems — picking, bending, vibrato, muting. Bite-sized, targeted, immediately useful.

04 forum

TGL Backstage

Members-only community where you're never alone. Post your struggles, share your wins, ask anything. James is in here daily — and he actually replies.

05 support_agent

Direct Access to James

Post your questions in Backstage and get personal replies from James — usually within 24 hours. Plus: exclusive 5-minute Masterclass videos answering members' real problems. Members say this is what sets TGL apart from every other membership.

live_tv

Live & Mastermind Sessions

Regular live group coaching plus members-only Mastermind videos responding to your specific questions.

No More Guessing

Your Clear Path from
Stuck to Confident

Choose a Study Plan and follow a structured path designed for adult learners.

🎸

Beginner Blues

3–6 months

Foundation → Rhythm Mastery → Blues Scales → Lead Basics → Song Application

🤘

Beginner Rock

3–6 months

Chord Foundations → Power Chords → Rock Riffs → Lead Techniques → Performance

🎼

Music Theory

2–4 months

Note Names → Scales → Chords → Progressions → Practical Application

🎯

Fretboard Mastery

3–6 months

Note Location → Pattern Recognition → Pentatonic Shapes → Vocabulary → Connecting It All

🎸

Blues Growth

3–6 months

Intermediate Rhythm → Chords, Riffs & Tricks → Lead Concepts → Song Application

🎸

Rock Growth

3–6 months

Theory Foundation → Building Rock Vocabulary → Technique → Soloing Concepts

More Study Plans available inside the member dashboard.

The Difference

Before & After TGL

Before TGL
  • 01 Drifting from tutorial to tutorial
  • 02 Same licks on repeat, every time
  • 03 Theory feels like a foreign language
  • 04 "Is it just too late for me?"
After TGL
With TGL
  • 01 A clear path — know exactly what to practice
  • 02 Real improvisation, real creativity
  • 03 Theory that finally makes sense
  • 04 "I've reached a higher level than I thought I ever would"
Real Results

Real Results from Real Members

Adult learners from around the world.

★★★★★

"I've honestly made more progress with TGL than with anything else I've tried… the teacher is a real person who actually exists and responds to questions."

TT

Todd T

TGL Member, USA

★★★★★

"I finally played a small gig last summer — something which would have been unthinkable. I'm a mature learner (50+) and have made enormous gains, particularly in lead and blues."

PR

Paul R

TGL Member, UK — 5 years

★★★★★

"I will be letting my other teaching subscriptions lapse and just focusing on TGL. Everything I need is here, delivered with great service. What more could you want?"

M

Mark

TGL Member, UK

Angelo B, TGL Member
★★★★★

"TGL has basically brought it all together for me. Through clear theory explanations and examples, I understand how to take my guitar playing to the next level."

AB

Angelo B

TGL Member, USA

★★★★★

"The support James has given me is outstanding — this has been the biggest benefit to joining. He goes above and beyond, and I've reached a higher level than I thought I ever would."

CG

Casey G

TGL Member, Canada

★★★★★

"Your genuine sincerity to see your students succeed makes you stand out. Thanks for being sincere in helping your students."

GS

Gary S

TGL Member, USA

James Shipway, guitarist and teacher

20,000+ Hours
of Teaching Experience

Your Teacher

James Shipway

Guitarist, Teacher & Author

Author of 17+ books including the best-selling No Bull for Guitar Music Theory series (Headstock Books)

I've spent decades teaching guitar — thousands of hours, thousands of students — and I've seen the same problem over and over. People learn what to play without ever understanding why it works.

That's why I built Total Guitar Lab around a single philosophy: why before what. Once you understand the connections — everything clicks.

"Thank you for taking the time out to personally reply — you have delivered what you said you would, which in this day is most refreshing."

— Roger, TGL Member, UK

With the right guidance and community, every guitarist can reach a level they thought was impossible. That's what I'm here for — supporting members, answering your questions, celebrating wins.

If you're ready to stop drifting and start playing with clarity and confidence, I'd love to have you inside. Come try it free for 30 days. You've got nothing to lose.

30
Day Free Trial

100% Risk-Free — Try Everything First

Dive in. Try everything. If it's not for you, cancel — no questions asked.

check_circle No long-term commitment check_circle Cancel any time check_circle Keep downloads if you cancel check_circle No questions asked
Simple Pricing

Choose Your Plan

All plans include full access. No locked content, no upsells.

Monthly & Annual include a free 30-day trial. The 6-Month plan is a one-time payment with no trial.

Monthly

$20

per month

  • Full course library access
  • Study Plans
  • TGL Backstage community
  • Direct access to James
  • 30-day free trial included
  • Cancel any time
Start Monthly

6 Months

$109

one payment

Save ~9% vs monthly • No auto-renewal

  • Full course library access
  • Study Plans
  • TGL Backstage community
  • Direct access to James
  • No auto-renewal
  • No free trial — one-time payment
Start 6 Months
Most Popular

Annual

$199

per year

Under $17/month — 2 months free

  • Full course library access
  • Study Plans
  • TGL Backstage community
  • Direct access to James
  • 30-day free trial included
Get Annual Access

🎸 Not sure which to pick? Annual works out under $17/month — less than one private lesson, for unlimited access to everything.

Monthly & Annual start with a free 30-day trial. The 6-Month plan is a no-risk, one-time payment with no auto-renewal.

30+ Courses Included

Explore the full library in your membership

FAQ

Your Questions Answered

What is Total Guitar Lab? add

Total Guitar Lab is a membership-based guitar learning platform designed for adult players who want structure, clarity, and real progress. Instead of drifting between random YouTube videos, you get 30+ structured courses, Study Plans tailored to your level and goals, The Guitar Clinic (focused technique lessons), and access to James personally — who provides coaching, feedback on your playing, live Q&As, and exclusive Masterclass videos responding to what members ask for. You also get the TGL Backstage community, the interactive Soundslice tab player, backing tracks, tabs, Guitar Pro files, and new content added regularly. It's everything you need to stop guessing what to practice and start making real, measurable progress.

Who is Total Guitar Lab best for? add

TGL is for players with at least basic knowledge of chords and soloing depending on what you're interested in. Ideal if you're self-taught and want a clearer practice plan and deeper understanding of how things connect on the fretboard.

What's included in my membership? add

You get instant access to 30+ structured courses, Study Plans (curated learning paths designed for your level and goals), The Guitar Clinic, focused workshops, the TGL Backstage community, personal feedback from James, the interactive Soundslice tab player (play along, loop, slow down, speed up), backing tracks, tabs, and Guitar Pro files. New content is added regularly.

What are Study Plans and how do they work? add

Study Plans are curated learning paths designed to give you structure and progressive results. Each plan outlines exactly what to learn, in what order, and why it matters — so you always know what to practice next. You get access to multiple Study Plans (Beginner Blues, Beginner Rock, Music Theory, Fretboard Mastery, Blues Growth, Rock Growth, and more) tailored to your level and musical goals. You access them directly from your member dashboard and follow them at your own pace.

How many courses are included? add

Your membership includes 30+ structured courses covering blues, rock, theory, technique, improvisation, and fretboard mastery — plus The Guitar Clinic and focused workshops. Everything is organized into Study Plans so you can follow a clear progression. New content grows over time as it's added regularly.

Is there a community or forum? add

Yes. TGL Backstage is a members-only community where you connect with other guitarists, ask questions, share wins, and get support. You also get access to exclusive 5-minute Masterclass videos responding to member questions and problems, plus member-only live Q&A sessions, group coaching, and regular extra lessons and resources added throughout the year. It's a focused, supportive space — not a noisy social feed.

What's the difference between the monthly, 6-month, and annual plans? add

All plans give you full access to everything. Monthly is $20/month and you can cancel anytime — includes a 30-day free trial. 6-Months is $109 (one-time payment, no auto-renewal, no free trial). Annual is $199/year (just $16.58/month) — also includes a 30-day free trial.

Is this for complete beginners or do I need experience? add

TGL is for players with at least basic knowledge of chords and soloing depending on what you're interested in. It's not for total beginners who've literally just picked up a guitar.

Do I need to read music or know music theory? add

No — you don't need music reading skills or theory knowledge. But you can use TGL to develop these skills if you want to.

Is TGL for electric players and acoustic players? add

Most courses focus on electric guitar styles. Acoustic players benefit from coaching, support, and community elements, and some content works on either type of guitar.

How do I get started? add

For Monthly and Annual plans, sign up and your 30-day free trial starts immediately — full access to everything right away, with payment taken after your trial. The 6-Month plan is a one-time payment of $109 with no free trial and no auto-renewal — you get full access right away for 6 months. You'll access your Study Plans, courses, and community from your member dashboard.

What equipment do I need? add

An electric guitar (or acoustic), a cable and amp (or audio interface), a device to watch lessons on, and a tuner (we recommend free apps).

How much time do I need to practice each week? add

You don't need hours each day! Most members see progress with 15–30 minute sessions, 3–5 times a week. The Study Plans are designed around realistic time commitments for busy adults. Consistency matters more than length.

Can I learn at my own pace? add

Totally. Most content is pre-recorded, and Study Plans are designed so you can follow them at whatever pace works for you.

What makes this different to YouTube lessons? add

YouTube is great for random tips, but rarely gives a clear path. TGL is built around Study Plans and structured lesson sequences that tell you what to practice, when, and why it matters. Everything is organized so you're not jumping between unrelated videos or guessing what to learn next.

How long does it take to see progress? add

Most members notice improvements within the first few weeks — better timing, smoother chord changes, improved technique. Bigger breakthroughs typically happen over 2–3 months of following your Study Plan consistently.

What skills will I have after 1, 3, and 6 months? add

1 month: stronger fundamentals, cleaner technique. 3 months: better fretboard awareness, improved timing. 6+ months: freedom to move around the neck, improved improvisation, ability to connect ideas. Your Study Plan maps exactly what to expect at each stage.

Can this help get me out of a practice rut? add

Yes. Practice ruts happen when progress feels unclear and practice feels directionless. With TGL's Study Plans, you always know what to practice, why it matters, and how it connects to your goals. When progress becomes visible, motivation tends to follow naturally.

Will this help me play music, not just exercises? add

Yes. Everything is designed to help you play real music. Exercises are used only when they solve a specific problem.

Online teaching never worked for me. How is your teaching different? add

Most courses focus on more content. TGL focuses on understanding, applying, and exploring. Study Plans ensure you're learning in a progressive sequence where everything connects. But it's not just a library — James is personally involved. You get direct access to coaching and feedback, live Q&As where James answers your specific questions, and exclusive Masterclass videos created in response to what members actually ask for and struggle with. You learn how ideas fit together and use them musically, with real support behind it.

Can I ask questions if I get stuck? add

Absolutely. Reach out through TGL Backstage or email [email protected]. James takes his commitment to helping members very seriously.

Do you offer feedback on playing or videos? add

Yes. Share short playing clips to get personalized guidance on technique, timing, or tone. This ensures steady progress and prevents bad habits.

How quickly do you respond to questions? add

Normally within 24 hours. Feedback on videos may take longer. James is on UK time.

Are there live sessions or Q&As? add

Yes. Live sessions and Q&As happen at regular intervals — relaxed, practical spaces to ask questions, see concepts explained, and learn from other members.

What if it's not right for me? add

On Monthly and Annual, the 30-day free trial means zero risk — try everything and if it's not for you, cancel with no fuss. The 6-Month plan doesn't have a trial since it's a one-time payment, but it's also non-renewing, so there's nothing to remember to cancel.

Can I cancel anytime? add

Absolutely. No long-term contracts. Cancel anytime with one click from your dashboard. No phone calls, no hassle.

Will the cost of my membership ever increase? add

No! The price of your membership will never go up. For as long as you're a member, you'll always pay the same as you did when you signed up.

Can't find your answer? Email [email protected]

Not Ready for Membership?

Try a Single Course First

Want to explore before committing? Pick a single course — blues, rock, theory, or technique. No subscription, no membership. Just focused, high-impact learning.

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Start Today

Ready to get
unstuck?

A real teacher. A clear path. No excuses.

Start free for 30 days. Cancel any time.

30-day free trial on Monthly & Annual plans. 6-Month plan is a one-time payment, no trial, no auto-renewal.