"James' approach kicks ass. With just a few licks I can now improvise a solo. I've been playing on and off for 30 years and this is the first time something really clicked."
Paul Bosma
Netherlands
Rock Guitar Course
Stop playing
the same five licks.
Learn the scales, techniques, and signature licks used by rock legends — and how to actually weave them into solos that sound like you.
Lifetime access
TAB + Guitar Pro files included
2 bonus courses
Sound familiar?
You've been playing for years.
Something still isn't clicking.
Most intermediate guitarists share the same wall. They can play songs, they know a scale or two — but when it comes to actually making music, it all falls flat.
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Every solo you play sounds like the same two or three licks, just in a different order
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You know the minor pentatonic but you're locked in one position with nowhere to go
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You've spent hours on YouTube and somehow feel more confused, not less
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Your technique holds you back — the licks you want to play are just out of reach
"I know loads of licks. But when I jam, I keep going back to the same stuff. I can't make any of it sound musical."
The fix
Rock Guitar Lick Lab
A step-by-step course that gives you the scales, licks, and technique to build real rock solos — plus the practice system to make them stick.
This isn't another collection of licks to memorise and forget. It's a structured system for understanding how rock guitar actually works — so you can apply it, adapt it, and make it your own.
- 4 essential scale shapes taught in musical context — not just patterns to memorise
- A full lick library spanning multiple styles and techniques
- Practice strategies for actually using licks in real playing — not just drilling them in isolation
- Close-up video demonstrations and full TAB for every technique
What's inside
Three modules. One clear path.
Each module builds on the last — from the foundations you need, to a full library of licks, to the practice system that makes everything stick.
Essential Scale Shapes and Skills
Build the foundation every rock lead player needs — the right scales in the right positions, with the ability to move them anywhere on the neck and into any key.
- 4 Essential Rock and Blues Scale Shapes
- Moving scales into any key
- Transposing any lick across the fretboard
Build Your Lick Library
A carefully chosen set of licks covering the core styles and techniques you hear in real rock guitar playing. Each one taught so you understand why it works — not just how to copy it.
- Essential Blues and Rock Power Licks
- Rapid Fire Repeating Licks
- Hot Alternate Picked Licks
- Extended Blues Scale Runs
- Sequence and Stretch Licks
Build Your Own Guitar Style
This is where it comes together. Five practice strategies for integrating licks into real musical playing — so you stop performing exercises and start making music.
- Get In / Get Out technique
- Snapping Chunks (Parts 1 and 2)
- Chunk Sandwich method
- Strip It Down approach
Bonus courses also included
Bonus Course
Chopbuilder — Deluxe Edition
The complete technique workout: alternate picking, legato, vibrato, tapping, and muting — all with close-up demonstrations and structured practice exercises.
Bonus Course
Rock Jam Session Play-Along
Over 45 minutes of professional backing tracks in the styles of AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and Guns N' Roses. Built for putting your new licks to immediate use.
What students say
Real players. Real results.
Guitarists from the Netherlands, USA, UK, and New Zealand — all in the same situation you're in now.
"One of the best courses I've ever bought. Excellent teaching style — clear, thorough, completely confusion-free. I noticed real improvement within weeks of starting."
Ray Gallagher
USA
"I noticed real improvement in a relatively short time. The structured approach is exactly what I was missing — finally something that makes sense and actually sticks."
John Martin
UK
"By far the best course on rock lead and improvisation I've found. James has a genuine gift for teaching — for the first time, I actually understand what I'm playing."
Gary Van Rensburg
New Zealand
8+
Years Teaching Online
Your instructor
James Shipway
I'm a guitarist, teacher, and author — and I spent years searching for exactly what you're searching for: a clear, logical system for understanding the guitar that actually produces real results.
I worked to connect technique, theory, and creativity in a way that made sense. That journey shaped everything I teach. I focus on strong foundations, structured learning, and thorough musical understanding — not shortcuts, not isolated tricks.
Total Guitar Lab was created to give committed guitarists the clear path forward I had to find the hard way. If you're ready to replace confusion with genuine understanding, this is where that starts.
Start today
Choose your way in
One focused course, or everything James has built. Both come with lifetime access and immediate delivery.
Rock Guitar Lick Lab
Everything you need to build real rock solos — the scales, licks, technique, and practice system in one structured course.
$97
one-time
- All 3 course modules
- Chopbuilder bonus course (Deluxe Edition)
- Rock Jam Session backing tracks
- Professional TAB and Guitar Pro files
- Lifetime access, self-paced
Best Value
Total Guitar Lab Membership
Every course James has built, plus live workshops, Q&A sessions, and ongoing support. The complete system.
$20
/ month
- Rock Guitar Lick Lab plus all other courses
- Live workshops and masterclasses
- Direct Q&A with James
- New content added regularly
- Cancel anytime
No-risk purchase
If you work through the course and feel it wasn't worth the investment, get in touch. The goal is your improvement — that's what matters.
Questions
Common questions
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What level do I need to be?
This course is built for intermediate players — guitarists who can already play some chords and basic single-note lines, but feel stuck when it comes to solos and improvisation. Complete beginners should build fundamentals first. Advanced players will find the most value in Module 2 and 3.
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Does it come with TAB?
Yes — every lick, scale, and exercise includes professionally produced TAB and Guitar Pro files. These are downloadable and yours to keep.
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How long will it take?
Each module is designed to take roughly 3 to 4 weeks when worked through properly — around 9 to 12 weeks for the full course at a steady pace. There's no deadline though. Lifetime access means you can revisit any section as often as you like.
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How is this different from YouTube?
YouTube gives you individual pieces with no structure connecting them. This course is a system — each concept builds on the last, and Module 3 is entirely focused on applying what you've learned rather than just collecting more. Most students here have spent years on YouTube. The consistent feedback is that structure and clarity are what was missing.
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What format is the course in?
Entirely video-based with close-up demonstrations throughout. All lessons stream immediately after purchase. TAB and Guitar Pro files are downloadable directly from inside the course.
The solos are already in you.
You just need the tools.
Rock Guitar Lick Lab gives you the scales, licks, technique, and practice system to finally sound like the player you've been trying to become.
Rock Guitar Lick Lab — $97
Get Access