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.
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…
Jumping between random YouTube tutorials with no clear plan
Not knowing what to practice next — theory? Scales? Solos?
Playing the same chords and licks for years, spinning your wheels
Bought courses you never finished — they just gather digital dust
No one to ask when you're stuck — YouTube comments don't cut it
"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?
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
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
What's Inside
Everything you need. Nothing you don't.
30+ Courses
Theory, blues, rock, improvisation, fretboard mastery — an ever-growing library. All included. Nothing locked away.
Study Plans
End the drift. Curated paths based on your level and goals — so you always know exactly what to practice next.
The Guitar Clinic
Technique-specific lessons for real problems — picking, bending, vibrato, muting. Bite-sized, targeted, immediately useful.
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.
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.
Live & Mastermind Sessions
Regular live group coaching plus members-only Mastermind videos responding to your specific questions.
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.
Before & After 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?"
- 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 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."
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."
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?"
Mark
TGL Member, UK
"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."
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."
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."
Gary S
TGL Member, USA
20,000+ Hours
of Teaching Experience
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.
100% Risk-Free — Try Everything First
Dive in. Try everything. If it's not for you, cancel — no questions asked.
Choose Your Plan
All plans include full access. No locked content, no upsells.
All plans start with a free 30-day trial.
Monthly
per month
- Full course library access
- Study Plans
- TGL Backstage community
- Direct access to James
- Cancel any time
6 Months
one payment
Save ~18% vs monthly • No auto-renewal
- Full course library access
- Study Plans
- TGL Backstage community
- Direct access to James
- No auto-renewal
Annual
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
🎸 Not sure which to pick? Annual works out under $17/month — less than one private lesson, for unlimited access to everything.
All plans start with a free 30-day trial. No risk.
Getting Started
Who is Total Guitar Lab best for?
TGL is built for players who have at least some basic ability — you know a few chords or scales — but feel stuck, unfocused, or unsure how to progress. Ideal if you're self-taught and want a clearer practice plan, plus a deeper understanding of how things connect on the fretboard.
Is this for complete beginners or do I need experience?
TGL is designed for players with at least basic knowledge — ideally you can play a chord or two. It's not for total beginners who've literally never picked up a guitar.
Is TGL for electric players and acoustic players?
Most courses focus on electric guitar styles. Acoustic players will benefit from the coaching, support, and community elements, and some content can be played on either type of guitar.
How do I get started?
Sign up. Your 30-day free trial starts immediately — full access to everything right away. After your trial, payment is taken for whichever plan you selected.
What equipment do I need?
An electric guitar (or acoustic), a cable and amp (or audio interface), and a device to watch lessons on. You'll also want a tuner — we'll recommend free apps inside the membership.
The Honest Questions
I've tried so many courses. What makes this different?
Most courses teach the what. TGL teaches the why. Once you understand why things work on the guitar, the licks, scales and songs start to make sense. That's the No Bull Method — and it's why members describe TGL as "the one that finally brought it all together."
Is it my age? Am I too old to make real progress?
No. It's the way you've been taught. Some of TGL's most committed members are 50, 60, even older — and they're making enormous gains. One member played his first gig after joining TGL at 50+.
I don't have much time to practice.
Most TGL members are busy adults — evenings and weekends, maybe 15–30 minutes a day. The Study Plans are designed around exactly that schedule.
Won't I get overwhelmed by 30+ courses?
That's exactly what Study Plans are for. TGL gives you a curated path based on where you are and where you want to go. You'll always know exactly what's next.
Do I need to read music or know music theory?
No — you do not need music reading skills or theory knowledge to use Total Guitar Lab. But you can absolutely use TGL to develop them if you want to.
What if it's not right for me?
The 30-day trial means there's no risk. Try everything and if it's not for you, cancel with no fuss. You've lost nothing.
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.
Explore Single Courses arrow_forward
Ready to get
unstuck?
A real teacher. A clear path. No excuses.
Start free for 30 days. Cancel any time.
30-day free trial. No commitment. Cancel any time.