Learn to play lead guitar with 41 in depth tutorials over 3 Modules, with an 80+ page Workbook PDF with clear visuals, diagrams, TAB, downloadable practice tracks & more...

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Music is a language… and, if you were learning a language, how would you approach it?

 

Would you memorize a bunch of words from the dictionary?

Obviously that wouldn’t work. Memorizing is not learning! Countless studies have proven that as a fact.

So why do people try to learn guitar that way? Memorizing scales, licks and songs just doesn’t work!

Here’s my personal experience. When I started playing guitar I spent 2 years working on technique. I memorized all these scales, arpeggios, solos and a bunch of other technical stuff.

But when I eventually gathered the courage to go to a jam session - I embarrassed myself. I had no idea how to take all that stuff I learned and actually use it to make music.

So what makes the difference?

You might think it’s…

  • How many hours you practice
  • Learning more riffs and licks
  • Investing money into gear and "learn guitar" books

But actually, the answer is something else...

 

Being Immersed In The Language of Music and Basing Your Practice Around That.

 

I’ve seen hundreds of students who “get stuck” and come to me for 1-on-1 lessons. It usually goes something like this…

You get inspired to play guitar by going to a concert, seeing something that somebody shared with you online or even seeing one of your friends playing guitar at a party or a jam session.

You jump in, full force, buy a guitar and all the other necessary gear you’ll need to play in a band or even record your own music.

You look up free lessons on YouTube, find some channels you like and start learning bits and pieces, looking up the “easiest riffs you can play on guitar” and “easy scales for beginners.”

It feels like everything's going great, you’re acquiring all this knowledge and memorizing all these little things on guitar….

But Then The Progress Gets Slower and Slower

Maybe it's after a few weeks, maybe a few months. But suddenly you find yourself in the same cycle: Looking up quick and easy lessons with instant results… just “adding stuff to the pile.”

You try to play a solo and keep fumbling through the same “easy box shape” you learned and suddenly guitar doesn’t seem so fun.

Without any sustainable path forward, you lose motivation. All those dreams you had seem impossibly out of reach.

So What Can We Do About It?

The path to success starts with very small steps.

Developing a proper foundation and practicing effectively - the right way - should be your priority.

When you get stuck in a rut, chances are you aren’t practicing the right things.

I have an extensive collection of guitar books that I have collected over the years as a professional guitar teacher and as a student myself and, to be completely honest...

Most of them are horrible! In just the first few pages the student is bombarded with so much information without any idea of how to actually learn and practice it.

On the other hand, looking up easy things to learn online, there's no organization to it. I say this as a YouTube creator myself with over 400,000 subscribers - the platform doesn’t favor organized material - so you end up with massive gaps in your knowledge.

Either way hopeful guitarists end up just playing the same handful of riffs or songs over and over because it's too hard to do anything else and they’re not sure that it's actually going to be worth their while.

And this is the point where a lot of guitar players call it quits. And it's sad because I know regardless of how your journey has gone so far…

 

Everybody Has What It Takes To Play Guitar.

 

Every minute you spend playing guitar is going towards a skill that you'll have with you forever. Guitar has the power to fuel your soul and bring you to another place, providing you with a never ending source of joy and satisfaction.

You can hit a point where you are constantly improving, and that motivates you to practice more and more. You'll hear things you didn't hear before when you're listening to music and understand what people mean when they say “feel the music.”

You can “catch up” to where you deserve to be, and reach your goals, whether it’s playing for your family and friends, playing along to a blues backing track in your bedroom, or even playing in a band, in a reasonable amount of time.

I want to show you how you can achieve all of these things.

But first, I’d like to talk about…

4 Myths That Prevent Beginners From Succeeding on Guitar

These common beliefs have prevented so many people from achieving the success they deserve on guitar.

❌ MYTH #1 - “My fingers are too short, so I can’t reach the notes properly.”

Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of the most legendary blues guitarists of all time, was 5’5” tall (165cm). Angus Young of AC/DC is 5’2” (157cm).

Nancy Wilson (Heart), Prince, Paul Simon… they all have average or below average hands, yet were able to create some of the greatest music of our time.

Every hand shape/style has its own advantages and disadvantages. Long fingers have more reach, but they have less leverage, making barring harder.

Skinny fingers don’t bump into other strings by accident, and fat fingers are great for barring multiple strings. Short fingers have more leverage and tend to get stronger over time.

If you’re struggling with reaching the notes, it’s not the size of your hands, but a lack of dexterity and strength. And these are things that will build up and increase over time, as you improve on guitar. They are things we can learn to improve and overcome.

❌ MYTH #2 - “Rhythm is something you are born with - and can’t learn.”

Early in my teaching career, I came across a student we'll call Susan.

Susan had absolutely NO sense of rhythm. And I'm not talking about your average “trouble playing this strumming pattern” sense of rhythm. She couldn't clap along to a song. She couldn't clap along to me while I clapped along to the song.

I was astounded with how much she learned on guitar. How many scales, patterns and songs she had learned. But none of it sounded like music without proper rhythm.

And none of the teachers that she had seen over her 20 years of learning guitar had ever addressed her rhythm issues. It was swept under the rug.

From my perspective, Susan was a blessing to have as a student. I learned so many things about how the human mind interprets rhythm through our nine month long journey with rhythm.

In the end, we were successful. We unlocked her sense of rhythm!

And now as a teacher, I have a massive arsenal of rhythm exercises and methods for getting ANYBODY to develop their sense of rhythm, regardless of their starting point.

❌ MYTH #3 - “I don’t have enough time to practice for hours every day.”

It’s no lie, the more you practice (properly) the better you will get. But there’s something more important than time spent practicing…

CONSISTENCY

Imagine two people….

One of them practices once a week, for 3 hours straight, right before their guitar lesson - so they don’t embarrass themselves in front of their teacher.

The other one practices 2 hours every week, spread out throughout the week. 15 minutes here, 20 minutes there.

❌ MYTH #4 - “I’m too old to start guitar and be successful.”

Contrary to popular belief, children are not better at learning guitar than adults. While their brains are much quicker at adapting to new things, children are still developing their framework for obtaining knowledge.

In other words, an adult has lots of practice learning. You’ve been through school, learned skills on the job and have more experience with learning new things.

Regardless of how old you are, it’s always possible to learn new skills. It will require a bit more effort, but so does anything worthwhile in life.

The majority of my 1-on-1 students have been 50 or over. I’ve taught students as old as 82. They were all able to achieve their goals because they knew what to practice, and they put in the effort to make it happen.

There Is A Proven Method For Getting The Results You Deserve!

It’s not what you practice, but how you practice it - that’s the crucial element to becoming a good guitarist.

And with this system I’m about to share with you, you will also…

  • Be able to practice guitar like a professional, making every minute count and seeing consistent progress in as little as 15 minutes each day
  • Develop your musical abilities - rhythm, pitch, dynamics, fretboard knowledge - and be able to make your own music, use a looper pedal and play along with others
  • Develop the know-how and confidence to express yourself with lead guitar - to “speak the language” of music

Whether you’re just getting started, or have finally decided that today is the day you do it…

… you will need a proven method that works. A step-by-step plan from where you are now, to being able to do all those things.

A system that I share with my one-on-one students that transforms each of them from “someone who owns a guitar” to “someone who plays guitar.”

In a couple of months, you’ll be able to look back and see the transformation as you are playing your favorite songs, nailing the rhythm and jamming along to things you never thought would be possible.

Hi, I'm James Testani

I first picked up a guitar at age 17. My friend showed me how to play the riff from “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and I was immediately hooked.

Today, almost 20 years later, I spend my time sharing this passion with others, helping them learn guitar and feel the joy that it has brought me over the past two decades.

I taught at music schools for a while, but teaching “out of the book” wasn’t for me. That’s when I started my YouTube channel, GoodGuitarist, which now has over 400,000 subscribers from around the world.

The channel is all about making music fun and enjoyable. Using helpful visuals and breaking things down systematically, I’ve designed a method for learning songs, riffs, solos and theory so that anyone - really! - can understand and play music with confidence.

During that time, I also received a music degree from Capilano University, majoring in Jazz Studies and graduating on the Dean’s List.

Ironically, learning so much about music has taught me just how simple it really is. I found the old-school way for learning music is too rigid and focuses on a bunch of boring academic things that have no real value to most people.

With that in mind, in my 15 years of teaching guitar, I’ve helped countless students develop (or regain) their passion for music, learning practical things that provide immediate results.

And now I’ve spent years putting all of that knowledge and experience into my courses. This program is the result of thousands of hours of teaching, organized into an easy-to-follow system instantly available to anyone with a desire to learn guitar.

A proven method for learning guitar that gives you a clear path forward. A system that guides you through each step from beginner to confident guitarist.

Make your practice count, develop your musical abilities and the know-how and confidence to “speak the language” of music - and find the deepest joy in playing this wonderful instrument.

The Complete Lead Guitarist guides you through a 5-step system, developed over 15 years of teaching one-on-one lessons…

How It Works

  1. Learn from a bite-size lesson with clear goals
  2. See & hear examples, in a musical context
  3. Practice it together, building up skills slowly but surely
  4. Approach it from another angle to cement the knowledge
  5. Integrate it into a practice regiment so you won’t ever forget, and will always move forward

With this 5-step framework in place, you’ll find yourself constantly improving as you work your way through the course.

In just weeks, you’ll have a solid understanding of lead guitar fundamentals including:

  • Rhythm & Timing
  • Navigating The Fretboard
  • Fretting, Posture & Positioning
  • Picking Technique
  • Triads & Scales
  • Dynamics (Touch, Tone & Feel)
  • Improvisation and more…

Here's What You'll Learn in The Complete Lead Guitarist

I believe in practical knowledge - it’s not about memorizing, but about EXPERIENCING things first-hand and playing guitar right away.

MODULE 1

  • TECHNIQUE ESSENTIALS
  • TUNING WITH A TUNER & BY EAR
  • HOW TO READ TAB
  • BASIC RHYTHM & TIMING
  • 3 COMPLETE, RECOGNIZABLE MELODIES
  • A COMPLETE PRACTICE REGIMENT THAT WALKS YOU THROUGH ALL OF THE ABOVE

MODULE 2

  • A SIMPLE WARM-UP TO BUILD DEXTERITY
  • FRETTING NOTES, POSTURE & POSITIONING
  • USING A PICK & 2 WAYS TO ANCHOR YOUR PICKING HAND
  • HOW ALTERNATE PICKING WORKS
  • HOW TO USE A METRONOME TO IMPROVE YOUR TIMING
  • THE POWER CHORD
  • MUTING EXCESS STRINGS FOR CLEAN PLAYING
  • HOW TO READ RHYTHMS
  • THE MINOR PENTATONIC SCALE
  • A SYSTEM FOR INTERNALIZING THE SCALE AND MAKING IT YOUR OWN
  • TRIADS AND FUNCTIONS
  • A COOL MINOR BLUES
  • HOW TO INFUSE RHYTHM INTO YOUR SOLOS
  • A COMPLETE PRACTICE REGIMENT THAT WALKS YOU THROUGH ALL OF THE ABOVE

MODULE 3

  • A COMPLETE WARMUP ROUTINE
  • A FOLK LICK THAT WILL INCORPORATE EVERYTHING WE LEARNED SO FAR
  • TRANSITIONING BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS (CHANGING KEYS)
  • USING VIBRATO TO ADD STYLE & PERSONALITY TO YOUR PLAYING
  • OPEN POWER CHORDS AND A FAMOUS BLUES STYLE BASED ON THEM
  • LEARNING TO “PHRASE” SO YOU CAN ACTUALLY “SAY SOMETHING” ON GUITAR
  • BUILDING MUSCLE MEMORY THROUGH PENTATONIC PATTERNS
  • A METHOD FOR RECALLING ANY NOTE ON THE FRETBOARD INSTANTLY
  • MAJOR TRIADS
  • HOW WE CAN COMBINE ROOTS, MAJOR AND MINOR TRIADS TO BUILD TRACKS/JAMS IN ANY KEY
  • A COMPLETE PRACTICE REGIMENT THAT WALKS YOU THROUGH ALL OF THE ABOVE

And beyond that, when you enroll in The Complete Lead Guitarist, you gain access to 4 Bonuses

4 BONUSES

BONUS #1 - 80 Page Printable Workbook

80+ page Workbook contains diagrams, exercises and TAB for every lesson, providing you with a printable resource to refer to and guide you through your practice.

There are printable flash cards and exercises (games) for learning the fretboard, reading TAB and rhythms. Cheat sheets/printable posters for posture, using a looper pedal, learning scales, using a metronome and much more.

This workbook is so complete, you could learn guitar from JUST the book itself.

BONUS #2: Electric Guitar Tone & Gear - Knowledge Pack

When I first started, I had no idea how to get the right sound - or what that even meant! Through years of performing professionally, I’ve learned to separate the important things from the fluff.

Learn how the electric guitar works, all the different parts, and why it’s important. The difference between the main types of electric guitars and their strengths and weaknesses.

Learn how amplifiers work, how they evolved and how the knobs interact with one another and your guitar. Learn about modeling amplifiers and tube amplifiers and the applications for each.

Explore different effects pedals and learn the basics. Don’t waste your money on a bunch of gear you don’t need - included are my personal recommendations for cost-effective gear that will carry you far.

BONUS #3: Using A Looper Pedal 101

In the 21st century, we are blessed to have access to such a powerful and practical tool for learning guitar.

While a looper pedal is certainly not required (since I’ve included countless backing tracks and pre-recorded loops within the course that you can play along with) it is very helpful for building your rhythm and ability to hear texture and tone.

In depth video tutorial teaches you how to create loops and overdub onto them, creating your own tracks instantly, from scratch. It’s like having a basic recording studio at your feet.

Several demonstrations, with clear visuals, so you can see how I lay down several loops, and how to use them to practice everything learned in the course.

Looper Pedal Cheat Sheet. Print it out and have a quick and easy reference - simple instructions so you can record your own riffs with confidence and have an absolute BLAST doing it!

BONUS #4: Ask James directly using built-in discussions feature

Learning guitar on your own can seem like a daunting task. You shouldn’t have to go at it alone. Using the built-in discussion feature, you can ask questions about any specific lesson, or anything that you need help with and I will answer it personally.

On top of that, you’ll be able to see other student’s questions and my answers to them, giving you access to a broad range of issues encountered by other students who share your struggles - and rewards!

UNLIMITED ACCESS - An incredible value for guitar students

The Complete Lead Guitarist contains about 6 months to 1 year’s worth of lessons (everyone learns at their own pace). A good teacher charges at least $50+ per hour, so if you do the math on that one, at one hour lesson per week, that’s at least $1,300 - $2,600 worth of private 1-on-1 instruction.

But the whole point of The Complete Lead Guitarist, is to help ANYONE learn how to play guitar - to “catch up” to where they deserve to be.

When you enroll in The Complete Guitarist, you’ll get unlimited access to all the course materials and bonuses. Months' worth of lessons for the price of three 1-on-1 sessions.

Here's What You'll Receive...

✔️ 3 modules with 41 in-depth video tutorials - $399 VALUE

✔️ Downloadable audio practice tracks to guide you through each exercise - $49 VALUE

✔️ Downloadable backing tracks to develop your voice on guitar - $49 VALUE

✔️ Unlimited Access - $1,250 VALUE

✔️ Bonus #1: Comprehensive 80+ page Workbook - $79 VALUE

✔️ Bonus #2: Electric Guitar Gear & Tone Knowledge Pack - $49 VALUE

✔️ Bonus #3: "Using a Looper Pedal 101" - $29 VALUE

✔️ Access to James directly, using built-in "comments" feature within the course - $199 VALUE

✔️ Clear & Concise Practice Regiments for each module so you’ll never get lost - $299 VALUE

TOTAL VALUE: $2,402

YOUR PRICE: $2,402 ONLY $149!

GET UNLIMITED ACCESS

> Join Today!

My 30-Day Moneyback Guarantee

I want you to have a chance to see if this course is the right one for you. My goal is to help you achieve your dreams on guitar, and this course will give you the tools to make that happen.

You will have an entire month to try out the lessons, and see yourself improve your abilities on lead guitar.

I want you to be 100% satisfied with your progress, but if for whatever reason you find that’s not happening, simply email me (info at goodguitarist.com) within 30 days and I’ll give you a complete refund, no questions asked.

TAKE A SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT'S INSIDE THE COURSE

 

Questions You May Have Before Joining:

Is “The Complete Lead Guitarist” The Right Choice?

This course is designed for someone who…

Is just starting to play electric guitar and wants to do it the right way - using a proven method with step-by-step instruction that will guarantee results
Has tried to learn guitar before, but it never clicked. Who got frustrated with a lack of progress, doing the same stuff over and over
Wants to learn how to truly “get it” and be able to play music with their friends, or make it in their own at home
Wants an effective way to learn guitar in as little as 15 minutes a day, whenever they can find time in their otherwise busy schedule.

Enroll In "The Complete Lead Guitarist"

Join now, and gain lifetime access to everything in this course:

  • 3 modules with 41 in-depth video tutorials
  • Downloadable audio practice tracks to guide you through each exercise
  • Downloadble backing tracks to develop your voice on guitar
  • Bonus #1: 80+ page workbook with diagrams, TAB, etc for every exercise
  • Bonus #2: Electric Guitar Tone & Gear Knowledge Pack
  • Bonus #3: How To Use A Looper Pedal Video Guide & Cheat Sheet
  • Bonus #4: Access to James directly, using built-in course discussion feature
  • Clear & Concise Practice Regiments for each module so you’ll never get lost

ONE-TIME PAYMENT FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS

> Join Today!

A personal message, from one guitar-lover to another…

When learning the language of music in this day and age, it’s hard to find opportunities to “converse” with other musicians. I yearned for that moment where I would be able to step on stage and play music in a band.

When I first tried my hand at lead guitar… it wasn't pretty. I vividly remember sitting in my room in front of my tiny Marshall practice amp with my black Squier Stratocaster. The sound of 80s rock was blasting out my cheap computer speakers. My fingers were ready. I knew which pentatonic scale to play. I was ready to go.

I crapped all over that song for a solid two minutes. Nothing was in time, nothing made sense. Nothing worked out. But - looking back - that was the most important moment in my lead guitar playing journey. That was the moment that I tried to take a solo - and failed.

Since then, I've tried over, and over and over again, failing less and less often. Now I'm at the point where I can play a fine solo or rhythm accompaniment anytime, on demand. I've learned a lot and practiced a lot since then, but the most important learning tool has been failure. Imagine learning to juggle without ever dropping a ball! This is something that you need to get used to when learning to improvise on guitar.

With that said, I have done everything in my power to provide you with the clearest path from where you are now, to being somebody who can play lead guitar with confidence. This course and workbook are built to maximize your success and make it the smoothest possible path for you to take. We're going to learn how to play some really cool stuff but we're also going to learn how to come up with that stuff ourselves - how to say something with the guitar.

This course gives you that opportunity to learn the language of music firsthand.