Turn Scale Shapes into Musical Solos.
For players with basic picking skills who want their solos to sound intentional, not random.
Many players learn a scale shape and then feel stuck, repeating the same run without direction. This course helps you turn those notes into phrases that communicate, using rhythm, space, and simple expressive techniques to build solos that sound like you mean them.
Choose your class dates
Each scheduled group runs the full six-week course on its own dates. Seats shown reflect real enrollment.
Dates coming soon
Scheduling for this course is being finalized. Join the interest list and we will let you know as soon as dates and the venue are published.
Join the interest listWhat you will practice
Is this class right for you?
Players with basic picking skills who can read simple tablature.
Prerequisites
You should have basic picking skills and be able to read simple tablature. Comfort with open chords is helpful.
Six-week curriculum
A clear week-by-week path. Progress depends on your practice and starting point.
- 01
Learning a useful minor pentatonic position
- 02
Rhythm, phrasing, repetition, and leaving space
- 03
Slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato
- 04
Hearing and targeting chord tones
- 05
Building short solos over a backing track
- 06
Playing an original short solo and planning further practice
Outcome: Create a simple musical solo using a manageable set of notes and expressive techniques.
Your instructor, Julian Hoover
Julian Hoover brings over 30 years of guitar-playing experience and a BA in Jazz and World Music from San Francisco State University, with live and studio work across blues, rock, funk, jazz, gospel, reggae, and acoustic styles.
His teaching focuses on practical, enjoyable learning with clear explanations and real music.
More about JulianWhat is included
- Six weekly, one-hour group lessons
- A structured curriculum with a clear outcome
- Personal feedback in a group of no more than six
- $240 for the complete course, paid in full at registration
What to bring
- An acoustic guitar
- A tuner
- A notepad
All five courses are designed for acoustic guitar. No amplifier or electric guitar required.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to learn lots of scale positions?
No. We focus on one useful position and learn how to make music with it, rather than memorizing many shapes.
Is this only for electric guitar?
No. All demonstrations and exercises work on acoustic guitar.
Reserve your seat
Six weekly one-hour lessons, $240 for the complete course. Paid in full at registration.
Join the interest list