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Stop Running Scales. Start Playing Solos

Start Playing Real Solos.

Stop Running Scales. Start Playing Solos

Start Playing Real Solos.

The Isolation Method

Your shortcut to phrasing. We strip away the noise so your inner musician can finally emerge.

01. Isolate the Technique

Master every lead guitar mechanic—from pinch harmonics and hybrid picking to sweep picking. Focus on one technique to force your musical creativity to blossom.

02. Isolate the Key

We stay strictly in the Key of E. No switching keys, no confusing theory—just essential, applicable patterns for your guitar playing to reach the next level.

What You’ll Discover Inside Stairway to Soloing

  • The "Isolation Method" mechanics: Why restricting your choices is the secret to unlocking massive creative breakthroughs.
  • How to eliminate "noodling" and start executing solos with a clear Intro, Climax, and Outro
  • Every lead technique under the sun: From pinch harmonics and sweep picking to hybrid picking and intervalic playing.
  • The "Sweet Child of Mine" effect: How to structure a solo that tells a story rather than just playing repetitive licks.
  • Mastery of the Key of E: Skip the theory overwhelm and learn essential patterns you can apply to the track immediately.
  • The "Meat & Potatoes" vs. "Dessert" framework: How to balance foundational phrasing with high-impact, "cool as possible" licks.
  • Note-for-Note Solo Graduation: Learn a professional, start-to-finish solo that condenses every technique in the course.
  • Phrase like a Pro: How to use hammer-ons, legato, and vibrato to make your guitar actually "speak."
  • Musical Song Sections: Learn to navigate Verse, Pre-Chorus, and Chorus structures so your solo feels like part of the song.
  • Multi-Angle "Finger-Vision": Catch every micro-movement with high-definition production that makes the mechanics intuitive.

Master the Lead Guitar Mechanics

I'm pretty sure I got every lead guitar technique "under the sun" here. This is exactly what you will be learning and applying:

Essential Techniques
Fluid String Control
Pinch Harmonics (Getting that "Squeal")
Rhythmic Double Stops
Fast Tapping Mechanics
Efficient Sweep Picking
Dynamic and Nuanced Picking
Intervalic and Melodic Playing
Phrasing & Control
Legato (Hammer-ons & Pull-offs)
Pitch-Perfect String Bends
Identifying the essential "Blues Notes"
Expressive Vibrato
Octave Soloing Techniques
String Skipping for wider intervals
Hybrid Picking for unique textures

Let Me Show You How This Works

I’ll walk you through the exact system and how to start using it right away.

 
Start Playing Real Solos
Isolation Method — Concept 01
Expression

Expression begins with the Power of isolation

Develop phrasing, control, and feel — so your playing starts to sound like music, not exercises.

Isolation Method — Concept 02
Confidence

Know where you are. Know what to play.

Stop getting lost and freezing up — and start playing with clarity and confidence.

Isolation Method — Concept 03
Phrasing

This is where your solos connect.

Turn techniques into a musical language that cuts to the core — so you’re not just playing them, you’re making music with them.

The Isolation Method

A better way to approach guitar soloing

If your solos aren’t improving, it’s not your ability — it’s your approach.

Right now, you’re stuck in the same loop:

  • More scales.
  • More information.
  • More things to think about.
Focus on one musical idea.

Instead of trying to do everything at once, each lesson focuses on one specific concept.

Build confidence on the fretboard.

Develop the feel of a technique until it becomes natural.

✓ Just enough for it to stick.
✓ Just enough for it to feel natural.
Start Playing Real Solos →
Stairway To Soloing Guitar Setup
How the lessons work

Press play. Start soloing.

Watch the lesson, then start playing — with clear direction, visual cues, and a real musical context.

  • No guesswork.
  • No overwhelm.
  • Real results.

Even if you’ve only got 20 minutes after a busy day, you’ll walk away with a clear concept — and a way to apply it musically right away.

1

Watch the lesson

Get the idea. Understand the core concept through a high-quality video breakdown.

2

Use it

Apply it in a real musical context immediately with our interactive visual tools.

Learn it. Apply it. Internalize it.
That's how you go from practicing... to soloing.

Curriculum Breakdown

Goal: Increase speed + play more musical using the "Isolation method"

Phase 1: Expression Techniques + Core Foundations

Module 1: Alternate Picking + Fretboard Confidence

Build speed, control, and confidence with the right hand
▶
The 3 Best Rock & Blues Scales
▶
Discover The Blues Bridge - The Connector That Walks You Out Of Hole 1 For Some Hot Licks
▶
Diagonal Pentatonic Scales - 2 Easy Patterns That Unlock The Entire Fretboard. They Provide The Roadmap For a Start and an End To Your Solo

Module 2: SLIDES

Make The Guitar Sing, Glide, And Feel Alive. Play The Flashy Expressive Slide Sounds Used By Hendrix, SRV, And Cantrell

Module 3: UNISON BENDS

ONE Of The Biggest Rock Guitar Sounds There Is. Train Your Ear, Bend In Tune, And Create Huge Emotional Moments

Module 4: FINGER ROLL

Move Between Strings Smoothly And Naturally: Play A Slick Lick Used By Clapton & Albert King With Their Expert Phrasing

Module 5: LEGATO - HAMMER ONS & PULL OFFS & TRILLS

Hammer-ons, Pull-offs, Trills, Phrasing Runs. Fast, Smooth, Flashy Playing That Feels Easier Than it Looks

Module 6: Bends Masterclass

Get Your Bends Dialed In - Half Step Bends + Full Step Bends + Over Bends
▶
"The Bend Test" (Knowing What Notes To Bend And What Notes To Avoid) is Tackled Fully in This Lesson. You'll Play a Simple, Soulful SRV & Albert King Style Lick To Lock It All In
▶
Play The Main Hot Zone For Blues And Rock Using A Slash Style "Sweet Child O' Mine" Lick (That Also Sounds Amazing Over A Slow Blues)
▶
Pre-bends Are A Killer Flashy (And Often Overlooked) Technique. We Cover This Powerful Tool In Just 8 Minutes

Module 7: BLUES NOTES

Break Out Of Plain Pentatonic Patterns. Use The Exact Notes Pros Add To Sound Dangerous, Soulful, And Complete

Module 8: VIBRATO

The Technique That Separates Pros From Amateurs. Without Vibrato, Notes Die. With Vibrato, Notes Soar. Play Soulful Vibrato Inspired By Slash, Hendrix, SRV, Gibbons, and Clapton
Phase 2: Power + Attitude

Module 9: STRING CONTROL + INTENSE EXPRESSION

How to get absolute control over your notes so you can maximize power rock guitar tone. How do guitarists strangle and punch their guitars but make it sound fantastic? Discover how great players choke, shake, attack, and control notes for huge tone (includes Alice in chains inspired phrasing)

Module 10: PINCH HARMONICS (For Rock & Blues guys)

Make the guitar scream. Easy 3-step system for squeals, screams and aggressive lead tones

Module 11: DOUBLE STOPS

Instant Classic Rock Flavor. That "Fortunate Son" / CCR / Southern Rock Authority

Module 12: TAPPING

Tapping Isn't Just Reserved For Eddie Van Halen And Randy Rhoads. It's A Flashy Technique That Anyone Can Learn To Create Melodic Interest

Module 13: SWEEP PICKING (For Rock & Blues guys)

Make Notes Pour Out Smoothly. Practical Sweep And Economy Picking For Real Guitarists

Module 14: DYNAMIC PICKING

Discover Loud vs. Soft, Tension vs. Release, Impact vs. Restraint. The Secret To Emotional Solos

Module 15: STRING SKIPPING / INTERVALLIC PLAYING

Instantly make your solos sound less like scales, and more like you're playing hot licks

Module 16: HYBRID PICKING

Use Pick + Fingers Together For Bluesy Snap And Precision. Old-School Wisdom That Still Sounds Killer

Module 17: OCTAVE SOLOING

One shape. Huge melodic impact. Create memorable hooks and vocal style phrases

Module 18: 2 STRING SOLOS

Loud, proud, connected lead playing. Simple ways to cut through the track and sound confident

Module 19: TREMOLO PICKING

The Head-turner. Sound Like A Shredder With a Technique That's Easier Than It Seems
Bonuses

Bonus Content - Welcome To The Fretboard & More Cool Lessons

Get fully prepared before diving into the main course, and get even more potent soloing lessons
BONUS 1: Full Left + Right Hand Technique Breakdown: A complete guide showing you the exact hand positions, posture, and mechanics needed for smooth, confident playing
BONUS 2: How Notes Work On The Fretboard: Learn how to quickly find every note on the neck — so the guitar starts making sense
BONUS 3: How To Read Scale Charts + Tabs: Instantly understand diagrams, tabs, and charts — then apply them directly to the fretboard with confidence
BONUS 4: Cool Tricks: Jimi Hendrix to Tom Morello style tricks using the basic controls already on your guitar
BONUS 5: Amp Setup + Guitar Tone: Learn how to dial in the must-have lead guitar tones every soloist needs
BONUS 6: The 4-Lick Multiplier Method: Turn one simple lick into multiple killer ideas using the Isolation Method
Finale

The Stairway Solo

Your graduation stage. A full note-for-note solo built from the same techniques you've learned throughout the course
🏆
Broken into 6 parts so it feels achievable, musical, and exciting. By the end... You won't only be able to improvise, you'll be able to play a note-for-note, start-to-finish solo.
 
Start Playing Real Solos.

Follow The Lead From a Real Working Guitarist

Will Ripley has taught players worldwide while performing and recording professionally.

Will Ripley has helped guitar players around the world improve their skills while actively performing, recording, and living the life of a real musician.

Unlike instructors who only teach from a bedroom or studio, Will brings real-world experience from the stage, the studio, and years of coaching everyday players who want to get better.

As the guitarist for Mount Rushka, Will has toured, released records, and built a reputation for powerful lead guitar playing rooted in classic rock, blues, and modern hard rock. He is currently touring as lead guitarist for Rev Theory (hit song "Hell Yeah"), playing major festivals and stages across North America with bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Blink 182, Papa Roach and more.

But what makes Will different isn’t just that he can play.

It’s that he knows how to teach.

For almost 20 years, Will has helped regular guitar players break through the same frustrations you might be feeling right now:

  • knowing scales but not sounding musical
  • getting stuck in the same boxes
  • freezing when it’s time to solo
  • feeling like progress has stalled

His teaching style cuts through overwhelm and gets players focused on what actually works.

That’s exactly why Stairway To Soloing was created.

A practical, step-by-step system designed to help everyday guitarists start sounding expressive, confident, and musical.

You’re not learning from someone who just talks about guitar.

You’re learning from someone who lives it — and knows how to help you do it too.

Will Ripley

Guitarist & Instructor

A Selkirk College (Berklee affiliate) grad, Will has toured, performed, and recorded with real rockstars. With 18+ years of teaching, he’s produced some of the internet’s most popular guitar tutorials.

Founder of Campfire Guitar Star and collaborator with Guitar Mastery Method, TrueFire, JamPlay, and Guitar Control, he’s now focused on his personal brand, “Will Ripley Guitar,” delivering high-impact content with an unrivalled level of personal attention available to his students.

Will is active with his band Mount Rushka, and has produced a full-length album with producer Brian Moncarz (Alice Cooper, Philip Sayce, Our Lady Peace). He’s also a devoted father to Smith and Venice, living with his wife, Lindsay, in Fernie, B.C., in the Canadian Rockies.

You’re not getting lessons from someone who just talks about guitar.

You’re about to follow the lead from someone who lives it — and can help you become the player you want to be.

You’re about to follow the lead from someone who lives it — and can help you become the player you want to be.

 

Why your solos are stuck — and what finally fixes it

Most players don’t need more scales. They need the right system.

The Roadblock

Your solos still sound like scales.

1. Stiff Technique

Your hands can't express your ideas yet. You stumble, miss strings, and lack full control over the fretboard.

2. Missing Language

You haven't learned the art of phrasing—the pauses, the tension, and the release that make notes feel powerful.

The Breakthrough

The Isolation Method

A smarter way to train your instincts without the overwhelm of endless music theory.

  • Finger Speed
  • Your Ear
  • Your Phrasing
  • Your Confidence
  • Musical Instincts
  • No Random Noodling

All you’ve got to do is grab your guitar, press play, and try this out for yourself.

Start Playing Real Solos →

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a different question? Contact us at [email protected]


What guitarists love about Will Ripley's Guitar Lessons

Real results from real players who struggled with the same things you are.

What guitarists love about this course

This is what our students think of Will Ripley's courses

★★★★★

"His compassion for wanting his students to do well is second to none."

Gary - Pennsylvania
★★★★★

"Amazing guitarist and we're lucky to have him."

Brett Morrow - New Zealand
★★★★★

"He has a gift for teaching. He can explain things so well."

Jeff Watson - Austin Texas
★★★★★

"Will's unique teaching style is extremely helpful."

Neil - Washington DC
★★★★★

"Will is a fantastic teacher and an accomplished guitarist. He treats his students with compassion and respect"

Bo R. - USA
★★★★★

"I would definitely recommend Will. He's a pretty cool teacher."

Kim - Canada
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Start Stairway To Soloing Today

Full Course Access
Instant
19 Technique Modules
Comprehensive
Guided Applications
Step-by-step
The Finale Solo Graduation
Exclusive
High-Res Tabs + Diagrams
Downloadable
Lifetime Access
Unlimited
$199
Get it today for 3x $33
Flexible payment plan. No hidden fees.
Get Started Now →

Play better or your money back—guaranteed!

If your guitar skills don’t improve, we’ll issue a full refund!

We’re so confident that Stairway to Soloing will transform your guitar journey, we back your purchase with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Play better or your money back—guaranteed!

If your guitar skills don’t improve, we’ll issue a full refund!

We’re so confident that Stairway to Strumming will transform your guitar journey, we back your purchase with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

To Make Sure That You're Completely Covered...

You're Also Getting These $198.00
Bonuses Completely FREE

The Perfect Practice Plan

The Perfect Practice Plan

Will's proven practice framework so you always know exactly what to work on.

$99.00 FREE!
Mount Rushka

Mount Rushka

(Will's Original Band)

Videos and behind-the-scenes - Discover the guitar from someone who is actually DOING IT!

FREE!
Welcome To The Fretboard

Welcome To The Fretboard

Get off on the right foot with this quick crash course to make sure you're set up for success.

$99.00 FREE!
Will's YouTube Greatest Hits

Will's YouTube "Greatest Hits"

A distraction-free library of Will's best YouTube lessons, organized for rapid progress.

FREE!
Student Playing Guitar
The Stairway Solo (Finale)

The “Stairway Solo” —
Your Graduation and Goal

By The End of The Course, You’ll Be Able To Play a FULL note-for-note solo AND be able to improvise confidently

Stuck In “Lifeless” Scales? Here’s The Cure:

In Stairway To Soloing, you won’t just learn the language of guitar solos — you’ll be able to speak it.

The graduation stage of the course features a “Solo Finale” which will have you play through a complete solo built from the same techniques and ideas you’ve been playing. When you get to this graduation stage, soloing actually feels natural.

Play this inside Stairway To Soloing

Master the Art of the Musical Solo

Stop the overwhelm and start soloing. Use the Isolation Method to unlock your natural creativity and master professional, note-for-note solos.

Start Mastering Your Solos Now

Master the Art of the Musical Solo

Stop the overwhelm and start soloing. Use the Isolation Method to unlock your natural creativity and master professional, note-for-note solos.

Start Mastering Your Solos Now