Disclosure: Fretboard Compass may earn a commission if you buy through some links on this site. That doesn't change how we describe things here. We haven't taken these courses ourselves for this page, so everything below is based on what each provider publicly documents. Prices, lesson counts, and policies change, so confirm current details on each official site.
Who this page is for
You've played for a while, you know your pentatonic boxes, and your solos still sound like boxes. This page helps you decide what kind of soloing course fits that problem, and what to compare Adam Loves Guitar against. For a direct head-to-head, see Adam Loves Guitar vs Other Guitar Courses.
Start with the problem, not the brand
Most soloing frustration falls into one of a few buckets. Name yours before you shop.
- Stuck in one position: you can't move around the neck without getting lost.
- Scale-y phrasing: notes are right, but it sounds like exercises, not melody.
- Chord blindness: you play one scale over everything and can't target chord changes.
- Weak vocabulary: you run out of ideas after a few bars.
- Technique limits: bends, vibrato, or speed hold you back.
A course that's great at one of these can be mediocre at another. That mismatch is the most common reason people feel a course "didn't work."
The main types of soloing resources
Structured video courses
Adam Loves Guitar sits here. Structured courses give you a sequence, which helps if you don't know what you don't know. The tradeoff is that you're following someone else's curriculum, and parts may cover ground you've already done. Check the official outline for what's actually included, and see what you should be able to play before starting a soloing course like Adam Loves Guitar to judge your starting point.
Lesson libraries and subscriptions
Large libraries offer breadth: many teachers, styles, and topics. They suit people who like to browse and fill specific gaps. The downside is that it's easy to hop between lessons without building a coherent skill. If you choose this route, impose your own structure.
One-on-one teaching
A good private teacher hears your actual playing and corrects it. That's something no pre-recorded course can do. It usually costs more per hour and quality varies widely, so ask for a trial lesson and a clear plan for your goals.
Free resources and community advice
YouTube and forums are useful for single concepts. They're weaker at sequencing, and recommendations often skew toward beginner material. We cover that in Guitar Course Reddit Recommendations: What Guitarists Suggest and Where It Falls Short for Soloing.
Comparison table
| Option | Best for | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Structured soloing course (e.g., Adam Loves Guitar) | Players who want a guided path | Fixed curriculum; no personal feedback unless the provider documents it |
| Lesson library or subscription | Filling specific gaps, exploring styles | Easy to lose direction |
| Private teacher | Personalized correction | Cost and teacher quality vary |
| Free videos and forums | Single techniques and ideas | Scattered, little sequencing |
Recommended for youGuitar Course Reddit Recommendations: What Guitarists Suggest and Where It Falls Short for SoloingHow to compare courses in six steps
- Write your goal in one sentence. Example: "Solo over a blues in any key without relying on one box."
- Read the full syllabus. Look for topics like chord-tone targeting, phrasing, and connecting positions, not just "scales."
- Check the starting level. If the early material is review, see whether you can skip ahead.
- Look for backing tracks and practice material. Soloing is learned by playing over music, not watching.
- Confirm refund and access terms on the official site. Don't rely on a third-party summary, including ours.
- Sample before committing. Free lessons or previews show whether the teaching style suits you.
Honest tradeoffs to expect from any course
- A course won't fix your playing without regular practice. Watching isn't learning.
- No course covers every style. Check that the music in the examples is music you actually want to play.
- Without feedback, bad habits can go unnoticed. Record yourself and listen critically.
- Marketing claims about speed of progress aren't evidence. Treat promises of fast results with skepticism.
A practical way to use any course
- Take one concept per week, such as targeting the third of each chord.
- Practice it slowly over a backing track for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
- Record a short improvised take at the end of the week.
- Compare it with your previous recording, then move on or repeat.
Where Adam Loves Guitar fits
If you want a guided, structured route and your issue is organizing what you already know into real solos, it's worth a close look. If you mainly need personal feedback, a teacher may serve you better. To see how it stacks up point by point, read our comparison page, then check the official site for current pricing, contents, and terms before you decide.
Keep reading
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