Learn what you need to grow on guitar. Nothing more.
Simple, proven frameworks for understanding the fretboard, from 30+ years of touring, session work, and teaching.
As simple as possible, but not simpler.
Most guitarists don't need more information. They need a way to make sense of what they already know. Everything I teach comes down to three frameworks:
The Number System: understand how songs are built, in any key.
Three-Zone CAGED: the whole neck collapses into three zones instead of five shapes to memorize.
The Landmark Pentatonic System: pointer finger for minor, pinky for major, so you always know where you are when you solo.
These aren't just course material. They're how I break down every song I learn.
Essential Skills for Guitar: the place to start
All three frameworks in one course. Start with whichever skill you need most. Each one follows the same path: a Concept Hall to learn the idea, a Practice Studio with backing tracks that show you the right scale and chord shapes as you play, and a Bonus Library to go deeper.
$199, one time. Yours to keep.
“After only about 3, maybe 4 weeks it feels like a blindfold's been taken off. Now I can confidently maneuver up and down the neck in any key never feeling lost — and if I do it's easy to get right back in the groove. I'm having more fun playing and actually making music than I... well, maybe ever had!”
— Will S. | Course member
“I watched hundreds of YouTube videos by the guys who would probably qualify as jazzholes. I didn't have much hope of being good enough to play for anyone but myself.
Then I happened onto one of your videos. I recognized right away that you had a quality the other guys didn't... the ability to break down the theory into user-friendly bites that I could understand and put into practice instantly.”
— Joe J | Course member
Testimonials
“The Landmark Pentatonic Method was a huge breakthrough for me. I'm finally getting a dose of confidence when on stage. When I'm looked at to take off I actually know what to do because of your help.”
— James G. | Course member
“Now, at 61 I decided I want to learn lead guitar well enough to be able to solo in any key.
I am making noticeable gains in my playing so your course is working.”
— Pete Z | Course member
“Yours is the first one that has given me the confidence that I can improve, with comprehension. You make CAGED Understanding seem infinitely simpler, and in the simplicity I feel I can learn to implement it in my playing in months rather than years.
Signing up for an online music course is always a gamble. Yours is paying off wonderfully.”
— Steve L | Course member
“Your package is better than anything else combined, for a fraction of the cost.
My only criticism — you aren’t charging enough.”
— Jim H | Course member
Want more?
Office Hours. Join me live every Friday with a community of players working on the same things you are. Bring your questions, get feedback, keep momentum.
Essential Strumming & Rhythm. Lock in your timing with play-along songs at adjustable speeds.
I'm Dustin Hofsess
I've spent decades playing music all over the country, and I've spent nearly as long teaching it, from private lessons to university jazz programs. These days I put everything I've learned into courses and videos that help guitarists skip the endless scrolling and work on what actually matters.
Not ready yet? Start free.
Hundreds of lessons on YouTube, plus a newsletter with a tip in your inbox each week.