The World Between Rhythm and Lead

Master the Pro-Level Secrets of Pocket, Tone, and Taste That Turn Simple Parts into Unforgettable Songs.

Have you ever listened to a pro guitarist and thought, "Man, what they're playing sounds so simple, but when I try it, it just falls flat?"

Ever wondered how they always seem to have the perfect part for the song—not quite lead, not just rhythm, but something in between that's pure magic?

That's the secret we are all searching for, and it's the world of the "sideman," the guitarist who knows that taste, feel, and creativity are what separate the good players from the truly great musicians. It’s the stuff that makes people want YOU in their band.

And that's exactly why I had to bring my friend, Nashville session guitarist Justin Ostrander, back for this incredible course.

It is literally his job to come up with record-ready parts on the spot for the biggest artists in the music industry. He lives and breathes in that creative space between chugging rhythm chords and flying solos.

In his new course, The Sideman's Handbook, Justin is pulling back the curtain and sharing the tools from his "secret tool bag" that will help you sound more like a professional, no matter what kind of music you play.

What You'll Learn Inside:

This isn't about memorizing a bunch of licks. This is about building a foundation of musicality that will change the way you approach the guitar forever. You'll learn:

• How to Turn Arpeggios into Memorable Hooks: Discover how to take simple arpeggiated chords and turn them into the kind of catchy, melodic hooks that define a song.

• How to Find Your Professional Pocket: It's all about the feel! Justin will show you how to lock in with a rhythm section on everything from a driving rock track to a laid-back 6/8 groove.

• The Power of Droning Tones: Learn the secret to using open strings to create lush, ringing melodies and textures that make your parts sound huge.

• How to Push the Song Forward: Learn to use creative rhythm patterns that build energy and drive a song, making the whole band sound better.

To really bring these concepts to life, Justin has created four incredible jam tracks inspired by some of the greatest songwriters and bands of all time. You won't just learn a technique; you'll learn how to apply it in the style of:

• John Mayer: Dive deep into the soulful, 6/8 blues feel of records like Continuum. You'll learn how to weave in open-string licks and those essential R&B upstroke "chicks."

• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: Channel the genius of Mike Campbell and learn how they crafted simple, hooky parts that made their songs timeless classics.

• The Beatles: Unlock their songwriting secrets by learning how to use chords from outside the key (like secondary dominants) and clever chord inversions to make any progression more interesting.

• Coldplay: Create those atmospheric, modern rock textures from their early records by mastering driving guitar parts with delay and weaving melodies through open, ringing strings.

It's Not Just the Notes, It's the TONE

A great part is nothing without a great sound. That's why Justin has dedicated an entire section to showing you how to dial in your tone like a pro. You'll learn:

• How to choose the right pickup for the part.

• How to set your pedalboard—from overdrive and delay to reverb and tremolo—to get iconic sounds.

• How to set your amp to work perfectly with your pedals, whether you're plugging into the front or using an effects loop.

Who's This For?

• Late-beginner through late-intermediate guitarists looking to make their playing sound more professional and musical.

• Guitarists who feel 'stuck' playing the same old rhythm patterns and want to unlock more creative ideas.

• Band Members who want to learn how to craft unique parts that serve the song and lock in perfectly with the rest of the band.

• Songwriters who want to learn how to create hook-laden guitar parts that make their songs instantly memorable.

• Any guitarist who wants to bridge the gap between rhythm and lead playing and become a more complete musician.

Included in the Course:

• 20+ Video Lessons totaling almost 7 hours of musical gold!

• Studio Backing Tracks recorded with A-List Nashville Musicians (You’ll feel like you’re in the session!)

• Downloadable TABs in PDF Format

• Guitar Pro Files

If you're ready to stop just playing chords and start crafting truly musical parts that elevate every song you play, this is the course for you.

Justin is sharing the essential skills that have made him one of the most in-demand players in Nashville. Let's get you sounding like a pro!