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The worldwide community of guitarists and musicians is one of the main reasons why TrueFire is where it is today. With our students’ input and feedback, we stay motivated to continue to expand our library and improve our music e-learning experience. So, while we spend a lot of time highlighting our incredible faculty and content, we think it’s time to move the spotlight on some of our most passionate users.

In this Student Spotlight series, we’ll be showcasing a member of the diverse TrueFire community and sharing their thoughts with you. We hope you find yourself inspired. Ignited we stand!

Student Spotlight: Dadpa

Your Name:

Jeff T.

How long have you been a TrueFire Student?

9 years.

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a musician:

I’ve been playing since about 1978 (and boy, are my fingers tired!). I like all kinds of music, from Mongolian throat singing to Gustav Mahler. I generally play blues for fun, country guitar in bands (I’m in rural Arkansas, so there are more opportunities in country music than in other genres), and rock at parties with friends. My attempts at jazz are usually an effort to improve the other styles I play by adding versatility. I’m not a good enough jazz player to jump into the local jam scene, but I really enjoy it.

What attracted you to TrueFire at first?

What first grabbed my attention from TrueFire was the production quality. As much as I appreciate Arlen Roth’s Star Licks and others of that ilk, the old-school video courses looked and sounded like low-budget movie producers had picked up a side hustle.

TrueFire is Hollywood in comparison.

What are some of your favorite TrueFire courses or lessons?

Everything by Jason Loughlin and Jeff McErlain. There are so many great courses and instructors, that it is hard to choose a favorite.

The new song lessons are great! They will be better when there are more available, but the concept and execution are spot-on.

How has TrueFire helped improve your playing?

My understanding of theory has improved IMMENSELY. I even approach the “Licks” courses thinking of the theory behind the lick more than just the mechanics of them, as I had done for all my playing life before TrueFire.

Why do you use TrueFire, and how often?

I watch/listen to courses at least 4 days per week. Even if I am busy and can’t pick up a guitar at the time, I will often have a course playing on my 2nd monitor. Maybe I will learn something by “osmosis” during those distracted days, but even if I don’t, it’s entertaining.

What is your favorite feature of the TrueFire learning experience?

The secondary materials. It’s great to be able to slow down, and loop and all that, but the jam tracks, tabs, and notation are what sell things for me.

Who is your favorite TrueFire Educator and why?

This is tough. I am a fan of so many and friends with a few. I would say John Jorgenson if he had more courses, but I will go with Jeff McErlain. Apologies to Jason Loughlin, Mathieu Brandt, Frank Vignola, Chris Buono, Angus Clark, Rev. Robert Jones, and so many other awesome instructors who I enjoy immensely.

What would you like to see more of at TrueFire?

Gypsy jazz.

Any other comments?

Better Linux support, please!

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