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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: String Theorist

Your Name:

Greg W.

How long have you been a TrueFire Student?

10 years.

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a musician:

I’m a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and sound artist making pieces for galleries and short films. Been playing for over 15 years and I enjoy dipping into different styles which is hugely aided by access to TrueFire’s hugely diverse curriculum, but my focus is always on playing and creating something new and interesting to me rather than drilling technique.

What attracted you to TrueFire at first?

Expand my knowledge of the guitar and diversify my playing! The opportunity to hear a specialist in a style, often one that I didn’t know anyone personally who played that style – so anything from classical to country – provide insights into how to approach playing in the style and how to achieve its distinctive, identifying sounds. It was also to hear experienced and possibly well-known players demonstrate and discuss their approach to the guitar. Plus as a singer, when Vocals A Plus landed, I was all over it. I’m now saving for Eben’s singing course to expand things!

What are some of your favorite TrueFire courses or lessons?

Southern Roots, Blues Refinery, RetroACTIVE Electric Blues, Psych Blues, Jazz Blues Pathways, Graduated Solos, Gypsy Jazz Melodic Soloing Guidebook, Breshman Chronicles, Art and Craft of Acoustic Guitar.

How has TrueFire helped improve your playing?

TrueFire courses provide excellent structured learning… however, much to my own frustration, I don’t learn that way! I dip in and out of courses, I grab a new idea or approach here and there, I circle overhead and swoop down when something tasty appears, I hear something that intrigues my ears and get it under my fingers and use it as a jumping-off point to create something new of my own. Having TrueFire courses at my fingertips means I can choose when, where, and how to commit to a course – grab a quick bite on the go or book a table and take my time savoring the delicious offerings!

Why do you use TrueFire and how often?

I use it most days, even if just to dip in for a few minutes, to stimulate my creative mind, body, and spirit. I’m an artist and a songwriter, so I love hearing new ideas, seeing different approaches to the guitar, and hearing players speak with a passion about their own creative approach to the instrument, and even how that informs their philosophy of life, love, and living. We’re always hungry to be told exactly how something was played, but sometimes between the licks can be where the magic happens in TrueFire courses!

What is your favorite feature of the TrueFire learning experience?

I love the TrueFire app – having a portal enabling me to take a deep dive into near-infinite guitar learning on my phone is a thing of joy and wonder!

Who is your favorite TrueFire Educator and why?

I have many, but currently, it’s Scott Sharrard, as I love the diversity of his playing, his passion for the music of the artists who’ve influenced him, and his affable, relaxed style of teaching. He’s just a cool dude who’s a mean player and a sweet teacher! Other current favorites are JD Simo and Jim Oblon for the uniqueness of their playing, approach and philosophy. All mind-expanding dudes, as are many TrueFire instructors!

What would you like to see more of at TrueFire?

Courses solely focused on a player’s more challenging, advanced material, without feeling the need for the course to also include covering the beginner and intermediate level.

Any other comments?

I love to support TrueFire and to support all of the instructors who share such valuable teaching and insights. It’s a phenomenal resource to have at our fingertips. I know that you have an ever-expanding library of lessons and channels, it’s mind-blowingly impressive to see what you’ve created, but as some of your most financially challenged customers may be musicians themselves, as am I, I just want to say thank you for the sales, they’re a huge help in accessing the material!

Join the TrueFire Community!

Ready to take your playing to the next level? Sign up for a free TrueFire account today and enjoy a 14-day trial of All Access!