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: diamondstarhalo
Your Name:
Jonathan R.
How long have you been a TrueFire Student?
For over 11 years.
Tell us a little bit about yourself as a musician:
40 years. Swing, early jazz, big band, jump blues, gypsy jazz, Latin. I play in several different ensembles.
What attracted you to TrueFire at first?
Great quality videos, and great interface. I first used it years ago in your early days.
What are some of your favorite TrueFire courses or lessons?
David Blacker and David Hamburger are the courses that I have used the most. I wish you had more from these guys.
How has TrueFire helped improve your playing?
It’s more like picking up some tips here and there. One of the courses has a good way of showing how to comp swing feel correctly. David Blacker has ideas on using passing chords that I’ve used.
Why do you use TrueFire, and how often?
Not very often, to be honest. I keep hoping you are going that your jazz courses are going to be a bit less general and really zoom in on different styles – like you do with the blues, but it just hasn’t happened yet. I did email you and suggest some players it would be great to see do a course (Jonathan Stout, Glenn Crytzer), but you haven’t looked at how many people are doing that stuff now. There are two ‘hot jazz’ jams a month in the city where I live – it’s making a big comeback. What about a whole course on Charlie Christian? Or one on Eddie Lang and the early pioneers?
What is your favorite feature of the TrueFire learning experience?
The Soundslice interface is really good. I like having the jam track for a lesson, playing and practicing a specific idea – and being able to vary the tempo.
Who is your favorite TrueFire Educator and why?
David Hamburger. His explanations assume that you do, in fact, know where the notes are, and he doesn’t spend ages telling you what fret about putting your fingers on.
What would you like to see more of at TrueFire?
Real hot jazz and swing guitar. Even just one course dedicated to this would be something. Come on!
Any other comments?
I think you’ve got a great user experience.
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