Online lessons: Jamplay, Truefire or Licklibrary?

Arktik83 · August 2016

So it's my birthday in September and unfortunately I don't have anyone to buy me shiny new gear but I think I can scrap some birthday cash together to sign up to an online lesson provider and it's between Jamplay or Truefire so far.

Truefire appear to have some really well put together teasers that make you want to sign up straight away but what is the actual content like? Also, what about Jamplay? It seems a little less "professional" but I know looks can be deceiving. Or should I get a licklibrary membership? I do quite like their lessons but would like something where I can just get the iPad and start learning.

Thoughts and experiences appreciated!

Thanks as always!

TTony · August 2016

I really rate the LickLibrary approach.

I have tried some of the TrueFire stuff in the past, but (a) the Americanisms really grate after a while and (b) I didn't like the interface as much.

With LL you have the choice of the hard copy DVDs too (most of which I ripped so that I could watch them on my iPad) and they have frequent BOGOFF type deals which makes building a library of DVDs quite cost effective.

bingefeller · August 2016

What is your general level of skill? Truefire is just ok, I find it to be quite beginner - intermediate orientated.

Teetonetal · August 2016

I really like truefire, like any site some of the content is not as good as other bits, but I've found some of the country and slide stuff to be great. Also downloaded Roben Fords Jam Stuff and lessons, which I really enjoy.

Good thing is, if you sign up, you can stream alot of the content and then buy only the stuff you think is worth it. Look out for sales too, last week was 50% off membership

Arktik83 · August 2016

bingefeller said:

What is your general level of skill? Truefire is just ok, I find it to be quite beginner - intermediate orientated.

I would say that I'm beginner to intermediate. I know some scales and picking patterns, chords etc but would like to actually have a structured process of practice rather than playing rudimentary parts and licks.

bingefeller · August 2016

Arktik83 said:

bingefeller said:

What is your general level of skill? Truefire is just ok, I find it to be quite beginner - intermediate orientated.

I would say that I'm beginner to intermediate. I know some scales and picking patterns, chords etc but would like to actually have a structured process of practice rather than playing rudimentary parts and licks.

Truefire would be perfect for you then. Most of their courses are geared towards beginners and intermediate.

m_c · August 2016

Arktik83 said:
I would say that I'm beginner to intermediate. I know some scales and picking patterns, chords etc but would like to actually have a structured process of practice rather than playing rudimentary parts and licks.

The major thing I've learnt from following the JustinGuitar courses, is more structured practise. Both in terms of things covered, and how to practise effectively.

If you've not already seen them, check them out, as they're all free.

fred11 · August 2016

I'm using Texas Blues Alley at the moment. Think he's doing a very good job of the lessons -but it is of course mainly SRV stuff so depends on if that's your thing.

leejayd · September 2016

Thanks for starting this discussion - gave me few pointers I was looking for.

nickp · September 2016

I find truefire courses a bit impenetrable to work out which ones I want to do - because the descriptions are so full of bull.... - but I did like the andy timmons ones and well presented. good interface. just swapped to lick library but just the online monthly - haven't done anything yet - better descriptions and less americanisms but no where near the content I don't think if you are after technique rather than songs but we'll see.

Barrivee · September 2016

I've been looking at Lick Library - haven't registered/created an account yet. Am I right in saying with the Elite package you have access to everything online (all lessons, DVD content etc) then depending on what level you go for above that you start getting physical copies of DVDs and discounts on other purchases etc? £11.99 p.m. doesn't seem too bad if you can access everything and aren't worried about building a DVD library.
Or have I missed something glaringly obvious.

thomasross20 · September 2016

True fire is info overload, I'd only pay for specific courses.

I much prefer the jamplay layout, lessons, games etc.

Licklibrary does seem pretty cool.

TBH I haven't logged onto jamplay for months despite paying for it - too busy. Actually playing

LordOxygen · October 2016

Have a look at justinguitar. Its free but you can buy books and DVDs if you wish

thomasross20 · August 2017

I need to get back into this.... Especially now I have a guitar room.. but only when I have the time (!!). I know @Alnico is enjoying lick library.

Alnico · August 2017

thomasross20 said:

I need to get back into this.... Especially now I have a guitar room.. but only when I have the time (!!). I know @Alnico is enjoying lick library.

I am now that I've learned to circumnavigate the clunky website.

I'll tell you all about that on WhatsApp.

LaCathedrale_UK · August 2017

I did a trial month of TrueFire and found there to be WAY too much chaff. There was no reliable way to get an idea of what a course's actual lessons would entail. Ultimately I decided not to renew.

TimmyO · August 2017

WilliamAyerst said:

I did a trial month of TrueFire and found there to be WAY too much chaff. There was no reliable way to get an idea of what a course's actual lessons would entail. Ultimately I decided not to renew.

I don't recognise that situation - if you were a subscriber (as the post implies) then you can see the full list of lesson titles in a course, and scroll through and dip in and take a look at anything - i *always* do this before embarking on anything.

duotone · August 2017

Was just watching this video earlier, where he mentions his favourites.

https://www.learningguitarnow.com/ http://texasbluesalley.com/ http://www.tomquayle.co.uk/
http://www.rick-graham.co.uk/ https://jamtrackcentral.com/ https://andyjamesguitaracademy.com/ http://www.chrisbrooks.com/ https://troygrady.com/ http://mattwarnockguitar.com/ https://truefire.com/ https://www.mymusicmasterclass.com/ https://www.justinguitar.com/

Flink_Poyd · August 2017

Has anyone signed up for any of the paid lessons like the Tim Pierce Masterclass etc? If so what are your view on them, worth it or not?

TimmyO · August 2017

TimmyO said:

WilliamAyerst said:

I did a trial month of TrueFire and found there to be WAY too much chaff. There was no reliable way to get an idea of what a course's actual lessons would entail. Ultimately I decided not to renew.

I don't recognise that situation - if you were a subscriber (as the post implies) then you can see the full list of lesson titles in a course, and scroll through and dip in and take a look at anything - i *always* do this before embarking on anything.

I've been given permission by one of the teachers to capture some content from his Truefire material so I can show how it's all laid out and how the music/tab syncs with the video etc. Will grab some and post it for anyone interested.

DiscoStu · August 2017

Never had a lesson in my life and I've been playing for over 25 years. I do tend to play the same stuff when I get round to picking up my guitar and have thought about trying some of these sites before to try to fuel some new ideas/skills as I'm really just a rhythm player. Happy though!
I've had justinguitar in my sights for a while.

mburekenge · August 2017

I really love the robben ford on truefire.

Only got a couple of bits off lick library, but it made me exceptionally and totally inappropriately full of rage.

It drives me mental when someone demos something with a tempo sinked delay, then breaks it down with the same delay setting flapping all over the place out of time. WHY????

Especially when trying to get someones style down and the nuance of touch is obliterated and obscured with fx.

Texas blues alley is good for that type of aggresive blues. The teaching is good, but his concept of 'blues boxes' rather than relating it to real music theory is a bit limiting imo

adamm82 · September 2017

Flink_Poyd said:

Has anyone signed up for any of the paid lessons like the Tim Pierce Masterclass etc? If so what are your view on them, worth it or not?

I did a while ago I like him as a teacher but it was bit of this and that rather than a structured course. I don’t know it takes changed since then.

rose1 · May 2022

I would suggest Jamplay for overall easiness of use and Truefire for the more advanced player who wants to try more technical stuff. Here's a Jamplay review and here's one for Truefire if you want to get more info.

spev11 · May 2022

I started the Justinguitar course about 18 months ago now, I find it really good along with dabbling with other stuff that interests me (for example after the Blue Shuffle lesson in the 2nd grade beginner course I delved into variations using thehappybluesman and a few others from youtube). Also tried the Fender lessons, quite good but not as good as justinguitar (and not free) good as a side dish though.
I've gone from dabbling and doing the same thing over and over for a few years to structured practice, I've also paid for the Theory course, I usually do this when I've injured my hand (happens a lot as I'm a bike mechanic prone to cracked skin)
Its free so def worth a go. He puts a lot of content out on youtube as well, little snippets and hints and tips which I found invaluable.

PAL · May 2022

This is an easy one Truefire. Check out the free lessons on youTube.

PhilW1 · May 2022

spev11 said:

I started the Justinguitar course about 18 months ago now, I find it really good along with dabbling with other stuff that interests me (for example after the Blue Shuffle lesson in the 2nd grade beginner course I delved into variations using thehappybluesman and a few others from youtube). Also tried the Fender lessons, quite good but not as good as justinguitar (and not free) good as a side dish though.
I've gone from dabbling and doing the same thing over and over for a few years to structured practice, I've also paid for the Theory course, I usually do this when I've injured my hand (happens a lot as I'm a bike mechanic prone to cracked skin)
Its free so def worth a go. He puts a lot of content out on youtube as well, little snippets and hints and tips which I found invaluable.

I find Justin quite good too, I have bought three of the accompanying Songbooks which are really good too,

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Online lessons: Jamplay, Truefire or Licklibrary?

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