I've been working with TrueFire for about 20 years and the timing seemed right to make a video.
Importantly- They were sensitive to what we do here on "Lessons By Mail" and I really appreciated and prioritized this. We have a good thing here at "LBM" and I don't want it to change -I just want it to improve. What I'm hoping is that the "Lessons By Mail" community can grow because of TrueFire exposure, and I hope uninitiated folks seek out my music. Maybe I'll make a few new "fans".
All that said, this video is absolutely top-notch and can give some insights into my playing that I'm proud to share with whoever is interested -aside from a few "hits" like "Twister", the material focuses on behind the nut bending, dive bomb detuning etc. I think I would rate the TrueFire video level as "Advanced".
I believe "Lessons By Mail" and our unique tablature- have an attention to detail I haven't seen elsewhere. But I think both video and audio mediums have their strengths and I'm proud and grateful to branch out with TrueFire. They are good people.
I think it will be out this summer and I'm excited about it. Thanks for asking.
The video looks fantastic! I just wanted to say that I was both excited and slightly apprehensive when I heard about the true fire course. I have had some mixed results with TF courses in the past. And when I found Lessons by Mail, I made the switch almost exclusively to LBM.
One of my issues with TF is that all the videos follow a seemingly set in stone format that doesn't always lend itself to the learning process. I find that the LBM format (with Campilingo charts) and intuitively timed pacing, by comparison, more organically lends itself to the learning process. And I do like the "charm" factor of the sounds of your apt, funny asides, and "noodling jams" for demonstrative purposes. And surprisingly, I seem to retain more when I'm just listening to the audio and looking at the charts as compared to most video based lessons.
All that being said, your TF clip does look visually fantastic! And, I am excited to see the various camera angles to gain better insight into your technique. This does seem like a unique opportunity. Very cool.
Do you plan to keep making new lessons by mail or are you switching formats entirely?
That's fantastic. And thanks for the reply, Jim. I really appreciate both the lessons by mail and the ability to take lessons with you in person, so I think it's great to have yet another platform available that gives insight into your musical thought process. I look forward to getting this TF course when it comes out. And yes, the video does look great.
The super supportive folks at TrueFire balanced out the weirdness- but honestly, that media pod took some getting used to!
CJ- Thanks for your generous post and to answer your question, nothing will change here. As a matter of fact, "Nang Nang Note for Note" should be available for download by the end of the day... so keep the requests coming. I'm grateful that you guys are interested.
I am glad CJG mentioned the apartment noises. It may sound odd to say but stuff like that adds to the more intimate nature of Jim's lessons. It feels like he is in the room with me.
I too like the NYC apartment noise. Thank god Jim doesn't live in Siberia.
I'm with CJ. I find the LBM audio and tab more conducive to how I learn than Truefire videos that I've tried. But I'll certainly buy Jim's Truefire course.
I was listening to one of Jim's lessons on the drive to work the other day when a big truck came rolling up on me. I started looking around but didn't see a truck... then I realized it as outside Jim's place in NYC! Sheesh! I had to laugh...
If he did, I'm sure he'd be the first guy ever to make a polar bear sound with a Tele and a Princeton. Probably with either behind the nut bends or some crazy tuning key stunt.
Of course, to do it properly, he'd probably need a Klon-Siberia pedal...
Any idea when Jim's truefire course comes out? It's kind of funny, since I found out about Jim doing a TF course, I have purchased both David Grissom's and Tommy Emmanuel's TF courses.... just waiting for JC's now!
I downloaded mine this morning, I am looking forward to spending a bit of this predicted rainy weekend putting some Jim-isms in my playing. (gotta be careful with that word!!)
I downloaded my copy yesterday. All I can say is: WOW! This has got to be one of the most unique Truefire offerings (and I own quite a few). Very nice Jim!
I love the format..2-3 complete chorus per song. I like the fact that the instruction moves at a good clip, the song selection is very interesting, the camera angles are great, and the backing tracks are incredible. Great charts, too!
You going to make addicts out of all of us Jim...more please!!
I just spent a few minutes previewing the material and Finger Puppet stuff is on there!!
Geek alert!! - In the video Jim says that the amp he is using is the 68 Custom SF Princeton provided by Fender. I am really interested in this model and am hoping Jim can comment a little about the amp. It sounds great in the video, did you put your NOS tubes in it or change the speaker or did you just use it as it was supplied? If you could add any other revelations that came to you while using that amp on that session that would also be appreciated!
I really appreciate the comments and I'm happy guitarists are learning from the video. I was concerned some folks might think it's too difficult (I read on YouTube one guitarist anticipated this) - but overall, I think there's something for everyone.
Although I think "Lessons By Mail" are more in depth in the context of concentrating on one tune, it was freeing to have video to demonstrate things like de-tuning and behind the nut stuff - before this TrueFire video these specific concepts were almost impossible to put in tablature.
By the way, the TrueFire folks are incredible! Sometimes I find it suspicious when folks use the word "family" in a business context -but they created a warm wonderful camaraderie that has continued to grow, right down the line. I feel close to the entire staff.
Again, I'm humbled by the kind posts. Thank you. And thanks for buying it guys.
PS- The 68 was totally stock and it performed well. Thank you Fender for supplying it!
>I was concerned some folks might think it's too difficult
Yes difficult..but my interest is in learning some new licks and approaches, rather than learning the tunes (though all the better if I can get through them). And there is so much to choose from within videos you presented..I really love the expansion of the Bflat blues, too.
Nice to hear the Truefire is good on the inside. I really appreciate that they offer so many earlier styles (eg western swing). My dream is that they will get you to do a really in-depth '40s/50s country guitar kind of thing...Junior Barnard/Les Paul/Jimmy Bryant/Jimmy Rivers. I feel like the world needs that!
I'd also like to see a guitar noir / spy jazz / tiki kind of thing...with lots of attention to minor keys.
I just had a quick overview of the video and I will join the chorus and say: this is really exciting and unique. The TrueFire video is like a perfect companion to the Lessons by Mail and I was really happy to find out that a lot of the lessons I had previosuly ordered are covered, such as Monkey in a Movie and Bb Flat Blues. Speaking of it, Jim, if you don´t mind, could please tell us a bit about one of my recent favorite songs which is included in the video, Tony Mason. I am guessing the title is obviously a tribute to Tony, but I would love to hear the story behind it (if it exists at all, of course). Thanks!
Almost missed my plane downloading this, but I didn't want to leave for the Berklee Valencia summer course without this as extra inspiration. Only had a quick listen on the plane but love the extras on twister and the sonic ideas around fingerpuppet. Nice work!
I've also just taken a quick look at my TF lesson. I see the benefits of it and there are some very nice goodies. The video seems great for the nuances of right hand technique and like Jim said the behind he nut bends and tuning stuff. But I do love the LBM charts far more than trad. tablature. Also having a jam track is pretty sweet too. This will keep me very busy.
Comments
I've been working with TrueFire for about 20 years and the timing seemed right to make a video.
Importantly- They were sensitive to what we do here on "Lessons By Mail" and I really appreciated and prioritized this. We have a good thing here at "LBM" and I don't want it to change -I just want it to improve. What I'm hoping is that the "Lessons By Mail" community can grow because of TrueFire exposure, and I hope uninitiated folks seek out my music. Maybe I'll make a few new "fans".
All that said, this video is absolutely top-notch and can give some insights into my playing that I'm proud to share with whoever is interested -aside from a few "hits" like "Twister", the material focuses on behind the nut bending, dive bomb detuning etc. I think I would rate the TrueFire video level as "Advanced".
I believe "Lessons By Mail" and our unique tablature- have an attention to detail I haven't seen elsewhere. But I think both video and audio mediums have their strengths and I'm proud and grateful to branch out with TrueFire. They are good people.
I think it will be out this summer and I'm excited about it. Thanks for asking.
That video looks pretty good, right?
All the Best
Roland
The video looks fantastic! I just wanted to say that I was both excited and slightly apprehensive when I heard about the true fire course. I have had some mixed results with TF courses in the past. And when I found Lessons by Mail, I made the switch almost exclusively to LBM.
One of my issues with TF is that all the videos follow a seemingly set in stone format that doesn't always lend itself to the learning process. I find that the LBM format (with Campilingo charts) and intuitively timed pacing, by comparison, more organically lends itself to the learning process. And I do like the "charm" factor of the sounds of your apt, funny asides, and "noodling jams" for demonstrative purposes. And surprisingly, I seem to retain more when I'm just listening to the audio and looking at the charts as compared to most video based lessons.
All that being said, your TF clip does look visually fantastic! And, I am excited to see the various camera angles to gain better insight into your technique. This does seem like a unique opportunity. Very cool.
Do you plan to keep making new lessons by mail or are you switching formats entirely?
I'll bet it was weird playing in the midst of all that video gear!
CJ- Thanks for your generous post and to answer your question, nothing will change here. As a matter of fact, "Nang Nang Note for Note" should be available for download by the end of the day... so keep the requests coming. I'm grateful that you guys are interested.
-Warren
I'm with CJ. I find the LBM audio and tab more conducive to how I learn than Truefire videos that I've tried. But I'll certainly buy Jim's Truefire course.
If he did, I'm sure he'd be the first guy ever to make a polar bear sound with a Tele and a Princeton. Probably with either behind the nut bends or some crazy tuning key stunt.
Of course, to do it properly, he'd probably need a Klon-Siberia pedal...
Looking forward to this Jim!
Thanks
I love the format..2-3 complete chorus per song. I like the fact that the instruction moves at a good clip, the song selection is very interesting, the camera angles are great, and the backing tracks are incredible. Great charts, too!
You going to make addicts out of all of us Jim...more please!!
Geek alert!! - In the video Jim says that the amp he is using is the 68 Custom SF Princeton provided by Fender. I am really interested in this model and am hoping Jim can comment a little about the amp. It sounds great in the video, did you put your NOS tubes in it or change the speaker or did you just use it as it was supplied? If you could add any other revelations that came to you while using that amp on that session that would also be appreciated!
Although I think "Lessons By Mail" are more in depth in the context of concentrating on one tune, it was freeing to have video to demonstrate things like de-tuning and behind the nut stuff - before this TrueFire video these specific concepts were almost impossible to put in tablature.
By the way, the TrueFire folks are incredible! Sometimes I find it suspicious when folks use the word "family" in a business context -but they created a warm wonderful camaraderie that has continued to grow, right down the line. I feel close to the entire staff.
Again, I'm humbled by the kind posts. Thank you. And thanks for buying it guys.
PS- The 68 was totally stock and it performed well. Thank you Fender for supplying it!
Yes difficult..but my interest is in learning some new licks and approaches, rather than learning the tunes (though all the better if I can get through them). And there is so much to choose from within videos you presented..I really love the expansion of the Bflat blues, too.
Nice to hear the Truefire is good on the inside. I really appreciate that they offer so many earlier styles (eg western swing). My dream is that they will get you to do a really in-depth '40s/50s country guitar kind of thing...Junior Barnard/Les Paul/Jimmy Bryant/Jimmy Rivers. I feel like the world needs that!
I'd also like to see a guitar noir / spy jazz / tiki kind of thing...with lots of attention to minor keys.
Speaking of it, Jim, if you don´t mind, could please tell us a bit about one of my recent favorite songs which is included in the video, Tony Mason. I am guessing the title is obviously a tribute to Tony, but I would love to hear the story behind it (if it exists at all, of course). Thanks!