Whether you cover, arrange, compose or perform songs, this unprecedented 8-hour collection of 17 mini-masterclasses from 17 of TrueFire’s top artists will majorly enrich your musicality, creativity and performance skills.
All accomplished recording artists and passionate educators, your Play With Fire faculty includes: Ellis Paul, Andy McKee, Vicki Genfan, Fiona Boyes, Muriel Anderson, Clive Carroll, Adam Levy, Brooks Robertson, Christie Lenee, Massimo Varini, Mike Zito, Shane Hennessy, Blair Dunlop, Rohan Stevenson, Carl Wockner, Gareth Pearson, and Joe Robinson.
Featuring over 8 hours of creative insights and performances, Play With Fire is one of the most illuminating courses that we’ve ever produced. Each artist first shares their own creative approaches and guiding principles for performance, harmony, and composition in their mini-masterclass. And then to illustrate their key concepts in a musical context — Play With Fire includes a live set of performances from each of these 17 artists.
All of the performances are transcribed and you’ll be able to sync the tab and notation to the video using TrueFire’s learning tools. You can also loop or slow down the videos so you can work with the course at your own pace.
Grab your guitar, and let’s Play With Fire!
Effervescent - Shane Hennessy
"In this opening performance video, Shane Hennessy performs his original song, "Effervescent." Shane joins us from Carlow, Ireland and plays quite a few fiery, rapid-fire, fingerstyle licks in this amazing performance."
Avenue - Shane Hennessy
"In this video, Shane Hennessy performs his most well-known tune, "Avenue." You can find the studio version on Shane's first album entitled Zephyrus."
Marrakech - Shane Hennessy
"In this video, Shane Hennessy performs his song "Marrakech" which is off his album, also titled Marrakech."
Rain Dance - Shane Hennessy
"In this video, Shane Hennessy performs his song, "Rain Dance" which is off his newest album. This one is heavily influenced by West African music."
Mini Master Class - Shane Hennessy
"In this Mini Master Class, Shane Hennessy get into specifics as he demonstrates some of his techniques for creating grooves, and talks about how the right-hand technique can drastically change the style of the song."
Slingshot - Ellis Paul
"In this opening performance video, Ellis Paul performs his original song, "Slingshot." Ellis joins us from Charlottesville, Virginia and presents his tune about wanting something better."
I Ain't No Jesus - Ellis Paul
"In this video, Ellis Paul performs his original heartfelt love song, "I Ain't No Jesus.""
You'll Never Be This Young Again - Ellis Paul
"In this video, Ellis Paul performs his original song about how you'll never be too old to dream. This one is called, "You'll Never Be This Young Again.""
Mini Master Class - Ellis Paul
"In this Mini Master Class, Ellis Paul goes into specific detail about his songwriting methods, and the importance of finishing your song while it's still fresh and exciting."
Dog Man - Brooks Robertson
"In this opening performance video, Brooks Robertson performs his original song, "Dog Man." Brooks joins us from Montana and plays us what sounds like an entire band, on a single guitar."
Soon The Day Will Come - Brooks Robertson
"In this video, Brooks Robertson plays another original he wrote about 10 years ago. This one is called, "Soon The Day Will Come.""
West Coast Waggin' - Brooks Robertson
"In this video, Brooks Robertson plays an original song he wrote for his TrueFire course: Essentials: Boom-Chick Fingerstyle Etudes. This one is called, "West Coast Waggin’.”
Jonesin' - Brooks Robertson
"In this video, Brooks Robertson performs an original song he wrote as a tribute for his mentor, Buster B. Jones. This one is called "Jonesin'.""
Mini Master Class - Brooks Robertson
"In this Mini Master Class, Brooks Robertson gets into specifics on his reasons for, and methods for songwriting. He also emphasizes the importance using your ear, first and foremost, when writing a song."
Wildfire - Christie Lenee
"In this opening performance video, Christie Lenee performs her original song, "Wildfire." Christie joins us from California and plays this passionate song about the importance of unity."
Song For Michael Pukac - Christie Lenee
"In this video, Christie Lenee performs an original song she wrote with the intent to portrait "the story of love" for a friend of hers. This song is called "Song for Michael Pukac.""
Free World Citizen - Christie Lenee
"In this video, Christie Lenee performs an original song about being one with nature. This one is called "Free World Citizen," which she considers to be her personal anthem."
Mini Master Class - Christie Lenee
"In this Mini Master Class, Christie Lenee discusses in detail her approaches to songwriting and emphasizes the importance of finding a way that works for you. Creativity can come from anywhere and there are many ways to write a song."
When The Castles Crumbled - Massimo Varini
"In this opening performance video, Massimo Varini performs his original song, "When the Castles Crumbled." Massimo joins us from Italy and plays this song he wrote following a very big earthquake in 2012."
McAliFunk - Massimo Varini
"In this video, Massimo Varini performs his original song, "McAliFunk." This funky tune is in drop D tuning and utilizes a looper for percussion."
Double Trouble - Massimo Varini
"In this video, Massimo Varini performs his original song, "Double Trouble." This one uses the DADGAD tuning with a capo on the 5th fret. Enjoy!"
Mini Master Class - Massimo Varini
"In this Mini Master Class, Massimo gets specific with his techniques of songwriting, and discusses some tricks to try when you can't seem to finish writing a song. Enjoy!"
Roll On - Mike Zito
"In this opening performance video, Mike Zito performs his original song, "Roll On." Mike joins us from Texas, and plays this song off of his 2011 album, Greyhound."
Pearl River - Mike Zito
"In this video, Mike Zito performs his award winning blues tune that he co-wrote with Cyril Neville. This one is about slavery, and is called "Pearl River.""
Gone To Texas - Mike Zito
"In this video, Mike Zito performs this autobiographical song about moving to Texas and overcoming his past struggles. This one is called "Gone to Texas." "
Mini Master Class - Mike Zito
"In this Mini Master Class, Mike Zito discusses some specifics on his approach to songwriting and his belief in the 3-chords-and-the-truth approach. If you stick to topics that you know, the listeners will believe you."
Feng Shui - Blair Dunlop
"In this opening performance video, Blair Dunlop performs his original song, "Feng Shui." Blair presents this dynamic earworm from his four walls in sunny England."
Spices From The East - Blair Dunlop
"In this video, Blair Dunlop performs this relationship song about England's imperial past, and cooking. This one is called "Spices From the East." Enjoy!"
Sweet On You - Blair Dunlop
"In this video, Blair Dunlop performs a song about a past love. This one is called "Sweet On You," and is dedicated to Brad at TrueFire. Enjoy!"
Mini Master Class - Blair Dunlop
"In this Mini Master Class, Blair Dunlop discusses the best ways to learn to express yourself. He's a true believer in trying out a new tuning as a means of finding new inspiration. Enjoy!"
Wear I Am - Vicki Genfan
"In this opening performance video, Vicky Genfan performs her original song, "Wear I Am." But first, she walks us through the story behind the song."
Kali Dreams - Vicki Genfan
"In this video, Vicki Genfan performs a song she wrote to accompany her cat's frenetic energy. This one is called "Kali Dreams.""
Don't Give Up On Me - Vicki Genfan
"In this video, Vicki Genfan performs an original song inspired by the Colombine school shooting in 1999. This one is called "Don't Give Up on Me.""
Mini Master Class - Vicki Genfan
"In this Mini Master Class, Vicki Genfan discusses ways to nurture creativity and help it flourish. She's also a strong believer in the use of alternate tunings as a means of matching her current mood. Enjoy!"
Altostratus - Rohan Stevenson
"In this opening performance video, Rohan Stevenson performs his original song, "Altostratus." Rohan joins us from Australia and demonstrates his technical abilities in acoustic form."
Song One - Rohan Stevenson
"In this video, Rohan Stevenson performs a brand new song which has yet to be named. We'll call this one "Song One." Enjoy!"
Minor Vibe - Rohan Stevenson
"In this video, Rohan Stevenson performs another unnamed song we'll call "Minor Vibe." Rohan dedicates this one to another incredible acoustic guitarist, Antoine Dufour. Enjoy!"
Mini Master Class - Rohan Stevenson
"In this Mini Master Class, Rohan Stevenson gets specific with his song writing techniques and discusses the differences between playing acoustic vs. playing electric guitar in a progressive rock band."
Rio de Janeiro - Muriel Anderson
"In this opening performance video, Muriel Anderson performs her original song, "Rio De Janeiro." Muriel joins us from the the Northeast and demontrates this tune about being stood up on a date in Paris."
Crystal Horizon - Muriel Anderson
"In this video, Muriel Anderson performs "Crystal Horizon," which was originally written as an instrumental. This one is in 5/4 time and was written in Italian. Godere!"
Castles In The Sand - Muriel Anderson
"In this video, Muriel Anderson performs "Castles in the Sand," which she wrote on her harp guitar in Montauk, New York. Enjoy!"
Mini Master Class - Muriel Anderson
"In this Mini Master Class, Muriel Anderson encourages you to let the melody drive the song. She also discusses her journey of songwriting starting with the advice of her mentor, Chet Atkins."
Black Moon Medley - Clive Carroll
"In this opening performance video, Clive Carroll performs a 3-song medley including his original song, "Black Moon." Clive joins us from England and demonstrates these dark, but beautiful songs on a baritone acoustic."
In A Dream - Clive Carroll
"In this video, Clive Carroll performs a slow and dissonant song he started writing in 1995 and finished in 2013. This one is called "In a Dream.""
Mini Master Class - Clive Carroll
"In this Mini Master Class, Clive Carroll discusses his approach to songwriting, and what to do if you find all of your songs are starting to sound the same. Enjoy!"
After You've Gone - Adam Levy
"In this opening performance video, Adam Levy performs a cover of a public domain song called, "After You've Gone." Adam joins us from Brooklyn, New York."
Careless Love - Adam Levy
"In this video, Adam Levy performs another public domain song. This one is at least 75 years old and is called "Careless Love." Enjoy!"
Ragtime Cowboy Joe - Adam Levy
"In this video, Adam Levy performs another public domain song. This one is at least 75 years old and is called "Ragtime Cowboy Joe." Enjoy!"
Mini Master Class - Adam Levy
"In this Mini Master Class, Adam Levy discusses some of the elements he's borrowed from public domain songs to incorporate into his own music. He'll also get into some of the common chords used in older music, such as augmented, diminished, and major 6th chords."
The Good Lord Made You So - Fiona Boyes
"In this opening performance video, Fiona Boyes performs her song, "The Good Lord Made You So." Fiona joins us from Australia and plays this fingerpicked bluesy original."
Fishing Hole Blues - Fiona Boyes
"In this video, Fiona Boyes performs another original. This one is called "Fishing Hole Blues," and was inspired by Louisiana style blues. Enjoy!"
Howling At Your Door - Fiona Boyes
"In this video, Fiona Boyes performs another original. This one is called "Howling at Your Door," and was inspired by Mississippi style blues. Enjoy!"
Mini Master Class - Fiona Boyes
"In this Mini Master Class, Fiona Boyes discusses how varied the blues genre really is, how she likes to explore some of these different variations as a means of sparking a creative idea."
Ouray - Andy McKee
"In this opening performance video, Andy McKee performs his original song, "Ouray" after being inspired by a small village in Colorado of the same name."
Common Ground - Andy McKee
"In this video, Andy McKee performs a song he wrote for the International Fingerstyle Championship in 2001. This one is in drop D and is called "Common Ground.""
Drifting - Andy McKee
"In this video, Andy McKee performs a song he wrote when he was 18. This one was inspired by guitar Preston Reed and is titled "Drifting.""
Mini Master Class - Andy McKee
"In this Mini Master Class, Andy McKee gets into specifics about his songwriting techniques, and emphasizes the importance of exploring alternate tunings as a means of sparking creative ideas."
Catch My Breath - Carl Wockner
"In this opening performance video, Carl Wockner performs his original song, "Catch My Breath." Carl joins us from Nashville, Tennessee and demonstrates this heartfelt tune complete with looped backing tracks."
Crayon Days - Carl Wockner
"In this video, Carl Wockner performs one of the first songs he wrote after moving from Australia to Nashville. Carl co-wrote this one with Doug Stokes, and it is titled: "Crayon Days.""
Better - Carl Wockner
"In this video, Carl Wockner performs a song about becoming a parent and revisiting his childhood. This one's called "Crayon Days.""
Mini Master Class - Carl Wockner
"In this Mini Master Class, Carl Wockner discusses some techniques he uses for songwriting and the importance of music flow. He also demonstrates how using a looper can be a very convenient writing tool."
Mr. Spontaneous - Gareth Pearson
"In this opening performance video, Gareth Pearson performs his original song, "Mr. Spontaneous." Gareth's lightning fingerstyle speed and precision is incredible."
Adrenaline Rush - Gareth Pearson
"In this video, Gareth Pearson performs a song inspired by Jerry Reed's banjo playing. This one is called "Adrenaline Rush." Seatbelts recommended."
The Beauty Of Discipline - Gareth Pearson
"In this video, Gareth Pearson performs a song about following your dreams. This one is called "The Beauty of Discipline. Enjoy!"
Mini Master Class - Gareth Pearson
"In this Mini Master Class, Gareth Pearson discusses in detail some of his songwriting methods, and the importance of writing music that makes you feel something."
Wandering Man - Joe Robinson
"In this opening performance video, Joe Robinson performs his original song, "Wandering Man." Joe joins us from Nashville, Tennessee."
Adelaide - Joe Robinson
"Joe Robinson performs one of his more popular songs, "Adelaide" off of his album, Let Me Introduce You."
Ancestor - Joe Robinson
"Joe Robinson performs a video premiere of his song, "Ancestors" and discusses his experience co-writing the song with Alan Shamblin."
Byron's Bounce - Joe Robinson
"Joe Robinson performs an instrumental song called "Byron's Bounce," which was written for his friend Byron, who has transcribed many of Joe's compositions in the past."
Mini Master Class - Joe Robinson
"In this Mini Master Class, Joe Robinson discusses in detail some of his songwriting methods and the importance of writing compelling lyrics."