Lisa McCormick and GT Curriculum

I've had memberships at GT and JamPlay over the past few years.

GT is better...by far. Here's why:
1) Curriculum is organized much better.

2) Teaching methods and explanations are consistent with curriculum. For example, watch Lisa McCormick's "Focus: Chords." The progression of the classes is well organized and explanations/demonstrations are top-notch.

3) GT offers areas of focus while JP is more instructor-focus. For example, as a novice player, I started with JP. I searched the instructors, selected one and stuck with him for six months. Good instructor...but the training was all over the place. I couldn't track my progression.
- GT is superior because it's easier to understand - and follow - the progression of the classes. Ultimately, the organization of GT is a competitive advantage.

Finally - here's another plug for Lisa (note: I never met her) - is an outstanding teacher. Her explanations are thorough and interesting. She applies concepts to real-time playing. And, here's the best for me, I've evolved into a much better guitar player because of her classes.

GT is the best value for the money for me.

Originally Posted by: nswiacki
I've had memberships at GT and JamPlay over the past few years.

GT is better...by far. Here's why:
1) Curriculum is organized much better.

2) Teaching methods and explanations are consistent with curriculum. For example, watch Lisa McCormick's "Focus: Chords." The progression of the classes is well organized and explanations/demonstrations are top-notch.

3) GT offers areas of focus while JP is more instructor-focus. For example, as a novice player, I started with JP. I searched the instructors, selected one and stuck with him for six months. Good instructor...but the training was all over the place. I couldn't track my progression.
- GT is superior because it's easier to understand - and follow - the progression of the classes. Ultimately, the organization of GT is a competitive advantage.

Finally - here's another plug for Lisa (note: I never met her) - is an outstanding teacher. Her explanations are thorough and interesting. She applies concepts to real-time playing. And, here's the best for me, I've evolved into a much better guitar player because of her classes.

GT is the best value for the money for me.

Thank you so much for your support! We strive to be the best online guitar lesson site out there! This post made my day.

We are always looking for ways to improve our lessons to give you guys the best experience possible. Every member we have has a voice that matters to us and we pay close attention to the feedback we receive.

Thank you for being a Guitar Tricks member! We love that we are able to help you on your guitar journey!

Originally Posted by: nswiacki
I've had memberships at GT and JamPlay over the past few years.

GT is better...by far. Here's why:
1) Curriculum is organized much better.

2) Teaching methods and explanations are consistent with curriculum. For example, watch Lisa McCormick's "Focus: Chords." The progression of the classes is well organized and explanations/demonstrations are top-notch.

3) GT offers areas of focus while JP is more instructor-focus. For example, as a novice player, I started with JP. I searched the instructors, selected one and stuck with him for six months. Good instructor...but the training was all over the place. I couldn't track my progression.
- GT is superior because it's easier to understand - and follow - the progression of the classes. Ultimately, the organization of GT is a competitive advantage.

Finally - here's another plug for Lisa (note: I never met her) - is an outstanding teacher. Her explanations are thorough and interesting. She applies concepts to real-time playing. And, here's the best for me, I've evolved into a much better guitar player because of her classes.

GT is the best value for the money for me.

Thanks nswiacki! It means a lot to hear your kind words about GT.

As a previous member of GuitarTricks and also a previous member of Jamplay I also had the pleasure to be a member of both websites. I actually had a forum member of GT ask me about the differences in experience between GT and Jamplay a year ago or so. Since GT is so interested in feedback I am willing to send that same extensive message I send to the GT staff, but I will shortly highlight some points in this post.

But back on topic: To be honest I can really see your point nswiacki, but I assume when reading your post that you are a beginner. As a beginner I would also recommend GuitarTricks since it is more clear and organized, where Jamplay has so many different types of beginner lessons and curricula it can be confusing. One of the things I disliked the most was that some beginner curricula are incomplete and Jamplay suggests finding a teacher that you like and filling up the gaps elsewhere with some other teacher. Although this philosophy can certainly work I find it wrong on so many levels.

Both are extraordinary and great, but to me both have very clear advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other. For example, Jamplay's advanced lessons are much more thorough and in depth and they have a larger amount and wider catalogue when looking at those types of lessons. I could go on and on about this, but both websites are worth every penny.

JJ

Edit: GT admin I sent you a forum message with the same extensive answer regarding my experiences using both websites, which I sent to the other forum member. I think you can use it as feedback, since I was quite elaborate in what things GT does better than Jamplay and vice versa. Neither is perfect and GT and Jamplay both have some major flaws. I think there is still room enough for improvement with GT, so I hope you find it useful.

Originally Posted by: JJ90As a previous member of GuitarTricks and also a previous member of Jamplay I also had the pleasure to be a member of both websites. I actually had a forum member of GT ask me about the differences in experience between GT and Jamplay a year ago or so. Since GT is so interested in feedback I am willing to send that same extensive message I send to the GT staff.

But back on topic: To be honest I can really see your point nswiacki, but I assume when reading your post that you are a beginner. As a beginner I would also recommend GuitarTricks since it is more clear and organized, where Jamplay has so many different types of beginner lessons and curricula it can be confusing. One of the things I disliked the most was that some beginner curricula are incomplete and Jamplay suggests finding a teacher that you like and filling up the gaps elsewhere with some other teacher. Although this philosophy can certainly work I find it wrong on so many levels.

Both are extrodinary and great, but to me both have very clear advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other. For example, Jamplay's advanced lessons are much more thorough and in depth and they have a larger amount and wider catalogue when looking at those types of lessons. I could go on and on about this, but both websites are worth every penny.

JJ

Thank you for your feedback JJ! We really appreciate it! We will continue to strive for excellence for our beginner & experienced members.

To all of you who might be wondering if it is worth it, it definltely is. I am now on the "Blues" segment of Guitar Tricks, since I began with Guitar tricks on June, 2015...and trust me, investing time on fundamentals 1 and 2 by Lisa is REALLY REALLY REALLY going to help you, because this guy goes fast. I think I got badly used to her style, but for a good reason: She explains very well and for the first time in my multiple attempts at guitar learning, with her I really understood things. I am kind of methodical and the usual "learn these chords by memory" approach was never good. But with her I have really learned a lot and mainly understood the fundamentals of the various themes she teaches.

So in summary, really take advantage of Guitar Fundamentals 1 and 2 with Lisa McCormick, you will definitely understand it when you finish her courses.

I will be another to add a nod of affirmation to the thoroughness and organization of Lisa McCormick's teaching methods. She is outstanding. Before enrolling at GT, I did review both sites and GT seemed to be the most comprehensive for a beginning guitarist. I can't fully evaluate JP except by thier free lessons which offer very little. GT did give lessons that could be useful and evaluated. No mystery here, to have chosen GT.

The one drawback to on-line instruction is that there is a huge desire to progress too quickly, without really gaining the necessary skills that are admittedly, quite well outlined. Even still, I have the tendency to "audit" some of the instruction, without actually doing the repititions to fully aquire the skill. For example, I am nearing completion of level 2 fundementals and although I have a firm grasp of the concepts of music theory and can easily move around a variety of chords and embellishments and even have a reasonable fluency in bar chords, I still find it very difficult to play fluently in the play-alongs.

I had fallen into a practice rut and decided to try out Tony Polecastros AcousticChallenge. All to quickly I realized that this site was gear more for advanced players, but I have actually gained some skills and I found that it has a very unique method of motivation and incentive. GT might be able to implement some incentives at various levels within (and in particular) the Fundementals section to achieve merit by submitting a video for review. It wouldn't be required to go to other levels, but only to achieve the status. I know for me, I would want to acheive the status, and certainly would put in a little extra time on the practice submission.

Just a thought. I think it would take GT from being great, to being even greater.

I have to say I'm only just staring and I'm part way through fundamentals 1 but I am enjoying the process. Lisa is a great teacher and makes the lessons easy to understand. As well, I find the forums a great place for advice and encouragement. I only took advantage of the free trial of jamplay but I was overwhelmed and didn't know where to begin. I have a full year membership now on gt and look forward to where I'll be in a year from now.

Thank you everyone for all of your feedback and support! You guys have great ideas for future Guitar Tricks additions and we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us.

Lisa is a wonderful instructor! We are very happy to have her with us! It's great to hear the Guitar Fundamental courses are helping our members.

You guys help us improve this site and our lessons. We listen to each of your ideas and discuss them so please don't hesitate to offer suggestions.

Thanks guys! You rock.