FrancescoC
Verified buyer
03/20/26
Really focused
Great course!! Really focused and helpful.
Focus On: Favorites
A Compilation of Top Lessons from the Popular Focus On Course Series
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TrueFire
Educator
Genres
About this course
If you’ve ever wanted to zero in on a single technique or stylistic concept and truly master it—not just understand it—Focus On: Favorites (Style & Technique Focused Studies) is your ultimate deep-dive guitar course.
This compilation brings together the very best lessons from TrueFire’s Focus On series, curating the most effective, musical, and transformative studies into one cohesive learning experience. Rather than skimming the surface, this course is designed to help you drill deep, refine your execution, and confidently apply each concept in real musical situations.
The Focus On series is exactly what the name suggests: highly targeted instruction centered around a specific technique, stylistic approach, or creative concept. Whether the focus is on phrasing, articulation, picking mechanics, rhythm, harmonic devices, or stylistic nuance, each lesson eliminates distractions and gets straight to what matters most—making you better at that one thing.
In this compilation course, you’ll work directly with world-class educators who guide you step-by-step through each concept, breaking down not only how it works, but why it works musically. These aren’t abstract exercises or mechanical drills done in isolation. Every study is rooted in real-world musical context, helping you connect technique to sound, feel, and expression.
A defining feature of the Focus On approach is the integration of musical application over backing tracks. Once you understand the core idea, you’ll immediately put it to work over grooves, progressions, and stylistic tracks that simulate real playing situations. This bridges the critical gap between practice and performance, ensuring that what you learn shows up in your playing—not just your practice routine.
As with all TrueFire courses, every lesson includes video-synced tab and standard notation, allowing you to see, hear, and understand each concept simultaneously. You’ll also get full access to all backing tracks, making it easy to practice at your own pace, loop challenging sections, and internalize each idea until it becomes second nature.
This course is ideal for intermediate to advanced guitarists who want to sharpen specific aspects of their playing, as well as motivated beginners who are ready to move beyond general instruction and focus on purposeful improvement. Because each study is self-contained and highly focused, you can jump directly to the techniques that matter most to you—or work through the course systematically for well-rounded growth.
Whether you’re looking to clean up your technique, expand your stylistic vocabulary, improve your phrasing, or simply play with more confidence and clarity, Focus On: Favorites (Style & Technique Focused Studies) delivers the kind of intentional, results-driven learning that serious players crave.
This compilation isn’t about learning more—it’s about learning better. Fewer concepts, taught more clearly, practiced more musically, and applied more effectively.
If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start mastering the details that separate good players from great ones, this course will help you focus in, level up, and transform your playing—one essential technique at a time.
This compilation brings together the very best lessons from TrueFire’s Focus On series, curating the most effective, musical, and transformative studies into one cohesive learning experience. Rather than skimming the surface, this course is designed to help you drill deep, refine your execution, and confidently apply each concept in real musical situations.
The Focus On series is exactly what the name suggests: highly targeted instruction centered around a specific technique, stylistic approach, or creative concept. Whether the focus is on phrasing, articulation, picking mechanics, rhythm, harmonic devices, or stylistic nuance, each lesson eliminates distractions and gets straight to what matters most—making you better at that one thing.
In this compilation course, you’ll work directly with world-class educators who guide you step-by-step through each concept, breaking down not only how it works, but why it works musically. These aren’t abstract exercises or mechanical drills done in isolation. Every study is rooted in real-world musical context, helping you connect technique to sound, feel, and expression.
A defining feature of the Focus On approach is the integration of musical application over backing tracks. Once you understand the core idea, you’ll immediately put it to work over grooves, progressions, and stylistic tracks that simulate real playing situations. This bridges the critical gap between practice and performance, ensuring that what you learn shows up in your playing—not just your practice routine.
As with all TrueFire courses, every lesson includes video-synced tab and standard notation, allowing you to see, hear, and understand each concept simultaneously. You’ll also get full access to all backing tracks, making it easy to practice at your own pace, loop challenging sections, and internalize each idea until it becomes second nature.
This course is ideal for intermediate to advanced guitarists who want to sharpen specific aspects of their playing, as well as motivated beginners who are ready to move beyond general instruction and focus on purposeful improvement. Because each study is self-contained and highly focused, you can jump directly to the techniques that matter most to you—or work through the course systematically for well-rounded growth.
Whether you’re looking to clean up your technique, expand your stylistic vocabulary, improve your phrasing, or simply play with more confidence and clarity, Focus On: Favorites (Style & Technique Focused Studies) delivers the kind of intentional, results-driven learning that serious players crave.
This compilation isn’t about learning more—it’s about learning better. Fewer concepts, taught more clearly, practiced more musically, and applied more effectively.
If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start mastering the details that separate good players from great ones, this course will help you focus in, level up, and transform your playing—one essential technique at a time.
Release date: 01/22/2019 • 2h 38m runtime
Sample lessons
Hindenburg
Overview
Hindenburg
Performance
Hindenburg
Breakdown
Bridge Between Rhythm & Lead
Rhythm Concept 4
What's included
40 lessons • 20 charts • 15 Jam Tracks
The IV7 to I7 Change
The IV7 to I7 Change - Soloing Concept 2 is a video guitar lesson presented by Jeff McErlain and is sourced from Focus On: British Blues.
One of my favorite scales, and one that is quite common in the British blues style (especially in Peter Green's playing), is the minor pentatonic natural 6th scale. That's not a very fun name for sure, but it's a great sound. This scale is a little "sweeter" sounding than the standard minor pentatonic scale. Here we are replacing the b7 in the minor pentatonic with the natural 6th. The formula is R 2 b3 4 5 6, and in the A that would give us the notes A,C,D,E,F#. This scale works exceptionally well on all three chords in the blues, giving a nice lighter sound on the I7 chord, and matching the IV7 chord perfectly. I suggest playing the scale over the I7 chord vamp provided in the previous concept. Then, play the same scale over the track provided here to hear it in action over the IV7 chord. The IV7 chord here is D7 (DF#AC), and as we can see the Am pentatonic natural 6 scale contains a full D7 arpeggio. By just changing one note of the Am pent scale we have outlined the IV7 without even having to know an arpeggio. Of course we should know that too...
One of my favorite scales, and one that is quite common in the British blues style (especially in Peter Green's playing), is the minor pentatonic natural 6th scale. That's not a very fun name for sure, but it's a great sound. This scale is a little "sweeter" sounding than the standard minor pentatonic scale. Here we are replacing the b7 in the minor pentatonic with the natural 6th. The formula is R 2 b3 4 5 6, and in the A that would give us the notes A,C,D,E,F#. This scale works exceptionally well on all three chords in the blues, giving a nice lighter sound on the I7 chord, and matching the IV7 chord perfectly. I suggest playing the scale over the I7 chord vamp provided in the previous concept. Then, play the same scale over the track provided here to hear it in action over the IV7 chord. The IV7 chord here is D7 (DF#AC), and as we can see the Am pentatonic natural 6 scale contains a full D7 arpeggio. By just changing one note of the Am pent scale we have outlined the IV7 without even having to know an arpeggio. Of course we should know that too...
Hindenburg
Hindenburg - Overview is a video guitar lesson presented by Jeff McErlain and is sourced from Focus On: British Blues.
All self respecting blues/rock guitar players must pay tribute to Jimmy Page and his legacy. His influence as a player, songwriter, producer, rock God, cannot be overlooked. I know many guitarists out there think Page could be somewhat of a sloppy player, and at times, I would agree. But I don't care! His vibe, energy, and musical ideas are fantastic. I assume if you've purchased this course, you are most likely a Led Zeppelin fan already. I'm constantly amazed at these records to this day—they still sound fresh and exciting to me, they had something to say, and they said it with conviction. I still find myself drawing from the well of Led Zeppelin.
All self respecting blues/rock guitar players must pay tribute to Jimmy Page and his legacy. His influence as a player, songwriter, producer, rock God, cannot be overlooked. I know many guitarists out there think Page could be somewhat of a sloppy player, and at times, I would agree. But I don't care! His vibe, energy, and musical ideas are fantastic. I assume if you've purchased this course, you are most likely a Led Zeppelin fan already. I'm constantly amazed at these records to this day—they still sound fresh and exciting to me, they had something to say, and they said it with conviction. I still find myself drawing from the well of Led Zeppelin.
Hindenburg
Hindenburg - Performance is a video guitar lesson presented by Jeff McErlain and is sourced from Focus On: British Blues.
One of the trademarks of British blues is a killer riff played into a cranked amp. For this concept we are going to take a look at something similar to what Eric Clapton plays on the tune "Lawdy Mama" from Cream. The riff defines the tune; much like when we hear Cream's version of "Crossroads," we know it immediately. On this tune, if you could imagine it played with a singer, you'd see that I am not playing the riff while the singing is happening. This would be too much in many cases and would overshadow the vocals. That's not something we want to do, unless the singer isn't very good. ;-) But seriously folks, it is important to let the vocals have space, we can fill in the holes, but there is nothing more annoying than a guitar player stepping on the vocalist. Or vice versa...
One of the trademarks of British blues is a killer riff played into a cranked amp. For this concept we are going to take a look at something similar to what Eric Clapton plays on the tune "Lawdy Mama" from Cream. The riff defines the tune; much like when we hear Cream's version of "Crossroads," we know it immediately. On this tune, if you could imagine it played with a singer, you'd see that I am not playing the riff while the singing is happening. This would be too much in many cases and would overshadow the vocals. That's not something we want to do, unless the singer isn't very good. ;-) But seriously folks, it is important to let the vocals have space, we can fill in the holes, but there is nothing more annoying than a guitar player stepping on the vocalist. Or vice versa...
Hindenburg
Hindenburg - Breakdown is a video guitar lesson presented by Jeff McErlain and is sourced from Focus On: British Blues.
As I said earlier, the best way to learn this and any solo is piece by piece. This one is pretty chopsey so take your time and break it down. It opens with a classic repeated lick that you should definitely know! Please pay careful attention to the picking pattern on the first repeated triplet figure. I start with a down pick followed by another down pick in one motion then an up pick on the last note on the A. This makes this repeated lick mush easier to play, especially quickly. I especially love the A major pentatonic lick I threw in on bars 3 and 4 as it moves beautifully across the fingerboard and classic Jimmy Page fashion. On the IV7 chord we go right into a D major pentatonic scale. This produces a nice bright sound that you should really experiment with in other blues tunes. We cap off the solo with the classic arpeggio figure similar to what we hear Page play on "Heartbreaker".
As I said earlier, the best way to learn this and any solo is piece by piece. This one is pretty chopsey so take your time and break it down. It opens with a classic repeated lick that you should definitely know! Please pay careful attention to the picking pattern on the first repeated triplet figure. I start with a down pick followed by another down pick in one motion then an up pick on the last note on the A. This makes this repeated lick mush easier to play, especially quickly. I especially love the A major pentatonic lick I threw in on bars 3 and 4 as it moves beautifully across the fingerboard and classic Jimmy Page fashion. On the IV7 chord we go right into a D major pentatonic scale. This produces a nice bright sound that you should really experiment with in other blues tunes. We cap off the solo with the classic arpeggio figure similar to what we hear Page play on "Heartbreaker".
Secondary Dominant
Secondary Dominant - Rhythm Concept 3 is a video guitar lesson presented by Jason Loughlin and is sourced from Focus On: Western Swing.
The most common turnaround devices in western swing. It creates momentum and anticipation leading back to the tonic. The secondary dominant temporarily takes us out of key and creates the illusion of a new tonal center. You do this by treating any chord as a tonic and insert it's dominant chord as if that were the key you were in. You can also stack a number of secondary dominants in a row. This creates a cycle and prolongs the resolve to the tonic.
The most common turnaround devices in western swing. It creates momentum and anticipation leading back to the tonic. The secondary dominant temporarily takes us out of key and creates the illusion of a new tonal center. You do this by treating any chord as a tonic and insert it's dominant chord as if that were the key you were in. You can also stack a number of secondary dominants in a row. This creates a cycle and prolongs the resolve to the tonic.
Study 1: Crusty Doughboy
Study 1: Crusty Doughboy - Overview is a video guitar lesson presented by Jason Loughlin and is sourced from Focus On: Western Swing.
For our first study we are going to check out western swing tunes with the strongest ties to the Appalachian music. Our rhythm is based on carter type strum with bass fills. These tunes are driven by a fiddle sometimes two up top, verse and a refrain. Who ever is playing the hook at the top of the form doesn't change or embellish at all. If you do solo over one of these tunes you don't want to get too far away from the melody. I'll play three choruses. First, I'll establish the melody in it's simplest form then I'll add all the melodic embellishments we talked about in our concepts section including some classic fiddle ornamentation. Finally, I'll reharmonize the melody. I urge you to learn this simple melody and try your own embellishments.
For our first study we are going to check out western swing tunes with the strongest ties to the Appalachian music. Our rhythm is based on carter type strum with bass fills. These tunes are driven by a fiddle sometimes two up top, verse and a refrain. Who ever is playing the hook at the top of the form doesn't change or embellish at all. If you do solo over one of these tunes you don't want to get too far away from the melody. I'll play three choruses. First, I'll establish the melody in it's simplest form then I'll add all the melodic embellishments we talked about in our concepts section including some classic fiddle ornamentation. Finally, I'll reharmonize the melody. I urge you to learn this simple melody and try your own embellishments.
Study 1: Crusty Doughboy
Study 1: Crusty Doughboy - Performance is a video guitar lesson presented by Jason Loughlin and is sourced from Focus On: Western Swing.
For our first study we are going to check out western swing tunes with the strongest ties to the Appalachian music. Our rhythm is based on carter type strum with bass fills. These tunes are driven by a fiddle sometimes two up top, verse and a refrain. Who ever is playing the hook at the top of the form doesn't change or embellish at all. If you do solo over one of these tunes you don't want to get too far away from the melody. I'll play three choruses. First, I'll establish the melody in it's simplest form then I'll add all the melodic embellishments we talked about in our concepts section including some classic fiddle ornamentation. Finally, I'll reharmonize the melody. I urge you to learn this simple melody and try your own embellishments.
For our first study we are going to check out western swing tunes with the strongest ties to the Appalachian music. Our rhythm is based on carter type strum with bass fills. These tunes are driven by a fiddle sometimes two up top, verse and a refrain. Who ever is playing the hook at the top of the form doesn't change or embellish at all. If you do solo over one of these tunes you don't want to get too far away from the melody. I'll play three choruses. First, I'll establish the melody in it's simplest form then I'll add all the melodic embellishments we talked about in our concepts section including some classic fiddle ornamentation. Finally, I'll reharmonize the melody. I urge you to learn this simple melody and try your own embellishments.
+ 33 more lessons
Reviews
9 results
GaryStrings
Verified buyer
09/13/24
Awesome resource for your musical journey
So many great resources to utilize expanded your musical journey. I am thoroughly enjoying using these indispensable resources.
JeffSW
Verified buyer
09/12/24
El Jefe
Extremely helpful for me, easy to follow and understand. I go back and relearn things that were difficult at first. The instructions keep it fun and informative.
sixthbeatle
Verified buyer
03/27/21
A nice grab bag of lessons
I really liked the diversity of styles in this course. It inspired me to watch some of the deeper lessons in the full courses.
mccambda
Verified buyer
01/23/21
Focus on Favorites
A great variety of concepts for rhythm and solo. Blues and Rock Travis and bass guitar. Found it a challenge and will keep me busy. Would recommend it for intermediate and up.
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