Customer Reviews

Guitar 411 Diatonic Theory and Harmony (DVD)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First off, Doug Doppler is really true to his teaching. Not only is he exceptional on his technical knowledge and abilities to play in any/every style, but he is also a dedicated teacher and will assist students on any problems (or welcome praise) through direct email. He has definitely proven his right to produce an exceptional quality instructional DVD through his 20 years of teaching experience.

I found this DVD extremly helpful in not only reinforcing my theory & fretboard knowledge but also my chord voicing techniques. While it does help to have even just a little background for a student to progress at a faster pace through the lessons, doug really has an ingenius way of breaking it down for one to easily learn the material. Don't get the wrong idea though, he does move at a steady pace and this isn't super basic stuff, but you don't need to be a virtuoso to understand it.

Another great benefit I found is the lesson plans. they make for a great visual reference for the excercises demonstrated on screen and also provided me a means to review and practice w/out having the dvd around. they are clear, concise, and a great learning tool by themselves if you know what your doing, the dvd will give you a more detailed breakdown of what is going on in the lesson and its purpose.

Doug's on screen encouragement is great and his carismatic personality makes you feel like your there with him getting lessons in person. Also, Doug notes certain tips and common mistakes students make and defnitely knows when to comment on ur practing habits. (ie. "hey, i know you'll want to do this...but I'm sure your going to do it the right way.") He seems like he really enjoyed making this DVD which, in turn, makes the student enjoy learning from him.

Anyone at any level could make great use of this DVD and it's content. Even teacher's!! (not for pirating or anything of that nature) but it could show instructors new techniques for getting information across to students.

Thanks to Doug for making a great learning experience! I've never wanted to practice so much in my life! Being in Iraq I definitely have the chance.

Check it out! You won't be disappointed!

It is with pleasure that I write this review. Doug Doppler's instructional DVD is great for many reasons.

First, it is organized very well in every respect. It is easy to understand and use. He really has taken the time to make this a great experience!

Next, lessons that are available for viewing through a pdf file on the DVD and you can print them out if you choose. The lessons correspond to the DVD instructions and the can play on you DVD player or in your PC.

Another quality that I've found that Doug offers is that the DVD is set to region zero - this might be insignificant to some folks, but for me it is unheard of. I bought another copy of this and sent it to my in-laws in Japan and was able to share something with my guitar playing father in-law. It is the first time I've been able to do that because most DVDs only play in the country where you buy them, not everywhere like Doug's DVD does.

Lastly, Doug Doppler stands by his product and if you e-mail him with a question he will write right back. It is obvious to me that he is committed not only to the work he has done on this DVD, but with following through and extending a hand to those of us aspiring to achieve a bit of the magic that he teaches!

I was happy enough with this product that I purchased a second one for my in-laws... I know you'll also enjoy this.

Brad

This is not another "learn to play the licks off my latest album" video from back in the 80's. I was sick of those videos and wanted REAL INSIGHT, so I researched and learned this stuff the hard way...on my own. Inevitably there were things that I missed...but not any more. Doug lifts the veil and shines light on the framework that is musical structure itself. He gives you the knowledge to find your way in, around and through the complexities of music theory in a way that is easy to visualize, learn and apply. Yes, you will need to study the material and practice your a$$ off to get it down and hopefully one day master it. But you gotta take that first step. Why go at it on your own like I did when Doug lays it all out right there in front of you for the taking? So, what are you waiting for?

I viewed a recommendation on youtube about the top 5 dvd's for instuctional guitar lessons (actually one was a magazine) and this was rated number one. I actually had three of the others and completley agreed with his assessment. I purchased the DVD and this is the best teaching/practicing method period. Doug is well spoken, the lesson plan is logical and most of all it is theoretical but, not dificult to understand. Your basically learning theory and very useful practicing routines at the same time. Half way through the DVD the corolation between the two clicked in my brain and it is off to the races. This is a must own for any guitar player. If you don't have it your wasting valuable learning time. Get it now....

Being a guitar tutor myself and having experience of tutorial DVDS
i must say i was pleasantly surprised when i purchased this dvd
Doug is natural at presenting and explaining his ideas... whilst Grade books lead to in a similar direction, Doug is very structured and makes sure you understand everything, step by step.
i thoroughly recommend this title, i will be passing on information to my pupils and even starting a course based around this Dvd, for experienced players.
you do need a good understanding to get the most from his lessons
its intense but very very rewarding
its opened many doors, in my improvising and teaching
i ordered direct from 411,the customer service was excellent
and you can email doug if you need to...
5 stars excellent and a great new approach via the satch / doppler method

miss this and you will regret it!!!

This is without a doubt a valuable piece of instructional video... BUT the title of the video might be misleading. The video will not teach you any theory or harmony, what it is is a bunch of useful exercises which will help you memorize several important shapes and sequences in order to APPLY the theory the instructor assumes you already know. So for example you will learn a bunch of chord shapes, and you will be proficient in remembering them quickly when you need them, but the video will not teach you how those chords were constructed or how they can be used with other chords, the same for scale shapes, arpeggios, etc.
So if you want to become better at applying the music theory you already know and get proficient on your fretboard knowledge I totally recommend this DVD, if you are seeking to learn harmony and theory in order to create your own music I advice you to buy this DVD as a SUPPLEMENT to a good theory resource, because if you buy this one hoping to learn any theory form it you will be disappointed. This really is a great DVD, but I wish they had given it a better title, it's the only reason I don't give it 5 stars.

I've been playing guitar for twenty years and for the most part I learned how to play on my own and ass-backwards. All considered I've managed to do pretty well. I've toured internationally, written and recorded with a signed artist, played for REALLY large audiences, etc. I managed to accomplish this in spite of the fact that I really had no idea what I was doing. All this time and I still dont even know the notes on the fretboard, how to use triads, how to play through a 12 bar blues, key signatures or other fundamental stuff. And, I was constantly in fear of being discovered as a fraud amongst the "real" musicians. It sucks.

I bought this video purely on the recommendation that it would not only clarify but plot out a progressive way to learn everything I felt I was lacking. One of my biggest issues was that I never learned or understood how to practice in a way that would get me to a true pro level. Sitting around at home noodling really didn't do more than give my hands something to do while I watched tv. I have a gang of books and videos but none seemed to address this issue. Most were just "here's a cool lick I play... here's another cool lick I play... and... here's... another... cool... lick... I... play." I'm not really into copying other peoples licks - I probably should be but just not my thang. My hope was that this video would give me the tools and knowledge to create my own cool licks.Cuz thats where it at. :-)

Now, to come clean. I received the dvd a few days ago, read the insert and decided to follow Doug's instructions to first watch the dvd all the way through then go back and start the lessons. Well, within the first 5 minutes I was sold. Doug's approach is exactly - EXACTLY what I've been needing. He has a lesson plan laid out for you and each lesson builds upon the last. There's enough information here to keep my busy and mentally engaged in learning (in other words it's not boring) for months. The video cost $40. An hour lesson from a good teacher will cost you $30-$50. You do the math.

If you are not aware of Doug Doppler, you soon will be. He was a student of Joe Satriani which would be an honor in itself. But Doug has created his very own unique style. This dvd will keep you practicing for years to come, there is a lot of material covered. (2hours 20 min) For all the instructional guitar dvd's out there you definitely have to get this one. You will not regret it at all. The dvd also comes with a companion audio jam tracks to support the lessons which was a bonus. Also check out his new cd called "Nu Instrumental" an excellent cd to add to your collection. Quit reading my review now and go and order it, I cannot say enough about it.