Customer Reviews

The History of Rock 'n' Roll - Guitar Heroes [VHS]

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Like the other reviewer said this is a fairly decent video showing a good history of rock and blues guitar, and the guitar in general. But the video fails to mention greats such as Duane Allman, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Joe Satriani and so on.

This video is the seventh in a 10-video set documenting Rock `n' Roll in America. It's very entertaining and informative, although more on the entertainment side.

In my view, this is the best video so far because it has a clear focus and subject matter. There are even several brief threads of narration linking the interviews. The video covers the role of the electric guitar, focusing on Les Paul, Chuck Berry, Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton.

There are great interview clips and descriptions. Among my favorites are those with B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix (playing "Voodoo Chile" live), and Pete Townshend's description of how he developed is trademark windmill move. It's also interesting to see the comparison between rock and blues with respect to guitar solos--they are so similar.

Some of the rock stars are a little bit suggestive and lewd when likening the electric guitar to sexual expression, so this is a PG video. I can only remember one explicative from Eddie Van Halen.

A 60-minute video on the stars of the electric guitar is too short, and will obviously overlook some of the greats. I think this series has ignored the Beatles a lot so far as well. That being said, however, I liked the video and thought it was good infotainment.

Actually, it is a decent video, covering a fair amount of territory in the history of Rock and Blues guitar playing. Lots of big-name cameos (though they neglect to introduce some of them to the camera by name). Unfortunately, it is NOT APPROPRIATE for public school if you are looking for something to add this perspective a guitar class--You may get away with it if you preview and fast forward through the 5-or-so instances of rough language, the smoking, and the less-than-quaint section on the sexual nature of playing the electric guitar. Censored, you can use it, but there is probably a better option out there. It is a much better buy if you are not planning on sharing this with the 13-year-olds in your life.