Customer Reviews

The Legendary Guitar of James Burton

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

James Burton is a true legend and in this video proves to be a great teacher as well. This is one of my favorite instructional guitar videos because of the easy going pace and extremely good close-ups of Burton's left and right hands. He uses finger picks and it is relatively easy to see how he does everthing. From Suzy Q, Hello Mary Lou, Traveling Man etc solos to general techniques, he takes you through quite a beautiful trip. He talks about his early days (he wrote and recorded Suzy Q in his teens) and drops insider, informative comments about playing with Ricky Nelson and Elvis- specifcally how he approached the sounds he was looking for in their recordings. He shows how he gets the "echo" effects heard on Nelson's recordings without any pedals or guitar effects. (Heck, there weren't any effects pedals in 1958). This is just the tip of the iceberg. It's kind of thrilling to watch him play such classic stuff like the solo in "Fools Rush In".

The slow-motion section is just excellent. Kudos to Hot Licks for adding these sections to their DVD editions.

At the end, he shows off his "new" Fender signature paisley Telecaster with the chicken-picken style (which I think Burton practically invented). You can't go wrong adding this one to your collection.

James plays over chords and his chording style is different, which gives him a pretty unique sound. If you want some rockabilly licks, this is probably the best place to get them... and he's got everything in slow motion at the end of the DVD. I'm having a ball picking up on this stuff.

Great!

This guy developed a style and technique that not only has been a foundation for generations of guitar slingers that followed but is still an inspiration today. The cat can just play! The next best thing to a few private lessons. Highly recommended.

The DVD is great, especially the slow motion reviews of Burton's playing. The only gripe I have is with the tab booklet: IT IS TOO SMALL TO READ.

What a great Guitar Player! The beginning is really cool watching James walk around 48th Street in NYC! Then the way he plays is like magic! He starts out with this blues thing man it sends you to a different way of living! The DVD has great features like slow motion! Any guitarist would be crazy not to get this one !

I bought this video in attempt to be just as good country guitarist than I am a rock and blues guitarist (I also own the Eric Johnson video Total Electric Guitar). James' fingerstyle is NOT recommended for everybody that's used to using a straight pick and it requires precise practice and patience (I still have a lot to learn on this video). So far I've been able not only gain appreciation for Mr. Burton as a player, but also gain interest in country guitar far beyond the "twang" of his Tele. As far as actually learning his playing style, that's another story (So far...still straight pickin).

This is a great video. Anyone looking to get into country playing or interested in James Burton needs to buy this video.

This is not suited to be a beginner's first instructional DVD. It is best for a person who knows of and appreciates James Burton's style and capability. It is very good for one who wants to know how Burton accomplishes some of the effects unique to him.

mr. burton fails to give fret numbers or notes in his demo which will be confusing to the beginning player. Also he does not discuss in depth his muteing technique in detail and some fingering is hard to pick up. If you have a good ear this video will be helpful as he is a very inventive player and has a style worth knowing. I just hope any future videos will be more inclusive. mark brinsfield

I remember Burton playing for Ricky Nelson and always liked his style.
This DVD does a good job.