Product Details

• Actors: Frank Gambale
• Format: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Warner Brothers Pub.
• DVD Release Date: October 29, 2002
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00007CWIA
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,513 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

MODES NO MORE MYSTERY - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THINKING OUT LOUD...on modal theory (spelled out for lesser mortals), February 2, 2006

By 

t'amant (WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Modes No More Mystery, Frank Gambale (DVD)

Let's face it...most of us, despite many years of ripping up the fretboard (by ear or other method) with guitar leads based on scale patterns, have not put together all seven modes and their endless possibilities for harmony and song-writing. I have had a basic idea of western music theory (major, minor, dominant) and even mode construction (piano key cycle from middle C - whole step, half-step, etc.) as a template for basic interval and chord construction, but the application to guitar (it is much harder to see on guitar it seems) composition was never so interestingly presented as it is here. Many guitar players mostly see modes as stacking patterns, using the same notes up the fretboard, which is partially correct. But to see the Actual character of the mode as applied to harmony in the composition is the more useful way to think of it. By always using C as the beginning point for analysis(and pedal tone for chord progressions), each seven note mode is analyzed (normally built from the successive white key on the piano starting on middle C) as to interval characteristics (e.g., Aeolian = flat 3rd, 6th & 7th) and then applied to the WHOLE fretboard as a template for composition - COOL, but watch him effortlessly utilize each mode's unique characteristics to create feeling in a song...and then combine different modal attributes to put together sections of a composition (Intro/chorus/lead, etc.). Incredible live examples are played out before your eyes with camera glued to the right and left hands, allowing total visual/auditory immersion in the many elements that go into this high-level of playing. Watch the picking technique, or slow down the dvd for a careful look at the lightning fast arpeggiated solos - this is a FEAST for us guitar lead gluttons (and I have been a fan of his since Great Explorers came out). A fairly high level of musical understanding is required here to see the possibilities and apply this knowledge, but the vista provides a worthy goal to strive toward. This is a gordian knot that is fun to contemplate.

A few complete performance pieces are generously included as well as some FINE extras: Joe Pass delicately tearing it up for a softer look at the ideas presented, and Allan Holdsworth peeling up the rosewood on another. Finally, an older Gambale (this is about 15 years old) showing a taste of his new video on performance that is very fun (the drummer is fantastic as well), although it just makes the ending of this dvd THAT MUCH MORE PAINFUL. I will watch this many times for sure, it is that good. And Frank does a great job getting to the point and being a great teacher on a somewhat difficult project (seeing all modes on the complete fretboard and getting a feel for the many uses in musical composition including emotional emphasis). My only gripe is that the written material referred to during the lesson was not included in my copy??? Not a huge issue, but it would have been convenient. Now, go play guitar...don't think about it too long or you will waste more time wondering just what in the hell you do with a Phrygian mode. Thanks Frank, this is great!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars logical explanations - even for advanced beginners, June 19, 2003

By 

Howard L Lambert (Lemoore, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modes No More Mystery, Frank Gambale (DVD)

Frank does a great job of thoroughly explaining the significance of the modes of the major scale (dispels some common mistakes while he's at it) and teaches the basics of modal progressions (much easier than it sounds). Of course, the solos he plays in the examples are both mind boggling and inspiring.

Although the liner notes say it's for intermediate and advanced players, even beginners (like me) knowledgable of basic theory will understand with just a few viewings.

It comes with a small pamphlet mapping all the notes of each major scale mode on the fretboard (don't worry if you loose it considering they're just the standard mode charts you can find/print free from just about any guitar theory website).

Plus, (unlike the VHS version of this title) you get bonus video performance footage of Allan Holdsworth, footage of Joe Pass, a preview of Frank's "Concert With Class" DVD, etc...

The video is very professionally edited.

The only thing I don't like is the case's front flap is cardboard, is hard to open and close, and feels like it's easily going to crease...the spindle/housing is good plastic, though.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modes NO MORE MISTERY., August 25, 2003

By 

Jazzcat "stef" (Genoa, Italy Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modes No More Mystery, Frank Gambale (DVD)

Modal harmony is a very misterious thing for most guitar players. If you are one of them this dvd will clear all your doubts, no doubt about it. Frank is a fantastic teacher and he treats this argument here in the best way. With clarity and precision. He leaves non space for any doubt. Absolutly. You really can't do nothing but learn modes. It's that strong and easy. Simply if you want modes not to cause you problems again watch this video. The first time you'll be shocked and amazed by the amount of informations and stimulus you can get from Frank modal explanation. Seven worlds will be finally open for you, and music will never be the same for you. I learned a lot from this video when it came out as tape and I still watch it now for fun because Frank's modal examples and solos are extremely beautiful and inspiring. Thanxs Frank.