Customer Reviews

Modes No More Mystery, Frank Gambale

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

I am a guitarist and home studio user for the past five years.I had learned modes in my first or second year of lessons, and played around with them for a bit.I always remembered the scale patterns, but forgot how to keep each scale from sounding like the relative Major scale that it was derived from.

My first thoughts before I bought it was that price was slightly high, but still affordable, but the length was only 60 minutes or so.I decided to go ahead and order it.

First time I watched it, it was a good memory refreshment from my early guitar lessons.The next few times I watched it, I took mental notes of things that I was forgetting to do or completely missing from my playing of modes.

I have to say that this video couldn't have been made any clearer.Mr. Gambale does a fantastic job of explaining everything in a very friendly and understandable manner.The way he teaches in the video is in a very organized manner and very easy to follow.Its very professionally edited, has great bonus material.It is probably THE MOST helpful instructional materials that I have ever bought.It totally opened my eyes of how all the scale patterns and theory work together to open up the entire fretboard.

Before I got this DVD I was making backing tracks in Cubase and soling on guitar using mainly single scale positions on one part of the neck for one particular key.This DVD alone helped to put everything that I have learned in the last 5 years of playing, and taught me how to play solos over the entire neck in any modal key.I'm not stuck in a small four fret area of the neck anymore, and Im not limited to just Major and Minor scales anymore.

I highly recommend this video to any guitarist that wants the best instructional DVD on the subject of modes.This video just can't be beat!Thank you Mr. Gambale!!!

I'm a professional touring guitarist as well as a clinician, and while this video is somewhat basic for a guitarist that has years of studying under his belt, it is still useful. Frank really does take the mystery out of modes. If you don't understand them, you will after this. For advanced players with a full knowledge of how modes work, the lesson aspect will be mundane, however, seeing his application of the information is provocative and enlightening, and one can go far beyond the actual lesson in terms of learning things from this DVD. The performances and special features are also great, and one can learn a lot just by watching him play.

This is a must for any serious guitar player. Frank is an absolute legend and is a natural teacher. His jaw dropping solo's inspires and reveals what is possible by applying the 'modes'. I would have paid ten times the price of this DVD to watch this artist in action. Truely a fantastic purchase.

Frank Gambale is one heck of a guitarist we all know that!His absolute sense of harmony,his incredible chops and emotional playing puts him on the world's greatest musicians!I personaly didn't he was also a great teacher!I was struggling with modes for a very long time but no more thanks to this dvd,it's very easy to understand and of course the information that Frank gives is of essence!If you don't have it,get it now!

This DVD was very helpfull in understanding modes. It provides some handles to start experimenting and has got examples for each mode. I knew some of the basic stuff beforehand, and this video helped me to get a deeper understaning. There are however still some questions unanswered.

Video-quality is not very good (taken from a VHS-source), but that doesnt make the content any less valuable.

All in all I can recommend this video to everyone who wants to know about modes! Very clear explanations and examples!

even if you already know the modes, you will benefit from watching this video
Frank will show you the modes within context over the right chords which will make you really begin to hear and know the sound of each mode. You just don't get that from books or from playing the modes hearing and seeing the notes of the modes played over the proper harmonic context. He makes it really easy to understand. You'll be able to add modes to your playing

Well if you want to know about modes and how to play them on the guitar; here it is. 92% of watchers thought this was a 5 (me included), what else can you say. The songs played some 15 years ago sound a bit dated now, but all the material is spot on and you should understand everything much better when you've seen this. If you want more on scales and how to play mode there's a very good DVD by Jimmy Bruno on the subject called "No Nonsense Jazz Guitar" that will also help you nail all the scales patteren adn the modes within. This jazz approach by Bruno will give you some real insights to what Alan Holdsworth, Satriani, Vai and Gamable are doing with their fusion playing.