Customer Reviews

SongXpress Classic Blues, Vol 1 (DVD)

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

 

 

Guitar players (or wanna-be's) don't miss this video. I've been playing guitar for a short time and have had problems learning to play songs. After watching this video a few times and a little practice, I'm playing like a pro. It's easy ! Best money I've spent in a long time. Long live "The Blues" !!!!

Wow, they sure spent a lot of time and money making sure they got "cool" effects for the section intros. Too bad there is so little material. Oh, and instead of wide angle shots of playing the songs why not more split screen of right and left hands with Tab. Too much trouble I guess. WAY too many shots of a wiggling hand on a fretboard while being told that there are many more variations you COULD learn (that they don't show!) If you think you will learn these whole songs guess again. So little to work with here. I'm cured of buying ANY Songxpress title from here on out.

Thanks for nuthin'

The instructor repeats each section a few times at slow and normal speed. You won't learn the exact leads, but you'll learn enough to sound like you know what you're doing.

I bought this after reading the 5* reviews on Amazon. I don't think it warrants 5* - but this is the best guitar tutorial video that I have seen so far. I believe that there is a DVD version of this now, which might be more convenient -- go straight to your favourite track. I like the selection of songs on this album -- All My Lovin is perhaps my favourite blues track of all time, and Crossroads is a classic (whether you are into Clapton or Robert Johnson). I have only studied the first track in detail so far. It provides an easy to follow but detailed explanation of the (non-chordal) rhythm track, which seems true to the original Clapton recording. There are discussions of appropriate chords for the two main parts of the song. The only part of the lead covered was the distinctive "bell chime"-like E minor chord "triad" lick; I already knew a way to play this lick, but the tape showed a slighty different way to play it...and the subsequent parts suddenly all fell into place - a valuable lesson. I like the opening lead guitar phrases on Clapton's version of this song, that was not covered at all :^(. When the teacher finally played the whole tune through, it sounded authentic -- but he added some complex additions not covered in any detail on the tape. I think he had basically figured out a way to play both the lead and rhythm and some chords, all at the same time; very impressive, but not terribly helpful to me - and rather disappointing in a way -- play it like you taught it! (Or teach it like you play it). ;^)

The instructor shows the basic chord patterns and riffs of the song. However the version performed by the instructor includes several embellishments not taught in this video. These advanced techniques required a more detailed explanation to make it clear for the beginner guitarist.

The additional materials section has an outstanding tutorial on broken 7th and 9th chords that alone is worth the price of this instructional DVD.

I purchased this DVD for my husband, he loves it.
The filming is great, good close ups, you can actually see the cords and strum patterns. If you want to learn more than cords, things like strum patterns and and how to put together a Blues riff, I highly recommend this DVD.

The problem with this (and most DVD and CD supported guitar instruction programs) is that the instruction is incomplete and misleading. The instructor shows a few chords and a basic lick. However, what is shown is so basic that it could be picked up for free on u-tube. Now, the DVD does provide nice versions of the songs, but the problem is the versions played are not the ones taught. The instructor adds lots of embellishment and flourishes, but gives no information on these additions. While no DVD can teach the subtleties of performance, at least the TAB for the performance could be included. Even without direct and explicit instruction, the addition of COMPLETE TABS would lead to an excellent product. As is, the product looks good, but has little substance.

I strongly disagree with the reviewer who said that this dvd was all flash and no substance.
This is the best dvd of the classic blues in terms of instruction and songs selection, and the only one worthy of purchase. Stay away from vol 2&3, they're neither worth your time nor your money.
For each song, I liked how Dan Warner takes the time to explain how to play each section, it did not feel rushed and was like having a real teacher with me. I enjoyed the final performance with the vocalist.
If only the other two volumes were as good as this one.
Recommended for beginners who want to learn their first blues songs.

As a beginner / intermediate guitarist, I like the SongXpress series of DVD's (originally done on video tape and bought up by Alfred Music) because they are basic and can get anyone playing the core fundamental of any song they offer but sometimes they tend to be too basic and this is the case with Classic Blues vol. 1

They teach you the basic chord patterns or maybe the easiest of riffs but then at the end, the song is performed in a manner much advanced from what you were taught with no way of picking up the advanced material. You are left with a feeling of frustration and being left out.

I would have rated it 2 stars but in the additional materials section there is an 8 min instructional on 7th and 9th chords that I found very valuable.

If you just picked up the guitar there are better beginning DVD's, if your intermediate in your skills this is going to leave you frustrated. If someone gives it to you don't throw it away.

I originally bought this as a VHS video [see my review of that] and my only complaint really was the need to rewind/fast-forward to the track you are currently working on -- the DVD addresses that and more...I moved country and really wanted to be able to keep this -- I found the DVD on sale at my local Guitar store -- which unlike video can be played anywhere...so it was a relatively easy decision to buy it a second time.

Having bought several videos & DVDs of various types to improve my guitar playing, this is definitely one of thebest so far (others include is the hard to get Total Accuracy's "Still in love with the blues.." with Brian Robertson and one by Eric Johnson). It actually teaches you how to play these songs quite simply and successfully. The choice of songs is excellent -- especially if you came to the blues via Eric Clapton or rock music, as I and many others did. Recommended.