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rlrhett wrote:

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I saw the teasers for the three How to Play Blues Guitar DVD set on YouTube, and am anxious to buy some. I also want to buy the Duck Baker series (although a longer teaser of those would be great so I can judge the level). Heck, I would buy half the library if I could!

Unfortunately, I'm what people euphemistically refer to as being "between jobs", so money is tight. Since I can't justify buying the series, I wonder if anyone can answer a quick question:

Are they sequential? In other words, do they build on the techniques taught in the previous volumes or are they each stand alone lessons? Of the teasers, the "Slow Blues in E" seemed the closest to my level and interest. Would I be doing myself a disservice buying Volume Three and then the others? I am a solid intermediate player with 20 years of intermittent playing.

I know this has been answered, but I would like to throw my opinion in the mix.
With limited funds, the 3 DVD set, depending upon where your skill level is, could be like purchasing 6 - 12 months of private lessons; especially if you use your pause button as I do. It is a real value.

Secondly, I strongly believe that it is absolutely essential for a growing student to go the route sequentially, because its teaching style is sequential. (If you are of a higher level, you can pick and choose by key, however).

Stefan uses the classical method, even though there is not a "question answer" feature with DVD. He does, however, build song upon song, then throws in a "breather" and then returns to adding complexity, with more complex songs revisiting some of the riffs you became accostomed to in earlier songs, or even in an earlier DVD.

Like the Russians teaching chess (the student ALWAYS wins, but the instructor makes it more difficult for the student to overcome as he progresses), you learn in increments, which, in my view, is the most successful form of teaching that exists. Even the Bible from thousands of years ago mentions the "line upon line, precept upon precept" building style of teaching. We learn in degrees.

I study exclusively by DVD. I can't afford lessons so I have relied solely upon DVD. Starting with How To Play the Blues 1-3, and moving towards the Folk Blues, and throwing in Solos (as well as some of the earlier teachings), a student can expect world class instruction at the price of a patzer (chess players know what I mean!), which is an incredible bargain.

I find myself going back to DVDs that I have long memorized with new found confidence to add in licks (especially the treasury of "Slow Blues in" songs...).

Stefan also has some particulars (play loud!) that are helpful, and his humility (which can't be faked over extended periods of time---even on DVD) is refreshing. At 64, you are getting a master teacher in your living room. Can that bargain be beat?

There are many amazingly talented players but they do not possess the gift of teaching. Like someone who graduates with the appropriate degree and gets a teaching job only to put students to sleep, a talented guitarist may dazzle you, but may not teach you.

It is like the guitar salesman who demo's a guitar for you, and the licks are so dazzling that as he hands the prospective buyer the guitar, the buyer sheepishly puts the guitar down and walks away...(yes, I have done that! ugh! ), a great player does not always translate into a great teacher.

I have Stefan's CDs and even my kids love them....they are fun. On the rarity that he sings, we like that too. But he possesses the gift of teaching and his enthusiasm is contagious.

If you are accomplished, you can skip around, but if you are learning, trust that the 3DVD set builds skillfully and purposefully