Guitar 411 Diatonic Theory and Harmony (DVD)

I've been playing guitar for twenty years and for the most part I learned how to play on my own and ass-backwards. All considered I've managed to do pretty well. I've toured internationally, written and recorded with a signed artist, played for REALLY large audiences, etc. I managed to accomplish this in spite of the fact that I really had no idea what I was doing. All this time and I still dont even know the notes on the fretboard, how to use triads, how to play through a 12 bar blues, key signatures or other fundamental stuff. And, I was constantly in fear of being discovered as a fraud amongst the "real" musicians. It sucks. I bought this video purely on the recommendation that it would not only clarify but plot out a progressive way to learn everything I felt I was lacking. One of my biggest issues was that I never learned or understood how to practice in a way that would get me to a true pro level. Sitting around at home noodling really didn't do more than give my hands something to do while I watched tv. I have a gang of books and videos but none seemed to address this issue. Most were just "here's a cool lick I play... here's another cool lick I play... and... here's... another... cool... lick... I... play." I'm not really into copying other peoples licks - I probably should be but just not my thang. My hope was that this video would give me the tools and knowledge to create my own cool licks.Cuz thats where it at. :-) Now, to come clean. I received the dvd a few days ago, read the insert and decided to follow Doug's instructions to first watch the dvd all the way through then go back and start the lessons. Well, within the first 5 minutes I was sold. Doug's approach is exactly - EXACTLY what I've been needing. He has a lesson plan laid out for you and each lesson builds upon the last. There's enough information here to keep my busy and mentally engaged in learning (in other words it's not boring) for months. The video cost $40. An hour lesson from a good teacher will cost you $30-$50. You do the math.

First off, Doug Doppler is really true to his teaching. Not only is he exceptional on his technical knowledge and abilities to play in any/every style, but he is also a dedicated teacher and will assist students on any problems (or welcome praise) through direct email. He has definitely proven his right to produce an exceptional quality instructional DVD through his 20 years of teaching experience. I found this DVD extremly helpful in not only reinforcing my theory & fretboard knowledge but also my chord voicing techniques. While it does help to have even just a little background for a student to progress at a faster pace through the lessons, doug really has an ingenius way of breaking it down for one to easily learn the material. Don't get the wrong idea though, he does move at a steady pace and this isn't super basic stuff, but you don't need to be a virtuoso to understand it. Another great benefit I found is the lesson plans. they make for a great visual reference for the excercises demonstrated on screen and also provided me a means to review and practice w/out having the dvd around. they are clear, concise, and a great learning tool by themselves if you know what your doing, the dvd will give you a more detailed breakdown of what is going on in the lesson and its purpose. Doug's on screen encouragement is great and his carismatic personality makes you feel like your there with him getting lessons in person. Also, Doug notes certain tips and common mistakes students make and defnitely knows when to comment on ur practing habits. (ie. "hey, i know you'll want to do this...but I'm sure your going to do it the right way.") He seems like he really enjoyed making this DVD which, in turn, makes the student enjoy learning from him. Anyone at any level could make great use of this DVD and it's content. Even teacher's!! (not for pirating or anything of that nature) but it could show instructors new techniques for getting information across to students. Thanks to Doug for making a great learning experience! I've never wanted to practice so much in my life! Being in Iraq I definitely have the chance. Check it out! You won't be disappointed!

I viewed a recommendation on youtube about the top 5 dvd's for instuctional guitar lessons (actually one was a magazine) and this was rated number one. I actually had three of the others and completley agreed with his assessment. I purchased the DVD and this is the best teaching/practicing method period. Doug is well spoken, the lesson plan is logical and most of all it is theoretical but, not dificult to understand. Your basically learning theory and very useful practicing routines at the same time. Half way through the DVD the corolation between the two clicked in my brain and it is off to the races. This is a must own for any guitar player. If you don't have it your wasting valuable learning time. Get it now....

you must get this. I have been searching for teaching like this for over 12 yrs. After watching this DVD, I thought had I had this kind of instruction from the start I would be soooooooooooooo far ahead in skill and understanding of this beautiful instrument by now. Damn this is how teachers should teach, instead most just want your money. There are some real teachers out there but they just don't seem to have this type of organization nor lesson plans. Doug should franchise his method. You must get this DVD. You really have to spend time with it but it WILL make you a better guitarist. No offense to those teachers who truly want to pass on the wonder of music to their students, just my opinion.

This is a great video about learning the whole fretboard and the basic's of modes. There's very useful lessons on this video that took me year's to figure out. A great teacher but not a lot about harmony or how to apply theory. I do recommend this video to every guitar player.