Anyone else got the Bill Dickens intructional DVD?

I picked it up the other day and was thoroughly disappointed!

There seems to be as much of him playin with his band and talking about his roots and such, which I understand why is on it but just didnt interest me because I don't actually like the music he plays I just admire his playing.

The parts where he's actually showing you what to do he plays too fast and moves on too fast for you to even get your head around what he's doing! To make things worse the only music notation that comes with it is really really basic, simplified versions of what he's doin which aren't really any good!

Can anyone recommend a more in depth DVD of this kind?

I really like that DVD! Bill's tunes that he plays are great, and the teaching section is pretty good too, imo. Bill not only presents himself as an amazing player, but also as a very warm and friendly guy. If you think what he plays is too fast, just watch it again. And yes, the notation is stripped down, but once you've got the basics down you can add all the embellishments that Bill does.

The only thing I really learned from the dvd was how he does his "thumb down, thumb up pluck" thing, but thats cool. Also, the special features are excellent, imo!

He did present himself will but I think as an actual tuition DVD it wasn't as good as it could be. The special features however, were excellent!

... I don't actually like the music he plays I just admire his playing.

:confused:

How does that work?

:confused:

How does that work?

I mean, i'd never buy one of his CDs and just sit there and listen to it because I don't like his songs. But he's an amazing bass player and I would buy them to try and learn what he was playing but just to improve my technique, not because I enjoy listening to him.

I would never have the patience to learn music I didn't like. Cheers.

then your missing out on a lot of valuable stuff!!

Look, the bottom line is this: most DVDs out there that feature big name players are garbage as far as educational value goes. In most cases, all you're getting is a guy showing off his signature techniques and licks, and showing you how to do it.

But they're just techniques. If you spend the hours and hours learning them, you'll get it, but unless you find a way to elevate it to another level, you're going to sound like a clone. NO ONE will want to listen to your half-baked version of your hero.

And talking about EQUIPMENT, of all things! Tone is certainly of primary importance, but come on: there is no discussion about equipment that is actually going to help you PLAY better! Your hero's amp, bass, cords, effects, and strings work for him. They might not work for you.

Real music education comes from studying notes, chords, rhythms, etc. Also listening to as many players (of any instrument) and styles as you can. And with bass, there's a whole realm of learning how to GROOVE. Learning how to establish and develop a theme with your basslines, learning where to fill in and when to lay out, how to articulate, how to LISTEN to your bandmates, etc. Where is that featured in these DVDs?

By doing lots of practicing and playing with others, listening to great recordings and studying theory and ear training, and experimenting with different equipment, you eventually start to develop your own sound and style.

I'm not discrediting anyone's contribution to the instrument here; but music education is pathetic today. Not only are the DVDs bad, but a lot of the books too. Put it this way: if you're trying to learn how to play using the books and videos they sell at Guitar Center, you're screwed.

DVDs have a certain entertainment value, but to really learn, you need good teachers and good materials. Find a teacher who knows theory. As for materials, there's a lot of great stuff at www.carolkaye.com and www.berkleepress.com.

Sorry about the rant, everyone. It just frustrates me that there is a ton of money being made on these awful materials. It's sad that young players are being sold the lie that learning a bunch of flashy techniques is going to somehow help you to learn about music.

here here!