Which DVD

WesW · #1 08-06-2008, 07:07 AM

So if I were going to start with one of the Todd Johnson DVD's - which is first - walking or technique builders?

Just curious if there is a building going on with them. . .

Thanks!

Todd Johnson · #2 08-06-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesW

So if I were going to start with one of the Todd Johnson DVD's - which is first - walking or technique builders?

Just curious if there is a building going on with them. . .

Thanks!

Hi Wes....

There's several ways to look at it.....but......

I would recommend them in this order:

1. Technique Builders

2. Walking Bass Volume 1

3. Walking Bass Volume 2

Technique Builders will help you "get your sound together". We can play the hippest notes in the world, but if we can't produce a good sound then practicing won't be much fun and failure tends to "snowball" after that......So, I would recommend Technique Builders first. Cool?? Cool.....

Next???

Walking bass volume 1 makes sense......you don't want to put the "cart before the horse".....so Volume 1 makes sense....THEN....Volume 2!!

Actually, I would like to recommend you get TB and Volume 1. Start your practice session with the first 2 TB exercises. Spend 15 - 30 minutes on each of them...every day (Then add one new exercise a week until you've learned them all!!) ...THEN.....Go to WB Volume 1 and learn 2 modules a day. Spend at least 30 - 60 minutes on each one. This way you can learn 10 modules a week and get a handle on all 26 modules in about 4 - 6 weeks.....easy. But, you have to work at it 5 -6 days a week!!! This will be a confidence builder when you've worked through the entire DVD. Then you'll be ready for Volume 2.

This will give your practice sessions some focus and organization. Plus it's not much fun to "just" work on Technique....or "just" on walking. If you added a little reading on top of this then you'd have an excellent practice routine.

It's best to limit yourself to working on 2 or 3 things anyway.....That way you stay focused.....AND.....you achieve some SUCCESS!! This builds confidence and keeps you coming back to the practice room on a consistent basis. Fair enough??

Forgive me....I'm not trying to spend your money. Do what your budget will allow.....but, this is my "honest" recommendation for your improvement and success.

I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to contact me if you should have questions.

WesW · #3 08-07-2008, 07:28 AM

Wow - Excellent! Thanks for getting back to me - and your thorough response.

Currently, my biggest budget contraint is time - as I'm sure you can understand. Kids, work, band, worship . . .etc. My practice time has been haphazard and not entirely effective, and I am looking to change this! With my schedule, 90 minutes daily - which would be awesome - is just not possible. . . currently. Of course - I'm really looking forward to setting aside time daily, and having goals and a plan! That'll be new!

I ordered Technique Builders - so I'm on my way.

I'm also patient - so if the usualy 4 - 6 weeks takes me 10 - 12 - that's okay with me. I'm still learning and growing - and that will be worthwhile.

While I was over in Afghanistan, oddly enough, I was playing 5 nights a week. My chops were better than ever - I was gigging - and playing with folks that were talented. That was huge! I want to maintain that - and I want to grow as a player. The funny thing is, I'm not a jazz guy - but I was to grow as a musician, and improve.

Again - thanks for the conversation Todd. That is just awesome & I really appreciate it! (as I'm sure everyone here does!).

Thank you!

Looking forward to getting started!

WesW · #4 08-14-2008, 12:53 PM

Technique Builders has arrived!

Thanks Todd! Got it encoded for my iPod . . . will be watching this weekend, and on the plane going to Boston.

Todd Johnson · #5 08-25-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesW

Technique Builders has arrived!

Thanks Todd! Got it encoded for my iPod . . . will be watching this weekend, and on the plane going to Boston.

Your Walking DVD is on its way.........ENJOY!!

WesW · #6 09-17-2008, 09:04 AM

Got it! Thanks bro.

You rock!

Todd Johnson · #7 09-17-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesW

Got it! Thanks bro.

You rock!

Happy to help....have fun with the DVD's!!

deckard · #8 09-18-2008, 08:42 AM

Hope you guys don't mind if I butt in...

I've had "Technique Builders" for quite a while now and I have to say: this instructional DVD is deeper than it first appears.

I find I keep going back to it & reexamining the various exercises, looking even closer at what Todd is doing and listening even closer to what he is saying... basically, review & fine-tuning, over & over.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: this isn't just another instructional DVD from which you can "learn" the exercises and then file away.

It is a long-term, permanent learning tool you can continue to refer back to again and again.

JMHO

Todd Johnson · #9 09-18-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckard

Hope you guys don't mind if I butt in...

I've had "Technique Builders" for quite a while now and I have to say: this instructional DVD is deeper than it first appears.

I find I keep going back to it & reexamining the various exercises, looking even closer at what Todd is doing and listening even closer to what he is saying... basically, review & fine-tuning, over & over.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: this isn't just another instructional DVD from which you can "learn" the exercises and and then file away.

It is a long-term, permanent learning tool you can continue to refer back to again and again.

JMHO

Hi Deckard!!

You are exactly right. Well done!!

I've been working on and fine tuning these exercises for 20 + years and find I'm constantly making little tweaks and fine tuning my "technique".....It's definitely an ongoing process.

So....enjoy the journey.

Thanks again for your kind words and support. You're a class act!!

deckard · #10 09-18-2008, 01:57 PM

Thanks, Todd... you're a class act yourself, definitely!

I think it was Dizzy Gillespie who said:"This music thing is bigger than any of us."

And Emile Zola who said:"The artist is nothing without the gift; but the gift is nothing without work."

Todd Johnson · #11 10-07-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckard

Thanks, Todd... you're a class act yourself, definitely!

I think it was Dizzy Gillespie who said:"This music thing is bigger than any of us."

And Emile Zola who said:"The artist is nothing without the gift; but the gift is nothing without work."

Well said!!

jamfree · #12 10-16-2008, 12:41 PM

I'm sold. My technique is weak and so are my walking lines...so I am going with Todd's recommendation above. I'll report back..but if I don't have good news rest assured it won't be Todd's fault.. :-)

Todd Johnson · #13 10-16-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamfree

I'm sold. My technique is weak and so are my walking lines...so I am going with Todd's recommendation above. I'll report back..but if I don't have good news rest assured it won't be Todd's fault.. :-)

Hi Jamfree,

Just let me know how I can be of service!!!