Essential Techniques for Acoustic Bass DVD

[Steven_blues]

Hi,

I've found on the net Some Lessons in DVD about double bass techniques.

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/a/item...5&item=5881116

Do you think those DVD's can be a good subsitut to a regular teacher ? I will probably hire a teacher only to evaluate and correct my playing technique if i need it.

Thanks

[Ed Fuqua]

There's no way a video can tell you that you're still holding too much tension in your left wrist. There's no way a video can tell whether or not you've really nailed an exercise or concept and are ready to move on. Ther's no way a video can present material in a variety of ways until you finally hit something that brings it all together for you.

Sitting in a room across from a real live breathing human being CAN do all of these things. And so much more.

[TroyK]

Originally Posted by Steven_blues

Do you think those DVD's can be a good subsitut to a regular teacher?

Strictly answering that question; "no".

Looking at your profile doesn't tell me much about what you're doing musically. There are some guys out there playing with really bad technique. Some of them end up injured as a result and some of them get away with it. All of them are limited in what they are able to do. You need proper technique for ultimate expression on the instrument and you'll get there a lot faster and more completely with a good teacher.

Now, if you're playing some type of music that is largely root/5th over and over, you might be O.K.. You could probably learn something from a good video series, but as Ed says, that feedback is going to require a person.

Hope that helps, even though I'm certain it's not the answer you were hoping for.

Troy

[jfv]

I made the mistake when I was starting out of
buying this guy's two vols. What a waste of
money. Yes, for an absolute beginner it has a
thing or two to teach, but its real minimal.

If you want to buy a video that will inspire you
and take you forward buy Rufus Reid, or go
to David Gage and buy the workshops by
Eddie Gomez and John Pattituci, now THERE
are some things that you can listen to and
appreciate a year from now. Of course, if
you have classical aspirations buy Rabbath
Art of the Bow, that will expand your horizons.

More important yet, use the money you were
gonna buy this with and take a lesson from a
real live teacher

Good luck,

[Steven_blues]

I just purchase THE EVOLVING BASSIST By Rufus Reid. I've found this DVD on a local music store. This DVD is excellent. I really like the chapter about the Pizz technique. A ton of useful informations is present in this DVD.

I'll start soon get lessons from a teacher but i think DVD's , CD's and books are excellent tool to start playing and become a good double bass player. I've already play guitar and electric bass. I think a teacher is necessary to start playing with the right technique and correct potential bad habits

[CamMcIntyre]

So i'm about a month late to this party....The videos to me can help present concepts, but there's no way they can evaluate your playing. I have the Rufus Reid DVD and after watching said video-i asked my teacher about some of the stuff that Rufus talks about on it. The great thing is-my teacher studied w/Rufus Reid and he [Scott Mason] is a truly amazing teacher.

Speaking from experience on this one-if you're just starting out, GET A TEACHER!! If you learn bad habits and bad technique-you WILL pay for it later. I didn't study DB technique when i first started and well-the better part of my freshman year of college i spent unlearning and relearning techinque. The cost of a teacher may be a bit steep [i didn't check your profile to see your age/location], but it is well worth the cost.

My general view on videos and method books are this-they are a tool that can give you ideas, but only studying with a good teacher will let you know if you are doing it right, as odd as that sounds.

take it easy.