Being a bodhran player who wants to move beyond beating his dead goat in public, I have taken the fatal step of buying a guitar. I got it from someone at the bar... behind the pub... out of the trunk of a car (but I think it's all right... really.)
Now I have to go about learning how to annoy people... I mean play the thing. Someone suggested videos as a great way to start. This sounds logical to me (see, listen, try, rewind, see listen, try, rewind; ad nauseum), but I'm on a teeny-tiny budget and can only *maybe* get one.
Anyone got any suggestions on a good starter tape? And I do mean starter. The "This is your friend, the guitar. It has 6 strings..." kind of starter.
John Doyle's video is wonderful. It has something for everyone, including beginners through expert players, so you'll use it for a long time. Also, there's one in the Walton's series that I've heard people say they liked, but I've never seen it so can't do anything but pass that on...
Two replies to two questions from the same prompt helpful person. Thanks for both.
If the Doyle video hits on all levels, is it slow and simple enough for a total beginner? I need something like an "Complete Idiots Guide to..." on video. If this fills the bill, great!
I believe the Doyle video is geared for people who have at least a basic grasp of the instrument. Any beginners guitar video for American folk (and there must be dozens of them available) will help you take your first baby steps. After that, the world is your oyster. Good luck!
John Hartin's video is available from Texas Music and Video. musicvideo.com
It is very very simple and takes the student step by step. Be warned, john sings
several songs in his unique Johhny Cash inspired voice.
Americanfolk/country
Joe
I'd say get a book first, if you don't know basic chords like G and D and A and F#m and C and F. Practise til you can do those fairly easily. THEN get a video.
The blessing is that you have no old habits to break, listen to various guitar backers like Paul Brady, Mick Moloney, John Doyle, Donal Lunny etc. find out which one appeals to you. then do a little research into how they do what they do. All the while working on your basic theory & chords.
Do be careful about bad habits...I taught myself some humdingers that have ruined me for anything but basic rhythm guitar, since it is very difficult to unlearn them.
I don't know if Robin Bullock has a video, but he's an amazing teacher & a masterful guitarist, it wouldn't surprise me if he did have a video for beginners.
Jeff,
The Walton's video referred to earlier on is titled "Irish Traditional Guitar Accompaniment" by Gavin Ralston and features string damping, scratching (something us fiddlers have to unlearn!), alternative chord shapes, capo slide key changing, bass runs, bass melodies, etc - in case you get the wrong impression that I'm very au fait with guitar techniques, I got these details from the video sleeve.
Gavin is joined by Gerry O'Connor (banjo) and Paul Mc Nevin (fiddle) for some items so it should be quite entertaining. However, from all the advice you've already received you may not now require this video. For anyone who may be interested in it, Waltons can be contacted at 2-5 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.
You recommended the John Doyle video... Are you referring specifically to his video "Irish Rhythm Guitar - Accompanying Celtic Tunes" by Homespun Tapes, just to make sure that I am looking at the right one?
Yes, the Homespun one was the one I saw -- it was really good music, too, really enjoyable to watch. He goes over an alternative tuning that he likes a lot, and he and John Williams play some great tunes together. Two of our guitar players have been using some stuff they learned from the video at our sessions, and I've really been liking what they've been doing.
Saw parts of the Gavin Ralston video since posting. It was...fast, from what I could see. It's a real quick overview over a great deal of info. I don't play guitar, so I couldn't really tell how much a guitar player would get out of it. But I thought it worthwhile in general.
Caveat: John Doyle is famous for playing with a driving, rhythm-oriented style. Most of the folks I know love what he does, but there are a few who don't care for that rhythm instrument mindset. (I know people who can tell almost immediately if an accompanist on a recorded tune is John Doyle or not.) If you're one of the latter group, another tutor might suit you better.
Me, I LOVE the way John Doyle plays -- have you heard his latest album? Stellar stuff!
Zina's right on the mark here. One of our local guitarists likes the Doyle approach and after a year with Doyle's video he really got it down. Nothing fires up a session quite like this driving style with flying passing chords and a penchant for interesting colors and hanging resolves.
For a very different approach, you can't go wrong listening to Donal Clancy. He's the backup guitar on most of Mike and Mary Rafferty's cds, and plays regularly with Eileen Ivers and other top musicians.
They've got tapes/cds/books/videos for all levels of ability. I think it's generally the case that the genre-sprecific videos like Doyle's are generally aimed at folks who already have a basic grasp of the instrument, and not at complete beginners.
I just wanted to add a good word about the John Doyle video - I have it and use it myself - but be aware that he uses dropped D tuning - from low to high (DADGBE) and he is left handed. Consequently, if you use any other tuning (Standard or Alternate) his chord fingerings are slightly different - also it seems strange watching a lefty play. (Seems like they should have shot the video in front of a mirror or something in order to cater to the majority of players rather than leftys)
A nice feature of this video is the corner inset at all times of his strumming hand. As was mentioned before - his forte is the use of alternate chords and modifications that add flavor to the tune rather than having the guitarist basically fall asleep playing the same three chord progressions.
Actually, I think of the facts that Doyle is left-handed and that he uses an alternate tuning as an advantage -- so often with videos, students seem to become slavish copiers rather than learning something new that they can apply to their own style. Because it's harder to copy exactly what he's doing backwards and in a different chord fingering, I think it might be a positive that you might have to find different ways of doing similar things to Johnny Doyle.
John Doyle, by the way, is one heck of a very nice guy.
I hate to be disagreable, but I think it is important
to point out that the Doyle video is definately
not for beginners (and maybe not intermediate players either).
The music is fabulous, as all of
Doyle's music is, but he never actually slows down
and explains *how* he does what he does.
He just says, something like "well I do something like this"
and then plays it up to tempo. Not much more useful
than listening to a CD.
Yesterday in the bookstore, I came across
TRADITIONAL IRISH GUITAR by Paul de Grae
It looked really good, though I didn't get it because
it didn't have the CD with it (I found today that
elderly sells the book and CD seperately).
Has anyone tried this book/CD?
"Learner" videos for guitar
"Learner" videos for guitar
Hi...
Being a bodhran player who wants to move beyond beating his dead goat in public, I have taken the fatal step of buying a guitar. I got it from someone at the bar... behind the pub... out of the trunk of a car (but I think it's all right... really.)
Now I have to go about learning how to annoy people... I mean play the thing. Someone suggested videos as a great way to start. This sounds logical to me (see, listen, try, rewind, see listen, try, rewind; ad nauseum), but I'm on a teeny-tiny budget and can only *maybe* get one.
Anyone got any suggestions on a good starter tape? And I do mean starter. The "This is your friend, the guitar. It has 6 strings..." kind of starter.
Jeff
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by jgard
Re:
John Doyle's video is wonderful. It has something for everyone, including beginners through expert players, so you'll use it for a long time. Also, there's one in the Walton's series that I've heard people say they liked, but I've never seen it so can't do anything but pass that on...
Zina
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by Zina Lee
Re:
Two replies to two questions from the same prompt helpful person. Thanks for both.
If the Doyle video hits on all levels, is it slow and simple enough for a total beginner? I need something like an "Complete Idiots Guide to..." on video. If this fills the bill, great!
J.
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by jgard
Re:
I believe the Doyle video is geared for people who have at least a basic grasp of the instrument. Any beginners guitar video for American folk (and there must be dozens of them available) will help you take your first baby steps. After that, the world is your oyster. Good luck!
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by Caoimghgin
Guitar video
John Hartin's video is available from Texas Music and Video. musicvideo.com
It is very very simple and takes the student step by step. Be warned, john sings
several songs in his unique Johhny Cash inspired voice.
Americanfolk/country
Joe
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by Carrmuse
Re:
I'd say get a book first, if you don't know basic chords like G and D and A and F#m and C and F.
Practise til you can do those fairly easily. THEN get a video. 
Zina
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by Zina Lee
Guitar
The blessing is that you have no old habits to break, listen to various guitar backers like Paul Brady, Mick Moloney, John Doyle, Donal Lunny etc. find out which one appeals to you. then do a little research into how they do what they do. All the while working on your basic theory & chords.
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by B Rad
Bad habits on the guitar
Do be careful about bad habits...I taught myself some humdingers that have ruined me for anything but basic rhythm guitar, since it is very difficult to unlearn them.
TC
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by tccaucutt
Re:
I don't know if Robin Bullock has a video, but he's an amazing teacher & a masterful guitarist, it wouldn't surprise me if he did have a video for beginners.
# Posted on April 29th 2002 by emily_bmore
Re: "Learner" videos for guitar
Jeff,
The Walton's video referred to earlier on is titled "Irish Traditional Guitar Accompaniment" by Gavin Ralston and features string damping, scratching (something us fiddlers have to unlearn!), alternative chord shapes, capo slide key changing, bass runs, bass melodies, etc - in case you get the wrong impression that I'm very au fait with guitar techniques, I got these details from the video sleeve.
Gavin is joined by Gerry O'Connor (banjo) and Paul Mc Nevin (fiddle) for some items so it should be quite entertaining. However, from all the advice you've already received you may not now require this video. For anyone who may be interested in it, Waltons can be contacted at 2-5 North Frederick Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.
# Posted on April 30th 2002 by Bannerman
Re: John Doyle Video
Zina,
You recommended the John Doyle video... Are you referring specifically to his video "Irish Rhythm Guitar - Accompanying Celtic Tunes" by Homespun Tapes, just to make sure that I am looking at the right one?
Don
# Posted on April 30th 2002 by CDon
Re:
Yes, the Homespun one was the one I saw -- it was really good music, too, really enjoyable to watch. He goes over an alternative tuning that he likes a lot, and he and John Williams play some great tunes together. Two of our guitar players have been using some stuff they learned from the video at our sessions, and I've really been liking what they've been doing.
Saw parts of the Gavin Ralston video since posting. It was...fast, from what I could see. It's a real quick overview over a great deal of info. I don't play guitar, so I couldn't really tell how much a guitar player would get out of it. But I thought it worthwhile in general.
Zina
# Posted on April 30th 2002 by Zina Lee
Re: John Doyle Video
Zina,
Thanks... I will definitely give the John Doyle video a try, and will consider the other one as well. Thanks for your help.
Don
# Posted on May 1st 2002 by CDon
Re:
Caveat: John Doyle is famous for playing with a driving, rhythm-oriented style. Most of the folks I know love what he does, but there are a few who don't care for that rhythm instrument mindset. (I know people who can tell almost immediately if an accompanist on a recorded tune is John Doyle or not.) If you're one of the latter group, another tutor might suit you better.
Me, I LOVE the way John Doyle plays -- have you heard his latest album? Stellar stuff!
Zina
# Posted on May 1st 2002 by Zina Lee
Re:
Zina's right on the mark here. One of our local guitarists likes the Doyle approach and after a year with Doyle's video he really got it down. Nothing fires up a session quite like this driving style with flying passing chords and a penchant for interesting colors and hanging resolves.
For a very different approach, you can't go wrong listening to Donal Clancy. He's the backup guitar on most of Mike and Mary Rafferty's cds, and plays regularly with Eileen Ivers and other top musicians.
# Posted on May 1st 2002 by Will Harmon
Re:
Jeff,
You should check out the Homespun Tapes website,
http://www.homespuntapes.com
They've got tapes/cds/books/videos for all levels of ability. I think it's generally the case that the genre-sprecific videos like Doyle's are generally aimed at folks who already have a basic grasp of the instrument, and not at complete beginners.
Jeff Willner
# Posted on May 1st 2002 by jeff_willner
Re: John Doyle Video
I just wanted to add a good word about the John Doyle video - I have it and use it myself - but be aware that he uses dropped D tuning - from low to high (DADGBE) and he is left handed. Consequently, if you use any other tuning (Standard or Alternate) his chord fingerings are slightly different - also it seems strange watching a lefty play. (Seems like they should have shot the video in front of a mirror or something in order to cater to the majority of players rather than leftys)
A nice feature of this video is the corner inset at all times of his strumming hand. As was mentioned before - his forte is the use of alternate chords and modifications that add flavor to the tune rather than having the guitarist basically fall asleep playing the same three chord progressions.
An excellent video!
Steve
# Posted on May 7th 2002 by Rice-st
Re:
Actually, I think of the facts that Doyle is left-handed and that he uses an alternate tuning as an advantage -- so often with videos, students seem to become slavish copiers rather than learning something new that they can apply to their own style. Because it's harder to copy exactly what he's doing backwards and in a different chord fingering, I think it might be a positive that you might have to find different ways of doing similar things to Johnny Doyle.
John Doyle, by the way, is one heck of a very nice guy.
Zina
# Posted on May 8th 2002 by Zina Lee
Re: John Doyle Video
I hate to be disagreable, but I think it is important
to point out that the Doyle video is definately
not for beginners (and maybe not intermediate players either).
The music is fabulous, as all of
Doyle's music is, but he never actually slows down
and explains *how* he does what he does.
He just says, something like "well I do something like this"
and then plays it up to tempo. Not much more useful
than listening to a CD.
Yesterday in the bookstore, I came across
TRADITIONAL IRISH GUITAR by Paul de Grae
It looked really good, though I didn't get it because
it didn't have the CD with it (I found today that
elderly sells the book and CD seperately).
Has anyone tried this book/CD?
Best,
Diana
# Posted on May 19th 2002 by DianaWolf