Search - Chop Builder, Frank Gambale on DVD

As far as instructional videos go, this is it....

Joshua A. Thomas | 10/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This video I borrowed extensively from a friend of mine. At first I watched it and was impressed by the technical prowess, as usual from such an instructional video but quickly logged it off as another guitarist shred manifesto that I would never take time to learn but alas here I am writing a five star review for it. It, for me, is the perfect instructional vid. It's a well laid out, steady one hour guitar workout that is definantely a workout! I haven't achieved that yet in a single guitar instructional video I own. Not a lot of in between riff jibber-jaber but it is well explained instruction and the tab/notation book included, outlining each passage and excersise makes it "NOT EASY" by any stretch as Frank Gambale is one of the true masters and makes no bones about how remidial this is to him as us meir mortals may sweat it. So, yeah, you should get it, if you want my opinion, it is the most optimized instructional DVD, for me."

Like an exercise video

E. Lavoie | Ellsworth, Maine | 02/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I expected this to be more technique based instruction on Frank's style. Instead it is more like a work out video to stay in shape. This is not for a beginner guitarist make no mistake. It covers exercises that you can apply to get better at endurance and dexterity, but you need to understand that it's a work out video designed to keep your chops in shape. If you don't already have the chops then this is not the video you want. It also contains three performances that are worth watching especially if you enjoy fusion style guitar."

Get your chops back

Joseph A. Skarulis | Valley Stream | 02/19/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is perfect for a guitarist who has wants to get back into a great routine after not playing for an extended period of time

I bought and recommend all Frank Gambale's published work.

Only funny thing is the 80's hair and wordrobe."

Still the best guitar workout video I've seen

D. Grout | Moscow, Russia | 12/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not for beginners, and by no means a complete guitar method, Chopbuilder nevertheless delivers what it promises -- a challenging single-note workout with an emphasis on alternate picking and arpeggios. (For Frank's sweep picking try his other videos). The production style is a bit immature, with some unfortunate wardrobe choices (Mr. Gambale's pudgy, hairy shoulders are a persistent distraction) and less-than-successful attempts at humor (occasional cutaways to girls doing cheesy poses with guitars). And while the camera work is solid, sometimes you can't see the notes he's playing on the neck because of the camera angle. Good thing there's a clearly printed book with all the exercises included. I wish all of Frank's books were this clearly printed. One last small annoyance I'll mention is the long, uninspired solo at the beginning -- a series of rock cliches played at medium speed, is this how you introduce one of the guitar world's most respected players?

But if you stay with Frank and his two students through the session, your hands will get that slow burn so essential to developing speed and strength. And you won't be bored."