Search - Guitar Method: In the Style of ZZ Top on DVD

I don't agree

Eclectic | San Diego, CA United States | 03/04/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD shows you all of La Grange and Jesus Just Left Chicago, along with Waiting for the Bus and portions of other songs. Curt focuses on the harder-to-figure out stuff in most cases (Check his Van Halen DVD).

I don't think these DVDs promise complete songs, but techniques instead. Basic chord progression can be found on the web at free tab sites. Also, for the money, he gives a fair amount of info regarding technique, sounds, equipment, and licks. These CDs complement other sources and are for more intermediate players. I own several, have found them useful, and would recommend them, while keeping the above information in mind. Rock On!"

Play in the Style of ZZ Top DVD Video -- Not a "Top" Pick

B. Miller | Muskego, WI United States | 01/30/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"If you are fond of poor quality talking head videos, this DVD video is for you. If not, move on and find something better. All in all this was a disappointing video purchase. The quality of the video is not great and looks like it was a remastered from VHS video tape.

As the title infers, the video purports to teach techniques that will allow you to play in "the style" of ZZ Top not actual ZZ Top songs. The video covers the following content:
Basic Amp and Effect Settings
Blues Scale and how to Play Slide
Finger Picking
Pinched Harmonics
Play Along Rhythm Track
Basic Riff Examples
Printable Tab for the Exercises (in PDF format printable from your computer DVD drive.

This 60 min. video is done in 'talking head' format with Curt Mitchell talking about the basic style and techniques used by the Most Rev. Billy Gibbons of ZZ top. He demonstrates a number of the basic riff techniques used in the songs at full and slow speed:
Le Grange, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Heard it on X, Tush and Waitin' for the Bus. Note that he covers riffs similar to those used in the songs-and does not analyze the full songs.

Sorry folks. Unless you are an absolute beginner there's not much to be gained from this video. The video is organized as a series of 30 or so little sections that describe a style of riff. If you are expecting a cohesive discussion of the songs listed above, this won't work for you. If you're a dedicated fan of ZZ Top and play guitar you will have picked up all this information and the techniques described elseware. The ZZ TOP/Billy Gibbons Signature Licks book by Hal Leonard provides 10x more information and instruction than this video. Save your money and see them in concert--you'll learn a lot more.


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