Subject: Dobro question
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 18:00:56 -0500

Mickey,

Greetings Ron,

I would like your recommendation for a good DVD/CD & book study course for Dobro.

Consider this: It's nice to begin playing a tune and learning licks but too much of that does not establish a good foundation.

Yes, I'm in agreement with you...the methodology books/videos are far more useful...in building a foundation and understanding the mechanics of playing a dobro. The songs and licks can then be built off of this foundation...instead of having to learn the songs/licks by rote...


What (who's course) would you recommend to establish a good Dobro foundation (Bluegrass or otherwise), keeping in mind that Dobro does a LOT of accompaniment, not flashy solos. Please consider all of the DVD/CD courses that you have and let me know, I value your opinions.

I'm not too sure since I haven't seen too many other videos...and, it appears that most Dobro books/videos I've read all offer up songs and licks more so than methodology. I have two videos out that may start out a little too basic for you...however, I believe, at the very least, they do introduce the Dobro on a methodology basis...they also cover a variety of approaches to the Dobro with an emphasis on playing solo Dobro...


I have Janet Davis' You Can Teach Yourself Dobro and Sokolow's Fretboard Roadmap for Dobro for starters and I tend to favor Sokolow but I think he could be a little more in-depth, do you know what I mean?

I have some of Fred Sokolow's earlier banjo recordings and books...and, I do love them for their arrangements and for the fact that he never seemed to lean on any one style. I haven't seen his Fretboard Roadmap for Dobro...however, I have heard many good things about this project...Janet Davis is also a very good teacher and has many years of dedicated effort behind promoting the 5-string banjo...Her "Back-Up Banjo" book is an essential for bluegrass players...we sell, and promote, both Fred's and Janet's books and videos extensively...

I'd be happy to discuss this further with you...let's see if we can't find the ideal Dobro learning package for your needs, Mickey

Here are a couple of other research sources:
http://www.melbay.com

http://www.halleonard.com

Go through their Dobro sections and let me know if you find something of interest...I'll then share with you my take on them...
Other great Dobro teachers to consider:
Tim McCasland
Stacy Phillips

Thanks,
Ron Bennett

Subject: email tag
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 14:42:51 -0500

Well Mickey, it looks like we're playing email tag! I just sent you my last and got your answer! Yes, thanks for the suggestions, I'll be looking at these. I still think that your (Dobro Video) series is the most appealing in that you seem to concentrate on building blocks to develop back-up patterns and embellishments and enough music theory (reading from the website) that should help advance technique--as well as fun, we can't forget that!

I'll look a little more but I'm leaning towards your series, starting with No. 2.

Sorry to take up your time on this but I've charged ahead on things before only to realize that I should've been more methodical which would have developed better technique and usable knowledge rather than flashy licks!

Thanks much,
Ron

Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 12:24:38 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Fwd: Regal RD 45

Hey Mickey,

Thanks for the prompt response. Please let me know as soon as you get it in  so I can place my order.

I play banjo and am a huge Earl Scruggs fan, so I therefore I listen to alot of Josh Graves. Listening to him play has always made me want to buy a  Dobro. Ive been looking for a Dobro instructional video and was wondering if you had any input on what one I should get. I know Josh graves has a couple out, and was thinking about getting one. Any info you could give would be great.

Thank you,
Lukas

Greetings Lukas,

There are many great videos available on learning to play dobro...I haven't viewed the Josh Graves videos to date...I'm sure they're great...and if you're a fan, I would highly recommend having them in your library...now, also keep in mind, that you'll want a methodology video for learning to play...I suspect, as is true with most videos created by the heroes, Josh teaches most of his very own legendary songs...these may be somewhat advanced for the beginner player...even so, I'm sure they would be inspiring to view just the same....notwithstanding, you'll also want a beginner dobro video to get you started...Keep on Pickin', Mickey