Search - DVD- Essential Techniques for Dobro on DVD

Very Good Resource

Navy Blue | 04/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To preface any comments I have about this DVD, I am a huge Rob Ickes fan. Any dobro player should model himself after Rob's for technique, clarity, and ubiquitous playing style. Rob starts with how to tune by ear, a good practice for any instrument. He then discusses in detail the techniques used first with the right hand, then with the left. He covers these very well. He then goes on the incorporate these techniques into songs. That is were I think the DVD lacks. Rob picks some pretty difficult pieces right off the bat. I've only been playing for four months, and I'm doing fine with this DVD, but many may get discourage quickly. A few, "Down in the Valley" and "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" songs to start off would have been nice. He gets into rhythm chops and shows his variety, the muted strum, as well and the bar lift chop. The first DVD ends with his techniques for forward and reverse slants and how to use them. The second DVD dives into blues scales and finishes with how to back up a singer, a dobro's main job. I feel this DVD set is like many others, a very good teaching aid, but not a substitute for a good instructor. If you're just starting out, you may want to wait a while before tackling this video. It is well worth the price of three private lessons ($45)."

Improve your dobro skills!

Brett W. Bass | jacksonville, FL | 06/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To start if you are a beginner this dvd may be a little advanced for you, but I found it perfect for my intermediate skill level. Before I got this dvd, my dobro knowledge was essentially limited to some bluegrass melodies. Now i can play solos and pick apart melodies, in both blues and bluegrass situations. Rob is a stunning player and a great teacher. Well worth the $33 i paid."