Rory Block on Homespun

Subject: Rory Block on Homespun
From:
Date: 10 Oct 98 - 08:30 AM

Anyone who has used/heard the audio cassette lessons "Clasics of Country Blues Guitar" taught by Rory Block and put out by Homespun tapes: I would be interested in your comments about it.

Thanks

Murray

Subject: RE: Rory Block on Homespun
From: DWDitty
Date: 10 Oct 98 - 08:53 AM

I have the video version - somewhat advanced, but very good treatment of country blues. Mostly dropped D or open tunings.

Subject: RE: Rory Block on Homespun
From: DWDitty
Date: 10 Oct 98 - 09:00 AM

Regarding taped lessons, video offers the advantage of sight as well as sound, but usually the material is covered in much less detail than on audio (typically 1 hour versus 6 hours of audio lessons). I have come to like the audio lessons better that video because of the detailed explanations plus you can easily listen while driving. Of course I recommend a small bodied guitar while doing the latter.

The best example of the differences is found in lessons offered through Stefan Grossman's workshop - The Guitar of Dave Van Ronk. The video barely scratches the surface, while the audio goes through each song fret by fret, string by string, finger by finger, note by note.

Subject: RE: Rory Block on Homespun
From: Rockaday Johnny
Date: 10 Oct 98 - 10:27 AM

Note that Rory Block audios on Homespun are not the Same as the Videos - the classics of Blues AUDIO corresponds SOMEWHAT to the "Power of Delta Blues' --the video teaches more STYLES of blues than exact blues songs..they both compliment each other. the tape series will as sasid above--teach you the songs note for note while the video will show you how to play "in the style of"...Note also that the 6 tape audio set has been reissued in a book with a CD...all the songs are there but the instruction has been edited down to what ever would fit on a CD...if you don't need to have your hand held and can learn from tab you can learn as much from the much cheaper book/CD version than the 6 tape set...By the way Rory plays MEDIUM guage strings and doesn't use picks --so start developing your hand musscles!.....

Subject: RE: Rory Block on Homespun
From:
Date: 11 Oct 98 - 03:15 AM

I have never gotten much from video lessons. I think mostly because I tend to want to concentrate on the songs rather than the technique.

Johnny. I tend to buy the Grossman books with the tabs and tape, rather than his tapes because I pretty much know what he has to say. Rory Block is a good player and she learned from some of the "originals" like Son House. I would like to hear what she has to say.

I have moved up to 12's lately which are almost mediums and I have only used a pick twice in my life. The second time I dropped it in the soundhole and vowed to become a finger picker :)

I got the "edited down" version of the John Sebastian harp lessons from Homespun and I regret it. They are too terse. (but then again I don't know how to play the harp yet.)

Murray

Subject: RE: Rory Block on Homespun
From: Rockaday Johnny
Date: 11 Oct 98 - 12:14 PM

Then go ahead and get the audio set, Murray--I Think You'll be pleased..you'll learn a lot for your money.. I have heard these, but not the cd book version!