What is the Best Instructional Video

**Lee Collins** · January 17th, 2005, 04:21 AM

Well, steve smith. I don't know how educational his recent DVD is, I'm sure it's good. But I've got his first video from years ago and steve is really good at explaining things on it. Maybe check that out, I forget the name of it, but it's got vital information or journey on it too.

**perfectgroover** · January 17th, 2005, 01:37 PM

Awesome Klemme, I'm going to look into it.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Regards,
Al

**Suspiria** · January 17th, 2005, 02:48 PM

The "best" instructional video alwas depends on what you are after. i.e. A particular style of music, a particular technique etc...
Something that has been very relevant for me lately is "Brain's Lessons". In case you are not familiar with him "brain" (Brian Mantia), was drummer for Primus and most recently his most famous commitment is probably with Guns 'n' Roses. Especially the sections on Ostinatos and Funk grooves was amazing for me. The guy is an absolute monster and I have also learned to appreciate the comical side of this DVD - which has been critisized by many. You should check it out, even if it's just for a laugh, he will blow you away at times.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 17, 2005 10:49 AM: Message edited by: Suspiria ]</font>

**benrand** · January 17th, 2005, 03:10 PM

I hear the Haskell Harr DVD is excellent.
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I'm looking forward to Bissonette's DVD. It should be good, he has some neat ideas.

**Shawn40** · January 17th, 2005, 03:27 PM

My advice, go to see live all the great musicians that you admire.

**Groovemeister** · January 17th, 2005, 11:04 PM

pgroover,

The Jeff video also comes with a booklet of notation if you can't work out what he's playing...

I too can't wait for the mighty Bissonette's DVD...

MP

**Riddim** · January 17th, 2005, 11:45 PM

Having spent a lot of time cloning my heroes, and ultimately realizing that I am not them, I think what?s important in listening to yours is not copping what they did, but understanding why they did it. You will probably get to a point where you can physically execute what they did; that?s fine for the rehearsal room, but if you don?t know the why, then there?s no musical reason for it. If there?s no reason for it that means it doesn?t belong there, as any front person/bassist/producer will tell you.

We have to think for ourselves, and make our own choices. If I?m playing with someone else and parroting what one of my heroes did on that tune, then I?m not really listening to the people around me, and thus not making music. I?m just playing the instrument. Listen to the musicians you play with and do what the music tells you then.

You will also profit if you spend time developing some vocabulary on the instrument. Listening is part of this, so is working systematically and creatively through Stick Control, John Ramsey's, or several other books. As you work though these, you?ll hear what some of your heroes have done with these ideas. You may also hear what they have not done. Then use your imagination and do the Enterprise thing ? go boldly where no person has gone before.

**satinflamr** · January 18th, 2005, 02:28 AM

I second the vote for the "Brian's Lesons" video. The part where he demonstrates the up/down stroke while he's watching a porno is the best.

**WecklsMechanic** · January 19th, 2005, 03:00 AM

Hey PG groover!

The videos that really hit home for me were Greg Bissonettes "Private lesson" from 1990 and the Yamaha video called "The drum set: A Musical approach" featuring Ed Soph and Horace Arnold from 1985. Both are invaluable when it comes to time, different styles, techniques, approaches, licks, etc. Covers all styles of music and techniques including brushes.

I also really liked Weckls A Natural evolution: How to develop Technique. Gary Chaffee's series of videos are great too for building a great basis for chops & working stuff out.

Hope it helps.

John