What's on the DVDs? Is it just fast/slow-motion?
The content on each DVD varies. Some contain more than others. Be sure to read the fine print under each DVD on the DVD page to see what's on it. Each DVD has several menu items. Each allows you to tune to the DVD, to watch all the lead licks at regular speed and in slow-motion. Most show the rhythm too. Some of the DVDs contain detailed commentary with closeup walk-throughs, others don't have any commentary. Some contain several menu items for different views, for example "main solo fast", "main solo slow", "main solo fast/slow mix", "intro solo fast/slow mix", etc., while others don't have as many. Again, please read below each DVD to see what's on it.
If it says "tab included" by the DVD,
Tab will be emailed wihtin 24 hours of purchase, when the DVD is shipped.
If it says "guitar video tab" by the DVD,
The slow-motion guitar solo has tab embedded right into the video.
How come all the DVDs don't have tab?
I've been adding tab lately after some DVDs were already created. As more tab becomes available, the descriptions will be updated under each DVD. You can email me to get the tab if you've already purchased the DVD and didn't get the tab before, and I'll be happy to send it.
I've already bought DVDs from you without tab, and now they contain it. Can I get it?
Sure. Just send an email to tom@playguitarsolos.com with the subject "Tab Request", and tell me the DVD(s) you bought, the approximate date that you bought, and the email or name you purchased with if you can. I will be happy to email the tab immediately out to you free of charge.
Do you have any other DVDs for sale other than what's on this site?
No I don't. As soon as I have a new one, it will be immediately posted to this site, so check back once in a while.
Do you have sample footage of the DVDs?
Some of the videos on YouTube are taken from the DVD footage. Other times, DVDs have completely different video. Of course, it is better quality on the DVD and the entire solos are covered in fast and slow-motion, and usually with commentary. My YouTube channel with some example footage can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/playguitarsolos
How do you recommend to use your DVDs for maximum benefit?
Well at first watch them at fast speed a few times to get familiar with the solo, timing, etc. Then use the slow-motion and/or commentary to actually learn the licks. But once you know the notes in the licks, it will be much more difficult if you try to watch the video and play along. Just use the video to LEARN the licks, but then just listen to the audio solo from the beginning over and over while you look at your OWN guitar and play along with it. If you forget a lick, go back to the video, but, remember, the final goal is to play it yourself...that is, not while watching the video, but just while listening and jamming along to it.
I don't have a Paypal account. Can I pay another way?
Sure if you want to. Just email to me at tom@playguitarsolos.com about other arrangements. But did you know, even if you don't have a Paypal account, you can click the Guest Checkout when you go to pay with Paypal. They let you enter your credit card or debit card info, and pay without even getting a Paypal Id. The great thing about Paypal is that they securely handle all of your information. I never even see it. They just forward the money and your order to me, so your info is safe with an industry leader in web payment processing. Also, if you pay with paypal I will receive your payment immediately, which means your shipment gets in the mail right away.
Who do I contact if I have any questions or problems.
Please send an email to tom@playguitarsolos.com. I will respond ASAP, but please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
How come some videos on YouTube are not available here?
Sometimes I will just record a quick solo and put it on YouTube. But I've never gotten around to making a full-length, edited DVD that covers the whole song with slow-motion, commentary, etc., which is a much bigger project. But if you've seen a video on YouTube, there's a good chance that will be on DVD sometime.
Where do you get your tab? or do you learn by ear?
I learn every solo I play by ear.... I always have. I've actually never used tabs. So the tab on this site is written by me using only a text editor. So you can be sure the tab you're getting matches what you see on the video. I try to use great care to make sure the tabs are accurate, but it's always possible, though very unlikely, you may find a mistake. If you do, please notify me so I can correct it.
Do you take requests?
I am always happy to hear requests. It may influence which one I do next, but I can't possibly do them all. Feel free to email them to tom@playguitarsolos.com with the subject "Requests".
Do you have any exercises or scales you recommend to improve playing?
I never really practiced scales so much. I would just figure out a solo bit by bit, and try to play along up to speed from the beginning. If I miss a note, I start at the very beginning again. This also lets you practice the timing, which is crucial. You will be amazed at what repetition will do. Especially when you come back the second day, and the third, to the same solo. Eventually it becomes second nature.
What amp settings / effects do you use to get your sounds?
Well I'm not playing through an amplifier, but through an amp emulator which is designed for direct-line recording. It's an older Johnson J-Station. I just use some compression and distortion. The amp emulator gives a better sound than I usually get trying to record from an amp.
Will your system really teach me how to play lead guitar?
These DVDs are not comprehensive lead guitar courses. Although every solo you learn will help you on the road to becoming a better guitarist, one DVD is not going to teach you all you need to know about lead guitar. These DVDs enable you to see the correct way the solos are played, and help you to be able to play them for yourself. But only practice is going to get you there. Every solo you learn is more practice. Eventually, after you learn them, you can analyze how the pros play, and start to learn the common licks, etc. Again, a solo is only one learning experience on the road to becoming a better guitarist.