DVD Info Download Info General Info
DVDs vs Downloads ?
Usually they are the exact same footage. As the download versions were made later, they ALL have on-screen tab, while the DVDs don't always have it. It's not easy to remake the entire DVDs and many were done before the tab was added. Some DVDs do have some commentary section, but that is usually not much more than kind of just showing each lick. The DVDs can be full screen and on a DVD player and have good quality at that resolution, while the downloads must be played on computer. However the DVD can stop spinning in the computer if paused too long, and cause delays... also they can't easily be navigated (rewound etc) on a TV. Also the DVD only has a slider bar at the bottom, while most the downloads have go-to points or better sliders, so even on a computer, the downloads are much more user friendly. Of course downloads take up a little computer drive space (average download is 40MBs).
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. Each shows the rhythm. 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.
What are the advantages/disadvantage of Downloads and DVDs?
The biggest advantage is that the download is immediate. Another advantage is that the downloaded player has Go-To points, whereas with a DVD you only have the slider bar, which is not as accurate. Also there are no shipping charges. Another advantage is that the files are on your harddrive, so the response time is faster if your video has been idle on pause for awhile. Also you don't have to load/unload the DVD.
DVDs have bigger video, but you have to use the slider bar and sometimes step back through menus to restart a solo.
Also the downloads are my newer products, so these are sure to all have the tab embedded right in with the slow mo video, and often with the fast video as well. Most of the DVDs do not have the tab on the screen, unless noted.
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.
What if I buy a download and have problems or I am dissatisfied?
If you find it too difficult or have any problems at all, please send me an email. I will be more than happy to help. Also if you are dissatisfied with the product, I guarantee to refund your money. Some times I'm away for my computer for half day to a day max... so please allow me a little time to respond. But I will definitely resolve things to your satsifaction.
Can I display the download videos in FULL-SCREEN MODE on my computer?
If you are using Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, there is a 'zoom' option in the lower right hand corner of your browser. You can zoom in the video as big as you like without losing much quality. A very handy shortcut option is to hold the 'Ctrl' key down and repeatedly press "+" to increase the video size, and "-" to decrease it.
I bought a download and downloaded my file. Now what do I do?
On Windows, double click the downloaded Setup*.exe file. Then click the icon that installs on your desktop to play the video. On a MAC, the short answer is extract the files (although they may have extracted themselves automatically for you) and double-click the .html file. That's it!
How does a Windows download differ from a MAC download?
Windows downloads a Setup.exe to your computer. You then click that to install files and an icon on your desktop. Then you click the icon to play the video. The MAC downloads a zip file that needs to be extracted. After extracting, you double click the "Click to play..." .html file to run it.
Will they play on any type of computer? Windows vs Macs?
They are shockwave flash files that play locally in your browser, so if you can browse the internet you computer should play these files.
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.
What's the difference with the Downloads and the DVDs?
It's on a case by case basis, but mostly what's on the Downloads is the same footage as on the DVDs. However the downloads use a special player with "Go-To" points, which the DVDs don't have. Because of file size, the DVD may have extra slow-mo views or a Commentary section, for example. Be sure to read the description by each item to compare them, but know that if you buy a download and a DVD of the same solo, the footage will probably be the same.
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.