In our second lesson we focus on the Keys of G and D. The playing techniques of Blind Lemon Jefferson, Rev. Gary Davis, Tommy Johnson and Lonnie Johnson are discussed as well as many other facets of fingerpicking in these keys. We will travel from the Carolinas to Texas to the Mississippi Delta to the sophisticated sounds of Lonnie Johnson. This is a challenging lesson that will illustrate different right and left hand techniques.

As in our first lesson the aim is to give you a freedom to improvise playing a blues in these keys. As a bonus feature audio tracks are included featuring rare recordings of the songs and styles presented.

Each tune is taught phrase by phrase and played slowly on a split-screen. Detailed tab/music is included as a PDF file on the DVD. This includes lyrics to the songs as well as tab/music transcriptions of the guitar playing.

Titles include: Blues in G, Easy Rider, Return to Little Rock, Mama Let Me Lay It On You, Blues Ain't Dry, Careless Love, Big Road Blues, Canned Heat Blues and Blues in D

76 minutes - Level 2/3 - Detailed tab/music PDF file on the DVD

Review: A Great Series. This review is the same as his Part 1. Part 2 and Part 3 continue with the same excellence, just change in key. This is a terrific 3 part series. Never judge a book by its cover, right? I profess guilt in this as the cover of this series was not terribly impressive. What is impressive is Stefan Grossman's ability to teach. Cleverly staying in one key at a time, Stefan patiently brings the student not simply a solid background of acoustic blues, but also of small "tricks" as he calls them. These "tricks" or short licks, hammers, pull offs, etc, are things taken for granted by Intermediate or Advanced players, but the type of little things that beginners listen to and marvel over. Stefan generously shares these little, and sometimes quite simple little manuevers that vastly improves the sound of the song. Stefan also includes original recordings of the songs; some from as early as 1927, and has you listen to the original; sometimes more than one version, before hearing him play, and before breaking the song down for you.

I never knew of Stefan's music, which may be a plus in my case. I am able to view him simply as a teacher. There are a lot of instructional DVDs out there by talented players who are not talented teachers. Stefan's easy going personality is a must. Why? In taking DVD lessons (which is my only source of instruction) you spend many hours "with" the instructor, as you repeat the lessons over and over. If the instructor's personality is not your 'cup of tea', you will find that you will learn less, as you subconciously pull away from the time spent. Conversely, when you enjoy the personality of the teacher, you are inclined to spend more time "with him" via DVD; subsequently, learning far more. Such is the case with Grossman. Perhaps it is the age and wisdom that comes as the ego no longer seeks rock star adoration from people. I have had the unpleasant experience of sitting "before" an instructor who's talent is amazing, but who's love of himself is so over the top, that I ended up selling the DVDs... perhaps my own weakness, but in conversing with others, I find that others feel the same way.

Enjoy Grossman. He is not there to tell jokes, nor boast of his past accomplishments (Martin Guitar has built one in his honor, so not much else needs to be said). Enjoy the personality who seems eager to do one thing: share his love of acoustic blues. Great series. - Peter Hyatt/Amazon Customer Review