W is d o m o f t h e W o o d P u b l i s h i n g
Wisdom of the Wood


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"Intro to the Dobro" Part I
Video #1 of a Two-Part Series:

Click here for Part II of "Intro to the Dobro"

Retails: 39.95
Published by:
Wisdom of the Wood

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VHS Format
Recorded in Stereo Format
Split Screen Format for Close-Ups of Left and Right Hands
Approx. 1 Hour and 30 Minutes in Length
Level: Beginning to Intermediate (with segments of interest to the pro)

  NEW! Instructional Video for Squareneck Dobro

"Intro to the Dobro" Part I Video of a 2-Part Series
by Mickey Cochran

Here's a fully comprehensive introduction to the squareneck Dobro. These videos will give you a step-by-step approach to learning the Dobro through very simple exercises. Both Part I and Part II encompass approximately 3.5 hours of Dobro study covering the entire foundation necessary in preparing to be a solid, accomplished dobroist. The series starts off, in Part I, with an overview by revealing the background of the Dobro, the body and wood choices available and proper set-up of your Dobro. It moves into many other areas of study that lays a solid foundation for becoming an accomplished dobroist. Part II is a more advanced study covering techniques that most pro dobroists utilize in their playing...many right hand and left hand exercises are extensively covered to ensure you advance yourself quickly as a solid dobroist.



Above Photo: Mickey Cochran with a Beard R Mahogany Squareneck Dobro.
Photographer: Alex Kinnan.

Eight chapters in all covering the following and then some:

Overview

Part I's objective is to offer a complete overview of the squareneck Dobro from a basic point of view, offering basic techniques and proper positioning for both right hand and left. With this video, you'll learn all of the mechanics necessary to play Dobro well for many years to come.

Tuning & Tools

Learn to properly tune your Dobro to itself...and also how to utilize tuning tools such as the electronic tuner. Part I takes you through the many approaches to tuning such as relative tuning (tuning to itself), harmonic tuning, tuning to the video as a reference, and tuning to an electronic tuner. Additionally, learn about other tools, in Part II, such as the capo and how it works as a moveable nut to allow for playing within most any key.

A Methodology

This video series focuses on building blocks and exercises. To further develop technique, you'll learn many basic exercises for both left and right hands. Exercises include right hand patterns and arpeggios that give you power to tackle speed and accuracy demanded by the most intricate of dobro songs...For barring techniques, you'll learn the forward slant, the reverse slant, how to tilt properly for single note melodies, the slide, the pull-off, the hammer-on and how to properly dampen strings while barring.

A Songbook

Additionally, this video series introduces both basic melodies and advanced melodies establishing a strong foundation for learning many other melodies on your own. One of the most revealing segments within this video series is "Solo Dobro" which illuminates how you can approach your Dobro for playing without accompaniment by adding bass lines while playing melodies.

Additionally, you will learn about some of the more common approaches to the Dobro such as melodic style, single string style, banjo style, blues style, monotonic bass and alternating bass techniques for solo Dobro.

Testimonials:
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 19:04:27 -0600
Subject: Re: Your Instructional Dobro Tape

Hi Mickey, Just wanted to say thanks for your Dobro tape. I got some great tips on the rolls - forward , reverse etc. I'm not quite through but I should be by today. I always like the split screen for fingers and frets. Nice camera work and good sound. Plus you are a good presenter. Marguerite says a very nice energy portryed on the screen.

Thanks Again, Chuck WIlson


To Purchase Online go to: mysticwestproducts.com

  NEW! Instructional Video for Squareneck Dobro® Technique

"Intro to the Dobro" Part I Video I
by Mickey Cochran


Click on Image for Enlarged View

Published By Wisdom of the Wood
Written by Mickey Cochran

ENTIRE CONTENTS OF PART I ARE AS FOLLOWS:

A two-part course on learning to play the Squareneck Dobro®

Intro to the Dobro Part I
This is Part I of a two-part series covering
basic Dobro instruction.

This course is intended for the beginning student who wants to gain a solid foundation in the art of playing the Squareneck Dobro.

Dobro® is a registered trademark of
Gibson Musical Instruments

Introductory Tune
"Santa Fe Rails #2"
By Mickey Cochran

Entire Contents to Part I:


Chapter I Introduction

1. An Overview of the Dobro
2. The Wood Bodied Dobro
3. The Components of a Dobro
4. Tho Origination of the Dobro
5. Natural Amplification
6. The Metal Bodied Dobro

Chapter I Metal Body Sampler
A Demonstration of the Squareneck
Metal Bodied Dobro

Chapter I Roadaphonic Sampler
A Demonstration of the
Paul Beard Roadaphonic
with a 9" Spider Bridge System

Chapter I Paul Beard Cherry
A Demonstration of the Paul Beard
Cherry Wood Full-Size Dobro

Chapter II Dobro Orientation

1. Dobro® is a Registered Trademark of
Gibson Musical Instruments
2. This Video's Objective
3. The Main Focus: A Strong Foundation
4. The Goal: Versatility
5. Methodology vs. Learning Songs
6. Brief History of the Dobro

Chapter III Dobro Set-Up

1. Purpose of Action on a Squareneck
2. Purpose of the Squareneck Shape
3. Dobro Bridge
4. Pinpointing String Buzzes
5. Dobro Nut
6. String Windings
7. Determining the Time to Change Strings

Chapter IV Tuning Your Dobro

1. How to Properly Tune Your Dobro
2. Names of the Strings
3. Tuning to the Dobro on the Video
4. Tuning Tools "The Electronic Tuner"
5. Relative Tuning

Chapter V Picks & Steels

1. Choice of Picks "Your Medium"
2. The Steel Bar "Varieties Available"
3. How to Adjust Your Picks Properly

Chapter VI Your First Exercises

1. Right-Hand Exercise
2. Left-Hand Exercies
3. Proper Barring Technique
4. Right & Left Hand Exercises Combined
5. The Forward Roll
6. The Forward/Reverse Roll
7. the Thumb In and Out Roll
8. The Reverse Roll

Chapter VII Your First Exercises

1. Alternating Thumb & Index Exercise
2. Your First Melody
3. Single Note Melody Playing
4. "Oh Susannah" Basic Version
5. "Oh Susannah" Advanced Version
6. "Maiden's Prayer"
8. "Greensleeves"
9. "Old Joe Clark" and the Shuffle Rhythm

In closing:

Thanks for spending your time with me in learning to play your Dobro. I hope you've gained inspiration and have further desire to progress in your Dobro studies. If so, be sure to check out Part II.
Hopefully I've accomplished my goal in providing a methodology approach to learning by including many daily exercises which contribute to a solid foundation in becoming an accomplished Dobro Player. Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Copyright ®2002 Mickey Cochran

All rights are reserved on this video for all audio files, all tunes, all photography and all videography.
Please enquire if interested in reproducing this video for review...and, thank you kindly for not reproducing without permission from the author. Keep on Pickin', Mickey Cochran


Copyright ©2002 Mickey Cochran
For further info on Dobros, check out these websites:
www.beardguitars.com
www.morganmonroe.com

Videography: Alex Kinnan
Production/Design: Mickey Cochran

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Dobro® is a registered trademark of Gibson Musical Instruments.