Hard Rock-Heavy Metal Lead Guitar--Craig Goldie

Craig Goldie (lead guitarist in Dio) may have a style of playing that sounds like dump trucks in heat to some, but make no mistake--this is an accomplished hard rock/metal guitarist. His "learn while you burn" approach to the instrument is targeted to the advanced beginner or intermediate level player. Some of his fingerwork is so blindingly fast that it will require a vcr with good frame by frame capabilities to derive the most benefit from some of the demonstrations. The opening informational scenes that follow a demonstration solo have some brand name hype for Goldie's favorite hardware, but the pitching isn't excessive. He goes through a detailed setup of his amplification gear, which will be extremely valuable to neophyte musicians trying to put together a "sound." For example he uses a Parametric equalizer because his Marshall amp needs "a kick in the butt." He uses an Eventide harmonizer because he wants a "low beefy grindy sound almost like if a dragon in hibernation got woken up and it's real pissed off." For those practicing along with the video, Goldie has a tune up section to allow musicians to adjust pitch to the vcr. A demonstration of two handed "hammer on" and "pick off" fingering comes as something of a shock--the music that emerges sounds like concert classical guitarist playing. The style of the presentation is well geared to its target audience--while the actual playing may be more articulate than the verbiage, he has no problem communicating his ideas. The sloppy editing doesn't overly detract from the informational content, and there are good close up scenes of fingerwork all through the program. A 20 page booklet accompanies the tape, and matches the on-screen material. Recommended.