[Augustine]

Hey all, August here


I wasn't able to get back into Guitar for beginners for some time, no matter what I tried nothing was working. Anyway, I finally had the right password and well, here I am.

I just wanted to congratulate Kirk on a gem of a book/DVD package well done. Planetalk is a MUST for teachers and students alike, looking for a smarter and NOT harder way to understanding/teaching basic theory and the art of improvisation. It doesn't get any easier or more fun than Planetalk, in my humble opinion. Bravo!

For those who don't know, I've been teaching and playing the guitar professionally for more than 25 years as of 2006 and I co-own Badd Fingers Guitar Studio in Barstow, CA. As I mentioned to Kirk in a previous post, I'm always looking for new ideas and new approaches to playing and teaching the guitar, for the benefit of my wonderful students and of course for my own personal growth as a player and teacher. I only wish that there had been something like Planetalk when I first started, way back in the Stone Age, as I like to kid with my younger students.

Man, oh man, how much simpler would life have been, had I had a smart teacher like Kirk back in the early days of my development as a player. I can't say enough positive things about Kirk and his wonder book/DVD package. Kirk, you really should be proud of this package. Beginner, intermediate and advanced players can learn and benefit greatly from this book and DVD set. There really isn't anything like it on the market. This one is a keeper and as far as I'm concerned, truly does live up to all it's claims.

Not only are the illustrations and story line cool, fun and easy to follow (you can draw too Kirk? That's sick); but there is a real easy flow about the book and Kirk's teaching style, that comes through and makes one feel as if it really is possible to learn this crazy stuff...and indeed it is!!! As I read through the book and watched the DVD (several times), I never once felt overwhelmed, bored or talked down to in any way, as I have with other books/DVDS in the past. There's just an easy flow from start to finish from the book to the DVD. This is important especially for beginners. I've never once forgotten what it was like to be a beginner. It wasn't easy, but Kirk's caring style of teaching, gives one the confidence to continue on and to suceed, unlike other methods out there on the market.

The DVD is a definate plus. There is nothing that makes learning easier, than being able to see and here the examples in the book, up close and personal. It's just like having your very own guitar instructor right in your home with you. This makes learning fun and exciting!

With Kirks method, you feel as if you can take your time and that you have plenty of time, to learn at your own pace. This is very different than the way some guitar instructors on DVD or in person, will make a beginner feel; and this can be discouraging. You know the ones, that are constantly looking at their watches, as if they have better things to do than to teach you how to play the guitar? I remember; I had a few of those jerks when I first started out myself. Not cool. I also made a mental note that I would never be "that kind" thoughtless or insensitive teacher. Kirk is most definately NOT one of those morons. He's a kick ass player and teacher.

So, do yourself a favor and check out Planetalk as soon as possible. No matter how many times you read the book or watch the DVD, you will always learn something new.
I knew about chord tones and used the approach before Kirk's book, but he simplified the whole process even more; making me realize that I had been coming from a much more technically complicated approach to the concept than was necessary. In other words, just because we can, doesn't necessarily mean we should. Why complicate things, if you don't have to? No wonder my students kept giving me the "trout look."

Make sure and read and re- read the book and watch and re-watch the DVD several times, in order to really get all of the concepts down. I don't suggest this because the book or DVD is hard to understand, on the contrary. All examples are crystal clear. I did this myself, just to get a firm grasp on every point in the book and on the DVD. Not only that, but I just had fun re-reading the book and re-watching the DVD. Can you all tell that I'm excited about this package? You can't???

Anyway, rush out and get it! Have fun and get ready for an eye openning experience! Peace all.


P.S.

Also, check out all of Kirk's lessons here at the site. To me tone, phrasing and playing with taste, is everything. Coming from a teacher/player, Kirk posseses each one of those qualities. If you're going to learn, always learn from the best.

[Kirk Lorange]

Wow, August ... thanks so much for the glowing review. I'm glad you're enjoying it, and I know for a fact that the more you keep thinking along the PlaneTalk lines, the more you're going to see just how useful a mindset it is. In the end, all you need to keep in mind are those ... oops, I almost let the cat out of the bag! And, yes, I agree: there isn't anything on the market like it. That's why I subtitled it 'The Truly Totally Different Guitar Instruction Book'.

Next time I'm in Barstow, I'll be sure to look you up. The sneakers I bought there (in the factory outlet down the highway a bit) almost two years ago to the day are on my feet as I write this.

[TenThumbs]

Wow thanks Augustine. I was asking about PT recently. When I'm through the basic courses I'm working on I'll snap up a copy of Plane Talk. Believe me, if Kirk can get a good recommendation from ME he's got it made. See my forum name for all you need to know about me.

[Sano]

Plane Talk's fantastic...even on a very basic look through it's opened up so much to me. I'm not blessed with much free time at the moment but with the PT mindset in my head I can happily spend hours digesting the information. I'm a sceptical civil servant and comments such as, "I've learned more about the guitar since I got Plane Talk than a decade of playing", don't come easy. It's all true...shout it from the rooftops.

Not only that but I'd echo, and add to, Augustine's comments about Kirk's personality. The DVD I got wasn't working but with a quick email to Kirk another was soon despatched. You don't get service like that too often nowadays.

[Stratrat]

Originally Posted by Sano

...You don't get service like that too often nowadays.

...and that's not even counting the fact that you get access to the PlaneTalk forum, where Kirk is very active and constantly answering questions, clarifying things and turning out new lessons. With any other instruction book/DVD you buy, you pretty much get what you get.....there it is, read it/watch it, and good luck. None of them offer the level of support and additional instruction that Kirk offers with PT.

[eddiez152]

Augustine,
You said it all, great isn't it. Welcome to GFB&B. After you learn some chord construction basics, would you agree that the Plane Talk CD's are the best, wheather your a beginner or advance player. Even advanced players I know said the same.
eddiez

[csason]

I am a long time player of different tunings, and I LOVE my Slide guitar DVD. It is great, it is wierd learning something new...but rewarding.

I'm gonna grab Planetalk one of these days, I know I will enjoy it also.

[gericom1]

Received my copy today, at the moment i`m like, ohhhhh ahhhhh, lot to get my head around, but it all makes sense, and isnt beyond my ability, thanks Kirk

[Augustine]

Originally Posted by Stratrat

...and that's not even counting the fact that you get access to the PlaneTalk forum, where Kirk is very active and constantly answering questions, clarifying things and turning out new lessons. With any other instruction book/DVD you buy, you pretty much get what you get.....there it is, read it/watch it, and good luck. None of them offer the level of support and additional instruction that Kirk offers with PT.

You know, you're right. That is also a definate plus. The continued support that Kirt gives here and at the Planetalk forum, is priceless. You'd have to continue paying through the nose in order to get all of the many lessons and great suggestions for improvement that Kirt gives freely. Oh yeah, I'm a huge fan and supporter of what Kirt is trying to do.

It's very important to me, that my students know just how sincere I am about making sure that they succeed at finding their own voice on the guitar and I can see clearly, that Kirt is also very sincere in his approach to teaching and playing and that puts him right at the top of my list. Kirts' a top notch player and educator and it doesn't get any better than that.

[Augustine]

I too am ordering the Slide Guitar package, next. I've been playing slide guitar off and on for many years, but have been doing it a lot more consistantly the last couple years and so I want to really step it up a notch. I don't really buy many how to packages anymore, but I know that I'll get nothing less than a top of the line product with Kirts' name behind it.

Besides that, I just love picking this guys brain (had any heachaches lately there Kirt buddy? ) If you leave it up to me, by the time I'm done with Kirt, he'll have maybe a marble or two left...maaaaaaaaaybe.

[Augustine]

Kirk, you earned that review. As I often tell my students, "I'll never tell you what I think you want to hear." I'm always tacfully and compassionately honest with them about their progress. If they need work in some area (s), then I make sure and let them know; but if they're right on and on the money, I'll make sure that they know this as well and your package is on the money. So I'm letting you know.

Also, I look forward to someday crossing paths with you as well. It would be an honor. Oh and incidently Kirk, ya just might wanna let your feet out of those sneakers at some point. After all it's been two years! Good God man, have you no heart???

[eddiez152]

Augustine,
Are you currently teaching students ?

[Kirk Lorange]

Thanks again, Augustine. Yes, those sneakers have just about had their day! I'll be burying them in the back yard one day soon. They've been good to me though.

(I hope you don't mind, I've been editing your posts ... you keep calling me KirT, it's KirK ... two K's, starts with one, ends with one. )

[Augustine]

Oh man, I'm real sorry about that Kirk. I just now realized that myself. No problem edit away.

[Augustine]

Yes, I'm blessed to still be teaching students. But you know, little do they know, that I am probably learning more from them about what it means to be a good teacher, than they could ever learn from me, about the guitar. Teaching is a skill that needs constant attention, re-evaluating, shaping and re-shaping. I guess that's what I love so much about it. It's a challenge and a half, but it surely keeps me coming back for more. Peace.