Jimmy Bruno Guitar Institute?

[bob32069]

Jimmy Bruno Jazz Guitar

Has anyone tried this out? $60 for 3 months online access to video lessons. Would appreciate anyone's opinon as to the utility of this site.

Thanks

[m78w]

I've heard mixed things, I think it's a better deal than Workshop Live. For 60$ it's probably worth trying for 3 months to see what you think.

MW

[Jazzaluk]

Originally Posted by bob32069

Jimmy Bruno Jazz Guitar

Has anyone tried this out? $60 for 3 months online access to video lessons. Would appreciate anyone's opinon as to the utility of this site.

Thanks

Those that are fascinated by modes and scales won't like the JBGI. But if you want to learn how to improvize and play tunes with a free and de-cluttered mind its fantastic! I've learned a ton from this site and I'm convininced it is an insight into the way the real pros think as opposed to the pedagological approach. (no offense to teachers)

The lessons are definitely "no nonsense" and Jimmy does not tolerate too much over-analysing of a tune. He focuses on sounds, inside playing and introduces outside notes in a logical an easy to assymilate fashion. (You can leave the multitude of modes and scales at the door!)

Jimmy's critiques of student videos (from all over the world) alway have something to offer. The program is progressive, well structured and allows you to assess where you are, where you are going and what you need to focus on...but...you need to adopt his approach so he can give you advice according to his method. If you send in a "watch-what-I-can-do" video that doesn't relate to the method, he will only say, "nice playing" but won't give much advice.

I do a lot of travelling and a big plus for me is that I can take my travel guitar with me, log on to his site from any location and keep abreast of the program.

The only thing I don't like is the Forum on the site. There is a bit too much "hero worship" and chit-chat, and not too relavent to the program.

[Rolland Harrison]

Let's see....

You get to take on-line lessons for $20.00 a month, by one of the baddest cats on the planet..

You get to send in videos of you doing the lessons and have Jimmy critique them...

You have a discussion forum where like minded players talk about Jazz guitar and the Bruno apporach.

You have former top executives of AOL, running the site, and it is pretty much flawless.

The lesson vids are professional in nature as well as Jimmy's critiques of your stuff.

I have spent a lot more and received a whole lot less.
Best jazz guitar instruction site on the web.. BAR NONE..
I've been a member a year and my playing has improved tremendously.. My biggest fan..(My dog..LOL) told me so..

In all seriousness, a great site, and what a teacher and player..

[MissMisstreater]

i wana join but im doing a degree at the moment at ICMP...but i will do it sometime

[guitarplayer007]

Jimmy Bruno's site is by far the best site to learn Jazz online. I've checked them all out and nothing come close. This site is so comprensive it's amazing. You can send in videos, jimmy will post your vid for all to see and on the same page he posts a vid of himself going over what you submitted. I've learned more in 7 months fron JBGI then real live lessons for 2 years.
And for $20.00 a month its amazing, i would pay a hell of alot more what i'm learning. Finally i can see myself becoming a very good Jazz guitarist.
Ken R.

[jazzguitar62]

Originally Posted by BobKasp

...and you have one of the best players on the planet at your beck and call 24/7. Can't be beat.

I'm just getting started and am exploring different options. I am definitely going to look into this. I wonder, however...at what point will he have so many students that he will no longer be at your beck and call? I wonder if he will put a cap on the maximum number of students he will enroll?

[derek]

Originally Posted by jazzguitar62

I'm just getting started and am exploring different options. I am definitely going to look into this. I wonder, however...at what point will he have so many students that he will no longer be at your beck and call? I wonder if he will put a cap on the maximum number of students he will enroll?

He has talked about this possibility. There was a big write up in JJG last issue. I don't think they have come up with a number yet to cap it.

[bob32069]

It has been almost 2 months since I joined and I have concluded that it is well worth it. I wish this site had been around 20 years ago when I first picked up the guitar - I would be infinitely better than I am now. Some observations:

1. This is a very systematic step-by-step approach. It is like having a syllabus for how to proceed to learn improv.

2. There are no shortcuts. You have to practice, practice, practice. You will get out only what you put in. The beauty of it is that you are told what to practice and in what order - again, it's very systematic.

3. I have not taken advantage of posting videos of me doing the exercises and getting critiqued, but it is worth watching the other students and (some) of Jimmy's critiques - I find only a minority of the critiques to be useful - mainly because there is only so much a person can say about somebody else doing scales.

4. The materials (mainly pdf files) are useful to print out for self-study.

5. I have learned the fingerboard to a much better extent than before.

6. His improv system actually is very easy to apply to other types of musical genres -especially rock, where the songs are all in one key rather than changing keys every few bars like jazz. When I use his system, I am able to solo confidently all over the neck rather than being stuck in one pattern like I had been doing before.

7. He really points out the logic of the guitar fretboard, so there is far less memorization. There are many "a-ha!" moments.

8. You don't need to learn the modes and various scales. This is both good and bad. It is bad because without knowing theory, you are not really undertanding why you are doing something; knowing the theory behind what you are doing makes you a smarter player in my opinion and also helps with composing and arranging your own material. On the other hand, not having to know the theory behind what you're playing at any given moment actually makes it easier to keep playing and not get lost. In other words, you don't need to think "ok now I am playing the e-flat bebop minor scale and now the chord is changing to something else, what do I play now?" By the time you figure out what scale needs to be played, its already a different chord and a different scale. Jimmy's system doesn't require you to do that kind of on-the-spot thinking, which is great for keeping playing. But learning the theory somewhere else let's you understand why what you played worked. I recommnd the Jazz Theory Book by Levine, touted elsewhere on this website for that purpose.

My wife is yelling at me to come to dinner, so I will stop now. Again, I am glad I joined up. At 60 dollars U.S. for 3 months, it is well worth it.

[trigga]

i must try to this learning system someday for sure.I'll the first greek in site heh.

For that money it'll worth to try.The only problem is my english and i'll must have a camera.Well i want to believe those are not major problems.

[SUguitarguy]

I plan on joining up soon. I can't afford lessons locally and need something I can base around my schedule. This seems perfect. Plus, he is a great guitarist.

[Ausjazz]

I joined today. I have been enjoying it so far and think that i'll use it as my main focus when practicing but will certainly supplement it with some other things I'm doing.

I'll keep you posted on my progress

[SUguitarguy]

That would be awesome! do you like the way it is layed out? first impressions?

[TommyD]

Well, I guess that settles it!

[Ausjazz]

I like the way it is set out. It isn't the greatest web browsing experience there is, but once you get your head round it, it is easy to use.

There is a lot to learn and to advance into areas you need to submit videos to Jimmy. You can check out some samples on the site and as my first assignment I'll be submitting one using his 5 shapes today.

In regards, to people discussing the theoretical limitations of the site. Although, I've only just joined, I wouldn't expect to get everything from JB's site and as I suggested I will be supplementing it with other things that will help me in this regard.

But overall, I think it will really be worth it if you are interested in being able to hear a line and then play it. The players I like are lyrical and this is the approach that Jimmy teaches.

[Modalguru]

Originally Posted by Ausjazz

In regards, to people discussing the theoretical limitations of the site. Although, I've only just joined, I wouldn't expect to get everything from JB's site and as I suggested I will be supplementing it with other things that will help me in this regard.

Hi,

I've been a member there for 3 month, I have got a very good local teacher, so I quit. The material presented at the JBGI is very good, but I would also suggest to relate all of that to harmony theory. For me it's not only easier to relate a sound to a name (eg a scale name), it's also easier to communicate with other musicians, when you know theory. I think, it's important to become a good musician, not only a guitarist. And there's a lot of theory (eg chord relations) at the JBGI too. For me, all those promises of no theory, which many guys offering studies online call out lately, are just a marketing gag. When you watch their vids you see, that they all know theory.

And for me it was too time-consuming to watch the vids of the others and the comments on them. But if you can't find a local teacher, the JBGI is probably the best alternative in combination with some other recourses. For those, who are already advanced in jazz, I would like to suggest Mimi Fox's truefire courses. Those are hard work, but really serious stuff...

Cheers, Chris

[bass2man]

Ijoied for about 6 months and it was worth it. Here is what I got out of it:
1) Learned all the scale finderings in all keys for maj,min and dom scales..Jimmy uses 5 scale forms that is essentially the CAGED system applied to scales.
2)

[bass2man]

2) Learned

[bass2man]

2) Learned what to practice...invaluble
3) Learned to play in tonal centers

Great site. I quit and have been doing my own thing right now as he has given me the tools to work out tunes on my own. He is right on with the forget the this scale on this chord methods that are out there. The only thing that I did not like was the lack of theory on chord movements....but there is plenty of theory out there anyway.

I too wish this site had been out there earlier..I learned all my major,minor and dominant scales in about 45 days after trying to do so on my own for years....well worth it just for that...

[Ausjazz]

Interesting posts here from people who've used the JBGI method.

I would just say that what I've read here would fit very well with my thoughts. I'm liking the method and will concentrate on it for the majority of my practice, but I'll also combine this with other things I'm interested in. I don't think any one method/book/course/DVD/teacher can instruct you about what you want to learn, I think you need a combination of approaches.

In the end, I hope I don't end up thinking exactly like JB's method or the Joe Pass instructional DVDs, etc etc. the good players figure out a way to make it work for themselves and I think that is key.

I'd love some local lessons as well, but I live in Melbourne Australia and I just haven't heard of good jazz teachers here.

[markerhodes]

I'm glad this thread exists. I've taken an interest in economy picking and saw links to the JBGI in my searches and was wondering if it was worthwhile. Soon as I get a job (-it's been awhile, but things may be looking up), I think I'll give it a whirl.

[jazzgtrl4]

Originally Posted by markerhodes

I'm glad this thread exists. I've taken an interest in economy picking and saw links to the JBGI in my searches and was wondering if it was worthwhile. Soon as I get a job (-it's been awhile, but things may be looking up), I think I'll give it a whirl.

Get Jimmys Book "The Art of Picking" comes with a DVD. i started it about 3 weeks ago. I was strict alternate picking. The book is all about economy picking. Ive got along way to go but can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I think i will join the JBGI as well.

[82Benedetto]

I've tested out the JBGI, and I can tell you it's all around better than any physical lessons you will take (for the most part, anyway.) Not to mention the value is incredible.

Only other worthy alternative I can think of would be the Oberg Institute, though I've not tried it beyond the sample lessons. If you want to dip your hand into Gypsy Jazz, you might choose that over JBGI.

But yea, I'd recommend the JBGI...you really can't beat it for the price. Learn as much as you want, as often as you want, for more than a third less than most in-person lessons.

[Ausjazz]

Originally Posted by markerhodes

I'm glad this thread exists. I've taken an interest in economy picking and saw links to the JBGI in my searches and was wondering if it was worthwhile. Soon as I get a job (-it's been awhile, but things may be looking up), I think I'll give it a whirl.

I really recommend economy picking. It takes a while to get used to at the start but since I've learnt it I never have to think about my picking it becomes a given. I didn't use Jimmy's book, I just read about it online and started to apply it. Good luck.

[bruceshannon]

Originally Posted by Ausjazz

Interesting posts here from people who've used the JBGI method.

I would just say that what I've read here would fit very well with my thoughts. I'm liking the method and will concentrate on it for the majority of my practice, but I'll also combine this with other things I'm interested in. I don't think any one method/book/course/DVD/teacher can instruct you about what you want to learn, I think you need a combination of approaches.

In the end, I hope I don't end up thinking exactly like JB's method or the Joe Pass instructional DVDs, etc etc. the good players figure out a way to make it work for themselves and I think that is key.

I'd love some local lessons as well, but I live in Melbourne Australia and I just haven't heard of good jazz teachers here.

Mate, there are a few good players / teachers in Melbourne. Check out Geoff Hughes op MySpace Music ? Gratis gestreamde MP3?s, foto?s en Videoclips
Stephen Magnusson - Official Website

Both these guys teach at tertiary level and are great players as well.

[learnerguitar]

Originally Posted by 82Benedetto

I've tested out the JBGI, and I can tell you it's all around better than any physical lessons you will take (for the most part, anyway.) Not to mention the value is incredible.

Only other worthy alternative I can think of would be the Oberg Institute, though I've not tried it beyond the sample lessons. If you want to dip your hand into Gypsy Jazz, you might choose that over JBGI.

But yea, I'd recommend the JBGI...you really can't beat it for the price. Learn as much as you want, as often as you want, for more than a third less than most in-person lessons.

Yeah a tested recommendation for JBGI. I think in all step of our daily life we need such products which are tested by realy people they are satisfy.

[82Benedetto]

Originally Posted by learnerguitar

Yeah a tested recommendation for JBGI. I think in all step of our daily life we need such products which are tested by realy people they are satisfy.

Yes, I agree. I must also specify that I tried it out when it was very, very new. There wasn't 1/4 of the content that's up there now, and it wasn't nearly as polished.

[Modalguru]

Originally Posted by 82Benedetto

I've tested out the JBGI, and I can tell you it's all around better than any physical lessons you will take (for the most part, anyway.) Not to mention the value is incredible.

Hi,

I really like Jimmy and his playing, but I don't agree, that his online institute is better than physical lessons. You always have to pratice the material before you send your vids in. Often people form bad habbits, when practicing without supervision. Jimmy can correct this habbits by commenting your vids, but by this time you have already internalized these motion sequences, so you have to relearn, which is much harder. A teacher corrects those motions before they become habbits.

To get the most out of JBGI you have to watch the vids of the others and the comments on them by Jimmy. Who has the time watching all those vids (how much time is left for practising)? How many comments do you watch, which have no value for you, cause they contain no new information for you?

When you have trouble with a song you play with your band, in physical lessons you can always work on it with your teacher. He nows your style, your level, your aim. So the information you get from your teacher will always be better than that of any online ressource. The only problem is finding a really good teacher. If there is no good one in your area, then JBGI is still a good option.

Cheers,
Chris

[FatJeff]

I'm a member there and have been for almost a year. However, I have not really immersed myself in his method, because I'm also enrolled in a jazz studies program locally, and as part of that, have individual lessons with a live instructor every week. I try to make my individual lessons the focal point of my studies, but I also use a lot of the material provided on the JBGI site.

I think it's an excellent method, personally. I like the fact that Jimmy does not have you learning endless scales, chords, modes, arpeggios, and the like before you're 'allowed' to actually start playing music. He gets you started right away into making good sounding lines over simple ii-V-Is, then moves on to more advanced chord progressions and introduces outside notes one at a time. I also think that his "5 Shapes" fingerings are second to none (yes, better than CAGED). With a little thought you can extrapolate the 7 modes of the major scale out of the shapes...this made my juries my first semester a lot easier.

His approach to improvisation and song analysis is very straightforward, and it's a hell of a bargain for 20 bucks a month.

I would suggest signing up, trying it out for a few months, and then seeing if you like it.

[82Benedetto]

Originally Posted by Modalguru

Hi,

I really like Jimmy and his playing, but I don't agree, that his online institute is better than physical lessons. You always have to pratice the material before you send your vids in. Often people form bad habbits, when practicing without supervision. Jimmy can correct this habbits by commenting your vids, but by this time you have already internalized these motion sequences, so you have to relearn, which is much harder. A teacher corrects those motions before they become habbits.

To get the most out of JBGI you have to watch the vids of the others and the comments on them by Jimmy. Who has the time watching all those vids (how much time is left for practising)? How many comments do you watch, which have no value for you, cause they contain no new information for you?

When you have trouble with a song you play with your band, in physical lessons you can always work on it with your teacher. He nows your style, your level, your aim. So the information you get from your teacher will always be better than that of any online ressource. The only problem is finding a really good teacher. If there is no good one in your area, then JBGI is still a good option.

Cheers,
Chris

What "bad habits" are there in guitar playing? This isn't classical guitar, and you're always going to find people with differing technique. I think that reason is total nonsense.

As for "watching the videos," don't you watch your teacher play things? It's the same exact thing, only Jimmy is in video form. In fact, I tend to think live lessons are less efficient than Jimmy's method.

And finally, I don't think you've even tried the method based on your last statement. There is so much material on JBGI, you can tailor it specifically to what you want to learn. There are recommended tracks, but no set path.

So in conclusion it costs far less, you get the unprecedented knowledge and guidance of Jimmy, there's a ton of material at your disposal, and you can choose what you want to learn and when. If you're trying to use the argument that the player is not knowledgeable enough to work out the material on the site, the only way I can see that happening is if you're an absolute beginner to guitar playing in general. Admittedly, this is probably best if you're at least comfortable to some degree on the instrument, but it's really not hard, there's plenty to work on, and I've studied privately for years and with the JBGI and I honestly liked JBGI.

Also, good luck finding a teacher that gets to the level Jimmy does in some of those lessons