Store FAQ

DVD Questions

Why Should I Buy DVDs?

If you like receiving a physical product, or watching lessons on your TV. Or, if you simply aren't very computer literate, and aren't very comfortable with downloads.

Are the lessons on the DVDs different than the downloads?

The content of the lessons is identical, however, you can only buy a complete series on DVD, not individual lessons within a series.

Are the DVDs copy-protected?

No. And again, no. You are free to rip them to your computer. If you share those videos on the internet, your fingers will probably fall off :-) Seriously, don't do this. My family likes to eat.

What region are the DVD playable in?

The DVDs are not region protected, so they'll play anywhere.

What format are the DVDs?

The DVDs are DVD-R format, and feature NTSC standard video, so if you live in a country that uses the PAL video standard, make sure your player can play NTSC discs. I've not had a single issue with this in over 2 years of selling DVDs.

Will my DVD player play the DVDs?

Unless you're using a really, really old DVD player, the DVDs should play just fine. I've not had a single complaint about DVDs being unplayable for this reason.

What if the DVDs will not play in my DVD player?

If there's a manufacturing defect in the DVDs, you will receive new DVDs at no charge, and asked to return the defective DVDs.

Download Questions

Who Should Buy Downloads?

People who prefer to watch lessons on their computer, and are computer literate enough to understand the download process.

Are the lessons HD?

Almost. HD resolution starts at 1280x720, and my videos are 960x540. The difference is negligible, but results in a smaller file to download. I try to achieve a very high level of video quality, without creating huge files to download.

What format are the downloadable videos?

Quicktime h.264.

What software do I need to play the videos?

iTunes or the Quicktime player for most people, but the free VLC Player (http://www.videolan.org) is the most reliable player I've found.

What if the videos will not play?

There's a video troubleshooting guide at StevieSnacks http://www.steviesnacks.com/guides/fixing-quicktime-video-playback-issues.html. This will fix most issues. For additional help, contact support, and we'll work it out. The bottom line is that if you can't get the videos to play, you'll get a full refund.

What To Buy

The Lesson User's Guide may answer some of these questions for you.

What should I buy If I'm a beginner?

If you don't know any music theory, start with Essential Theory and Essential Fretboard, and the 5 Essential Blues Boxes. From there, take a look at the beginner lessons of the Shuffle Blues Solo 1 and Slow Blues Solo 1 Series.

What should I buy if my skill level is intermediate?

Everything. Just kidding. Truthfully though, at least 80% of my lessons are aimed at intermediate players. If you've got a solid music theory basis, skip Essential Theory and just start with Essential Fretboard. From there, the only things you may want to avoid is the Covenant lesson which can be kind of advanced.

What should I buy if I'm an advanced player?

If you're really, really advanced, you're probably not shopping here :-) But if you're pretty quick on the draw, and looking for a challenge, check out the advanced lessons in the Slow Blues Solo 1, and Shuffle Blues Solo 1 Series. And you will probably find certain portions of the Covenant lesson challenging.

General

I like free lessons, why should I buy the premium lessons?

The premium lessons cover topics I don't teach in my free lessons. The free lessons are about shallow, immediate topics like "here's how to play this lick" or "here's a tip about this technique". The premium lessons are more about "here's how to navigate the fretboard", or "here's an explanation of every aspect of this technique and some exercises".

Unlike the free lessons, I spend a LOT of time planning the premium lessons, and it results in some very, very enthusiastic feedback from customers.

To put it bluntly, you can watch all the free lessons you want without worrying about being seen as a freeloader because I truly believe you're missing out by doing so. The customers who buy the premium lessons are getting the absolute best lessons I can make.