Disclaimer: This is not a topic for bashing but for criticism. I’d like to hear opinions on Janek Gwizdala’s methods.
He’s very active—touring, publishing books, on YouTube, etc. I have a sort of love-hate relationship with him.
I definitely enjoy his music, but I often feel he approaches bass more like a guitarist, especially with his plucking technique.
I love hearing him talk about life choices and music theory, yet I can’t stop thinking that he blatters a lot and enjoys the sound of his own voice a bit too much.
His videos are definitly helper but he adresses to advanced players to my opinion so it could be very challenging for me beginner to follow .
What are your thougths on the man and the contents he provides ?
These kinds of “assessments” are hard… the easy reply would be: “take what you find useful; skip the rest!”
Yes, he is mostly for more advanced players; yes, he likes the sound of his own voice; yes, he is very dedicated to disciplined practice and to providing in-depth, thorough (and quite dry) teaching materials; some of his music is really good - but a lot of his music is not my cup of tea; yes, he is an accomplished player and likes to play solos, but he is also a pedal wizard and not afraid to explore them to the fullest
Funny thing is, I could make almost the identical statements about other guys, say, Evan Marien… awesome/phenomenal player; his own music is hit and miss; his teachings are almost exclusively for advanced players, but there is lots of wisdom applicable for everyone; and he’s a very nice dude.
Personally, with guys like those: I keep them on my radar, keep an eye on what they are doing, but have most of their exercises, licks, technique tips in my “for later” box
Otherwise, see my somewhat flippant remark at the beginning
I have his pentatonic book and while I can see it is good he assumes you have a fair bit of background knowledge and it is a bit hard going, ie huge learning curve
I think he plays like a classical guitarist and is very talented. I think it is cool. I love seeing the bass being played as a solo instrument.
If you like his style and aspire to play like that follow him.
I would take any one of his bass in a heartbeat and the relic blue ooh! Nice!!!
My preference is the bass to do less not more. I like basses that can do it all but love, no obsessed with basses that can do one may be two things well. For example; Joe Dart bass, Leland Skylar signature star bass.
Thank You @Evil_Morty, for bringing Janek to my attention. I had never heard of him before. I watched a few of his videos. Yes he is chatty, but he does say alot of value in his speeches. My key take aways from him is relaxation when practicing. I am digging how he holds his base when sitting. very classical like- It seems relaxing and perhaps less physical movement to get around the fret board.
Thanks again.
After watching several you tube vids featuring Janek I decided to purchase his Pentatonics book. First impression is the paper quality isn’t that good! I think it would be true to say that he wants you to find your own ‘voice’ and style. The first few pages gives multiple fingerings for a major and minor pentatonic scale and he says “choose the one that suits you and you feel most comfortable with”. If you don’t read the dots you either a) work them out or b) turn to the middle of the book where the info is repeated in tab form. I’m not a particularly fan of his style of jazz playing but he majors on repetition, repetition, and more repetition to get things embedded under your fingers. I can’t say much more as I’ve only gone over the first few pages but I am convinced if I can stick at it then I will improve.
