You didn't really provide much information, the last 4 could be because of signal strength. The first 4 would be an issue, your saying the middle 2 work alright?
Instructables are designed by people who know nothing about electronics.
Look at the datasheet for the LM3915. It shows a resistor between pin 7 and pin 8 that is missing in this circuit. The value of the resistor from pin 8 to ground is very high so the LEDs brightness will be low. Also missing is an important supply bypass capacitor. Also missing is a peak detector circuit that is recommended and a few are shown in the datasheet.