Dweezil has always been the 'unlikely rock star', meaning, he is so humble and appreciative of his fans, such a down to earth guy. And I love that HE loves EVH too.
Lesson for all guitarists at 20:00. Listen closely and see that Dweezil gets a great tone with tons of sustain at a volume you can pretty much talk over in a normal voice. Once again proving that you don't need a massive 100 watt full stack or 1/2 stack cranked to 11 to get a great sound. Good tone at lower volumes is the sign of a pro. Seasoned musicians have a nice balanced sound on stage, let the PA lift the heavy volumes, and don't get in "stage volume wars". BTW love the old school coil cord.
I know a lot of people hate when someone uses a plethora of effects, but I respect those people. I feel like all those pedals add to the creativity of the artist, and shows me how creative they really are.
YES. I have to say Premier Guitar OWES US FANS by getting some new SMART CUTE GAL hosts. (I would be okay with her wearing looser tops than Dirks, however, as her breasts were a super-distraction.)
Premier guitar, thank you for doing Rig Rundowns. Love seeing them, I even watch them for guitarists I don't know/like/care about. Thats how cool they are.
Don't think I've ever written a negative review, but this amazing guitar legend took time out of his busy schedule to go through all of this... have some respect and fix the camera/audio... he's one of the few who actually explains any techniques and ends up with this quality.... "UPVOTE on Dweezil" you are your father's son, but sry buds.... "DOWNVOTE on video."
Been a fan of that guitar sound for years its great to hear again. Son of.Orange county best thing I`ve heard In years Thanks Dweezel for bringin back even better!!!!
Brandon Gordon Hey there's no need to go there...I meant no harm to you...why so angry? I'm a fan of Frank's and sometimes people are curious about his kids,can you not understand that ?
Downloaded??? If you really like the artist or the music they make, buy the LP or CD and support the artist. (and yes... i know not all the money goes to the artist)
His father would be proud... Frank was one of the most amazing musicians on the planet and his sons love for him shows in this interview despite a rotten cameraman! He is poised, generous of his time and gracious... and so much a gentleman...don’t see much of that these days, this is a pleasure!
Saw him in Londn and he likes to hang abut after the show to chat and have pics taken. Really nice guy. And a shit hot guitarist. Gave me the inspiration to actually play mine, that was almost 3 years ago now. And I havent looked back since. I'm still poop, but it got me off xbox
Tyler Vanner it’s not about how good you are today. But, rather how much of a good time your having growing. It’s about how good you’ll be tomorrow! As a music student we will never be satisfied with today because we are always going for the next level! Zappa will provide the inspiration! Enjoy the musical adventure my friend!
This guys cool. It's cool that he took that much time just for us to see his stuff. Wish more guitar players took the time like him instead of being arrogant pricks
generous him spending his time to run this down... a long, informative interview... i agree. frank would be proud to see his talented, articulate son honor him so well...
Went straight from this to "Black Napkins". Enjoyed the run down though. One of the few where I thought I could see the possibility of fun in this sort of thing.
Terrific young man and guitar player. I saw him on this tour at the Belly Up in San Diego. Great show plus afterwards he and the band came out on the floor to shake hands, sign autographs and chat. Rarely do bands interact with the fans like that. He also told his story of the family fighting with him for doing his Dad's music and using the Zappa name. Huh? Apparently the half brothers/sisters wanted a kickback. Tragic.
Just saw ZPZ last night, and met Dweezle after the show. What a great guy. Very personable and down to earth. He really show that he appreciates his fans. And it was his birthday. Thanks for spending your b-day with us in Columbus OH Dwezzle. See you next year...!
There are two types of guitarists in the world: those who do their own Rig Rundowns, and those who make their techs do it. Much respect to the guitarists who do their own rundowns.
Agree with what you say, a brilliant chap, and further to my previous comment, 2 hours and a million notes later, this was after 11pm, he looked up from the table he was at and said "hey Den, wheres that fancy guitar?". He even gave wife wife a hug.
Dweezil is so underrated because he is staying true to his Fathers compositions. If he would have went out at 20 years old and got a band together it would have been fretty pucking good.
funny how the best guitarists seem to be the ones that show up in person. Like the one for Kiss: not one of those guys could show up to talk about their "legendary" (not) sound. The roadies and techs are setting all the shit up anyway. I swear, some of these "rock stars" really seem to lose sight of just exactly what it is they do for a living, and who makes that living possible. The fans! Throw em a bone and show up for the damn rig rundown!!!
success RUINS people, and ruined ALL our favorite bands. from Pink Floyd to the Beatles to the Police to the Eagles and ALL OF THEM... they all say it was SUCCESS that killed the band: money makes people LAZY LAZY LAZY. Ask Axl Rose! That our society looks UP to "Success" is terribly immature. It's just more Grass Is Greener On The Other Side ILLUSION.
Bullshit You're just an entitled social media-list... back in the day you only saw your favorite musicians, either in the music video, live in concert, or a magazine. that's it. They don't owe you zhir2
I use cowhorn picks,they have a lovely organic tone without that clicky-clack sound of plastic or some other types of picks. They're great if you like thick picks.
Its amazing how Dweezil just uses so much science and puts so much work into emulating his hip shooting father, when he himself has surpassed his father when it comes to technical playing, you would expect it would be an easier job for him. Still gotta love both of the Zappa's, no matter how crazy they might lol
He is not a poser, he's carrying the torch of his father's music. We need more people who honor the older generation, rather than Gen X bullshit artists who think they invented sliced bread. Please, don't talk trash about topics you no nothing about.
I love watching anything Dweezil. He just know his shit and everytime he says "...my dad..." I smile. What musician would not like to have that kind of lineage. Frank was a musical genius. His offspring has the same blood in his veins.
I think I've got a man-crush on Dweezil, thanks PG for this, I don't care that the audio was weird at times and the camera was shaking because I still got some great gear insight from a true guitarist.
He sure has come a long way in his skill level over the years. I still think Frank was a genius in so many ways though that no one can really completely recreate.
i dont understand the "poor little zappa" comment, was it meant to be disrespectful, if so, then maybe the commenter hasnt seen/talked to Dweezil. Because if he did, he would realise what a great person in life this man is. i was at the Colston Hall, UK, 2011 tour, he signed everything from anyone who had stuff, he sat on stage, pre gig, signed and played my guitar, there was a chap there who brought almost a suitcase full of stuff to be signed, no bother at all. A great chap guitarist.
Super heavy picks FTW!!! One of the key elements of my own playing (such as it is) is use of a 2mm pick. Thicker, warmer sound, and greater control over dynamics.
Dweezil is just like his dad. pushing most modern technology to its limit then saying how they could improve it, fractal talk to Dwezill for improvements.
+andrew cameron I saw ZPZ in Melbourne a few years ago. The keyboard/trumpet player Aaron Arntz has quit the band about a week earlier, and Ray White didn't bother to get on the plane, so they were 2 guys down. Joe Travers (drummer) handled most of the lead vocals! Memorable night. Dweezil's strat absolutely would not stay in tune that night. I think it was in May and pretty cold in the Palais.
it is a shame that dweezil and his bands never get in tour for places like bogota, it would be fantastic i have the opportunity to see him play only trough here but the live show is other stuff even so i really like any thing that dweezil do.
Heavy pick makes for less top end, less scratchiness - for sure! People always criticize my chunky Dunlop Big Stubby's, I like the clarity and power. It's less forgiving on the strum and you have to learn how to be delicate at times, but I prefer that challenge to losing the dynamics.
From the looks of the interview, the interviewer either failed to capture usable audio by holding the microphone so god damn far away, or there was some other technical issues during recording. Happens more often during productions than you'd realize!
This may be "equipment overkill" for many, but Dweezil is a visionaire, an artist, like his old man. He loves to experiment with sounds. Adrian Belew is like that, too. There's no doubt that Dweezil still would play some incredible stuff armed with only a Tele and a Twin Reverb.
Dweezil has always been the 'unlikely rock star', meaning, he is so humble and appreciative of his fans, such a down to earth guy. And I love that HE loves EVH too.
Dweezil sounds so grounded.
He's grown a lot musically.
What a great human being he's turned out to be.
His Poppa would be proud.
I was blessed enough to see Dweezil play
with Dream theatre.... Best concert ever!
Lesson for all guitarists at 20:00. Listen closely and see that Dweezil gets a great tone with tons of sustain at a volume you can pretty much talk over in a normal voice. Once again proving that you don't need a massive 100 watt full stack or 1/2 stack cranked to 11 to get a great sound. Good tone at lower volumes is the sign of a pro. Seasoned musicians have a nice balanced sound on stage, let the PA lift the heavy volumes, and don't get in "stage volume wars". BTW love the old school coil cord.
i think you need the lesson then
11 is the only way to go bud.
My amp starts at 11 :)
Good luck being able to hear that amp of yours in a few years. :)
I was only joking. I only have a small practice amp :)
Amazing camera work! I'm now sea sick.
Dweezil is an amazing cat, getting all his dad's old sounds and making everything his own. Thanks for sharing this, very cool!
Best Axe-FX rundown you guys have done. Good questions too, nice one.
I know a lot of people hate when someone uses a plethora of effects, but I respect those people. I feel like all those pedals add to the creativity of the artist, and shows me how creative they really are.
no offense to Jason, but one has to wonder if the artist ever thinks... "i really wanted Rebecca Dirks."
haha, yep!
He is a very dry man,,,or very nervous?
YES. I have to say Premier Guitar OWES US FANS by getting some new SMART CUTE GAL hosts. (I would be okay with her wearing looser tops than Dirks, however, as her breasts were a super-distraction.)
She is super knowledgeable and a total gear nerd as well; never a dumb question. Total package.
Wankers
I think it was very nice of Mr. Zappa to take time to discuss his rig setup with the rest of us!
Premier guitar, thank you for doing Rig Rundowns. Love seeing them, I even watch them for guitarists I don't know/like/care about. Thats how cool they are.
Don't think I've ever written a negative review, but this amazing guitar legend took time out of his busy schedule to go through all of this... have some respect and fix the camera/audio... he's one of the few who actually explains any techniques and ends up with this quality.... "UPVOTE on Dweezil" you are your father's son, but sry buds.... "DOWNVOTE on video."
Yeah. Some of these are pretty grim even with legends
Wow. Absolutely fantastic. This is seriously one of the best Rig Rundowns you guys have run.
Been a fan of that guitar sound for years its great to hear again. Son of.Orange county best thing I`ve heard In years Thanks Dweezel for bringin back even better!!!!
+RubixNoobix The Doge What's the dog think?
get ready for don`t eat the yellow snow...
Saw him open for Dream Theater when i was 11 and i was amazed by him. went home and downloaded every zappa song i could
+Brandon Gordon So?
Brandon Gordon Hey there's no need to go there...I meant no harm to you...why so angry? I'm a fan of Frank's and sometimes people are curious about his kids,can you not understand that ?
Downloaded??? If you really like the artist or the music they make, buy the LP or CD and support the artist. (and yes... i know not all the money goes to the artist)
All Day Watcher he was 11
I'm grateful Brandon Gordon deleted his comments. A failure to speak out about lies and deception makes cowards of men.
His father would be proud... Frank was one of the most amazing musicians on the planet and his sons love for him shows in this interview despite a rotten cameraman! He is poised, generous of his time and gracious... and so much a gentleman...don’t see much of that these days, this is a pleasure!
Saw him in Londn and he likes to hang abut after the show to chat and have pics taken. Really nice guy. And a shit hot guitarist. Gave me the inspiration to actually play mine, that was almost 3 years ago now. And I havent looked back since. I'm still poop, but it got me off xbox
Tyler Vanner it’s not about how good you are today. But, rather how much of a good time your having growing. It’s about how good you’ll be tomorrow! As a music student we will never be satisfied with today because we are always going for the next level! Zappa will provide the inspiration! Enjoy the musical adventure my friend!
Dweezil is such a cool humble soul. He deserves all the success he has. Rock on brother!
"...its also good to step on other things to make more noise"
Excellent Rundown. Thank you once again!
This guys cool. It's cool that he took that much time just for us to see his stuff. Wish more guitar players took the time like him instead of being arrogant pricks
This is definitely the best Rig Rundown so far!!! Hands down!
As a videographer, I would advise the camera man to plug the microphone into the camera and not use the handheld as a prop.
Back off on that mic!
This was like a graduate course on pedals! Dweez actually played the pedals whereas other player’s techs simply point at the boxes.
So much better when the artist or someone actually demo's the stuff they use as well as show it.
generous him spending his time to run this down... a long, informative interview... i agree. frank would be proud to see his talented, articulate son honor him so well...
lots of great sounds
Went straight from this to "Black Napkins". Enjoyed the run down though. One of the few where I thought I could see the possibility of fun in this sort of thing.
Dweezil is great....I've become a fan. And his love for EVH is huge...makes him even cooler for me.
I bet Dweezil and Buckethead would get along making all these crazy sounds
Terrific young man and guitar player. I saw him on this tour at the Belly Up in San Diego. Great show plus afterwards he and the band came out on the floor to shake hands, sign autographs and chat. Rarely do bands interact with the fans like that. He also told his story of the family fighting with him for doing his Dad's music and using the Zappa name. Huh? Apparently the half brothers/sisters wanted a kickback. Tragic.
Just saw ZPZ last night, and met Dweezle after the show. What a great guy. Very personable and down to earth. He really show that he appreciates his fans. And it was his birthday. Thanks for spending your b-day with us in Columbus OH Dwezzle. See you next year...!
Don't get too excited guy, you're only getting a rundown on one of the coolest Riggs ever put together.
Roxy-era SG. My favorite FZ lineup. How great to have gotten Napoleon in the ZPZ band.
He's fantastic... an epic tone creating artist. Wow.
A nice combination of digital and analog tech. I like the Jam Pedal Red something fuzz pedal.
My favorite rig rundown ever...it's so cool how Dwees takes his time and shows us all the details and different sounds.
Always so gracious! Great human. Thanks!
Very interesting to hear all about these different wah pedals sounds.
That solo at the end was sick!
Thank you Mr. Zappa!
Been waiting for this vid since forever
Dweezil is just awesome. Zappa must never be forgotten. FZ for president!
Love that Axe FX II
10 points for the amateur camera man. You get the felling that we miss what other vids have shown, certainly with Rebecca Dirks
There are two types of guitarists in the world: those who do their own Rig Rundowns, and those who make their techs do it.
Much respect to the guitarists who do their own rundowns.
Agree with what you say, a brilliant chap, and further to my previous comment, 2 hours and a million notes later, this was after 11pm, he looked up from the table he was at and said "hey Den, wheres that fancy guitar?".
He even gave wife wife a hug.
Dweezil is so underrated because he is staying true to his Fathers compositions. If he would have went out at 20 years old and got a band together it would have been fretty pucking good.
funny how the best guitarists seem to be the ones that show up in person. Like the one for Kiss: not one of those guys could show up to talk about their "legendary" (not) sound. The roadies and techs are setting all the shit up anyway. I swear, some of these "rock stars" really seem to lose sight of just exactly what it is they do for a living, and who makes that living possible. The fans! Throw em a bone and show up for the damn rig rundown!!!
+matthew cohen Never played a guitar in front of people huh?
Tommy done his own rig for KISS
success RUINS people, and ruined ALL our favorite bands. from Pink Floyd to the Beatles to the Police to the Eagles and ALL OF THEM... they all say it was SUCCESS that killed the band: money makes people LAZY LAZY LAZY.
Ask Axl Rose!
That our society looks UP to "Success" is terribly immature. It's just more Grass Is Greener On The Other Side ILLUSION.
Bullshit You're just an entitled social media-list... back in the day you only saw your favorite musicians, either in the music video, live in concert, or a magazine. that's it. They don't owe you zhir2
Love the "Black Napkins" tone at the end!
I use cowhorn picks,they have a lovely organic tone without that clicky-clack sound of plastic or some other types of picks. They're great if you like thick picks.
Just came back from seeing him, you are so right IT WAS AWESOME!!!!
I Like the RRs that have the actual musicians in them. ...Nothing against the Guitar Techs.
Dweezil plays guitar like an Ace, calls his dad "Frank"... we have so much in common.
lol!
Rock on Mr. Zappa.
God he GREAT ...You will love him in concert
finally a musician that understands their gear
Its amazing how Dweezil just uses so much science and puts so much work into emulating his hip shooting father, when he himself has surpassed his father when it comes to technical playing, you would expect it would be an easier job for him. Still gotta love both of the Zappa's, no matter how crazy they might lol
He is not a poser, he's carrying the torch of his father's music. We need more people who honor the older generation, rather than Gen X bullshit artists who think they invented sliced bread. Please, don't talk trash about topics you no nothing about.
beautiful tone
this how interviews should be. thanks Dweezil
I love watching anything Dweezil. He just know his shit and everytime he says "...my dad..." I smile. What musician would not like to have that kind of lineage. Frank was a musical genius. His offspring has the same blood in his veins.
good to see the Zappa insane genius is alive and well :)
I think I've got a man-crush on Dweezil, thanks PG for this, I don't care that the audio was weird at times and the camera was shaking because I still got some great gear insight from a true guitarist.
I can't wait to see Dweezil with Zappa plays Zappa in a week. :D
You´re true...and I´m no expert but I´ve tried various sizes and "thicknesses", and payed attention to people paying with plectrums,so I agree..
Thx aquabot. I was starting to think it was a reference to one of his songs.
That tremolo set up is EPIC!!!
Dweezil should grow a huge epic beard. I saw Frank once,and ZPZ twice I was amazed all 3 times, truly inspired.
Fantastic set-up. But there's a wonderful "Spinal Tap" (this one goes to eleven) moment at 19:16. Dweezil, you rock! :-)
He sure has come a long way in his skill level over the years. I still think Frank was a genius in so many ways though that no one can really completely recreate.
What's up with the audio switching to mono half way through? Also, fire this camera man
Fat Milky
They sent the JV squad out for this rig rundown.
i dont understand the "poor little zappa" comment, was it meant to be disrespectful, if so, then maybe the commenter hasnt seen/talked to Dweezil. Because if he did, he would realise what a great person in life this man is. i was at the Colston Hall, UK, 2011 tour, he signed everything from anyone who had stuff, he sat on stage, pre gig, signed and played my guitar, there was a chap there who brought almost a suitcase full of stuff to be signed, no bother at all. A great chap guitarist.
OMG Thanks for posting up
Anyone know what expression pedal he's using with the tremolo to make it freak out like that?
Saw him in Miami yesterday, freaking amazing
Super heavy picks FTW!!! One of the key elements of my own playing (such as it is) is use of a 2mm pick. Thicker, warmer sound, and greater control over dynamics.
Very true QtommyQ. Dweezil is the greatest at taking care of his fans as you have stated.
Dweezil is just like his dad. pushing most modern technology to its limit then saying how they could improve it, fractal talk to Dwezill for improvements.
that rig is amazing.
Where is left channel on the second part of video?!
Love my Red Bear picks!
Im a pedal junkie. This is the best rundown ive seen
What a generous and personable young man. It was a joy to watch him in spite of the video glitches.
saw the zappa plays zappa tour here in aust. absolutely brilliant...been a Frank fan for 45 years...great to hear Dweezil doing his dads stuff .
Hi from France. Been a Frank fan too (for 35 years...), seen him on stage 3 times and I hope I'll see the Dweezz one day !
he is worth seeing dude.....really great show.
friend me if you like....you have my name for Facebook
..
+andrew cameron I saw ZPZ in Melbourne a few years ago. The keyboard/trumpet player Aaron Arntz has quit the band about a week earlier, and Ray White didn't bother to get on the plane, so they were 2 guys down. Joe Travers (drummer) handled most of the lead vocals! Memorable night. Dweezil's strat absolutely would not stay in tune that night. I think it was in May and pretty cold in the Palais.
saw ZPZ in Newcastle ..same tour...Dweezil and the band were brilliant, I loved it.not a full house,gave me room to move..., up the back...lol.....
"Why don't you play us out".. continues to shove the mic in his face.. lol
well said and he is quite a visionry
Dude, focus and hold still!
I love the "locked in a worm hole." That would be a great album title.
whats the effect he has on at the end of the clip?
great stuff
Great he is carrying on the Zappa Music and Sound.
what happened to that beautiful prs?
it is a shame that dweezil and his bands never get in tour for places like bogota, it would be fantastic i have the opportunity to see him play only trough here but the live show is other stuff even so i really like any thing that dweezil do.
what's the effect he's using on that, never heard anything like it before
So did the sound split right only at 12:50 for anyone else?
Heavy pick makes for less top end, less scratchiness - for sure! People always criticize my chunky Dunlop Big Stubby's, I like the clarity and power. It's less forgiving on the strum and you have to learn how to be delicate at times, but I prefer that challenge to losing the dynamics.
Would love to know what strap he has on that sg
Do this again please!!
From a father like Zappa comes a son like Zappa.
They used the camera mic for the entire interview. Why?
From the looks of the interview, the interviewer either failed to capture usable audio by holding the microphone so god damn far away, or there was some other technical issues during recording. Happens more often during productions than you'd realize!
@Cathal Q People, like myself, who clearly see a mic in front of Zappa's face yet are hearing audio from the camera.
@Cathal Q Some people, like myself.
Wow you really put me in my place, I was unaware that everything that is lawful is total just and humane. Thank you.
This may be "equipment overkill" for many, but Dweezil is a visionaire, an artist, like his old man. He loves to experiment with sounds. Adrian Belew is like that, too.
There's no doubt that Dweezil still would play some incredible stuff armed with only a Tele and a Twin Reverb.