This is a quick look at one of the lesser known parts of tour prep, the hours spent on sound design. I'm in the ball park with this but still have some tweaking left. What do you think?
Awesome to watch, man. One thing you could always do is get the live tone as close as possible and then record a DI to re-amp and tweak when you're mixing the recordings.
Hi Dweezil. I will be looking forward to this song when you play it in Houston. The sound design and guitar parts sound authentic to me. It could be tasty to do your own version with horns and noise makers and other stuff that is unique to this iteration of your band.
It sounds great, one of my favorite Van Halen tunes. I know what you mean, you could probably play this 1000 times trying to dial it in and never be satisfied. Musicians like Eddie and your Dad are Picassos of modern music, so your interpretation is all that you can bring. And you always treat the music with the full respect that it deserves, and it shows in your preparation and in your playing. Enjoyed hearing you play one of the master works by the king 👑
You are obsessed and we luv ya for it! Audio-wise, damn it sounds very convincing to me brother - how is the amp feel under your fingers, is that what has you hung up? Because that sound nails it to me. Your pursuit of perfection is admired! C ya in New Orleans!
Aside from you being a gifted musician, I wanted to, THANK YOU, for keeping EVH’s memory and music alive! Just like your dad’s music, EVH’s need to be studied, continued and brought forward for the next generations coming! You’re a genuine person and musician in your own right, and musicians remember and share, “their” hero’s who made them who they are! Appreciate all ya do, DZ!! Love this channel and where you are going with it!
Thank you! Some people might mistake the tone chasing journey to be about perfection but for me it's about uncovering the nuances and details in the sound and using them to my advantage to play the song with even better feel. The discoveries along the journey are the most fun and interesting parts of the process.
Don't let perfect be the enemy of good! Everyone appreciates the attention to detail, but it should never be a false trade-off between good sound and getting the right notes. Make sure you take the time to relax, or your mental health will suffer. Thank you for sharing these special moments, as always!
1:41 I find this fascinating and I think digital modeling greatly contributes to this analysis paralysis. Digital modeling gives us endless simple options. Modeling gives us access to hundreds of amps and cabinets and effects. We don't have to find a pedal, change an amp or tube, pull a cable, move a microphone or anything else. We just click and move and the simplicity of changing our tone can become a dominating factor in our practice. I've also learned through modeling that there is more than one path to a certain tone. It can become overwhelming. Also, how many of us have found a tone, gone to bed and then woke up the next morning only to question what the hell we were thinking last night. I'm not a touring musician but I certainly do this in my kitchen all the time. If I could just find the right tone that sounds perfect and doesn't make the shelf in my toaster oven rattle. We feel your pain. But hey, we have options. It's the new golden age of guitar. 😁
I agree, I’ve always called it “option paralysis” - working within a neat set of limitations and rules can be very satisfying. As for the “what the hell was I thinking” aspect - I’ve had this so many times. It’s better to time-box your efforts and come back with fresh ears.
The funny part is that finding the right sound for anything is the most fun part of making music, for me. I would happily do it all day long every day.
At the time of the video I was fixing an issue with the left side of the sound. In the in ear mix, the left side was distorting in a distracting way and I needed to balance it out. Fresh ears do help!
Brother, Eddie was free with his notes. To me, and I never met the man like you have, anyway, I believe that his unbanned note choices were free of thought . He understood in his head where it should go, then opened up to the feeling and expression on the notes. I believe that's why he never mostly played it the same every time , it was freeing the standard of boring structures of notes, more of letting go for the expression of his sonic delivery. I mean, look at any of the music videos. His right hand is a f'en monster , his timing is insane the use of his swing tempo's structures is utterly fantastic. His guitar playing is truly freedom.
@thedweezilzappa . You are an extremely passionate and talented musician. Just like your father. You're taking your passion to the next level . It's such a beautiful process. The innate abilities of your creativity are the same as Frank Eddie or whoever . I, too, am always tweaking my gear and doing less practicing. It's a new digital age. All this new modeling is great, but talking away from the time playing and just having fun with music . I understand it must become extremely overwhelming before touring . I'm know that is the topic of this video and it process, I really wish I would have followed my more creative path as a professional musician, maybe in the next life. Anyway, the guitar is also your extension of who you are. You're as brilliant with it as any one of them ! Have a great time touring. Have fun be bold .. fuck it up lol. Remember, the best music isn't perfect. That's what makes it beautiful and memorable.
I can totally relate to what your mean by " playing the sound", it sure does something to you and the whole experience of playing a song with the right sound. Because you´re there. You are back with your air guitar as a kid, with all of those emotions running through you hearing the song for the first time. At least for me. Paying tribute is one thing, but the sheer experience of a sound takes you places due to the connection between our hearing and memory. With all of this above said: damn I´m glad I´m a drummer. Tweaking a drum sound to come close to something specific is just a waste of time since the local FOH always screw up your sound in the end. :D
I appreciate your comment. Playing the sound is completely connected to the nostalgia of time and place, imprinting and creation of sensory experience. All of those things contribute to making the song more playable in the best way possible.
I totally get it. My buddy and I just did a cover of Outta Love Again and the process of matching the sound is both maddening and fun as hell. No one would ever mistake my playing for EVH but I try anyway since like DZ I'm somewhat obsessed. In the end we get it to a place we're happy with and move on (Pat Travers was next).
I think Mr. Zappa would be proud that Dweezil spends an enormous amount of time, dedication, and effort into producing a quality product. This is a quality that few people endeavor.
The dedication you demonstrate to painstakingly reconstruct the technical aspects and the nuanced sonic details of this deep composition put your artistry at the highest level.
Looking forward to the day when Dweezil goes out on tour and does 70% HIS music from all his albums, 20% his dad's music and 10% Van Halen and other 80s rock he loved. That would be 100% KICK ASS!
Amen brother. At a certain point, it's no longer about the playing, it's only about the sound. If the sound isn't what you need it to be, you don't want to play. I am in the middle of a similar issue with Ed's 1984 sound. So much so that I'm consumed with it and haven't recorded any covers in over 6 months. Great stuff though Dweezil.
Incredibly inspiring. You never settle for mediocrity and push the envelope of your overall sounds/sound design to the next level. Thanks all your hard work it reflects in the shows/your playing and respecting your dads music. Thanks.
This recording is so hard to fathom. And Ed and Al didn’t seem to care for it. It was like they just put it in the category of a “Dave song” that they didn’t really want to do like “Jamie’s Cryin’” and “Dance the Night Away”. Yet Ed made such a big deal about Mike never getting the bass part to his satisfaction…he was just seething with anger at Mike about it. It’s so damned good and I wonder if Ed had any appreciation for how insanely good the song and recording came out in the end. Did he even have a clue that you and me and many others feel like it could be the single best thing he ever wrote, recorded and played on? Does it matter?! It is so great. Big balls to tackle this one man!
With all your effort, I know one thing my brother. It will sound amazing and the fact that you're essentially doing this for me and others just like me will make the show just that much better. The audience can always hear the 120% effort and love you put into it. The Zappa meets Zappa show I saw in Asheville NC left me in tears! Seeing you exchange solo's with your dad was a visual and auditory masterpiece of seamlessness. Was it Ray white or Ike who stoped the show cause i wouldn't stop screaming from the back row, he finally pointed towards me and said folks l think we have a fan in the audience 😂❤🎸🏁
A tip of the hat...a salute...and a deep bow. The struggle is real...but you got this! It's sounding great and you're so close! Oh...and once you got it dialed in....forget the click track and bring in that VH swagger-groove! (the secret sauce!) As Phil Hartman said as another Frank...you gotta swing baby! Keep at it man! Sending you strength! Cheers from Hong Kong Dweezil!
Dweezil, you are THE MAN for bringing THIS song to life. I've always loved it. It's odd, but it's great stuff! Long live The Mighty Van Halen ( and Zappa, too )! 🔥😎👏💯🎯
I had the pleasure of meeting you at a guitar clinic you hosted the afternoon before a Zappa Plays Zappa show back around maybe 2011 or 2012 at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It was a great afternoon and a fantastic show. Looking forward to the upcoming Newton Theater show in NJ. Cheers.
When my tweakage obsession overpowers my composition attempts, I put down the old Strat and pick up my 50 year old beater acoustic. Brings me back to why I play guitar in the first place. Sounds great DZ!🎉
Hell Yeah Dweezil! Classic VH Track. Fair Warning and Women And Children First are the best Van Halen in my opinion. You are going to do great! Do not try to be too hard on yourself Man. Looking forward to the Tour! All the best 🤘💀☠️🤘
Wow, thank you, just thank you, 🙏 what an incredible VH song , a favorite Ed solo among his guitar playing fans, don't be too hard on yourself, it is sounding incredible right now! That tone is a holy Grail tone , look forward to the fruits of your labor, honestly I teared up over this, still can't believe he is gone, Edward changed my life, just through the music, and him being him, saw em live x 2, w Dave and Sam. Hit me in the feels with this Mr. Zappa🎉❤🎵
@thedweezilzappa didn't you have him play some of the solo on the incredible project with all the amazing players?!? Pretty sure I've seen you play the solo before, or at least that opening right hand tap/hammer on tapped harmonic part, I've attempted this song and well really every VH song over the years, Fair warning easily my favorite album, love all the songs, of course mean street, dirty movies, the groove, all the defending chromatic parts, how are you doing the into on push to shove? That is a difficult thing to really nail to me, tone,/ feedback/ and something about how he is hitting, hammering or strumming different, also sinners swing, groove plus how the b and g ring with the low strings on that riff is just awesome sounding and feeling to play, sorry for geeking out over Edward but I know you understand!
@thedweezilzappa Wolfgang, Al VH, DLR, Mike Anthony all must be proud and shocked how good your doing this, never seen anyone nail this song, especially live like this, much love and respect
@thedweezilzappa one more thing, the rasta guitar Edward gave you, he could have played this song on that guitar!?! Or at least the fair warning tour certainly it was getting used, just saying it would be an amazing moment for that guitar if you brought it out for this !!
He nailed it, right at the end of the video, that's the sound. I could never choose between WACF & FW, as far as which guitar tone i preferred. They both sounded like the epitome of the Brown sound, maybe WACF was a bit darker and FW much brighter, yet they both had that classic Edward sound & attack. "Push" is so tricky with those heavy, yet funky rhythms, all the mutes & little flange like sweeps.
“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” - Voltaire. Of course this needs to be balanced with pride in your art. Sounds great, you are an inspiration.
Hey Dweezil - We all love Eddie's sound, but we love your sound too, so you can give yourself much more flexibility to be yourself. You're not a tribute band - you're you and not just any old you, you are DWEEZIL YOU!
Think us guitar nerds have these problems,constantly tweaking knobs,trying different gear, seems to my problem for sure, spend more time with all the other things than just practicing the parts, like when I was first learning. Think you got it. Sounds great, Dweezil 🙌
Omg I could watch that for hours! More please!! Need to watch your hands and listen on good system. So awesome your doing this, I’m such a geek for this sh..🤓I’ve always wanted to know how to play this song, How bout a lesson?! I switched from 10’s to 9’s (Evh strings) and was surprised how much closer my sound got by that one thing for me playing VH. Please share more! 🙏Showing us what seems impossible is possible, way to start the year! Love ya Dweezil!❤🤘🏽🙏💪🏽
THAT TONE ( at :50 onwards and at 1:36 specifically ) just brings a huge smile to my face. Sounding great so far ( especially from 3:54 where it sounds like you put more " mids " in the tone- The flanger sounds good as well ). Keep up the almighty work, Dweezil! And happy new year!
Hey Dweezil, maybe if you switch from the neck pickup to either the bridge or something in between to get a better sound that maybe is not quite so muffled or mushy sounding like the neck pickup tends to do.
We'll see you in San Antonio. Eric going to be there? Saw Frank 51 years ago this month in Sacramento. Andy and Echidna's blew me away back then. :) Thanks!!!!
It’s tough to say “good enough” when you have three different priorities. The first is “does it sound like I want it to so I can play it the way I hear it?” That is the highest priority. All of the other issues are secondary to that because the performance is the source for everything else. The live sound will change a bit from venue to venue, back line, etc., so trying to nail that down to a very specific sound is tough and is a never ending task, so I’d focus on what you in ears sound like because that drives the performance. For a live recording, same question - Does it sound good in the mix? Every performance is different and unique so you’re capturing the “now”. A studio recording is a different beast. Then the question becomes why are you recording it?
Thank you Dweezil for your loyalty to that Van Halen sound. It holds a very sweet spot. Understanding and documenting for the masses that sound is a noble venture. You have to think . . . how much time did EVH spend trying to get "that" sound. Some. Much of that "sound" is the result of 1,000,000 accidental elements (everything between his physical guitar and your ears) including your memory of it. Don't sweat the small stuff . . . and enjoy yourself. We in the audience will if you do.
This tune is Eddie in his pick, wonderful harmonies, creative guitar parts, outstanding solo. You are nailing it both playing and sound designing, can't wait to listen to the final version
@@thedweezilzappa that flanger in the bridge part is magical, for sure you are not putting it at 100% wet, that's why all the flanges in Fair Warning sound so beautiful and organic
Remember that Eddie, himself, would play that today with a different sound. I say get close and then tweak it to YOUR preference. I'm pretty sure that would be his advice, as well. He wouldn't want you pulling your hair out over what was, to him, a happy accident song.
Hey man, just wanna say I appreciate what you’re doing and it definitely sounds good. I know this is gonna sound a little weird, but I want to make a suggestion; put the guitar down (and this is not while everyone’s in the room) I mean when everyone’s home and you’re by yourself and you’re just listening to this song just get up and dance to it. It’s gonna connect you with the song physically. Your hands will get the message. It works for me and I have a feeling it will work for you. Would love to see y’all live in Raleigh, NC? Coincidentally, a brown-sound amp guru guy named Ossie Ahsen lives in Raleigh, in case your Marshall needs a tweak.
EVH would be smiling from heaven if you shine in your own version. There's something inauthentic and a fool's errand about trying to get it exactly right. Especially when you are busy making your own contribution! Too talented - got your own thing.
I see your perspective. I tend to think of music that I love and respect as a goal to reach. On the other side of the goal is my experience and interpretation which may lead to a new contribution but the process of learning to play the song as it was actually performed is a fascinating journey especially when paired with the reverse engineering of the sound. I think of it almost like recreating the best meal you've ever had. It would be great to know exactly how to make it and have the knowledge that you can do it.
@@thedweezilzappa I understand. You and the bass player need to shorten the short notes. EVH whips the thin pick like it's on the verge of double-dotting. I think your thicker pick doesn't lend itself to that articulation. Anyway, thanks for the reply. I love what you do!
These snippets are really interesting about your drive and desire to pursue a sound befitting the original. BTW, I've only seen you live once in Brisbane Australia with the Zappa plays Zappa tour around 2007... with Steve Vai guesting. It would be great to see you out this way again... even to NZ if you can.
Dweezil I’m not a musician but the sounds being right is the main thing I can hear. If I don’t hear certain frequencies the song just sounds like a bad cover. I appreciate you ocd man. Ear candy is what it’s all about.
It'll sound GREAT once you frickin crank it bro!! but, I agree... it's like a painting or a book... it is never really ever finished. I guess being a perfectionist has its pros and cons... Anyway, I 'd say you're pretty much dead on, maybe dial back the flange a hair and always: mid-range boost!
This great stuff...thanks for sharing. You might try reaching out to Eric Johnson (seriously) to have a conversation about the "search for the ideal sound" and how maintain balance and happiness when you're operating in a complex environment (touring and life) at such a high level of proficiency. Few people grok this like you and EJ. Bon chance.
It's funny, he does a very similar thing but it's not necessarily about recreating a sound, it's about making sure his sound feels right for that particular performance. There is a layer of comfort provided in knowing what to expect when you need to perform something the way you want. You need to rely on the gear to deliver what you need at the time you need it.
Nailed it at the very end. Can we get you on the Best of all Worlds tour with Sammy? Joe is great (obviously) but you are going after Ed's sound more than he did.
It’s funny because as far as I know VH didn’t use much in the way of rack effect etc. Just for whatever it is, it’s rough o dial in someone else’s sound. Even simple stuff like Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley from Alive. You can sound close, but really try and dial in those tones exactly. I’m almost certain they were just plug and play for whatever that’s wort. FYI, making zero comparison here to one talent over the other. It’s just really hard to nail someone else’s stuff. I have a Rockman XP100 and the closest I can get to Tom is pretty good. Though I can nail the songs lol. Best of luck bro. If anyone can do it, you can.
Thanks. Most of the fun comes from finding the sound that makes the playing come to life. You wouldn't make Italian food with Chinese ingredients. I like to be in the ballpark with the sound before digging in and playing.
Amen. Not an easy task:). Having nothing to do with skill. Why I brought up the Kiss thing lol. In what you posted, I believe you sounded as close as possible. You're better than me in every way and are hearing something. I follow this, not just in support of someone. I care aout it but because if anyone can do it, you can. I learn. I never want to stop doing that.
This is a quick look at one of the lesser known parts of tour prep, the hours spent on sound design. I'm in the ball park with this but still have some tweaking left. What do you think?
I saw you in San Diego a couple of months ago. Great show!
Awesome to watch, man. One thing you could always do is get the live tone as close as possible and then record a DI to re-amp and tweak when you're mixing the recordings.
Hi Dweezil.
I will be looking forward to this song when you play it in Houston. The sound design and guitar parts sound authentic to me. It could be tasty to do your own version with horns and noise makers and other stuff that is unique to this iteration of your band.
It sounds great, one of my favorite Van Halen tunes. I know what you mean, you could probably play this 1000 times trying to dial it in and never be satisfied. Musicians like Eddie and your Dad are Picassos of modern music, so your interpretation is all that you can bring. And you always treat the music with the full respect that it deserves, and it shows in your preparation and in your playing. Enjoyed hearing you play one of the master works by the king 👑
You are obsessed and we luv ya for it! Audio-wise, damn it sounds very convincing to me brother - how is the amp feel
under your fingers, is that what has you hung up? Because that sound nails it to me. Your
pursuit of perfection is admired! C ya in New Orleans!
I think it sounds just like the record. Your tone search is definitely not going unrewarded!
Thanks! I'm still working on little details. The closer I can get it, the better I will be able to play it and the more of an homage it will be.
Aside from you being a gifted musician, I wanted to, THANK YOU, for keeping EVH’s memory and music alive! Just like your dad’s music, EVH’s need to be studied, continued and brought forward for the next generations coming! You’re a genuine person and musician in your own right, and musicians remember and share, “their” hero’s who made them who they are! Appreciate all ya do, DZ!! Love this channel and where you are going with it!
Thank you! Some people might mistake the tone chasing journey to be about perfection but for me it's about uncovering the nuances and details in the sound and using them to my advantage to play the song with even better feel. The discoveries along the journey are the most fun and interesting parts of the process.
So few will ever know the trepidation and joy of bringing a song to life.
Don't let perfect be the enemy of good! Everyone appreciates the attention to detail, but it should never be a false trade-off between good sound and getting the right notes. Make sure you take the time to relax, or your mental health will suffer. Thank you for sharing these special moments, as always!
Definitely always strive for a balance of both! Thanks!
1:41 I find this fascinating and I think digital modeling greatly contributes to this analysis paralysis. Digital modeling gives us endless simple options. Modeling gives us access to hundreds of amps and cabinets and effects. We don't have to find a pedal, change an amp or tube, pull a cable, move a microphone or anything else. We just click and move and the simplicity of changing our tone can become a dominating factor in our practice. I've also learned through modeling that there is more than one path to a certain tone. It can become overwhelming. Also, how many of us have found a tone, gone to bed and then woke up the next morning only to question what the hell we were thinking last night. I'm not a touring musician but I certainly do this in my kitchen all the time. If I could just find the right tone that sounds perfect and doesn't make the shelf in my toaster oven rattle. We feel your pain. But hey, we have options. It's the new golden age of guitar. 😁
I agree, I’ve always called it “option paralysis” - working within a neat set of limitations and rules can be very satisfying. As for the “what the hell was I thinking” aspect - I’ve had this so many times. It’s better to time-box your efforts and come back with fresh ears.
The funny part is that finding the right sound for anything is the most fun part of making music, for me. I would happily do it all day long every day.
At the time of the video I was fixing an issue with the left side of the sound. In the in ear mix, the left side was distorting in a distracting way and I needed to balance it out. Fresh ears do help!
Play your sound Dweezil. Don't stress on playing it 'how it should sound.' Create your own destiny not your dads.
This is what happens when you’re a perfectionist musician, we will never stop reaching for “greatness”
You got this! It’s awesome! EVH would have been flattered at the effort you’ve taken to recreate the magic of this song!
I love the song!
Brother, Eddie was free with his notes. To me, and I never met the man like you have, anyway, I believe that his unbanned note choices were free of thought . He understood in his head where it should go, then opened up to the feeling and expression on the notes. I believe that's why he never mostly played it the same every time , it was freeing the standard of boring structures of notes, more of letting go for the expression of his sonic delivery.
I mean, look at any of the music videos. His right hand is a f'en monster , his timing is insane the use of his swing tempo's structures is utterly fantastic. His guitar playing is truly freedom.
The guitar was a natural extension of him.
@thedweezilzappa . You are an extremely passionate and talented musician. Just like your father. You're taking your passion to the next level . It's such a beautiful process. The innate abilities of your creativity are the same as Frank Eddie or whoever . I, too, am always tweaking my gear and doing less practicing. It's a new digital age. All this new modeling is great, but talking away from the time playing and just having fun with music . I understand it must become extremely overwhelming before touring . I'm know that is the topic of this video and it process, I really wish I would have followed my more creative path as a professional musician, maybe in the next life. Anyway, the guitar is also your extension of who you are. You're as brilliant with it as any one of them ! Have a great time touring. Have fun be bold .. fuck it up lol. Remember, the best music isn't perfect. That's what makes it beautiful and memorable.
I can totally relate to what your mean by " playing the sound", it sure does something to you and the whole experience of playing a song with the right sound. Because you´re there. You are back with your air guitar as a kid, with all of those emotions running through you hearing the song for the first time. At least for me.
Paying tribute is one thing, but the sheer experience of a sound takes you places due to the connection between our hearing and memory.
With all of this above said: damn I´m glad I´m a drummer. Tweaking a drum sound to come close to something specific is just a waste of time since the local FOH always screw up your sound in the end. :D
I appreciate your comment. Playing the sound is completely connected to the nostalgia of time and place, imprinting and creation of sensory experience. All of those things contribute to making the song more playable in the best way possible.
I totally get it. My buddy and I just did a cover of Outta Love Again and the process of matching the sound is both maddening and fun as hell. No one would ever mistake my playing for EVH but I try anyway since like DZ I'm somewhat obsessed. In the end we get it to a place we're happy with and move on (Pat Travers was next).
I really appreciate this insight. Thank you, Dweezil. Your father would be so proud
Frank would be proud because Dweezil is matching a Van Halen sound?
Thank you for the kind words.
I think Mr. Zappa would be proud that Dweezil spends an enormous amount of time, dedication, and effort into producing a quality product. This is a quality that few people endeavor.
@@centaurld6442 I agree that frank would be proud with dweezils efforts on zappas music, but this seems to be the strangest video to post this.
@@stefanstrittmatter6459 and when have you ever known a Zappa to be predictable or not-strange?
The dedication you demonstrate to painstakingly reconstruct the technical aspects and the nuanced sonic details of this deep composition put your artistry at the highest level.
Looking forward to the day when Dweezil goes out on tour and does 70% HIS music from all his albums, 20% his dad's music and 10% Van Halen and other 80s rock he loved. That would be 100% KICK ASS!
Ah my young lotus you are fast coming into your own. Happiness as you continue your journey to the Zen.
Push Comes..... is one of my fav EVH solos too. Please come to the Netherlands Dweezil so I can see you play this masterpiece live!!!!
From someone who absolutely loves the Fair Warning album. I will tell you that I appreciate you working so hard on it. See you in Chattanooga!
Thank you! See you there!
Just what I was hoping for reading the thumbnail! My favorite EVH masterpiece.
Dweezil we are so excited to see you in Texas!!! I hope you can find some zen in these crazy days before the tour begins!
Amen brother. At a certain point, it's no longer about the playing, it's only about the sound. If the sound isn't what you need it to be, you don't want to play. I am in the middle of a similar issue with Ed's 1984 sound. So much so that I'm consumed with it and haven't recorded any covers in over 6 months. Great stuff though Dweezil.
Incredibly inspiring. You never settle for mediocrity and push the envelope of your overall sounds/sound design to the next level. Thanks all your hard work it reflects in the shows/your playing and respecting your dads music. Thanks.
Thank you for the kind words.
Sounds pretty bad ass from where I'm sittin', Dweez... we all appreciate your zeal, bro! That's such a sick jam too, fuuuuuck! Cheers, from Detroit!
Thanks! I love that song.
This recording is so hard to fathom. And Ed and Al didn’t seem to care for it. It was like they just put it in the category of a “Dave song” that they didn’t really want to do like “Jamie’s Cryin’” and “Dance the Night Away”. Yet Ed made such a big deal about Mike never getting the bass part to his satisfaction…he was just seething with anger at Mike about it. It’s so damned good and I wonder if Ed had any appreciation for how insanely good the song and recording came out in the end. Did he even have a clue that you and me and many others feel like it could be the single best thing he ever wrote, recorded and played on? Does it matter?! It is so great. Big balls to tackle this one man!
Even in this early stage this sounds sooooo freaking cool! My favorite VH song come to life by one of my other favorite guitar players! Thank you!
Thank you!
Dude, that sound and you're playing is amazing as always!
With all your effort, I know one thing my brother. It will sound amazing and the fact that you're essentially doing this for me and others just like me will make the show just that much better. The audience can always hear the 120% effort and love you put into it. The Zappa meets Zappa show I saw in Asheville NC left me in tears! Seeing you exchange solo's with your dad was a visual and auditory masterpiece of seamlessness. Was it Ray white or Ike who stoped the show cause i wouldn't stop screaming from the back row, he finally pointed towards me and said folks l think we have a fan in the audience 😂❤🎸🏁
A tip of the hat...a salute...and a deep bow. The struggle is real...but you got this! It's sounding great and you're so close! Oh...and once you got it dialed in....forget the click track and bring in that VH swagger-groove! (the secret sauce!) As Phil Hartman said as another Frank...you gotta swing baby! Keep at it man! Sending you strength! Cheers from Hong Kong Dweezil!
love this song. one of my favs from VH. You got it going on already. 👍
Eddie's best. Great work brother!
Hey Dweezil I hope you’ll tour the Netherlands in the coming months. What a tone ❤
Can’t wait to hear you play the solo!
Dweezil, you are THE MAN for bringing THIS song to life. I've always loved it. It's odd, but it's great stuff! Long live The Mighty Van Halen ( and Zappa, too )! 🔥😎👏💯🎯
Can't wait. See you in Nashville.
Thank you for the video!
Love it. ❤
I had the pleasure of meeting you at a guitar clinic you hosted the afternoon before a Zappa Plays Zappa show back around maybe 2011 or 2012 at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It was a great afternoon and a fantastic show. Looking forward to the upcoming Newton Theater show in NJ. Cheers.
Flanger sound is great!
Damn good timing yo get
To see this in between sets tonight. Can't wait to see
You on the road. Killing
It D
When my tweakage obsession overpowers my composition attempts, I put down the old Strat and pick up my 50 year old beater acoustic. Brings me back to why I play guitar in the first place. Sounds great DZ!🎉
Hell Yeah Dweezil! Classic VH Track. Fair Warning and Women And Children First are the best Van Halen in my opinion. You are going to do great! Do not try to be too hard on yourself Man. Looking forward to the Tour! All the best 🤘💀☠️🤘
Sounds great to me! Thank you for sharing everything with us! You got this!👍
Sasquatch Prevention
Happy New Year Dweez! 🎸
Wow, thank you, just thank you, 🙏 what an incredible VH song , a favorite Ed solo among his guitar playing fans, don't be too hard on yourself, it is sounding incredible right now! That tone is a holy Grail tone , look forward to the fruits of your labor, honestly I teared up over this, still can't believe he is gone, Edward changed my life, just through the music, and him being him, saw em live x 2, w Dave and Sam. Hit me in the feels with this Mr. Zappa🎉❤🎵
I totally get it. It is the Holy Grail tone and song for me. That is why I am putting in so much effort to make it sound like it's in the ball park.
@thedweezilzappa didn't you have him play some of the solo on the incredible project with all the amazing players?!? Pretty sure I've seen you play the solo before, or at least that opening right hand tap/hammer on tapped harmonic part, I've attempted this song and well really every VH song over the years, Fair warning easily my favorite album, love all the songs, of course mean street, dirty movies, the groove, all the defending chromatic parts, how are you doing the into on push to shove? That is a difficult thing to really nail to me, tone,/ feedback/ and something about how he is hitting, hammering or strumming different, also sinners swing, groove plus how the b and g ring with the low strings on that riff is just awesome sounding and feeling to play, sorry for geeking out over Edward but I know you understand!
Sp descending
@thedweezilzappa Wolfgang, Al VH, DLR, Mike Anthony all must be proud and shocked how good your doing this, never seen anyone nail this song, especially live like this, much love and respect
@thedweezilzappa one more thing, the rasta guitar Edward gave you, he could have played this song on that guitar!?! Or at least the fair warning tour certainly it was getting used, just saying it would be an amazing moment for that guitar if you brought it out for this !!
Thanks, Dweezil. Amazing how dedicated to the sound you are. Awesome perseverance.
Tone Chaser. So much respect for this man...🙏
Just terrific pal.😀
Thanks!
He nailed it, right at the end of the video, that's the sound.
I could never choose between WACF & FW, as far as which guitar tone i preferred.
They both sounded like the epitome of the Brown sound, maybe WACF was a bit darker
and FW much brighter, yet they both had that classic Edward sound & attack.
"Push" is so tricky with those heavy, yet funky rhythms, all the mutes & little flange like sweeps.
Yes. Sounds just a bit different but VERY close and AMAZING!
Fantastic work! So much detail in the playing combined with the sound. Wow!!
“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” - Voltaire. Of course this needs to be balanced with pride in your art. Sounds great, you are an inspiration.
I'm trying to balance both! Thanks!
I love that you are doing that song!
Dig the beauty of your digs.
Tweak on Rocker Dweez!
Hey Dweezil - We all love Eddie's sound, but we love your sound too, so you can give yourself much more flexibility to be yourself. You're not a tribute band - you're you and not just any old you, you are DWEEZIL YOU!
Thanks! I am aware of that perspective as well. I do enjoy the learning process of discovering the nuances.
Think us guitar nerds have these problems,constantly tweaking knobs,trying different gear, seems to my problem for sure, spend more time with all the other things than just practicing the parts, like when I was first learning.
Think you got it. Sounds great, Dweezil 🙌
sounds really good dweezil
Thanks!
Omg I could watch that for hours! More please!! Need to watch your hands and listen on good system. So awesome your doing this, I’m such a geek for this sh..🤓I’ve always wanted to know how to play this song, How bout a lesson?! I switched from 10’s to 9’s (Evh strings) and was surprised how much closer my sound got by that one thing for me playing VH. Please share more! 🙏Showing us what seems impossible is possible, way to start the year! Love ya Dweezil!❤🤘🏽🙏💪🏽
Thanks! At some point after the tour, I'll do a full break down of the song.
See you Friday Dweezil!
Oh I'm so happy. What a great Sunday. Good luck and nail it. You will. You got those 55 bro
THAT TONE ( at :50 onwards and at 1:36 specifically ) just brings a huge smile to my face. Sounding great so far ( especially from 3:54 where it sounds like you put more " mids " in the tone- The flanger sounds good as well ). Keep up the almighty work, Dweezil! And happy new year!
Phaser too.
Thank you! I'm having fun with it!
I still consider the “Fair Warning” guitar tone as my ideal tone. It’s simply perfect.
Sounds amazing
Hey Dweezil, maybe if you switch from the neck pickup to either the bridge or something in between to get a better sound that maybe is not quite so muffled or mushy sounding like the neck pickup tends to do.
We'll see you in San Antonio. Eric going to be there? Saw Frank 51 years ago this month in Sacramento. Andy and Echidna's blew me away back then. :) Thanks!!!!
Thanks, we will see you soon. We are playing Echidna's Arf!
Fair Warning the best VH record ever!!
I totally agree!
Diggin' that Shabat!
1:56 - never a truer word spoken regarding finding the sound - particularly with modellers
Sounds like you nailed the sound in the end
Good job!!!
You could have an interesting conversation with EJ about chasing tones.✌️
good luck on the tour man !!
It was played live in Toronto..fair warning tour...I was there and heard it!! See u in Toronto!
I have never heard it on any bootlegs anywhere. I wonder if there is a Toronto FW bootleg to reference? Anyone?
It’s tough to say “good enough” when you have three different priorities. The first is “does it sound like I want it to so I can play it the way I hear it?” That is the highest priority. All of the other issues are secondary to that because the performance is the source for everything else. The live sound will change a bit from venue to venue, back line, etc., so trying to nail that down to a very specific sound is tough and is a never ending task, so I’d focus on what you in ears sound like because that drives the performance. For a live recording, same question - Does it sound good in the mix? Every performance is different and unique so you’re capturing the “now”. A studio recording is a different beast. Then the question becomes why are you recording it?
YO DWEEZIL .....RESPECT MAN.
I feel you Dweezil 😂 2:48
BEAUTIMOUS!
Dude Its Perfect, It will be awsome in the Stage mix
Thank you Dweezil for your loyalty to that Van Halen sound. It holds a very sweet spot. Understanding and documenting for the masses that sound is a noble venture.
You have to think . . . how much time did EVH spend trying to get "that" sound. Some. Much of that "sound" is the result of 1,000,000 accidental elements (everything between his physical guitar and your ears) including your memory of it. Don't sweat the small stuff . . . and enjoy yourself. We in the audience will if you do.
I know Edward had fun anytime he played guitar. I do too. The process of dialing in the sound is actually quite fun for me as well.
This tune is Eddie in his pick, wonderful harmonies, creative guitar parts, outstanding solo. You are nailing it both playing and sound designing, can't wait to listen to the final version
Thank you! This song was always the holy grail for me. That is why I am so intent on getting the sound to feel right so I can play it well.
@@thedweezilzappa that flanger in the bridge part is magical, for sure you are not putting it at 100% wet, that's why all the flanges in Fair Warning sound so beautiful and organic
Damn that be great. If you guys throw that it into your set list next time you come into Seattle.
🌠OH YEAH ..VAN HALEN ..UNREALSED ZAPPA SONG ...TIGER TOOTH SONG ...ALL GOOD ...SEE U GUYS ON TOUR ..OF COURSE !!!🌠..
you got it.....that last 10 seconds.
Remember that Eddie, himself, would play that today with a different sound. I say get close and then tweak it to YOUR preference. I'm pretty sure that would be his advice, as well. He wouldn't want you pulling your hair out over what was, to him, a happy accident song.
Hey man, just wanna say I appreciate what you’re doing and it definitely sounds good. I know this is gonna sound a little weird, but I want to make a suggestion; put the guitar down (and this is not while everyone’s in the room) I mean when everyone’s home and you’re by yourself and you’re just listening to this song just get up and dance to it. It’s gonna connect you with the song physically. Your hands will get the message. It works for me and I have a feeling it will work for you.
Would love to see y’all live in Raleigh, NC?
Coincidentally, a brown-sound amp guru guy named Ossie Ahsen lives in Raleigh, in case your Marshall needs a tweak.
EVH would be smiling from heaven if you shine in your own version. There's something inauthentic and a fool's errand about trying to get it exactly right. Especially when you are busy making your own contribution! Too talented - got your own thing.
I see your perspective. I tend to think of music that I love and respect as a goal to reach. On the other side of the goal is my experience and interpretation which may lead to a new contribution but the process of learning to play the song as it was actually performed is a fascinating journey especially when paired with the reverse engineering of the sound. I think of it almost like recreating the best meal you've ever had. It would be great to know exactly how to make it and have the knowledge that you can do it.
@@thedweezilzappa I understand. You and the bass player need to shorten the short notes. EVH whips the thin pick like it's on the verge of double-dotting. I think your thicker pick doesn't lend itself to that articulation. Anyway, thanks for the reply. I love what you do!
These snippets are really interesting about your drive and desire to pursue a sound befitting the original. BTW, I've only seen you live once in Brisbane Australia with the Zappa plays Zappa tour around 2007... with Steve Vai guesting. It would be great to see you out this way again... even to NZ if you can.
I'd love to come back down there at some point!
Dweezil I’m not a musician but the sounds being right is the main thing I can hear. If I don’t hear certain frequencies the song just sounds like a bad cover. I appreciate you ocd man. Ear candy is what it’s all about.
Looking forward to Montreal Paesano 😁👍🏻
I’ll be there, thanks for the support!
@@thedweezilzappa😛✌
Sounds great man! I think you you’ve got that one dialed in pretty good.
Thanks!
sounds fantastic man! tone chasing is a hell of a drug LOL
I don't know Dweezil, it sounds pretty killer to me!
Sounds great dweez, nobody's gonna say, I hope he doesn't play that ❤
Make sure you pull that out when you get to ft. lauderdale
But the real question is whether Scheila is gonna nail the vuvuzela tone.
It'll sound GREAT once you frickin crank it bro!! but, I agree... it's like a painting or a book... it is never really ever finished. I guess being a perfectionist has its pros and cons... Anyway, I 'd say you're pretty much dead on, maybe dial back the flange a hair and always: mid-range boost!
This great stuff...thanks for sharing. You might try reaching out to Eric Johnson (seriously) to have a conversation about the "search for the ideal sound" and how maintain balance and happiness when you're operating in a complex environment (touring and life) at such a high level of proficiency. Few people grok this like you and EJ. Bon chance.
It's funny, he does a very similar thing but it's not necessarily about recreating a sound, it's about making sure his sound feels right for that particular performance. There is a layer of comfort provided in knowing what to expect when you need to perform something the way you want. You need to rely on the gear to deliver what you need at the time you need it.
The solo on this was Eddie's favourite apparently. From the best Van Halen album. Anybody who feels differently hasn't got a clue!
Nailed it at the very end. Can we get you on the Best of all Worlds tour with Sammy? Joe is great (obviously) but you are going after Ed's sound more than he did.
Thanks for the kind words.
I think you need one song where someone plays the hell out of the cow bell.
Flanger before Distortion(it sounds like you have this) and maybe increase the speed? See you soon!
It’s funny because as far as I know VH didn’t use much in the way of rack effect etc. Just for whatever it is, it’s rough o dial in someone else’s sound. Even simple stuff like Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley from Alive. You can sound close, but really try and dial in those tones exactly. I’m almost certain they were just plug and play for whatever that’s wort. FYI, making zero comparison here to one talent over the other. It’s just really hard to nail someone else’s stuff. I have a Rockman XP100 and the closest I can get to Tom is pretty good. Though I can nail the songs lol. Best of luck bro. If anyone can do it, you can.
Thanks. Most of the fun comes from finding the sound that makes the playing come to life. You wouldn't make Italian food with Chinese ingredients. I like to be in the ballpark with the sound before digging in and playing.
Amen. Not an easy task:). Having nothing to do with skill. Why I brought up the Kiss thing lol. In what you posted, I believe you sounded as close as possible. You're better than me in every way and are hearing something. I follow this, not just in support of someone. I care aout it but because if anyone can do it, you can. I learn. I never want to stop doing that.