British guitarist analyses Frank Zappa CONSTANTLY asking questions!

[@musicdreamerish]

Once you enter the Zappa universe, it's a world you will never leave, a world you will never get over. My god, his music has altered my mental life forever. Joe's garage, all the Can't do that on stage any more albums. If I think about it, he is the single biggest musical influence, magnet, mind blower of my entire life. I don't know how many of you have truly delved into this deep ocean, but when you enter it, it's a world that will change you in a profound way FOREVER!! I's serious, you can't even explain it to others, you just can't begin to put it in words, you just have to hope others will go in to that world.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@duster71]

I've been in that deep ocean since I saw him in 1974 at 14 years old.He hit that first of Penguins and I felt like I had been struck by lightning and it still pulsing through my body for the last 48 years.

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Zappa was garbage

[@hendrikjanriesebos1293]

​@@marlon-jl4ge oh darling, you're so wrong.

[@mrmatthew2443]

I see your point but amongst his music that I find repulsive there’s many pieces that are wonderful .. usually it’s a whole album or era but I go from disliking to loving his stuff..

[@spottheturtle9568]

I don't even know what to say. Zappa's music hits me at the deepest levels of my consciousness. There are only a handful of musicians that can affect me like that. It's pretty much impossible to put in to words. What a very special guy he was. Not just a phenomenal musician, but an intelligent guy who defended freedom of expression and wasn't afraid to call out these corporate scum who are killing my country. I wish we still had him. We need him ,and those like him, now more than ever.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@denniscat9395]

@Rickus Aurelius I have his entire catalog up to 2006 - Apostrophe has to be my fave

[@crooksycollins4349]

Bobby brown goes down ....relevant now still.

[@monterheymultimedia]

Spot Turtle you are one of the good ones keep fighting the fight by spreading Zappa vids/music/ideas throughout the interwebs and beyond

[@chrisbleau9352]

I could not agree with you more. Frank's music changed my life. I wish I was more aware of him before he died.

[@e-rokekenedi7834]

Frank referred to his solos as air sculptures.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@leohobbleohobb3781]

Yes he did.For him they was and is visual or mental sculptures

[@nicolassosolic3760]

Overrated he was...

[@ritahall6628]

Couldn’t have been said better !!!!

[@Matty88K]

Actually, I think that was Dweezil's description of Frank's guitar solos.

[@DeepsongProductions]

Zappa is the most underrated guitar player in history... an absolute monster, what an overall talent..

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@Bix12]

Hear Hear!

[@DeepsongProductions]

@@Bix12 I love Zappa! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHKlYZigZdOqjc0

[@Largentina.]

Absolutely.

[@jernie9384]

Definitely

[@hazelmaylebrun6243]

Frank Zappa was such an amazing artist all around. People had such misconceptions about him, but it doesn't take much digging to find what a smart, professional and talented person he was. We lost him far too soon.

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

His body of work is the work of a 100 year old.

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

Steve Hackett was tapping long before anyone

[@yellowcatgallery]

I'm surprised you didn't mention how he plugs into a battery operated amp called a "Pignose" amp. I used to own one back in the late 1970s. I took it to Berklee with me for a summer session. That distorted sound is when you crank the pignose all the way up. So even though they don't show If Frank has a pedal, that sound is so much what I remember from that amp by itself, that my guess is there is no pedal, he is plugged in directly. I was at Berklee the same summer that Steve Vai was holed up in a dorm room practicing to go on tour with Zappa. None of us knew that though, we'd sit outside his room just listening to this guy we thought was just another student. It was really tough cause we all (students) came from being big fish in our respective small ponds, with a lot of confidence and listening to this guy practice seemed like being a fresh water minnow thrown into a vast ocean and watching a blue whale swim by. I mean we were all pretty damn good, but whew...this guy. I went back to Cleveland to study graphics arts at Cleveland Art Institute. I didn't find out it was Steve Vai till a few years later.

[@BillM1960]

Great story, thanks for sharing!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Haha cool!

[@Deauxtje]

Nice read. These stories are gold.

[@MEGAMIGA]

His Pignose was heavily modified

[@cravinbob]

I heard Frank praise Eddie VH for "re-inventing the electric guitar". Frank rarely handed out compliments (narcissist?). He sounded like he played with his wah pedal in the bleed position a lot too. Not a good guitarist when I first started listening in 67 he mastered it in no time. A kid with a guitar in an adult body would describe him I believe.

[@evanward4303]

I see Zappa, I click.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@drummer4hire12]

....Me too!!!! lol

[@FloydAtema]

Stop it!

[@hashtag415]

Me too... me and the pygmy pony.

[@markd1810]

@@hashtag415 over by the dental floss bush!

[@jimconrad1519]

and he was intelligent beyond just music. I miss him

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@jamesmaxdavissands]

I saw him on PBS debating the Public School Administrators on delay at around midnight one weekday & remained absolutely glued to the screen . . . he is not only BRILLIANT but HONEST as well. What a weird Dude huh?

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@jamesmaxdavissands If you'd like to know more about him, why not read Freak Out! My Life with Frank Zappa which details Frank's home life 1968 to 1972. It's not about his music, nor about other rock stars but follows my own journey from that lucky day I met Frank in London and ended up living and working in his log cabin in Laurel Canyon in Hollywood.

[@jamesmaxdavissands]

@@paulinebutcherbird Many Thanks, I will do that!

[@fredzep01]

amen i felt sick when he died, my first vinyl was hot rats. that man should of been president. steve's spanking is the one tho, the one steve vai spits over franks shoulder an franks guitar starts wailing.

[@duster71]

I watched this the day it aired and then saw him live the next night. He's using a Pignose as much of his studio leads he used

[@markginsberg5854]

Frank's use of hammer-ons with the pick, later named "tapping" pre-dates VanHalen by a lot of years. He liked poly-rhythms both as a percussionist and as a mimic for speech rhythms. They were spontaneous and not rehearsed. However, the sheer volume of material he was drawing musical motifs from was staggering. He listened to, and loved many many types of music. So his ear for composing plus the big library of motifs makes it sound pre-composed when it was spontaneously composed. Hope that makes sense.

[@somethingwickedthiswaycome9694]

Well said!

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Eddie Van Halen never said he invented tapping. A lot of people did it long before Eddie or Frank. It’s just that Eddie took it to another level at that time.

[@candelise]

@@TheAxe4Ever It was said that Eddie saw Steve Hackett from Genesis doing the whole tapping thing.

[@markfrost2707]

lol...hammer ons are from centuries ago. It was eddie's use of the double overhand tremolo technique that he popularized...all guitarist hammer on and pull of dude. Zappa sure didn't invent it.

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Zappa was filth

[@duster71]

I believe this is 76 or more likely 77 because my mother and I watched it when it aired and she passed in 77.How many people can say they saw Frank with their mother.

[@ViolenziaDomestica]

Could not click fast enough! Zappa is my personal hero

[@MrTortureneverstops1]

Hi from France ! Let me tell you, you have good taste !

[@Kyle-dj2gv]

@@MrTortureneverstops1 You have great taste as well my friend. Hello from North Carolina, United States of America.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@davidtudor748]

People who like Zappa are usually musicians.

[@gimmedataids]

You like Disco Volante too, I'm guessing. Fucking amazing album, top 5 for me

[@jeffhackworth]

The Mike Douglas Show was on every afternoon when I got home from school and as corny as Mike Douglas was he would have amazing guests. Plus he had an excellent small house band that was made up of top notch musicians. It amazes me that back when there only 3 channels on the TV somehow Frank Zappa could be on a show playing jamming guitar in the late weekday afternoon!

[@mrsaturdaynightspecial3055]

Mike Douglas was an old big band leader musician.

[@erolbulut2584]

First time I witnessed James Brown!

[@tinicum54]

Yep!

[@IFStravinsky]

If you look at the whole interbview, it becomes apparent that the more Frank talks, the more Douglas is won over.

[@michaelanzelino5068]

John and Yoko filled in for Mike the whole week one time !

[@sirclarkmarz]

I saw zappa in 84 in San Diego the crowd was on their feet cheering and clapping as he took the stage he approached the microphone yelled shut up sit down everyone did and he began playing

[@craighershberger1807]

He has always been my absolute favorite guitarist from the first time I heard him

[@tixximmi1]

Most of Zappa's solo's were impromptu. Yes he did compose them at first but at one time I got to see him 5 times in 7 days. Played Pojama People. Each lead was different with a different intensity. All of them were great. He's noted for instant composition. That's why he needed Steve Vai to transcribe them. He did write them all out eventually.

[@JimiWolverine1]

My impression of Frank is that for a wild as so much of his music and recordings are/ were, he was actually a very shy guy. His recorded vocals were very emotive but live, he's constrained and sort of mocking his recorded vocals and largely, not emotive.

[@tixximmi1]

@@JimiWolverine1 Yes shy and a bit of a loner.

[@breakfastplan4518]

He most certainly did NOT need steve vai to transcribe ANYTHING! Have you ever seen Zappa's manuscript? It is the most beautiful thing ive ever seen.

[@tixximmi1]

@@breakfastplan4518 Most of Franks lead solos where made right there on the spot. They weren't pre-written. Yes he did need Steve Vai.

[@breakfastplan4518]

@@tixximmi1 Yes, he improvised and was very modal in his improvisations. But No he didnt need steve vai for that reason. You better go back and listen to frank before he hired vai. You make it sound like frank cant write music - Which is utter bullsh!t. Vai was his 'Stunt Guitarist'.

[@darlatidwell9995]

I listened to Frank Zappa a lot in the 70's and 80's. His signature singing and playing, I look back and I have to smile about Frank's songs. What a treat they were. RIP Frank Zappa. God bless.

[@daveelson213]

and thanks to Dweezil zappa for keeping franks music going

[@MattNolanCustom]

Regarding tapping, Steve Hackett was doing it 6 or 7 years before either EVH or FZ in Genesis, a bunch of jazz guys were doing it in the 1960s, Vittorio Camardese was doing it on acoustic in the 1950s and Roy Smeck was doing it on Ukulele in the 1930s. There was probably somebody before Roy too... But EVH made it big and widely known

[@jgreber1790]

I started to become a fan of Frank Zappa in the late 60s. While rummaging through my mom’s old high school yearbook, I found out that she graduated in the same class from antelope Valley high as Frank Zappa did. I saw Zappa many times over the years in places like the Berkeley community theater and the Pavilion at Stanford University. The band was always magical and accomplished but everyone goes to the Zappa show to see and hear him play guitar (hence the shut up and play your guitar albums).You’re just sitting there grooving on the band and drinking it all in while you’re waiting for the time when his guitar gets handed to him and he lays it on you. Zappa had a habit of having his guitar brought out and handed to him. He would take the cigarette out of his mouth and stick it in the head of the guitar. He would fumble around with the guitar while walking around the stage. Then, he would remove the cigarette from the head of the guitar, take the guitar off, and hand it back to the guy! Your heart would sink. Finally, the guy would hand him the guitar and he would start playing. This particular song is Black Napkins. I saw an awesome version performed at Stanford University. I was in a surreal state with my mind floating around during the extended solo Frank was playing. While taking in the crowd, I noticed that even the security guards we’re fixated on Frank with their jaws hanging open. In my mind he is still the Frank from the album cover of “The Man from Utopia! One size fits all would be my favorite Zappa album. Thanks for another great Analysis!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Black Napkins here, from the Zoot Allures album is one of the dozens of FZ's compositions which fall under the category of "My Favorites." Another of the great things about Frank's playing is that, in any live video you'll see if this piece as well as most, is that he never plays them the same, twice. In fact, for Dweezil's current tour, which he's calling The Choice Cuts Tour, he went through a lot of the Family Vault and transcribed live versions of the songs we all know and love, to bring us even more, different pieces, even though they are the same compositions. While Frank often conducted The Mothers onstage, there were always sections for jamming (improv) as well as fundamental changes to the pieces. Trust me, if this tour comes anywhere near you, you owe it to yourself to attend! One other thing: although Dweezil has gone to great lengths to bring us different versions of his father's music on this tour, he played this one more or less note for note as it is on the studio album. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@songsfromtheskies3325]

The first time I heard Frank Zappa tap with the side of his pick was on his amazing solo in the song "Inca Roads" from the 1975 album "One Size Fits All.". The solo was recorded live in Finland in September 1974. Van Halen did not release their first album until 1978. Even Eddie admits he did not invent tapping. The technique was around for years. However, Eddie took the idea and developed it into something wonderful!

[@wm.shultzie2275]

One of the masters.....great video. Saw him midnight Halloween in NYC. Brought tears to my eyes, beautiful piece of music.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530]

My favorite solo from Mr Zappa is the one on "Inca Roads." It takes it's time to develop and is amazingly inventive.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@DWHarper62]

I am assuming you have heard the unedited Helsinki solo?...

[@marlon-jl4ge]

Zappa was garbage

[@duster71]

@@DWHarper62 I have and it was amazing how Frank cut that up,and I accept alng music that way. I never liked Van Halen because his solos just sounded like tricks to me,they weren't music and I recently heard a David Lee Roth where he said whenever he was with the band Eddie's final solo on the song would be from like 20 takes and Eddie would splice it all together and then have to go back and relearn his homogenized canned solos.

[@DWHarper62]

@@duster71 I know that story... Zappa's solos were compositions, edited or unedited...

[@SpaceCattttt]

FINALLY! Frank has been my idol and hero for decades. I'm somewhat of a misanthrope and it's rare for me to meet people I can agree with or relate to. But I've never heard Frank say anything that I can disagree with. And for that alone, I'll always respect him. And then we have his unbelievable talent for composing, arranging, guitar-playing, conducting and standing up for the rights of recording artists everywhere! I suppose he will never get the recognition he truly deserves, but for people in the know, he's often cited as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. And deservedly so, goddammit!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen!

[@paulinebutcherbird]

There are lots of things he said that one could and should I think disagree with. For example, tobacco is a vegetable and therefore harmless; sexual repression is the cause of most bad laws made by politicians (although he did later change this to poor mental health led to bad laws); and words are harmless.

[@mikejohnson5837]

Really enjoyed this. I really miss the old days of TV when it was possible to see talented artists like this. This show I watched in the afternoon right after school. How cool is that!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@offbeatinstruments]

I was lucky enough to see Zappa in 78 when he was recording Sheik Yerbouti. I loved his sense of humour and his sidemen and band were fantastic. Sofa No1 is still one of my favourite tracks.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@offbeatinstruments]

@@wingsofpegasus one of the other bands that have been forgotten now but were quite amazing at the time were the Tubes (kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHjEg6R5e52om6M) totally theatrical and a really, really tight band. I was at the live recording of this track too :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5a1omuCgqdgbdU Also, here is a lovely version of Michael Hedges arrangements of Sofa No1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4eyipZ8bLmrrtk

[@jamesmaxdavissands]

Saw him Oct 31st at the UCLA Pauley Pavilion 1977 AWESOME show!

[@ReformedWhiteKnight]

Paul Beardow ‘that’ album The Tubes with White Punks On Dope on it... It’s ridiculously good. The performance is mind blowing and I can still listen to it and go ‘wow’ ;-)

[@paulinebutcherbird]

@@jamesmaxdavissands He also played at the Pauley Pavilion in May 1970 with a hurriedly put-together batch of musicians for the Mothers and the LA Philharmonic.

[@redleg56]

This reminds me that I must burn "Freak Out" for my 16 year old. She gets Jethro Tull and Kansas. Time for Zappa.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@fredzeppelin3969]

There is hope for the future. Now just add Steely Dan and The Helecasters, stir well, serve hot!

[@jacksprat418-ju5qo]

Why not Joe's Garage? Lol

[@thepossessor]

Time for Zappa indeed!

[@ph6376]

I just turned my 14 year old onto Zappa and she totally gets it. Although, it's the safe stuff, like Montana and most of Apostrophe, of course! Then she turned me on to an artist called Thundercat, who did something called, Drunk, which was apparently inspired by Zappa. We're coming full circle now with our musical tastes. How cool is that?

[@jamesdaviddupre99]

I disagree that Zappa was underrated. Most fans & guitar peers never question his authority on the instrument, as well as his many other talents & accomplishments. No one can replace him. Sadly missed.

[@popogast]

Good work,Wings of Pegasus. For a long time I've been a Frank Zappa fan. RIP FZ!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen.

[@ConsensusReality]

He's using a Pignose 7-100 amp that cost less than $100 at the time.

[@sukonmiskunk5696]

Frank Zappa was a freak when it came to music.. very experimental.. genius.. theres a video of him on the Steve Allen show playing a bicycle with a violin bow..

[@drewpall2598]

Sukonmi Skunk, Here is a clip of Frank Zappa with Mike Nesmith on the Monkees television show enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn27h61rm9KmZ5I

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@MegaCarmine12]

I actually saw that live. I’m 75. !!

[@roberthorn333]

He doesn't get the mention or the credit for both his playing and his composing. And when you add to that the number of great players which came and went as parts of the Mothers of Invention, Zappa is certainly due a seat at the table on the top of the mountain.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@SpaceCattttt]

You mean Billy the Mountain, surely?

[@jameschristiansson3137]

I'd like to take a core sample of Ethyl. Or cut her down and make a guitar body out of her.

[@Baribrotzer]

It's also impressive in that FZ was not playing it with his own band, but with a random set of talk-show jazz musicians. It's clear that he rehearsed with them. True, "Black Napkins" is not a hard tune - it's a two-chord jazz waltz with a coda - but the band "gets" him and the tune, and you don't arrive at that without rehearsal..

[@Kyle-dj2gv]

Thanks for another cool video Fil. Zappa was truly one of a kind.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@Naniamania3]

I first heard Frank in 1973 when I was starting out. He immediately made me want to be a better musician. A pioneer, a genius, and one of the greatest musical talent scouts of all time. Thank you for reacting to this.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@elborko6821]

Frank always seemed relaxed saw him almost 30 times and he was in control. The band on Mike Douglas was on key and enjoyed playing with FZ saw that tour and he commented on how good MD band is Miss him everyday and I did move to Montana

[@williamjackson6705]

Black Napkins along with Funkadelic`s Maggot Brain are 2 instrumentals I never tire of. Frank was a master of the guitar & a genius.

[@sealisa1398]

Eddie Hazel Maggot Brain makes me cry. Great comment!

[@sklag1]

For a percussionist Frank was a great guitarist! (one of the greatest) He knew how to push the boundaries not only for himself but for all his band members.In many interviews ex band members said he knew how to write just for them and make them go that little bit further than they thought they could go. They all left his band better musicians than when they joined. And as a percussionist his drum composition the Black Page proved just how much he understood the craft and how far to push it.

[@barryrahn5957]

Forgot to like the first time I watched this. This one's for you Fil! I remember watching Mike Douglas in the afternoon as a kid. He had quite an eclectic lineup.

[@gangoffour6690]

Phil. Happy New Year Man. Frank Zappa was one of my all time favorites ! R.I.P. Frank. I see you really did him too ! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@wingsofpegasus]

Happy new year! 🙂

[@ericanderson8886]

That era, electric blues ruled and Zappa was brilliant. Mike Douglas show was innovative in that groups like this appeared often.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@kathyflorcruz552]

I can't even describe what a tremendously beautiful feeling that went through me hearing that music again. What a way to feel. Thanks so much, Fil. Man, we were so blessed!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@woolf1949]

I’ve been watching you videos for years,and really appreciate your educated and entertaining analyses of the best of the best around the world, Thanks!

[@harolddiaz1224]

Thank-you and Happy New Years! I actually had a vivid daydream of this exact video analysis happening during the last hours of 2018.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Haha cool! Happy new year!

[@hashtag415]

I had just bought the album Zoot Allures and this is still my favorite track. I saw this when it aired. (yeah, I'm old) Pure Zappa genius!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@johnm3152]

...and the "Torture Never Stops". Saw him that tour. Details remain incredible memories

[@killboybands1]

The version on that album is my favourite.... incredible.

[@hashtag415]

@@killboybands1 Mine too. So clean and tasty!

[@Bix12]

I've seen the Maestro 7 times...i am so old i spell it "olde"

[@robertutecht2609]

So many times Frank has taken me into dreams with Watermelon in Easter Hay, his solos are like no other's. The people he made music with have only praise for his talent.

[@cwebb2300]

Smooth, I love it. A lot of artists i consider as hard rock guitarists actually have a softer, mellow songs as well. Thanks for the eye opener Happy New Years Fil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Happy new year!

[@ITILII]

Frank Zappa was an underrated guitarist...but a great songwriter, and a brilliant, and honest man. Listen to his interviews, Frank tells it like it is and speaks the TRUTH !!!

[@exentr]

Frank was a genious and a wizzard. Talk about asking questions. He had his musicians to play three accord 4/4 in C. George felt bad and told Frank - Frank, I am a highly educated musician. I can't do this. - What do you mean? Frank replied. - I mean I did study music for years and all we do is playing three accord C key 4/4. - Oh, you mean it's beneath you?

[@kurtkish5335]

Zappa's gift to the guitar world was his unquenchable creativity. THAT'S all you need to know. Jeff Beck- emotion and technique/Zappa other worldy creativity.

[@elbecko7969]

I agree. Kudos for mentioning Beck

[@sealisa1398]

My two favorites.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Mike Douglas featured so many great talents on his show. Great video and so appreciate your analysis. My opinion of Mr. Zappa has always been that he was monumental talented and my kind of crazy! Thanks again, Fil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@erolbulut2584]

One of the greatest American composers of the 20th Century! Miss him terribly!

[@esjope]

In my opinion he is the greatest composer of 20th century

[@richardlewis1243]

Ive probably watched more Zappa video than any other...loved George Duke

[@NKBobcat]

Fil, you are one of the best teachers I've seen with respect to your ability to explain techniques and composition. I'm am old man who builds guitars and can strum a few chords but wish I could have had a teacher like you 40-50 years ago. You are a true professional and you enjoy it.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Bob!

[@kendavis8046]

Thanks again, Fil, for this analysis. Also, per the Late Great Frank Zappa, "don't you eat that yellow snow!" (Yeah, I'm old enough to have that album on vinyl, if I could only find it.) Thumbs up!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@jutta3378]

Frank had his very own distinctive style, to me he was a musical genius! Thanks for posting this video, I like you looking at guitarists that aren't necessarily in the mainstream "guitar hero" category. What a gem!

[@TK-fk4po]

I remember seeing him on a whim in the late 80’s at a local college. I was shocked I never heard much of his stuff before. Made me an immediate fan. He would direct the band, then blaze away, then direct, blaze away, repeat!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@virtualzhbl]

Zappa was the greatest musical genius of the 20th century.

[@catdaddy3302]

I can’t add anything to that statement.

[@johngalbraith782]

100%

[@tixximmi1]

I disagree. Take off the words . . . of the 20th century.

[@johngalbraith782]

@@tixximmi1 frank was the greatest 100%

[@1spitfirepilot]

Safe House big claim. Cf Berg, Bartok, Ravel, Britten, Prokofiev, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Stravinsky et al.

[@davidperezgonzalez1839]

FZ´s solo from Willie the Pimp is incredible, and more if you think that album is from 1969. The entire album is a masterpiece

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@grandwazoo1696]

Hot Rats is my favorite Zappa album.

[@DavideBaroni]

I'm a big fan of Frank Zappa (I believe I've got MOST of his albums...), and to listen to your analysis makes me understand better many of the things I just sensed before. I don't have much technical knowledge, so all of your explanations are precious for me. :) Thanks again for your videos. Davide

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@DavideBaroni]

Fil, the fact that you make these "technicalities" understandable for me is really something important to me. :-) You kind of "give voice and words" to things that were just "feelings", "sensations", for me. You're kinda helping me sorting out the elements of a language, or the elements of expression in that language I just had a wordless idea of. Thanks again. :-)

[@Bix12]

if you've got most of FZ's albums, that is well over 100 (official) releases! Nicely done! At 83, I have the most FZ albums of anyone I've ever actually met, not counting Dweezil.

[@DavideBaroni]

@@Bix12 You have more of them than me. I'm still trying to find the missing ones, I think I'm at about 66. And I admit I stopped counting when Frank died... :'-(

[@gassman55]

I was with a band who opened for Frank at the Public Hall in Cleveland I the 70’s At the time I didn’t realize how focused and serious he was. He had all of the liqueur from his bands room delivered to our band. I realized at that time how “straight” he was. Clearly he didn’t need to be altered to write some seriously different music. RIP Frank

[@gwendolyncarter5668]

Superb Analysis as Always, Fil!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Gwendolyn! 🙂

[@SuperDutchjohn]

Frank Zappa's own words: "There are only 2 great guitar-players, the other one is Jan Akkerman"" :-))

[@deovision]

3:07 I was almost annoyed when you paused the video, then I remembered why i'm here LOL Great vid! Zappa's my dude x

[@Tuzilla]

I love watching your face react to the playing of the subject at hand. I must say that you were more into his playing than I have seen on most of your videos.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@callousphysicaltheatre8244]

The comment that all of the embellishments were composed directly contradicts what FZ said about his use of improvisation - which is supported by the fact that all of recordings of Zappa's live soloing are different. Zappa improvised as a composer which is why some mistakenly believe that he composed/rehearsed his solos and repeated them verbatim.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah! I think progression wise it's obviously got to be strict, but he does definitely extemporise during the solo 👍

[@Bix12]

Thank you for that Truth, Cal - I also thought i read that someone...ahem...had said FZ didn't improvise....which is utter nonsense

[@tehf00n]

Absurdity is the only reality. Frank was the best. He's been my musical hero since I was 14. Unfortunately I missed getting to see his last tour in the UK because nobody would take me. But I got to see Dweezil Zappa play in London last year. It was awesome. Highly recommended. I met him after the show too, which was a real moment for me. I asked him an absurd question. It was great.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@crabfaced]

You're not even going to say what the question was?

[@tehf00n]

@@crabfaced I asked "If they do a remake of The Running Man, will you be in it?". He smiled and said no.

[@michaelanzelino5068]

Did anyone notice the fretboard. 23 frets. Also its sports a doted fretboard with a star marker at the 7th fret and parallelogram markers on the 12 fret only !, in the opposite direction !!!

[@PK1971PK]

Always love to see and hear Zappa. Thanks for another great analysis, Fil!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@timbrady6473]

I’ve seen this clip before , sweet playing by Frank , but I think Mike Douglas really appreciated Zappa’s playing is what blows me away .

[@antreb15]

Such an inventive, unique and original musician. A fine guitarist who can play in so many genres.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@ronnie5129]

FIL, THANKS FOR COVERING MR. ZAPPA, LIKE YOUR COMMENTS, WHAT A PERSON WITH A MUSICAL MIND, FRANK WAS FRANK, A LOT OF PEOPLE DID NOT UNDERSTAND HIS MUSIC, BUT I LIKE IT. THE FIRST TIME I SAW FRANK WAS ON THE TV SHOW, IN 1960 OR SO, HE WAS PLAYING PERCUSSION ON BICYCLE SPOKES, MAKING MUSIC, AND THEN HE BLEW THROUGH THE HANDLEBAR GRIPS THAT HOLES IN THEM, AND IT MADE A WHISTLING SOUND, PEOPLE THOUGHT HE WAS SOME KIND OF NUT.. THIS IS ON KZbin, YOU CAN WATCH IT, ROCK ON, COUSIN FIGEL

[@knifelyfe6565]

"Black Napkins" and "Watermelon in Easter Hay" are masterpieces. Nice Job posting this!

[@BKJJAMALEN]

In 74 my best friend was a zappa freak,i thought he was comedy rock.We went to see him in concert in Norfolk,va.we were up frount at the speakers,he blew my ass away.we skipped work next day to see him in Richmond,va.he was absolutely a phenom on his SG.

[@futuredirected]

The up thumb wasn’t workin on my iPad app, so I had to like You on the iPhone app tonight. Weird. Frank Zappa always had a magical sound to my ears. He consistently demonstrated his total control, not only of his own instrument, but of the entire band. If You got to see them live, You could see the band members watching Frank and responding to every nuance. He was constantly signaling to his band mates in subtle ways an orchestra conductor might emulate. Another great analysis, Fil. I truly enjoyed Your excellent explanation of tapping.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@Bix12]

Hiya Samantha - I am a very lucky individual in that I've seen the Maestro a total of 7 times....and that is just what/who he was; "Maestro". I sure miss him.

[@futuredirected]

William L. Thank you for Your reply, Dear William. It’s hard to believe he passed away 25 years ago. Guitar Player magazine had a lovely tribute to him in their December issue. I only got to see him once, in a live concert. It was an amazing experience to be in the presence of true mastery.

[@Bix12]

@@futuredirected December 4th, 1993 :'( Just 17 days shy of his 53rd birthday.... I must say my respect for him is without bounds....I still get choked up talking about him sometimes (like right now)

[@Bix12]

@@futuredirected Still, seeing him even once is something to hang your hat on, imo. Do you recall which tour it was?

[@bargell]

Zappa put out his first album with the Mothers of Invention in 1965 or 1966--so he may have started tapping before 1972. You'd have to check that out.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah!

[@bargell]

Wings of Pegasus If ever you do check it out, then let us know what you find-or tap it in Morse Code.

[@tvlug]

Often overlooked these days but you cannot deny his quality and great sense of humor. Gone but not forgotten...

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@davidclark3603]

Brilliant video Fil! This is live at its best. Frank was so underrated. I loved the 70s. I think your right about Eddies tapping. Your channel is absolutely amazing!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@duster71]

Watch "Van Halen did not invent tapping this Italian guy did in 1965" her on KZbin.There is also a vid called a brief history of tap that shows Roy Smeck tapping on ukulele from 1932..Saw Frank over 30 times from 74'88.

[@y007p3]

The phrasing makes it sound almost like he is playing backwards!

[@jumplittledoggiejumpjump9112]

Amazing guitar player of course. Writer, composer, conductor beyond mere mortal. The best thing about seeing Frank in concert, which i did 2 times, was his desire to entertain, his personality and the talent that surrounded him. One of the top 5 shows i have seen though it it is hard to pick the best of the best.

[@rcsproject627]

Zappa a different breed of a musician. Breaking many boundaries using his originality.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Frank Zappa will be remembered as composer of Modern music..from Do- Wop.blues,rock,classical ,serious music..to stage work via The Yellow Shark...!!! He listened to music .When asked if he missing out in life of other interest...he said music was his life..paraphrased.I have been such a follower of him it was so overwhelming that one person set the bar so high..his musicians had to be on the mark from the get go..!!! RIP FRANK ZAPPA. Thank you FIL for this post greatly appreciated 🙏.

[@bigbow62]

Class is in session... thank you Fil for once again digging up these sweet classic,historic,unique video's ! 😎🤘 "ROCK"

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@worstxb1playertylerteehc635]

One of the finest Composers of the modern Era without a shadow of a Doubt. The World needs Frank Zappa back.

[@markj929]

Zappa is one of the greatest musicians that ever lived and that also graced this planet. He spoke his mind and didn’t care what other people thought, he was an honest guy with an honest mind. In debates he was solid as everything he believed in he knew inside out and was so knowledgable and truthful.Stood his ground against all the people that tried to pull him down during his whole career. Thank you Frank for your inspiration not only as a musician but as a person.

[@tacos1337]

Classic performance by Frank here! When I saw the title of the video, I was expecting you to comment on the question and answer part of the way he constructs his solos. What I've noticed in most of his longest improvised solos is that he would dwell for many seconds on a single musical idea and play several variations of it, which makes his solos sound really cohesive as a whole, even if some of them were like 7 minutes long or so (check the 'shut up and play yer guitar' compilation). Many a guitar player would sound boring after two minutes, but because, in terms of intensity, his solos are build just like regular shorter solos but with extended 'sections' and longer ideas and motives development, it works just perfect!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah! Some people didn't understand the title, but you got it! 🤘

[@genemaurillo4162]

"pushing boundaries" = Frank Zappa. He was a true explorer and played his own tune. Loved it.

[@danielsan3681]

Btw, I'm really glad you provide the link to the original video. Thank you. :)

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@poolbear2160]

Remember this is the shows house band he's playing with. Smooth.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@vasantiago3038]

Yep Eddie Jobson and Terry Bozzio had the day off.

[@InSurrealtime]

Mike Douglas was a big Zappa fan and had him on more than once.

[@vanhetgoor]

At aprox. 7:09 Frank Zappa is playing a piece of music by the Beatles form their India influenced period. He just throws it in, what a marvelous performance.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@robbieclark7828]

Regardless of whether either EVH or Zappa started tapping first, Steve Hackett of Genesis still had them beat. There were undoubtedly a lot of players before then that used it, but far as I am aware, Hackett was the first one to do electric two-handed tapping as we know it, though he’s pretty humble about it.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@seed_drill7135]

Pretty sure I've seen EVH mention that he was a Genesis/Hackett fan.

[@harrybarnhill8029]

I pisses me chlothes when i pisses me chlothes really!! Stiff upper lip!!!

[@timcarder2170]

Zappa has always been one of my faves. Never seen this before, thank you. Frank did what everyone thought was impossible...he made jazz 'cool' again. Turned me on to it as a teenager. (is part of the reason why i have always loved Randy Bachmans solo stuff as well as his BTO tunes) keep on, keepin on

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@tamarabradshaw4799]

Out of all the instruments a genius like Frank could have chosen Im very glad he chose the electric guitar. He wasnt trying to be the fastest or the loudest. He was very ecclectic and eccentric and had a depth that few artists today have. He wasn't a guitarist but a composer. Great video and commentary.

[@MichaelLittle47]

Really like his melodic ideas, as well as his tone. This combined with the very mellow feel of the backing band creates a really beautiful piece of music.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@amer-hh6kp]

The one and only Zappa!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@MrTortureneverstops1]

Frank, a pure genius !

[@MrTortureneverstops1]

Française ?

[@MrTortureneverstops1]

I'm french and I've seen Frank live on stage 3 times. Unforgettable ! Have you ever seen him ?

[@Kyle-dj2gv]

@@MrTortureneverstops1 My Dad seen him a couple times. I was never lucky enough. That's awesome zapthefab that you seen him live three times. I'm sure it was unforgettable.

[@MrTortureneverstops1]

I saw him in Nantes, Rennes and Brest. I live in Brest, Brittany. The western town in France ! Happy new year to you too !

[@MrTortureneverstops1]

@@Kyle-dj2gv Sure it was ! In 82 Steve Vaï was on stage with him !

[@raythackston1960]

Zappa could go from tasty to outragious in just a matter of seconds. So under rated !

[@wentkat]

I saw Zappa at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston sometime in the late 80's. I swear I was in the worst seat in the house, but I was so damn happy to be there, it didn't matter.