Elliot Easton - Guitar Power

A new season of Guitar Power is here! Be sure to subscribe to stay tuned: ddar.io/KZbin
This week on Guitar Power, lead guitarist for The Cars and The Empty Hearts, Elliot Easton talks with host Dweezil Zappa about his greatest influences, favorite guitars, and classic leads from "Shake it Up" and "Best Friend's Girl".
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[@BluesLicks101]

Elliot Easton is in actual fact a National Treasure.

[@billpholde4816]

Elliot Easton, super-tasteful player who's solos are concise and creative. Underrated player's player.

[@Bix12]

Elliot has written more infectious musical-sounding, hook-laden solos in that kind of music tha anyone I can think of - he's a genius that way

[@NormAppleton]

When Elliot lets loose, it's shocking and crazy. I tell people how important he is to the Cars.. Elliot is just amazing.

[@randyzeitman1354]

He is the best Pop rock song, guitar, soloist, ever… Better than Paige better than Gilmore better than Knopfler.

[@JoelDubay]

Def not a genius, but talented.

[@CorbCorbin]

Tony Iommi wrote more. I could go on, but I dig Elliot, and he has great solo and guitar work on even Cars stuff I don’t like.

[@CorbCorbin]

@@randyzeitman1354 That’s because none of those three players wrote music to make a “hit” pop song, until Knopfler did a few in the 80’s, even though it was really just record execs pushing it. If the Cars are a band you like better, that’s fine, but he wasn’t doing anything comparable to the players you mention.

[@ebeyslough]

what a great band Cars was, and what a great host Dweezil is.

[@tonym994]

w/ a good tone on that SG. was that Frank's? I'm from Boston, so the CARS can do no wrong. this was fun.

[@joebutler3608]

@@tonym994 Boston guy here too, Eliot was one of my earliest guitar influences and everyone would be like "What? Have you heard George Lynch, Steve Vai, Satriani etc?" Nothing against those guys, but Eliot is such a craftsman I just loved his playing from jump. I should note as stated above, Dweezil is a very gracious host.

[@tonym994]

@@joebutler3608 have not heard Lynch, but I will. everyone, check out Dave Hole from Australia. saw him twice at the Original House of Blues. couldn't understand why he'd been so overlooked. 'Steel on steel' is one of his best records.

[@marksc1929]

....every fkn note that Elliott Easton ever played with the Cars was cool....such a tasteful player ....

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Tasty Jackie Mason wigs too

[@laurelwood791]

E.Easton is thee most talented, creative , original, of all guitarists. I would love to simply shake his hand and say THANK YOU, for all and each song. THE CARS never would have been who and what they were and are if not for each one of them. Ben gone way way too soon, way way too young, and Ric way to suddenly. Thank you Elliott, Greg. David . Be well and safe. Long live THE CARS. Immortal on film and recordings forever and will reach generations to come.

[@Sinfulgaiden]

Fucking awesome player. The Cars debut is one of the best records ever!

[@robertgoodwinr6523]

For sure, even his tone/playing here is awesome!! a true natural

[@waynecorners6]

I'd love for him to break down every solo. Underrated player.

[@ronj9448]

He does - you can buy his DVD

[@bobdillon1138]

His solos aren't hard to learn.

[@ashtonhugh3952]

I know Im asking randomly but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost my account password. I love any tips you can give me!

[@briarkashton3461]

@Ashton Hugh instablaster ;)

[@tlaxa]

EE - one of the most underrated guitarist out there.

[@Wrecktoid]

Elliot is a top five guitar player for me!

[@thomaspollock8167]

@loopy Ruane YEP

[@bondomofo7630]

The most under-rated guitar player in rock and roll!

[@doyourbest999]

wasn't sure about Dweezil when I saw he was taking over, just because I liked the last two guys. my reservations, however, were unfounded. he's knocked it out of the park in both episodes.

[@iansnyder274]

i got goosebumps hearing Elliot nail the solo and that special touch he has ...one of the greats!!!

[@100chuckjones]

Im not sure how many times I've seen the same old cliché used when referring to Elliot Easton... "This guy is so underrated". And every word of it is true. I grew up in Boston watching this band transform in to a huge arena act and this was the guy that put the special sauce on The Cars. He was that hard rock edge that made me value their music like no other. PS- Having Ben Orr sharing vocals also helped quite a bit too.

[@RichardFriendartist]

I just wrote a comment similar...I was about 11 when I got into the Cars and we thought he was great and underrated at the time.....you could just tell he was very special and something was a bit magic but fit almost seamlessly into the songs...not easy to play that great and be so interwoven into the music that you don't show off but still play amazingly.

[@michaelanderson2881]

The guy that made their HOF induction speech said EE was The Cars' "secret weapon". I guess it's not a secret any longer!

[@guitarguy07]

Elliot did an amazing job of transcending the typical interview back and forth with his answers. A generous guest and of course a legend!

[@Jamler3]

3:04-3:30 Pay Attention Lead Players... This mentality leads to greatness... 7:01-7:30 So brilliant

[@777Yoni]

"You're All I've Got Tonight" has always been one of my favorite solos. Just ridiculously good. As a side note, I almost fell into Dweezil's reverb and never clawed my way out. Good lord, that was wet.

[@PedroBernardiGuitarra]

Please, make these longer! Great to watch!

[@recklesswhisper]

Elliot has it DOWN! ^..^~~

[@Bodyknowledge77]

Elliott has done some of the most tuneful rocktastic solos!... The solo for "Tonight She Comes" has that especially particular spastic rocktasticness.

[@earnhardt3613]

One of my ALLTIME favorite's..................... E Easton still kicking ass after 43 year's !!!

[@panainvisible]

he hasn't played it in years, and still remembers it perfectly, what a legend.

[@jesselobo3213]

"Give me more Elliot Easton tone" wow, so infectious and as a lefty I could learn a lot from Elliot.

[@justingarcia7722]

As much as I love the greats, Beck, Clapton, Hendrix...my favorites are the song guys: Harrison, Easton, Bloomfield...if you can hum a solo like the hook of a song, you did good! Great series

[@greensombrero3641]

When you got Dweezil learning guitar from you, you've made it big. EE is one of the greats - no doubt about it. This is a great interview! THANK YOU MAN!

[@jacksaintjack2844]

The #1 guitarist in my top fave players of all time. His solos were so eclectic and though seemed fragmented, fit together like a Picasso. So creative, out of left field. Didn't sound like anyone else. So unique. Short and sweet. Not trying to impress with how many notes he could play in 3 seconds. My favorite solo is the gymnastic solo in "Tonight She Comes" and if you listen closely (it is subtle) he uses his tremolo bar and feedback to go into and out of the main body of the solo. Pure musical genius.

[@recklesswhisper]

He is my number one guitarist, interesting guy he is! ^..^~~

[@mercible]

I can't tell you how many times I've listed to those same licks from the Cars records, and they just never get old! Good Stuff!!!

[@gretchenmenn]

Such a great interview! Elliot Easton is such an inspiring and creative musician! Awesome questions from Dweezil, too! I agree this could have easily been an hour long interview.

[@Liyingbemo]

GOD you're lit

[@Beringtunes]

Agree with all who said Dweezil kicks it outta the park on these interviews. As one who grew up playing many songs by the Mothers of Invention, I've always had an appreciation of Frank's playing, and then of Dweezil's, of course. As to Elliot Easton, this gives me a new appreciation for HIS playing. Of course, it was NO surprise to hear of his influence from The Beatles, (a daily occurrence no matter from where!) and George's MO of playing only what's needed, what serves the song - if anything - and no more. More players should pay attention to that concept! "Say more with less." Yup. A WELL-spent 10 minutes! Thanks!

[@brianl3766]

Dweezil: Yeah, Yeah...Yeah, Yeah....Yeah, Yeah....Yeah, Yeah....Yeah. Astonishing!

[@presapus]

Could have done this whole show on his Touch and Go solo...wished he'd had mention that one.

[@Geoff_24]

So underrated and forgotten. Elliott Easton is so hip. The Cars were such a pop oriented and he still managed to make solos that were so unique and were also absurdly good.

[@michaelmendillo7513]

What a talent ! He is the type of player that can not only play with any band,,, but can also bring that band to stardom just by his unique style and awesome licks,,,,just awesome !!!

[@mikesharpsongs]

My God, this was pure joy to watch and listen to. Thanks so much for posting!

[@RichardFriendartist]

one thing I remember is even as a kid at 11 years old...we knew elliot was great, was underrated and played so freaking tastefully...that's impressive you can get that from a guitarist at such a young age...but his playing was just perfect for the song and never overdone although you sort of knew instinctively he could play far more if he chose to/

[@andrewpatten9829]

Elliot Easton has never gotten the respect he deserves. I cite this all the time, but check out his solo on "It's All I Can Do." It's so good and serves the melody so well. Plus, as he talked about, he starts it by beautifully dovetailing from Benjamin Orr's vocal then ends it by perfectly setting up the next verse. It's not as technically impressive as, say, his solos on "Touch and Go" or "Shake It Up," but it's gorgeous in its own right. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-kmaGJf6yXe9U

[@jtknapp3261]

His Cars solos were always in service to the overall sound of the song, while being fresh and often jaw-dropping and leaving you wanting more.

[@imjspaceman]

Excellent, interesting interview. Elliot and the Cars were a totally fun and original band and Dweezil Zappa is an excellent interviewer. Thanks!

[@torontolarrivee7965]

Interesting to hear his philosophy on composing solos - very Beatles-y

[@highvolts6620]

Elliot “Awesome” Easton. The greatest short solos ever. Tasty chops for sure.

[@alexraphael6534]

Iconic and unsung. Jeez. So great to see this stuff all these years later. Awesome.

[@David_Watts]

Watching the music come ALIVE in this segment NEVER gets old!!! Elliott Easton is so badass.... CRAZY!!

[@EthnHayabusa]

Elliot is so under-discussed. Iconic stuff.

[@PauloCesar-mo7mx]

Dweezil is the man with the awesome concept interviews. Intelligent questions and interactions with guests. Cars music will live forever.

[@sararichmond8476]

Elliot just blazes away like it's the most casual thing in the world and every note he plays is astounding. His playing absolutely floors me. 🎸🌄💥

[@David_Watts]

WOW...I've got a tear and a smile, all at the same time!! That last bit was INCREDIBLE...🙏🙏

[@chuckdriver8269]

Elliot Easton is an American icon and has been blowing my mind for decades! I am truly in awe of just how unique and special Elliot’s work is! Thanks Elliot we love you buddy!🎸❤️🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@JayRutherford]

Eliot! I’m also a lefty. I also started after seeing Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show in ’56 (I was born in 1950). Got my first guitar Xmas ’56. Guitar has always been a side gig for me, but I still play (every day) the lefty Strat I bought in ’68.

[@dasteelerfan1]

Got a lot on my head is my favorite Elliott is a great player

[@realRonStubbings]

Elliot was my inspiration to play the guitar. The Cars made me love music and write.

[@Truthmoses]

two of my favorites-Dweezil Zappa and Austin Powers.

[@MikeWulf]

Elliot is one of the smartest and most talented musicians that I have ever listened to. Goosebumps.

[@dewwhatchadew1]

these are so great they need to be alot longer. these little ten mins. videos are such a tease. this stuff is gold if your a guitar lover/ music lover...

[@sergeantfury785]

I love Elliot. So humble and unassuming...... GREAT guy and an even better guitar player.

[@scottbartlett4853]

So lucky to have the Cars as my very first concert. I love that at 7:43 he's telling his tricks. His playing was no trick, his approach could be.

[@JasonWingate-nl7jd]

Most talented guitarist to ever come out of Brooklyn, New York. Loved Eliot’s creative style which was a perfect fit for the Cars success.

[@adamserafini6945]

What a creative gift he has .More then just a physical playing skill .The Cars would had never sounded like the Cars with another lead guitarist .

[@sweendawg7274]

One of my all time heroes!!!!

[@MrMusicguyma]

Elliot Easton is a prince, unaffected down-to-earth, just sharing music. Dweezil is an OK guy, too.

[@joshalger6059]

Man...elliot is a monster player to put it lightly..

[@kiltedwolf2]

In a touch of irony, I just saw an incredible documentary on Frank Zappa last night on Hulu. Not sure how this one escaped me as the film has been out for a while. Of course, there's a young Dweezil and his brother Ahmet in the background. Dweezil must have really enjoyed growing up in the Zappa household. He has his father's fluent, natural delivery. It shows here as he interviews one of my all time favorites. . .Elliot Easton. This interview went by so fast that I was hoping it would last twice as long. Elliot Easton is a legend. NOT underrated. Guitar afficionados everywhere know this man and his work.

[@fromelmstreetgames]

I imagine these videos are really one hour cut down, and I'd love to watch the uncut versions.

[@SCgroove]

Wish this could’ve been an hour long. Great job.

[@QuestForPerfectSound]

There are so many things I love about this video

[@David_Watts]

Fact is, Elliott is being VERY modest, like it's no big deal and that's just what they did. But Dweezil knows that Elliot's character style on guitar is unique and his phrasing is amazing!! Ha! I rhymed..! But seriously, as a life long Cars fan from when I first heard them at age 12 in '78, I have been bitten by the very hooks Dweezil is trying to pull out of him and it's like no one else! 🙏🙏 Thank God for Elliot Easton 👍

[@bmelvin1234]

Take note kids. One of the best just explained how he wrote his solos. Come up with a concept first.

[@jamesrockford2626]

EE is one of the great ones

[@viperone1000]

Absolute Genius! Drop the mic Elliot. IMHO one of the greatest of all time!!

[@nbenning25]

Great Video! Thanks for posting! Would love to see a Guitar Power episode with Dweezil and Tom Scholz :)

[@dukegreened]

first time i've felt pure joy in, well almost a month. gratitude.

[@superflea72]

excellent video! Elliot has always been one of my favourites, and this is pure gold. I also love that Dweezil is loving it as much as I am...great interview.

[@Kuhlyedascope69]

for the lick around 5 :05 bend 11 on b to 8 and the way he gets the video game noise is a pull off from 11 to 8 then slighty bend the 8 and hammer onto the 9 and bend it up.

[@michaelmcgregor1776]

What a treat. Love both these guys. Elliot Easton's phrasing is so nice.

[@rexxengineering8333]

Both solos from You're All I've Got Tonight are among the best ever played. They are true works of art. Thank you, Elliot!

[@RangKlos]

This makes me so happy without any apparent reason.

[@CreamyBone]

His rockabilly influenced solo on "my best friend's girl" was so awesome ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpy2nn-eZ62Vn5Im57s )

[@brendangilmore4297]

My admiration for Elliot increased 100 fold when I had to learn that solo. The comments here say it all - he's way underrated

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

His best solo was 'just what I needed ' for me

[@RoaringPhilosopher]

Such a genuine joy to watch this unfold! Please release extended cuts, as an aspiring player this is all truly a great inspiration and fountain of knowledge and even wisdom!

[@joebutler3608]

I wish this was 2 hours, lol. Eliot is excellent at explaining his approach and influences and Dweezil is a great interviewer.

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

.i love you Elliot Easton ❤❤❤ ..fine guitarist..love , and love him ..and i love The Cars ! ...I miss Ben and Rick ❤❤

[@juniorsguitarranch6368]

Wish these were longer! Could watch them all day.

[@slammerband2009]

What a great video!!! Gave me friggin chills!!!

[@mozilla2576]

I love the Cars...and Elliot is a huge part of that. Big thanks, Elliot!!!

[@KingsHarem]

Thanks for Your Support and the Invite to The Players Circle! - John Crisci / Guitarist for @KingsHaremBand

[@kinghawaii]

Happen to same things hehe!! if you are lefty ,have this same vision .Great Elliot !

[@al6347]

When I'm feeling down I listen to the Car and then " I'm Moving in Stereo

[@NVRAMboi]

Hate I was late in finding this. What a fun, great, interesting and musical interview. Thankful to have been around to experience the first five CARS LPs as they were released. So much enjoyment. "Time-delayed HEFT."

[@drlarcey]

That is so cool that that goes full circle back to sip to Frank's tune that is awesome both you guys rock

[@northernbrother1258]

One of my favorite guitarists, huge influence on my playing, so underrated!

[@telecasteroil]

Hat his is the best one yet Eliot is so cool !

[@harpethguitar]

Sweet! I've got to learn ALL these solos. Every Elliot Easton solo is pure genius!

[@fburtt]

So cool! 2 of my all time fave guitarists!

[@swhitehouse]

one of my TOP TEN guitar players

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

I wish these two were in our weekly coffee, golf group in winter when the course is closed. Black Hills

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Love Eliiott. Such a song player.

[@hotsonfornowhere76]

Wow, just an incredible video. Both Elliot and Dweezil couldn't be better matched to bring this conversation to light. My only complaint was that it was too short. I could listen for hours.

[@gregorypekkery]

Dweezil Rocks!

[@chocloditelensman]

This was sooo awesome ! Elliot just rocks it.

[@trailertrashmusic1004]

Guitar power indeed! There's not enough words to say how much we love this! Well done, Dweeze!

[@benmiller9854]

Just an amazing guitar player. Wow geez

[@drlarcey]

Elliot it's great that you're doing all of these KZbin's awesome thanks big inspiration

[@hpelisr]

I seen Frank Zappa at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, Pa. in the seventies. What a classic show, he was off the wall kind-a guy when he played. It took me for a while to understand him. I think he played a SG just like the one Dweezil has, or very similar.