Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Dave Navarro

"Guitar playing is a gift. It’s something I got into when I was 7 years old... just learning three simple chords led me on a journey that would forever change my life.” In this episode, guitarist Dave Navarro discusses his beginnings with music and guitar, his love of playing, and his relationship with Ernie Ball.
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players.
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
Dave Navarro plays Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings: www.ernieball.com/slinky

[@RickXe]

His mother would be so proud of him

[@doubleviewcarpetcleaningdc1215]

Loved Dave’s work on One Hot Minute

[@brianzak]

Deconstruction is great work also.

[@David.S.]

Have always been a fan of Dave's playing, underrated guitar player for sure.

[@dragonfistjedi]

He is definitely a blend of shred and dark emotional playing. A true hybrid player. How can anyone not like that??!!

[@Hell_Inc]

I completely agree. he’s very underrated.

[@jhowardsupporter]

i can't believe this guy got paid! he plays for 6 months then doesn't play for 6 months? slash said he practices 20 minutes a day! fucken hell. i can imagine waking up from a wild night at one of those 80's parties, everyone's still passed out, real early in the morning, and slash is there sitting on his guitar amp just picking away at the strings, giving you the nod while your still in that haze. cat in the hat.

[@michaelgraham9774]

@@jhowardsupporter It's his life and his choice. The dude is a great player regardless of whatever practice pattern he has.

[@spangsman]

@@jhowardsupporter you obviously dont realize Slash is nothing but a copy cat of Navarro???? Navarro was actually axel Rose's first choice as a guitarist but he turned them down and so they hired slash who basically did all he could to mimic Navarro. Navarro is unfortunately the most underrated guitarist of our time. Simply because perry Farrell's voice is a big turn off to most people. JA>GnRx10000

[@lingerfan15]

As a guitarist myself, hearing him speak on his experience of musical burnout helps me feel so much better about myself and my playing

[@mslush47]

We all go through it, we try to push too hard instead of enjoying the instrument. I have relegated to playing one string at different times "every now and then" :)

[@shaem482]

Yeah I mean I've always liked Dave but this vid made me really like Dave

[@veerchasm1]

Perfect marriage of skill and feel. I always enjoyed his shredder mentality with leaning towards art rock. Jane’s Addiction saved rock from the 80’s and set the table for the 90’s and beyond

[@markblackwell9486]

Thoughtful, intelligent, candid thoughts from a very talented guy.

[@NenaLavonne]

Mark Blackwell agree!

[@theondulle8475]

One of the most underrated guitarist in history! Not just as a lead guitarist but also as rythm and acoustic guitarist. Such unique and personal sound and style. One of the most influential musician/band of what will be known as alternative rock and grunge and other musical movements from the 90s and 2000s.. I was lucky enough to see Jane's addiction live twice and I can easily confirm that he is one of the best performing musician/band/act I've got to see in my life. And I've got to say that I have seen quite a few in the past 20 years. One of the last ultimate guitar hero.

[@soufienkhalfaoui7593]

Underrated?? Come on guys.... He's a GUITAR HERO.

[@theondulle8475]

@@soufienkhalfaoui7593 he sure is... What I mean is his work and contribution is still largely overlooked.

[@sevenfold089]

Appreciate the comment dude, but there’s still a lot of damn good guitarists out there right now making music.

[@theondulle8475]

@@sevenfold089 there sure are! But as influencial as Navarro?? The guy is literally the corner stone for 90's alternative rock style and sound!

[@roosterj2599]

Here we go with the underatted thing again. Put it this way. If he was underrated. Why is he in this video for Ernie Ball? Dave's underatted ass was in 2 of the biggest bands in the world and has influenced many. He's a super star. Underrated. Geesh! Check his net worth.

[@Berbs73]

He conveys his thoughts very well.

[@TheEasyTube]

The Three Days solos is just as iconic as anything Page or Hendrix ever played!!

[@robdevine69]

100%

[@guitarnerd2004]

This guy has not aged in 30 years. Still looks 20.He always had the coolest guitars especially that white Hollywood guitar. Amazing guitarist!

[@buddywilliams5650]

I hate that Hollywood guitar. If given the chance I would smash it to pieces. 😎🚬

[@drunkdadchronicles]

i stood directly in front of him for an entire Janes show back in '91, extraordinary experience....he loves his marshall's and boss pedals

[@JillianReneeSmith]

I did too for Lala palooza at Fiddler's Green, in Colorado. He was so amazing, the end of the show he grabbed a dozen red roses, from each side of the stage, and stood in front of me handing them to me. My friend had to tap me on my shoulder to look up. I've always wanted to say "Thank you". Wish I could have just a moment, in time. I think we would connect on a energetic, etheric, level. I feel as though we would "be". I already know this to be true.

[@samuelislas7415]

Respect to this guy.

[@khabriel]

Something inside this story is so archetypical that it can be attached to many many guitarists. A little teardrop falls.

[@CharlesGarant]

hands down the deepest, most emotional string theory

[@TNO73]

Still waiting for a second solo album from Dave. Love this guy.

[@fruhentus4437]

Ok all i knew about him was that he was guitar player in early RHCP . I just saw his playing style, his sound and and his thoughts i’m just charmed such an interesting musician

[@jimmylad7358]

@R Yeah I was a fan of RHCP during the BSSM era before Dave joined but I loved his playing on ‘One Hot Minute’ and that’s what turned me onto Jane’s. RHCP unfortunately started to suck when John came back and they started making ‘funk pop’...

[@sunsetcliffs98]

I don’t know why he’s so overlooked. His sound has and amazing feeling like no other. Not surprised he’s a big Gilmour fan.

[@spangsman]

Hes over looked cause hes kind of a douche. There are videos of him playing old One Hot Minute songs on a DVD called master sessions from the 90s. And the entire time hes playing hes like what's this chord? What's this note? What's this scale? He trolls the interviewer (who actually does a very great job and knows his stuff) and I have talked with multiple people who felt he doesnt know anything about guitar playing. "He doesnt even know what chord hes playing. He sucks" I think sometimes his "Hollywood" personality outshines his guitar playing and its its unfortunate he is an amazing guitar player.

[@theondulle8475]

@@spangsman you are referring to a video that was shot at a time he was in deep struggle with heroin addiction.

[@standinsilence]

@@spangsman I always thought his playing is very simple and basic. He never stood out much as a guitarplayer. I do however like him all the more as a person.

[@spangsman]

@@standinsilence i respect your opinion. But I disagree. I absolutely love his playing. His solos get me hyped. To this day in 2021... I can put in 1988s nothings shocking and it makes me want to pick up a guitar and start shredding!!!

[@standinsilence]

@@spangsman Well thats great then.

[@nathanrocks2562]

I saw Dave on an instructional DVD years ago and I was blown away. His shredding is amazing, and his style is so distinct. Lots of memorable riffs from Jane's Addiction.

[@spangsman]

You can still find it on KZbin. Master licks dave navarro

[@vinnyhydeswt]

The judges have decided……. Dave…….. You DO have what it takes to be string theory master!

[@pattonPwr]

the "three days" solo at the end was the best

[@doublestrokeroll]

That's because it's one of the greatest songs ever written. In history. By anyone.

[@K3vinK]

The fact he came up with that solo when he was 18 is what impressed me. I have bootlegs of them playing it loooong before Ritual came out. Most of the music on Ritual was written even before Nothing’s Shocking came out.

[@nuccababy1814]

Zimphire Can you share ? Pls

[@JasonSmith-we5ls]

One of the last great rockstar players.

[@chreld]

YES! Finally! Amazing 90's virtuoso. More of these guys please.

[@whssy]

except Janes wrote most of their stuff - even stuff on "Strays" back in the 80s. Even "Ritual de Lo Habitual" was essentially completely written before "Nothing's Shocking" came out in 1988. So he's really an 80s virtuoso if we are going to be nitpickingly accurate about which decade he is a virtuoso of. I just wish he had a bigger profile for his playing these days.

[@jeradswartz5609]

My favorite guitar player! Dave is very humble and well spoken

[@justinespinosa7878]

Great String Theory! He's a great guitar player and an interesting cat. He has what it takes to be a string master

[@billyhughes9776]

Definitely a big fan of Dave -- all his band work aside, his solo record from '01 Trust No One is a favorite of mine.

[@chriscampbell9191]

To me, Rexall said it all musically. A forgotten single from a largely forgotten album that came out in 2001. An incredibly cool piece of music.

[@standinsilence]

I like that song too.

[@bagsgroove21]

Dave is a strong reason I play guitar, why i got a strat and the fact he went from vai to jr. Kimbro I had the chills… I was like me too! Dave is a super cool human who went through the ringer and came out even better! 🤘🤘

[@jamesmurff193]

He is still a badass! Loved his work in The Panic Channel.

[@K3vinK]

Did you see The Panic Channel covering Dazed and Confused live? Dave kills it! Even does the violin bow part without using the bow.

[@UrbanAnalog]

I relate to his style so much. Love listening to this interview.

[@brianzak]

23 years I have been playing Ernies...Learn and listen to everything and then forget it and make it your own

[@skookum31]

I'm the girl who still needs to look at the hand-drawn chords in order to even make one. Knowing Dave was there is reassuring. And yes, Ernie Ball super-slinks are my favorite. Always will be.

[@carlostrevino2669]

Love this. I would love to sit with Dave and talk about how he wrote 3 days guitar. An album, I would take with me on a deserted island. Yes, I love nothing shocking.

[@fslayer1290]

This was a beautiful interview! 😊

[@RastaSaiyaman]

I wonder how many people who know Navarro from "Ink Master" know that he used to be in the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Me, I know him from seeing him play a blue Ibanez in the video for Jane's Addiction's "Stop", which still is an awesome song all those years later.

[@markrosenquist8259]

He has such an amazing tone.

[@audiobunny1767]

This guy changed my life and his music inspires me to keep going. Thanks 🙏 Much Gratitude

[@markknoop777]

I've always loved Jane's but I'm only starting to fully appreciate what an utterly uniquely incredible guitar player Dave is.

[@ej1_drew]

he's so under-appreciated as a guitar player!!! im a huge fan

[@wade_pisani]

"this week on ink master"

[@ajmmz802]

I knew ive seen him somewhere

[@AmandaRogersarock1988]

Dave Navarro's just the coolest guy all around.

[@K3vinK]

He always gets shit on for no reason. Has been my favorite player since 88’ when I first got introduced to Jane’s. Deconstruction probably has his best playing IMHO.

[@spangsman]

Deconstruction is amazing. J love eric avery's bass playing. I just cant seem to get down with his voice. He sucks as a singer. That said deconstruction was very good.

[@K3vinK]

Eric’s poetry being read over the music is def a art rock thing. Perry was not the best singer either. I would not change one thing about that album.

[@IvanLendl87]

Zimphire Navarro has never gotten anywhere near the credit he deserves - same with Jane's as a band. He and Frusciante are comfortably the best guitarists of their generation. Navarro's guitar playing on Nothing's Shocking and Ritual is for the ages IMO. And yes his playing on Deconstruction is flat-out amazing (though I'm also not a fan of the vocals on that album).

[@K3vinK]

Ivan Lendl The vocals grew on me. The music reminded me a lot of a non-linear Floyd song. I love Jane’s but I like the Deconstruction album better. I think it was when Navarro peaked.. What amazes me however is Dave wrote the three days solo when he was 18/19.. It’s not overly complicated. That’s not what amazes me about it. It’s just how it fits perfectly. Dynamically. Three Days and Then She Did.. was Jane’s at their best. Most all of Ritual was written well before Nothing’s Shocking was ever recorded. Perry said he wanted to save the better songs for their next release. Im glad I got to see them in 91’ and 2016.

[@K3vinK]

The problem is, when most people think of Jane’s, Been Caught Stealing and Jane Says comes in their heads. Neither of those I actually liked a whole lot.

[@freddyantrax]

Finally I Was Waiting For This 🤘🤘

[@FawazK]

This is incredibly inspirational.

[@longships9373]

You can hear Gilmour all over Navarro's lead work

[@piersquarless7731]

the king, love him, love his sound

[@SteveJones379]

No disrespect to Frusciante (Great!), but go look at some video of the RHCP with Navarro on guitar and you'll find his guitar work and style exceptional. I find the creative guitar writing of Frusciante absolutely brilliant, but Navarro's style in the RHCP was more to my liking.

[@vizcacha5]

Steven T frusciante is my biggest inspiration but I find the work Navarro did with RHCP amazing. It completely changed the sound of them and made them sound really badass. Such an underrated album in the rhcp community. Smh.

[@RastaSaiyaman]

I completely agree, from "Californication" on the Red Hot Chili peppers have mellowed out completely. "One hot minute" was their last "Rock out with your cock out" record, in fact when I played that one to some current RHCP fans they went "What, these aren't the Peppers, no way, they are way too hardcore sounding!" And then I'd play Hillel-era stuff like "Johnny kick a hole in the sky" and they had to retrieve their lower jaws off the floor.

[@milugardeimagenysonido]

I think Dave´s finest work as a guitarist is with Jane´s Addiction, same with John and the Peppers.

[@WILD__THINGS]

I agree. Personally, One Hot Minute was my favorite Chili Peppers album after Blood Sugar Sex Magik. I really don't understand why Chili Pepper fans hate that album so much.

[@hannibal7158]

WILD THINGS I think it is bc it is so different compared to Mother’s Milk,BSSM..etc.Those albums are way more Funk based albums.One Hot Min w/ Navarro is a Solid Album.But listen to them back to back & the feeling of it barely even being the same band is palpable.Opposite end of the spectrum from each other,That’s why my hardcore RHCP Fan friends say they don’t like it or Dave Navarro as much.Take it for what it’s worth,Everyone has they’re opinions of course.

[@cathybaldry7822]

Thank you for being real, raw, and ridiculously authentic!

[@sylvandelacruz]

Wow, I'm always interested in know how young was the artists when they started. I'm a late learner, but I love it so much, and appreciate learning, practicing tips from great players like DN. He's one of the best.

[@levgtz8158]

I hope you Dave some day read this. I like your playing a lot, just like your life attitude. I understand some of your darkest episodes, just like the obsessive listening to one thing or nothing at all. I heard JA for first time around 90 at Mexico City's radio, that in fact adopted the term "alternative" because of your band. I'm 45 yro now and learning guitar (before only playing synths, and never got serious on playing music, only on appreciating it), I will love to play your stuff, but it's not the easiest for me.

[@steveponder4842]

Never was a janes addiction fan, but I am a Dave fan!! One of the best around!!!!

[@NenaLavonne]

Much respect ❤️

[@Disape324]

By many reasons, I admire this person so much.

[@mandalorian48]

Fantastic guitarist & very cool dude. That was enjoyable. Thx. 🤘😎

[@andrewgonzalez6208]

I never ever realized how cool those riffs are till now

[@Hell_Inc]

such a creative, prolific guitar player. I’m a huge fan

[@timothyholtze6245]

Awesome guitar sound and style.

[@facusrock]

the part with the acoustic guitar behind his voice before three days part, is so beautiful..so navarro.

[@cornflake756]

His piano background explains why Dave's melodies are so lyrical and powerful. Dave's personality and looks seem to irk the booger eating nitwits who haunt the YT comment section. Hilarious..

[@CutmeMick]

If you haven’t heard his Deconstruction album from after Janes broke up in ‘91 you should listen to it-such incredible guitar music on it Dave will always be my absolute favorite guitar player

[@voidwraithprime8521]

I feel that Dave is a just a great, cool guy who's probably a great hang. He also plays guitar. I really like some of his songs, but mostly, I just like Dave Navarro.

[@markbreaux6613]

13:07 - 13:35 Is what it's all about for me ... Absolutely Fantastic guitar player!

[@cornflake756]

Had to read the comment section to see if anybody else had noticed this brilliant section as well. For me it continues up to 13:44. Dave has always been an amazing talent.

[@brownguy1210]

does anyone know those chords that lead up to the solo?

[@IvanLendl87]

brownguy1210 Want to know that as well.

[@joshuachristopher7797]

He played like 4 chords relax

[@markbreaux6613]

@@joshuachristopher7797 It's the throwback to the ''Ritual De Lo Habitual days'' is what I'm referring to.. You see 4 chords.. I see something that separates him from everyone else its called ''Fingerprints''.. ( Nobody sounds like him!) ...

[@RichardFriendartist]

I wanted to give this thumbs up 9 different times watching this. hahaha. We love you Dave!!

[@diegogons7779]

Dave Navarro it's a beast. Thanks Ernie Ball to bring such talent to us to share this amazing story.

[@ginafrontino9236]

Dave Navarro is amazing on the guitars and love it

[@magusking9215]

Love the approach of this series - very instructional in ways that are more personal - from the Artist to the viewer than a classic video that shows you how one song is supposed to be played. I mean Justin Chancellor, Daron Malakian, Dave Navarro........ you only have left to do Adam Jones someday and I'll be happy

[@sandrineprudence8022]

Loving the bond with the art! Pedalboard is on fire like the man.... for the sake of music 👌

[@deepspace28]

Beautiful Dave

[@holveragtz]

Love that prs!

[@charliemudgett8850]

Thanks dave luv your energy 😀

[@Crinkle65]

Fantastic.

[@mmmmilky]

Love love love Dave 🖤🖤🖤

[@stephenscharff6358]

I am a huge Jane's Addiction fan and yes Dave Navarro is one of my guitar Heroes say what you want he's a great guitar player and seems like a unique person my wife and I saw Jane's Addiction back in the early 2000s one of the best shows long live rock & roll long live music and don't forget music is freedom without music your soul can never be free..🎸🎸

[@roosternm6830]

God that tone! Amazing!

[@easye612]

I really dig that series

[@mattmartinez9849]

Great playing at the end.

[@IvanLendl87]

Matt Martínez Agreed. From 17:22 through to the end of the video it's just dripping with Hendrix vibes. Beautiful.

[@Lean6]

While i've always known of Dave Navarro, I think I became an official fan at 5:51. Contrast that with EVH saying things to the effect of, "Nope, I'm not inspired by anybody, and I have never listened to anybody...not even Hendrix."

[@jayprivacy1900]

Thank you for not editing out the "Three Days" solo like you did the "Stop" solo.

[@unclejj13er75]

Dave Navarro is a rock n roll madman. Don't let that soft spoken nice guy attitude fool you!! He's a mean mean monster to those strings. They must go through terrible pain to scream like that!! Well, you gotta do what you gotta do. But Dave is maybe the most expressive guitarist we've seen since Hendrix. I hope he's around for a long time to keep inspiring more great players and artists. Long live #DaveNavarro

[@scott.hanson]

Heavily relate to so much of what Navarro says here. Underrated player in a sense, IMO. Wish he would have played non-Jane's stuff here as well!

[@gwynwilliams5161]

Dave Navarro listening to Dave Gilmour. When awesome listens to awesome. Made my year 👍

[@markalford9535]

Sitting there in his study blowing my mind again 34 years later.

[@monno2600]

Dave Navarro, Sick player!

[@vegaslowblower8781]

not really

[@monno2600]

Have you played in the peppers and janes addiction? I don't think so sir

[@spangsman]

No way. Not even close. I liked deconstruction dont get me wrong. He was at his best with nothings shocking. He did a great follow up with ritual de lo habitual. You should check them out.

[@isabellac5669]

Nice trip down the lane tonight! Thanks ✌🏻

[@mikeomaly]

I love Dave's PRS SE signature! Really cool he stands behind it too!

[@PabloAfroSamurai]

Love this guy

[@shellyperryman995]

Wow! U are amazing ! Excellent guitar player, and very pleasing to the eye!!♡♡♡

[@micheleenloe8216]

❤❤❤

[@dtworzguitar5775]

Just saw him last night in Camden NJ BB&T Pavilion. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ellisdtrails420]

Damn, people just love throwing around the word underrated. Hes not underrated. Hes fuckin Dave Navarro. Hes known the world over for his guitar playing.

[@dariaelectra]

Thank You Ernie Ball

[@bobbybird9433]

One hot minute ... awesome awesome awesome

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

One of the greatest rhythm players ever. Doesn’t get enough credit.

[@spangsman]

Rythm players? You're a dumbass

[@theondulle8475]

Totally

[@MissOrigami]

Constance, here's your SON , making Greatness. You gave birth to a SPECIAL person inside & out . You are proud of him , iam sure ! Rest in Peace 🕊️ Mother

[@johncannon7761]

Dave, I have a Gibson Acoustic Guitar that my father bought for me in 1965. It is in outstanding condition, because I have never played it. I only took a few lessons when I was 8 years old. You have always been such a wonderful fan, with your guitar capabilities and on your Ink Master Show! My guitar is in the very old Alligator Case and even has some old music books. There is even a Batman Book! I think that this guitar would fit you perfectly. I would love the chance to see you someday and show you! Have you ever heard Marta Altesa play the bass guitar? Wow, she is truly amazing!

[@dankowalski6925]

I’m a rocker and a descent guitar player. I love that he mentioned Al Di meola

[@ronnywilson2112]

Dave Navarro is a very underrated guitar player, just like John Frusciante both have a unique style and an interesting sense of song structure and rhythm.

[@marcoswilson1613]

I can’t say I have a favorite chili peppers guitarist. I love all their guitar line ups. I feel like people could learn a lot from there different eras if they give it a chance. I grew up listening to all these guitarist and took what I could from them. I remember being like 6 In 2003 and digging the shit outta Rhcp and janes addiction. Gotta give it up to my mum, always had good shit going on the car radio.

[@macanoodough]

A very under-rated guitarist. Dave is one of the only guitarists I've seen play electric songs like Had a Dad on an acoustic without rearranging anything. Shredding and all, he pulled it off brilliantly while most of us would simply arrange a nice acoustic version.

[@stanleysteamer3212]

Dave is one of my favorite guitar players

[@keithsparbanie2108]

Love Navarro’s guitar playing.

[@nlight101]

Yup I am here again - because I am number 93. viewer, but I like this story. Reminds me of my guitar strings- nylon. I remember thinking, panty hose.. they are gentle on your fingers .. so I remember I wanted steel metal- but .. nope. Anyway, acoustic guitar, challenging myself - going to buy my Signature Epiphone Dave' s Jane, and be inspired and buy these strings - SOLD . lol. Dammit Dave - I am inspired to heal and to bring music back, Jimmy - I love Steve Via - I like Randy Rhodes- Eddie Van Nohh. Steve Hackett, Slash my Auss. yup got to have the vinyl. Me too. got to ride the art.. in art.

[@sixstringer98]

Dave learned guitar the same way I did. My parents made me play classical piano even though I hated it but I'm so glad they made me because it made the guitar so much easier and natural to me

[@whssy]

Same here. I didn't realise this about him till I saw this interview, despite having been a fan since I bought Nothing's Shocking in 1988. "You'll thank me one day" is what my mum used to say during the tedious lessons (she still is a piano teacher). And yeah mum... you were right. Sadly we only had a guitar and a uke in the house and nobody ever explained how to play or tune the uke which just became one of our toys. So I didn't get to play guitar till I was big enough to pick up a full size concert classical when I was about 13.