Guitarist David Weiner talks about working with Steve Vai

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Great attitude of gratitude! What more people need is this willingness to do whatever it takes to fulfill your career in music. Hard working guy, saw him with Steve in Albuquerque.

[@wildwayz]

Dave is SUCH a nice guy too. I'm a member on his Guitopia learning site, and he takes time out every week (unless touring gets in the way) to live chat with us where we can ask him stuff, and he goes through it with you. He also said he responds to the live chat bubble on the site, so if you are wanting to know some theory / technique, if his staff cannot answer they pass it to him to get back to you. Or if he is recording in his studio, he hops on to help too. I've chatted with him a few times on Facebook too. So humble, much like Vai and Satch - musicians without the attitude.

[@McNoiseboy]

6:00 - 6:16 As a sound engineer I really appreciate respect given to the technicians by musicians because it is reciprocated. Makes for a good working relationship. Great stuff!

[@McNoiseboy]

David Thomas: Very cool, man! You're right, it is an art. When I'm mixing I use the sound desk just like a musical instrument. I also play guitar as a hobby and have gained so much knowledge & insight from the musicians I work with by hearing them play, seeing how they interact, how they can vamp at any given moment, and by taking the time to ask them about how they came to have such command of their instruments. It made me study basic music theory and has helped me greatly in understanding how to help put across the music they generate through the sound system to create the best possible experience for the audience - as well as for ourselves! When you have that two-way respect and understanding it's unbeatable. Nice one brother, keep rocking and never stop playing!

[@aaronbergAPB]

Happy that you got that gig. You deserve it. Steve is a very smart man to choose you amongst many. Cheers, props from Phili', ApB

[@rokku87]

I love what Dave is saying about how he treats his fans. I genuinely felt this way during the meet and greet in MN for the Passion tour. A lot of people were a little nervous so most were just staring at him.. So me being who I am I decided to toss a couple questions his way. I couldn't believe he was humble enough to just look at my in the eye while I was talking and again look me in the eye when answering. I have close friends that don't even do that. For a moment let me say fuck the guitar career he has. He's simply a nice great guy. And Dave is also right about it really affecting how "into it" I am when I'm listening to his music or just being a fan. I've been also following Mr Weiner since I discovered Steve back when the Live at the Astoria DVD was released and he's one hell of a player and someone I also look up to. Steve seems to surround himself with the best kind of people.

[@panamajr7]

I got to meet him Dec 7th. I completely agree!

[@dennisneo1608]

Well, great. But let's not forget, Vai, and all other famous people, are not Jesus Christ. They are human like you and me. So why should they have an attitude?????

[@nevigo5519]

Because so many that become famous, get that attitude.

[@jadedcynical7739]

What a cool guy

[@handsomerube]

would love to hear the demo that got him the Vai gig

[@TheLithGH]

I was the bass player on that demo. Just three of us (Guitar, Bass, Drums). We rocked, man! Drummer and i got left in the dust, haha!! But it was a great experience and Dave went on to achieve great success, so much respect for him!

[@69strathead]

Excellent interview and great professional attitude.

[@aaronbergAPB]

I remember I used to jam with this bass player Robbie Harrington and his LA band Stone Heart. There were postings at The Bass Center, Robbie was working there. It was a call to audition for Vai. I remember Robbie telling me that he was going to go. He went, he said it was a nightmare. Steve was calling out changes, Robbie was doing best to keep up. He said it was pretty humiliating. I lost touch for a while with him after this. I was working at Guitar Center/Sherman Oaks then. We were checking in shipment and in box was Alien Love Secrets video. I bought one, opened it and played it in the store. Believe it or not? There was Robbie in the mix. I was beyond happy for him. Crazy timez!

[@BostonBrand]

Thanks for taking the time to share

[@AnnaAnnaYes]

May the true meaning of Music and Musicians,never die!

[@SuperJamail]

It is in the air!o) Everybody can capture it... Some are more sensitive to it like real musiciens.

[@richf6111]

Great interview - seems like a lovely, genuine guy. Good luck to him.

[@claudiosuarez9905]

Hope he doesnt forget he IS a Monster and an inspiration too

[@JeffMallon]

Nice interview, Dave. I remember you told me this story in the post office the one day, when I asked how you got that gig with Vai. I now realize that you must have been asked that question a million times. Lol

[@AccuracySpeaks]

I absolutely love Dave, what an inspiration! It is funny listening to him discuss how people in his friends and family circle have the impression that what he does isn't work, haha! I'll tell you with certainty that these musicians work their rear ends off, especially the successful ones! I was very sad to recently hear that Dave's time with Steve is coming to an end. That said, I wish Dave nothing less than complete success in whatever path his life takes! I was very fortunate to see Dave play on the recent tour with Steve in Charleston SC, man, what a show!! Great video you have here!!

[@DevCom666]

I've always been fascinated by Dave and also Dave Kenneally, who tours with Satch (and who used to tour with Steve). I can't fathom how crazy it must be to be the right-hand man to such legendary players. This answered my question to "How the hell does someone get this gig???" Congrats to Dave. Seems like a really cool guy.

[@oliverjames7315]

DevCom666 do you mean Mike Keneally?

[@susancorgi]

Now i want to hear that demo lol it must be great

[@UR2Compliant]

I took several lessons from Dave when he had just joined Vai's band...Gracious guy.

[@BillLarkinmusic]

I have been my own "tech" for the last 35 years!! Anyone who says "that ain't workin' "never had sleepless nights, long voyages, long soundchecks and waiting around all day, performing at your best, being social, etc .. i love it :)

[@J23486]

What a great story! I'm a Vai fan, but I didn't really notice David that much, I do now.

[@Despond]

An amazing personality.

[@TheLochs]

I went to MI at 17. Loved it

[@claudefridrici]

You're a great guy, Dave!

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Wow, I never knew! And I remember when I lived in California being tempted myself to go to MIT.

[@BillyBongwaters]

good job

[@anthonysilva5312]

Met Steve in Toronto. Nice guy, great player

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I love Steve Vai and his music

[@merqury5]

I think this speaks to the need for people skills if you want any job. It's so important to learn to grt along with different people. It sounds very obvious, but it wasn't to me in the beginning at least.

[@kayokk-]

Serendipity is truly irreplaceable!

[@mikolosteez61]

smart dude

[@IggyBing]

5:01 - lost in this is that Dave was capable of learning a Vai setlist in one weekend.

[@bdwitt66]

Dave is the man!

[@BIGHEARTM1967]

Minty 👍

[@mickywinters8451]

Cool interview. Today he looks like a weirdo with the hair 😮

[@allaboutthemusic3367]

clickbait... lying to get click...