The Jesus Lizard's Duane Denison Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour

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In most instances, there is a yang to every ying. And that’s most certainly the case with guitarist Duane Denison.
The Jesus Lizard and Tomahawk-his two main bands in the ’90s and 2000s (respectively)-had unnerving deranged swagger because of their unhinged, dynamic lead singers David Yow and Mike Patton, respectively. Their stage presence and the bands’ overall sonic aggression was counterbalanced by Duane’s slithering, obtuse guitar parts that were equally unsettling and catchy (start with TJL’s “Then Comes Dudley” or Tomahawk’s “White Hats/Black Hats”).
The seasick notes and nauseating arpeggios kerranged sympathetically like an off-kilter Andy Summers or D. Boon. However, the peculiar phrasing and disjointed delivery of those chords and riffs mixed with his formal music education (Dillman Music Award recipient from Eastern Michigan University) along with classical and flamenco touches. This blender of influences and knowledge created something alarming but musical (TJL’s “Monkey Trick” or Tomahawk’s “God Hates a Coward”).
Most guitarists scramble to fill every molecule of air with notes (and he can do that, too-check out the solo in “Sunday You Need Love”), but Duane often utilized air and breaks for uneasy, tense moments like in TJL’s “Glamorous” or Tomahawk’s eerie “Birdsong”.
Adding from a 2013 interview with PG: “You don’t have to hit people over the head,” he says. “It’s nice to kind of step back and let the vocals take over. If you have a guitar sound like mine that tends to be fairly bright and shrill, ear fatigue sets in pretty quick, and unless you’re a super fan of that kind of thing, you’re gonna tune out after a while.”
His longstanding gigs have been with noisy indie-rock (The Jesus Lizard) and bizarre prog-metal (Tomahawk), yet he’s also performed in more standard fares like roots/rockabilly outfit The Legendary Shack Shakers and backing the hell-raisin’ outlaw country Hank III.
And how’s this for irony: His former “day” job impaired-and invigorated-the youth with bludgeoning, piercing, screeching guitar tones. He now empowers the youth spending most days, in silent settings, as a circulation assistant at a branch of the Nashville library.
A recent afternoon in January 2020, Duane Denison welcomed the PG squad to his Nashville home to go over the nuances of his all-aluminum Electrical Guitar Company sigs, talk about working as a “supporting actor” to Yow and Patton, and get his reason why his bands are a one-horse (guitar) town.
Watch the Episode: bit.ly/DuaneDen...
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[@premierguitar]

Watch the Episode: bit.ly/DuaneDenisonRR Don't Miss a Rundown: bit.ly/RIgRundownENL Subscribe to PG's Channel: bit.ly/SubscribePGKZbin

[@DanAnderson_TheMaddestShredder]

Mad Respect My Brother!! God Bless You

[@abelincoln9224]

My band opened for them in the 90’s and they used our gear. I was using a horrible ADA digital preamp at the time (forgive me please) and Duane just plugged in and I went through maybe 3 pre-sets for him to try. He settled on one and that was it. Didn’t touch a knob/button, just played the show on borrowed gear (he had his TB) and it sounded as good as any Jesus Lizard show I’d been to. It was all in the guitar and his feel. And of course Yow getting naked.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

Abe Lincoln dude this is such an awesome story and knowing it was Jesus Lizard makes it that much more believable!!!

[@TheZooropaBaby]

didn't every 80s shredders use those ADA preamps tho? I remember some producers just automatically used it to get "shred" tone or whatever

[@abelincoln9224]

TheZooropaBaby Your right, the ADA preamp was popular for a time. It wasn’t bad, and it was awesome for it ease of use and presets. I was playing a Strat at the time and my tone wasn’t all that different from Duane’s, so it worked for him right off. I was especially impressed with his attitude toward it, he just plugged in and was like “that’ll work”, and off he went.

[@peteytwofinger]

@@abelincoln9224 the ada - mp-1 was not digital , it had a digital memory for presets and its fairly highjly regarded piece of gear . yes it had a 7 segmented digital display but it did not have any A/D D/A converters . lol . digital is not always BAD people .

[@AlBatazz]

@@peteytwofinger and Abe Lincoln: I still have a Digitech GFX-1 Twin Tube from same era.…same story. Digital memory for presets but no conversions. Still sounds great, even though I pro(re)gressed to a True Bypass all Analog setup.

[@JohnDoe-ym5ly]

Anyone learning guitar should study Duane. You can have classical guitar chops and a strong knowledge of theory and it'll only make you better even if you're wanting to play rock or punk music. Learning those chords and voicings that maybe only ever get used in jazz will give you such a broader palette, and learning the proper way to finger them, correct picking, down to how to hold the guitar will give you the tools to express the palette.

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Well said!

[@magnusbrockman9623]

Not true - Duane is awesome - but please shut up…..

[@balance1182]

Arguably the best guitarist in the 90's

[@JohnDoe-ym5ly]

His tones are face melting while drawing from rockabilly, surf, jazz/fusion, post-punk etc but the key is in the hands. Best picking hand palm in the business IMO

[@ryanf81]

Some truly innovative left hand techniques as well

[@slintrodan]

Been a fan for 25+ years, enough to buy a TB1000 back in the day, but this is hands down the most detailed, informative and open/frank Duane Denison interview I've seen. Any JL fan will love the reason why he wasn't big on pedals.)

[@johnforan2973]

One of my favorite Guitar players of all time and favorite bands of all time. Jesus Lizard. I love the tension and stress in the writing. Weird chords and Yow's clever poetry. I have been to many concerts and shows over the years. I am so happy I got the chance to see Jesus Lizard live in New Orleans late 1990's at the House of Blues. Amazing show.

[@Lowmelt]

I was at that show, weird venue for the Lizard but it was amazing to see older tourists unwittingly wander into the concert and gasp as Yow grabbing the nuts on the guy wearing the Mexican wrestling mask and tighty whities and nothing else. Unforgettable and priceless moments of the unleashed hound that is David Yow.

[@johnforan2973]

I was in the crowd sort of left of Duane . This was 25 years ago but do remember staring across and remembering Sims and his stare doing his bass maneuvers. I do remember Yow slinging his junk out while holding it, I am guessing it was "Blockbuster". Definite crowd surfing right of me. Jesus Lizard is one of the most underrated bands of all time in my humble opinion. I would be willing to bet in conversation that they get what is going on today. I wish it was Mac on drums but Jim did a great job

[@johnforan2973]

Jesus Lizard was "In your face band" but a rock and roll band at the same time. Very clever sound and experience in my life.

[@ConceptCarMusic]

FINALLY!!!!!!! Legitimate guitar hero.

[@italktoplanetsbaby]

Such an unsung player. I was hooked on that sound the first time I heard Then Comes Dudley. Still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Tone, brothers. Its all about the tone.

[@awesomeplaceofstuff509]

Most underrated guitarist ever

[@sonofdirt]

He's fking rated in my book

[@toothfairyretributionmanif1781]

Whoa, that was a fantastic interview. Chris Kies really did a phenomenal job getting Duane to loosen up, while also posing questions that helped Duane provide maximum insight in a short amount of time. Kudos!

[@Lowmelt]

Pro tip: Duane gives guitar lessons and sends you the sheet music for JL and Tomahawk songs. Yes you too can learn from your guitar hero and he’s just as down to earth as he comes off in this interview. Thank the lord he’s walking the earth with a guitar strapped on, we’re lucky to have been around to see and hear it. Thank you Duane ✌️

[@locustsun9]

does he give them remotely? my god.

[@bricebeaulac]

Duane has created some of the most menacing guitar riffs and tones that rock music has ever heard. The coolest thing about him is he is the most normal, humble guy ever.

[@DauneDenison]

Hello @brickbeaulac, How're you doing ? Thanks for being a fan It's nice meeting you here❤.

[@Rokit263]

I love Duane. His work with Tomahawk really inspired me when i was starting out on guitar.

[@DauneDenison]

Hello @Rokit263, How're you doing ? Thanks for being a fan It's nice meeting you here❤.

[@bendavies8744]

PG is covering some pretty good sh*t recently! Great interview!!

[@deuliciousmafuka3604]

the way that mic sits on his shirt makes him look like a catholic priest.

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

Cool Sunday school leader with his _rock and roll guitarrrrrr_ You kids like _rock and roll_ , doncha?

[@strts8030]

LOL indeed.... though I thought it was the mouse of my PC all the time...

[@bendavies8744]

Thought the same! God bless The Jesus Lizard Priest

[@claykline2830]

I've literally thought that for like a full year

[@MeAndTheBoys_]

Father Duane 🙏

[@cowboyconey]

Duane's always been one of my favorite players. So creative and such a great tone. I really enjoyed this.

[@alexstewart839]

Duane Denison, Steve Albini, and King Buzzo are making such a compelling argument for me to buy an Electrical Guitar Co guitar. Shit, you guys. These tones enchant me.

[@ryanf81]

Check out Ken Andrews’ (Failure) sig model as well

[@someoneelse101]

They seem great but sadly budgeting doesn't always allow for suvh luxuries

[@royjg83]

Nice job PG! Duane is a cool guy, and neat that you did this at his house.

[@byronlaird5116]

Long ago.. whenever I went to see the Jesus Lizard, I'd stand by Duane's side of the stage. Partly to watch him play + get the direct blast from his Hiwatt; but mostly because it was usually a buffer zone from the human maelstrom of mayhem, David Yow!! Being anywhere near the oft flailing headstock of David Wm. Sims' bass was even more dangerous. Knowing these things firsthand made me chuckle at a bunch of the things Duane said in this interview.

[@DauneDenison]

Hello @byronlaird5116, How're you doing ? Thanks for being a fan It's nice meeting you here❤.

[@eyesintheskies]

Jesus lizard always seemed to a big ball of chaos which I loved dearly as a teen punk but it took me a few years fully realise and appreciate what truly great musicianship there was through out the band. Duane’s my favourite guitarist of that era for sure 👌

[@maaik]

The fuckin’ MAN. So great to hear one of my favorite musicians of all time speak so thoughtfully about his craft and tools. And in his own home! So cool. Well done, PG. Now go talk to J Robbins, please

[@kyusshead]

Duane: Metal. Everyone else: medal.

[@pharoid77]

Been a huge lizard fan since early 90’s and particularly Duane... he’s one of my favorite guitar players of all time... he has always had such a unique sound and you can always tell when it’s him... awesome interview!

[@snavs420]

Duane Denison is inimitable. The best way I could describe his style is "understated ferociousness." Then Comes Dudley is a perfect example. It's super sparse unison notes at the beginning, a few power chords, and then that crazy little run comes in and perplexes you in the best way. He puts his stamp on his riffs.

[@HarshTonesInc]

Can I just say, FINALLY!

[@michaelhawkes5110]

I didn’t know of this guy but loved the interview!

[@lukerogers151]

Check out The Jesus Lizard, I'm sure you won't be disappointed! :)

[@ihavesoul4real]

First time watcher. Really cool job of an interview/conversation. Not even a fan of tJL but Denison is so intelligent. I wonder if he teaches guitar bc he seems very fluid with the way he shares his knowledge. I learned a bunch but it seemed like peers having a fun talk. Those Blackstars are so beautiful inside and out. Can’t wait to watch more of your content.

[@fl7210]

Duane is a great example of tone in the hands

[@johndcoffee632]

God Duane is so awesome. I've seen Hank, Shack Shakers and Jesus Lizard with him playing and it just blows me away that he gets all those tones with a super cheap rig. Just goes to show that all the rare, vintage, analog, true bypass whatevers are no match for style and imagination.... also, new Tomahawk album, muh bawls is ready.

[@DauneDenison]

Hello @johndcoffe632, How're you doing ? Thanks for being a fan It's nice meeting you here❤.

[@biffer4810]

LAY IT ON ME, DUANE!

[@mariodriessen9740]

I shamefully admit that I never heard of this man before, but I liked everything he said. Might have something to do with the fact that I think exactly the same about most of the stuff he talked about..., but yeah, about time I start listening to his music.

[@jonsnow5518]

You're in for a treat. The man is an animal unleashed on guitar. The complete opposite of the humble gent he seems to be here. If i was you I would start with Liar by The Jesus Lizard..

[@mkhud50n]

Dude’s chord vocabulary is impressive. Some of the dirtiest and prettiest chords in rock.

[@lovrepetric]

ted greene of post-hc

[@AlBatazz]

Trained Classical weirdly enough…!

[@zeppelinfan82]

I always thought that too

[@bunnyadrian]

I am so stoked on this! Both as a fan and for other personal reasons!

[@HarshTonesInc]

It's the Helix, isn't it?

[@blkPhillip]

Haha, of course I run into Bunny here. :) Gotta love an intellectual guitarist that knows what he's doing. Duane D. seems like a really cool guy, as well!

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

OMG rig rundown just leveled up for me

[@fugazi1980]

I’ve had an order in for an EGC Duane Denison Sig Model (burstbuckers) in Purple for like 3 years - still waiting 😂. Thank you Duane for doing a rig rundown and all the beautiful melodies 🙏 - especially Pastoral

[@bendavies8744]

2nd watch. Absolutely fantastic; what a guy. Such precision in playing, effects and design. Chris with the probing questions as always. One of my favorite rundowns next to SLEEP and BIG BUSINESS.

[@leightonmann]

Such a modest genius. The pride of Michigan.

[@MrDaigoRiki]

The greatest guitarist, my tutor used to tell me how great he is. He has been in a few hardcore bands but he uses jazz scales and chords and very intelligent guitarist/musician. I completely agree with it after having listened to all the Jesus lizard album. Now I can see his guitar playing influences Dry Cleaning. So underrated, he’s one of the guitar heroes to me.

[@totalbender420]

I like that you brought up dry cleaning. It’s unreal how much music has come out in the last 2-3 years that you can hear Jesus lizard influence all over.

[@briansavage932]

New Tomahawk album coming!

[@hornethive]

Really? This is insane!

[@ryanf81]

This seems like good news but for the fact that the band was much better with Kevin Rutmanis in it

[@charleyschoolmaster5155]

I use an EGC guitar in a band in Nagoya,Japan called Nicfit - - - I specifically requested p-90 pick-ups, they are wonderful sounding ! ! Thanks Kevin ! ! !

[@georgespencer3973]

My favorite Premier Guitar episode. This could have been twice as long and still would have gone by too quickly.

[@tsrzad]

Duane's playing has been inspirational for so many years

[@chrisroyalty4469]

Duane's one of the best been a fan since 7th grade.

[@mindburger]

Great Rig Rundown!! Loved every second of this. Duane Dennison is an incredible musician.

[@pepppery]

I was pretty stoked when he showed his amp settings@19:40. Almost identical to what I do. Just through trial and error, that's where I ended up. Albini, and Duane were my two favorite guitarists from the 90's. I wish I could afford one of those aluminum guitars. 3k tho... BTW, I saw the Jesus Lizard and The Blues explosion play a show at the kennel club (SF) back in 93. Probably the best live show I ever saw.

[@domquirever7499]

Great interview! Please keep trying to format the interviews similarly. I love Duane's playing and knew most of the information discussed, but the pacing was great and there was a great spread of relevant inquiries that helped me understand where Duane is coming from. Excellent work!

[@droidlittle582]

Duane is truly one of the greats! Love that style! Im happy to hear that they are working on a new Tomahawk record.

[@seanlogsdon2293]

As stated by another viewer oh finally a bonafide guitar master genuine artist not a run-of-the-mill shred Ted typo situation Duane is one of the most unique creative electric guitar players ever

[@pytheus]

Thank you PG, and Chris!! And, thank you Duane!!

[@iGluTV]

New Tomhawk album... BOOM!!!

[@NobodyCaresALot]

So glad this exists. Thanks for this video!

[@jejealin]

uno de los guitarristas más creativos que escuché en mi vida!!!gracias por la inspiración Duane!!! abrazo desde Argentina!

[@TNNLZ]

Great Rundown! This guy is so inspiring. His touch and tone are killer and zero B.S. Thanks PG!

[@strts8030]

we're talking about a scientist not just a guitar player...

[@CS-sf1rz]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@ruination775]

Living Legend. Seems likecan Awesome Guy to.

[@jnewton000]

the goat

[@almightyhotdoglady5383]

Literally

[@michaelinglis567]

Im 33, ive finally got to the point where i can reliably build from scratch with plans/schematics any wood electric guitar, tube amp or guitar pedal (but I've only recently began learning to program pic chips though so up until now i only built analog effects or implemented other peoples digital chips in my circuits like the Belton Brick reverb bricks for my reverb pedals etc). And now i see this and I think that Duane is making a lot of sense about the benefits of aluminum as a guitar building material. Most artists like certain setups for trivial reasons which is a big pet peve of mine. But Duane seems to legitimately go for things after taking the time to consider all the possibilities and only then decide what works (as i do). So....i guess id better get into machining. Luckily aluminum is easy to work with (minus the welding alluminium part which i know from being a welders helper for a short while in my early 20s that welding aluminium can be quite difficult and temperamental). Point being that i really like that precise sound he gets on the Jesus Lizard records which i always noticed translates very well in live settings. So now ill have to build an aluminum guitar. Maybe ill start with an aluminum necked guitar and go from there? Its actually quite practical in a lot of ways if you think about it. ESPECIALLY when you play in Jesus Lizard and have live shows that are anything but tame lol. Plus you can always melt it down and rebuild it if you want/need.

[@TheRealPartyDad]

"Legendary ShakeShackers"

[@radewar]

What a great interview

[@papershark]

This was relevant to my interests

[@TheZooropaBaby]

Kevin himself mentioned the Katy Perry guitars/basses, they're not just normal ones, though....they have this intricate lighting system controlled by laptop or something....basically the acrylic body and even the neck have lights built in! super fancy looking

[@jigri_pokhri]

Travis Bean is a legend, no questions asked.

[@steveezzoentertainment1870]

Duane!!! Steve Ezzo here. Great to see you’re doing well, still in Nashville and immersed in creative projects. I think the last time we talked you were still at Gibson and just starting a family. I just checked my computer and I couldn’t find your contact info. I’ll search the web and see if I can find a way to get ahold of you.

[@jtlemay4878]

One of my favorite guitarists

[@Agent36]

This video is great. The advertisement for Jared jewelers not so much. You tube getting that ad money during a pandemic.

[@DanAnderson_TheMaddestShredder]

Mad Respect My Brother Awesome Vid. Thank you for sharing

[@Jacksmusicshack]

I want a guitar with an aluminium band neck.... Also this mans guitar chords are in another universe..

[@muzgash]

Duane has done so much interesting stuff with Tomahawk so I wish there were more questions concerning those songs, other than that, great interview.

[@Jacen13]

I saw a Baby Yoda season 3 ad. 🙂

[@PDDistVideo]

I'd love another DK3 record. Neutrons is phenomenal.

[@oldandeerie]

this was very entertaining and interesting, thanks for sharing it, what a cool song writer, really thinks out side the norm.

[@davetomlinson33]

Fantastic

[@JerryWhite-ee5hy]

It's cool how modern guitar magazines and guitar people are finally noticing 40 year old records ..0-o

[@AlBatazz]

Tim Shaw humbuckers....that would be a killer combo with the aluminum guitar!!

[@petheato3291]

I enjoyed hearing him talk about amps and speakers. Black star amps that are easy to find, with stock 70/80 speakers, and he sounds amazing playing it. I'm sure he sounds amazing playing hiwatts and marshalls too, but...its just a little needed perspective.

[@markferguson3745]

Jazzmasters( and Jaguars) are pitched neck, - not 3° , but then, the bridges are similar but not the same as traditional Gibsons/Gretsch. Almost all he notes, I'd agree with, except, - I always use a lot of effects.The whole 9, ( no multi effects- Pitch, Chorus/ Vibrato, Delay, Flanger, Phase Shifter, Reverb, Compression, Tremelo, & Fuzz;) they've always helped in writing and structuring guitar parts.And he makes a legit point about mixing traditional genre sounds and techniques with modern, unique sensibilities.No one listens to what I do and thinks Surf, or Link Wray,or Spaghetti Western ,or Swamp Blues,- even with a slide, - but those are fully integrated elements. Speaking of Bowie, he once said about his saxophone playing that it was unique because of the tension between what he was attempting, and what came out.I think you hear that struggle, with newer players, or fresh material that isn't fully worked over.There's something missing when it's not there, like not playing to your ability, and just doing a cover . A great band and a underated guitarist; I think you need to keep working your sound, stay fully engaged, and understand guitar as having no ideal or end result; don't write different gear off, and keep experimenting.I've recently discovered potentials with Vox amps and (Gretsch) Filtertrons, for example, that are some of the last options available that remain untried.

[@villainlaughrecords]

Finally!!! Duane is the man!

[@crimsonfancy]

With that lavalier mic and black shirt, I see DD as a padre'. Maybe not preaching but as an approachable visionary. 😊

[@davidstevenson5522]

Oh man, favourite ever band, such amazing musicians I’ll forget getting knocked out by David Simms when I was 14 in London for invading the stage.

[@EzraClaverie]

Jeff Beck : Gary Cooper :: Duane Denison :: Lee Van Cleef

[@JerryWhite-ee5hy]

I seen the Jesus Lizard in San An 33:37 tonio. We were accustomed to extreme shock rock. They blew our brains out.

[@skategreaser]

I wonder what D. Boone would have done with one of these. And maybe send one to Black Francis.

[@IETCHX69]

D. Boone ftw !

[@spaceantelope1]

Met Dwane in NashVegas years ago. Dude is cool as a fan.

[@CS-sf1rz]

Isn’t it Duane lol

[@LaTigerGenesis]

great one, chris!

[@nicko6710]

Great insight into being a real musician.

[@dimidoul8166]

he talks about fixing the neck/body balance and the neck dives all the time :D

[@Neuri]

Awesome day thanks guys

[@lamborn55]

Actually the Travis Bean came before the Kramer.

[@hchoe741]

Dude looks like a heavy metal priest \m/

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

This is fantastic, thanks so much. Such an erudite dude for such a MEAN player.

[@JakeSavich]

Wonderful

[@BrutalistJr]

I LOVE HIM

[@devolucionario]

masterclass

[@pim2paul]

nice

[@armandoarciniega1462]

Do I need some type of professional help for watching almost all of these rig rundown series 🤔

[@premierguitar]

How do you think we feel about filming, editing, and watching them all? We're going to the looney bin together, Armando!

[@armandoarciniega1462]

Premier Guitar Oh wow see guys at the Looney Bin then we won’t be alone for sure!

[@AndreAmeli]

sheryl crow was is the ryman this week, i just expect that u guys make a rig rundown whit my fav guitar in the world, audley freed

[@Napalm93]

I wanna go to duane denisons house....

[@lucaserojas]

God Tier guitarist

[@dis.infectant]

"Shake Shackers"... Good one.