What Dweezil Zappa Learned From Eddie Van Halen

In this episode, Dweezil Zappa stops by the studio to talk about continuing the musical legacy of his dad, Frank Zappa, as well as shred some of his favorite Eddie Van Halen guitar licks.
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Toby Guidry

[@Souldoubtrocks]

My mother died from Alzheimer’s. She didn’t know my name. She never knew music theory. But at her worse I could bring my guitar to the home and I could play for hours and she knew every word to every song. Music is very very powerful. It’s magic.

[@wwilliams74127]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease. That is an amazing story and a testament to the power of music. Thank you for sharing that.

[@andresimmons1906]

Yes. My condolences sir. Music is an amazing thing.

[@Charly_Dont_Surf]

My sincere condolences.

[@grandadneal8114]

Same thing about Glen Campbell...he could play and sing and not know What day it was

[@christophertaylor9100]

All those elderly people singing around the piano in the nursing home. But here's the sad part: what are Millennials going to sing around the piano? Macarena?

[@BassStevie]

Dweezil talking to Rick about Eddie. What a time to be alive.

[@michaelward9880]

It seems Dweezil is more musically influenced by EVH than his dad. Dweezil seems to be a great guy, like Rick.

[@gerardomartinez576]

Man 🙌

[@Guitargate]

Dweezil is one of the few with REALLY great pick slides. It's a thing.

[@braziliantvhd2768]

He learned from the master

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Dweezil is an incredible player, very underrated. Thanks for the interview Rick.

[@christophertaylor9100]

His dad was usually underrated except by jazz fans as well.

[@greg3030]

Underrated by whom? I’ve always appreciated both of them as players.

[@stephenpatton6985]

Underrated by those who do not understand or know him.most miss used word ever.

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

@@christophertaylor9100Frank was a true original monster player, however I don’t hear many jazz fans talking about Frank or his music today. Today with Progressive, modern players you can hear his influence, Aaron Marshall, Joshua De La Victoria, Animals as Leadeders, Louis Cole, Joseph Andjar and Jack Gardnier. All amazing players, that may not even listen to Frank’s Music. But I feel the influence. Dweezil is the real deal and one of my favorite players alive today.

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

@@greg3030 Same here, but most here already know Frank’s music and how Dweezil is keeping the music alive. I’ll talking about musicians in general. I got to see Frank in 88 and Dweezil every tour.

[@SebastianFalvoMusic]

Dweezils openness and honesty is unparalleled. His love of the guitar is palpable too

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Agreed. Amazing stories with EVH and Steve Vai. His podcast “Running with Dweez” the first 2 episodes with Steve Vai are truly one of the most beautiful and emotional things I have heard. Love Frank, Dweezil and Steve.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

Eddie was many things but rarely is it said his comping ability was unparalleled and still is. His voice leading, rhythm; just brilliant at every turn. GOAT.

[@7775Kevin]

This is one of the best interviews you've done. Dweezil Zappa is one of my heroes. Thanks so much for this Rick

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Agreed, Dweezil deserves the recognition.

[@dominicdoyle2895]

Dweezil is an overflowing lake of pure talent. Seems like a hell of a nice man with a lot of heart and compassion based on what I’ve watched and read about him. Saw him last month in San Diego and it was phenomenal. He’s very understated about his talent but you can tell Rick (who is also amazing on many levels) learned a lot from him. DZ is a master musician for sure and is one of the greats. Look at his inventiveness here. Fantastic. Thank you, Rick for doing this. Two excellent people in one great conversation.

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Amazing and cool guy.

[@Johnthecomicguy]

My wife passed away from Glioblastoma in 2019. After her craniotomy, she was unresponsive for approximately 8 days and after she began to be minimally responsive, we put her iPod on her and while she could not yet speak in conversation, she would sing along to songs and while brain cancer ultimately took her, for a brief period, her response to music gave us hope.

[@theclash435]

What a great repository for great interviews! Keep em coming Rick! Big fan!

[@closetotheedge91]

Frank is my favourite musician of all time and go see Dweezil whenever I can...Nicest guy in the business, he let three of us come to the sound check without anyone else there and we got to watch the band play around for about 30 minutes or so before the show. One of the coolest experiences I've ever had.

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Sounds amazing, this might be close to my favorite tour and band. The first Zappa plays Zappa tour was great simply because of the old band members.

[@TheJeffbarrett]

My brother introduced my to Zappa Apostrophe. We recently had a reunion at Dweezils show in Seattle. Brought back those memories.

[@mortenjensen2682]

NIce .. My brother also introduced me to Apostrophe .... I was lucky to see Zappa live in Copenhagen in '79

[@OGStinkywizzleteats]

I love how genuine and unpretentious Dweezil has always been in everything I've ever seen him in. Seems like a good dude.

[@fredrikdalfors1756]

When I noticed Rick's face was actually living inside of Dweezil's pick guard, I had a hard time keeping focus at times. Great interview!

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Same😂

[@zacharykuder4052]

Damn you for pointing that out lol

[@benkyle76]

Like something from a Mastodon video. Rick needs to talk them soon, since they are just across town

[@ultramimo]

can't unsee it

[@TVoltG]

I have so much respect for Dweezil. Love his solo work and his playing with Z was fantastic.

[@jagbeats1309]

So many great guitarist throughout the years, but Eddie is a whole genre himself!!

[@scottwheeler2494]

I have never played an instrument in my life. I did sing in choir but my music theory is lacking. BUT i followed this hour. He is an amazing teacher beyond a player who would make his dad proud. He is helping keep his dads music alive. As an old guy who remembers Frank this makes me extremely😮 happy.

[@GrammaticoAmps]

I met Dweezil at his show at Stubb's in Austin through Jamie Kime. We were hanging out by the tour bus talking and I asked him if he would do the Ajax voice for me and he did! The show was killer and hearing him do Ajax's voice for me was the icing that I'll never forget.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I love these interviews. So much knowledge being shared. 👍

[@tictocbang7443]

Every time I see Dweezil I convince myself that Frank still haunts the earth.

[@Jamaramlolz]

Feels like a part of Frank lives on

[@chrissmart9761]

Thank you so much for this Rick and Dweezil! I was lucky to attend a pre-show guitar clinic with Dweezil, and he couldn't have been nicer and more acomodating. Music is the best!

[@awesomearizona-dino]

This is an amazing interview. i used to go to backyard parties in Pasadena with VanHalen playing. its was 1975-76.

[@dotothenn]

So awesome!!! I met Dweezil many years ago when he did Zappa Plays Zappa before their show in Cleveland, Ohio(he signed autographs and met fans at the stage) with Chick Corea and Jean Luc Ponty. The show was incredible, and he was so cool, even got a picture with him!!! I thanked him for keeping his fathers music alive and kicking.

[@paullavallee1631]

Best musician interviews ever

[@ilionreactor1079]

A real service, Rick. Zappa has done much himself to save the history. Thanks!

[@tauronval1404]

Amazing interview!👏🏻And Dweezil is an incredible guitarist👌🏻👍🏻

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Agreed.

[@ThymeKeeper]

He's so casual about all of it. I know it's from practice and experience, but it's very impressive.

[@jlkoenig4377]

One of the most educational and INSPIRING interviews ever! Hope you'll bring Dweezil back as often as you can, he's great in so many ways.

[@musicmann555]

unreal...i never knew he was that good!! What a great interview! you must have been so excited Rick!!

[@scottc4471]

The pure joy Rick shows during Dweezil’s pick slides is so genuine and illustrates how so many of us feel hearing such things.

[@ministerofdarkness]

This is Awesome! Dweezil shredding some EVH & FZ music. Love his podcast Runnin with the Dweezil and all the amazing playing with Zappa Plays Zappa. His dedication to the guitar and his Dad’s music is astonishing. PLAY LOUD!

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

I often mention that the first 2 episodes of Running with the Dweez are one the coolest and emotional for me podcasts I have ever heard.

[@cbip8259]

Man he seems like such a nice and cool guy. Well done raising him Frank!

[@deadforever]

Wait till you see who he follows on Twitter

[@stephanea5364]

@@deadforever Who?

[@MH-qy5hh]

​@deadforever follow doesn't necessarily mean "agree with".

[@andyroid5028]

*Great video. Dweezil looks really good for 50-something. He's such an underrated guitarist.* _Off topic: Hey Dweezil, I had a crush on your sister Moon Unit back in the 80s. : ) Loved her in European Vacation!_ _Also, your father was a genius & he was taken from us far too soon. Anyway... best wishes to all of the the Zappas!_

[@joshualee8448]

Dweezil is so cool man. He has every right to be a stuck up ahole, but he always comes across as nice, introspective, gracious, etc. I’m a huge Frank Zappa fan from back in my early childhood listening to Hot Rats, Apostrophe, and Overnite Sensation with my dad and little brother. Keep on rocking Rick, Dweezil, and rock on forever Frank!

[@SpaceKadetMegaStar]

This one got me fired up to play guitar today. Thanks! Had no idea how amazing Dweezil was and it was so cool to learn about EVH techniques from him.

Another one worthy of the phrase absolute gold. Such an outstanding and comprehensive approach of playing the instrument. Kudos to Dweezil ❤

[@KhordLizardMage]

Damn I love me some Dweezil! Some of the greatest shows I've seen were the numerous times that I saw Zappa Plays Zappa. I was always right up front, (usually near Sheila) and singing and dancing the night away to great music.

[@BSGC]

Your a legend rick, picking the brain of men like this in my mind is extremely important, or else so much knowledge would be lost to time. Thank you for everything you do man.

[@mickpowell8391]

To me, there is nothing better than to see a true virtuoso admiring another player's skills like Dweezil does with Eddie.

[@mkaris1484]

The Z album “shampoo horn” that Dweezil made with Ahmet (brother) and a TON of guests is an all time great album.

[@Daddytang67]

truth

[@youropionmattersnot]

​@@Daddytang67 Yes. Made a shampoo horn with my granddaughter a few months back while giving her a bath. It was magnificent. 😅

[@jeffball6656]

Dweezil! Very cool!

[@carlthomas99]

Dweezil's excitement is awesome. This man loves to play guitar.

[@antikytheramechanisms]

I've been listening and playing EVH stuff for years and still ... so much more to learn ... I did learn something today ... thanx Dweezil ... and Rick.

[@adox66]

What a fantastic guest. Must have been a pleasure to have. Only a few questions asked in the hour but he spoke so well(and humbly) and really explained his processes.

[@ZappaIrl]

I think Dweezil is great! Such a nice guy… met him a few times. I’ve seen Zappa plays Zappa like 8 times.

[@gissellest333]

Yes, been waiting for this one too. He is one hell of a guitar player.

[@youropionmattersnot]

Eddie and Van Halen demanded that I play guitar back in 1978. 2 years later I had a Kramer in my hands. Never looked back. Still bringing me joy all the time.

[@shermanto2647]

This is a collective materclass of King Edward's playing. Thank you both for showing us here, free of charge!!

[@chuckhalen9543]

Rick, you have knocked it out of the park this year with guitarist interviews! All the interviews have been informative, and the atmosphere you create for them is very laid back! My ears perk up when other guitarist speak of EVH! It’s remarkable how much he was, not only to guitar players, but to music itself! Any chance Michael Anthony is a future guest? We can only hope! Appreciate you Rick!

[@theStacyJames]

I met and hung out with Moon Unit on a cruise in the late 80s, and this was before I ever even heard the name Frank Zappa. I was 15. Lol!

[@zepeps]

Dweezil is the one the best and is making a great job playing Zappa 's music because, for me, Zappa still is the best!!!! thank you so much for this Rick.

[@mrb.9526]

Thank you, great interview.

[@Ponchy]

Damn. Thank you so much Rick. Frank Zappa is my favorite artist of all time and this is by far the best Dweezil interview/conversation out there (other than the first one you did of course).

[@noeloreillymusic]

I will watch this interview again and again. Dweezils ability is so natural, yet he has to work at it so hard. There is definitely a re-awakening for this guitar player after watching this interview. Thank you again Rick. And Dweezil - you have a new fan.

[@schlitze1]

Thank you for this video! Dweezil is such a master of the guitar, and he keeps his father’s music alive! What a great interview, this is hands down hands down your best one yet!

[@randalrides]

What a joy to listen to two dudes with infinitely more music knowledge and talent geek out over the same songs I sat in my room in 1985 loving. Thank you for explaining a bit more of the EVH legend. Also makes me recall buying Frank’s Jazz From Hell in 1987, and struggling to comprehend what I was hearing. Geniuses operate on a different plane. 🙏🏼☮️🎸

[@elmolewis9123]

He is such a level-headed guy. His dad would be so proud of him.

[@SpeakitVoices]

A great interview! I also love the shots with Rick's face reflected on Dweezil's guitar!

[@krob5375]

Great interview Rick. Dweezil is such a unique player, it was really interesting to hear his take on things. Him also talking about the change and wear down of older guys, it made me think of your interview with Steve Morse and how he's had to adapt his picking style to offset the years of injury accumulation.

[@GregorySpicer]

Great interview. So nice to see the son of Frank Zappa, independently so talented and also modest and down to earth…

[@mkeenzs]

Ah, another fantastic video! And so soon! Thank you 🫶🏻🎸

[@FrisellFan01]

Yes, the way Rick teaches he has that special something....he is a dynamite teacher has the most amazing recall....and his website offers the greatest interviews on the internet.....just to say the least......and now you get to interview Dweezil......what a super day this is!

[@jwchell]

Thank you for sharing the history of that guitar, Dweezil. Amazing to see the guitar he used on some of my favorite FZ albums.

[@drapp1477]

Rick you are just killing it with the interviews these days! Really enjoying all of these talks with musicians, producers, etc. Such a wealth of knowledge from all these people.

[@kali550]

I never really followed Dweezil, but he’s one of those guys that when i see him, i’m watching.

[@cozmicpfunk]

Dweezil has ability to mimic/encompass the styles of lots of guitar Hero players techniques. I would imagine having Frank as a father (at that time in Laurel Canyon with all of those great musicians neighbors) would be an incredible environment to grow up in. How could he not be as talented as he is given that situation? Another Family legacy similar to Eddy and Wolfy. I could watch these kinds of videos all Day Long, what a person can learn about music and guitar- what an amazing time we live in! Than you RB for bringing so many incredible artists on your page- Dweezil is among the best

[@RedSinter]

I can see his dad...in his face... 🎉

[@duffeyboy]

That made my Friday!! Another fantastic interview, Rick! I was sleeping on Dweezil's talent...no longer!🤘🏼

[@skylarzoom3568]

damn Dweezil's now older than Frank was when he died. full of energy and looking 40 max. remember watching him on german music show Formel Eins when I was a kid in the '80s and he was a solo star already at 18

[@LlewynDaviesTheThird]

Love it. What a masterclass

[@gregoryswift9573]

This is the positive enlightening side of technology. The beato channel is a nice recess in the cluttered interweb

[@telecasteroil]

This was very inspiring, thank you Rick and Dweez

[@Dogfish63]

Rick's reflection on D's guitar is freaking me out!

[@rudetuesday]

I'm definitely listening and watching to this one more than once. Fantastic interview!

[@ianshepherd2861]

My best friend introduced me to FZ when I was about 15. I eventually got to see him at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in the 70's. I was overwhelmed by the musicianship and sound quality. It's great that Dweezil has taken on the challenge of keeping his music alive. If Frank were alive he would be 84...I'm sure he would still be creating incredible scores.

[@MarbsMusic]

Amazing interview and Dweezil is quite an accomplished guitarist. What I find interesting is how much Frank's influence you still here in Vai's music to this day.

[@davidwhiteford4936]

Rick, these interviews with virtuoso musicians relating the process of performing and explaining techniques are very and engaging and compelling! Wow, Dweezil is 55, I remember him as a kid. Time is fleeting!

[@jonn8163]

Awesome interview!! I can listen to you two for hours

[@Mountfailmore]

Amazing interview, I could watch hours of this!

[@DavidTobyTraylor]

Amazing segment! One of the best guitarcentrc things I have seen in a long time! Thank you for bringing this to us!

[@unsaved6]

“air sculptures” nice way to put it. Great interview!

[@frankstepien5767]

Wow. Please have another session with Dweezil. So cool.

[@Comdev11]

Never listened to Dweezil too much growing up (I was a metalhead). He is on another level with the guitar ideas and is a nice person. Refreshing.

[@sosimple3585]

That was great! Dweezil's such an accomplished player and a generous interviewee. I hope you have him back soon.

[@technicalitems731]

In awe. The way he explains Eddie's technique and finesse. 👏🏼

[@GoDrex]

I saw ZPZ twice and both times I was blown away by the band, and Dweezil's playing was on an incredibly high level.

[@zapp442]

Love you Dweezil.

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

"Puppy running in a field" 😄 Fantastic description. Another awesome interview, Rick! I could listen to you and Dweezil talk all day.

[@autk]

Yes D Zappa!

[@Jinkaza1882]

In this house we honor Zappa.

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Same here.

[@Charly_Dont_Surf]

My pet bird was responding to his guitar playing. She has never done this before!

[@KShredLL]

What a tribute to EVH by Dweezil. A monster musician and guitarist in his own right but he spends the corpus of the interview time sharing his deep insights into Eddie's playing, style, and technique. What a humble guy. Oh, and his dad was a beast!

[@mikeanderson1316]

Dweezil was the first guitar lessons I learned. The early days of true fire. Great lessons.

[@jordibroquetas4757]

absolutely impressive, magical, evocative, worthy son of his father

[@gredmer]

Wow Rick, your interviews are great and I can’t wait for more. The best I’ve seen.

[@riffmondo9733]

Love Dweezil! Seen him a few years ago. Band was incredible.

[@SimpsonMusicProductions]

18:25 "He's just like a puppy running in a field" Dweezil Zappa 😊

[@doctornova3015]

Dweezil deserves way more praise than he gets, and he seems way more accessible to talk to, whereas his Dad could be very acerbic and abrasive. plus he's had to put up with guys like me comparing him to his Father his whole life, even though he seems very accepting of it.

[@eddysgaming9868]

He's remarkably humble and approachable despite having such a legendary musician for a father.

[@andbenitz]

You can see Rick's reactions on the guitar body reflection

[@sozei]

Dweezil Van Zappa 🤘