Dweezil Zappa on Varying Pentatonic Riffs | Reverb Tips and Tricks

Dweezil Zappa stopped by the Reverb office to show us a few interesting ways to modify your pentatonic scales with different picking patterns and techniques.

[allrain]

Not your average "son of". Here you have a truly gifted musician in his own right, with tons of knowledge to share. Cheers!

[having]

Wow a famous guitar player that can actually explain and teach without being abstractly vague

[JackRainfield]

Dweezil is the first person to make sweep picking interesting to me. I like how he incorporates it into his soloing in very small chunks.

[beefheart]

Can I just say "thank you" to DZ for this. This lesson is incredibly generous and worded in a very comprehensive manner. Personally, it's going to be invaluable to me. Other YT tutors take note: there are loads of beginners style tutorials on YT that are great and there are, seemingly, a preponderance of tutorials aimed at the more accomplished player (Rick Beato anyone). However, I have found tutorials for the reasonably advanced intermediate players (those of use, self taught, who have been playing and gigging for years, with "some" chops and "some" theory but, as DZ points out, have "hit a wall") are a little like hen's teeth. This is how it should be done. This is how it should be shown. This is how it should be explained and contextualised and this is how it should be worded. Believe me, it's difficult to access tutors for certain levels of playing if you don't live in a City. YT is a Godsend in this respect and this tutorial hits the nail right on the head! Thanks again.

BTW: I went to see Zappa Plays Zappa in Manchester 18 months, or so, ago. Absolutely great. If you're a fan of his Dad's music and haven't been to see DZ's band, I'd strongly recommend you catch them if you "I know you'll be surprised!".

[cachinnans]

It's fantastic the way he has inherited his fathers guitar playing genius. But with a lot of hard work and practice of course....!

[cadenwilliamson]

It’s been so hard to find extremely effective lessons like this one at the “advanced intermediate” level, or whatever you want to call it. Pleasantly surprised to see it come from someone like Dweezil who’s so far beyond the player he’s catering too. He hit the mark, ab to play for like 6 hours now.

[jesseoreilly]

One of the coolest repackagings of the pentatonic I've heard! Almost gives it an different sound all together the way you play it!

[benjohnson]

Although I don't personally care for Dweezil's music, I LOVE these videos. Super informative and casual with some very interesting tips. A+.

[michaelledford]

Who else can claim Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen and Frank Zappa taught them how to play guitar, Dweezil has became a monster guitarist .

[WayneMemphisMojo]

We love Reverb ... We love Frank ... and we love Dweezil too ... I for one am on your side sir. YOU are the new Mr. Zappa! Also thanks for sharing the inspiration & techniques

[grokeffer]

If you get a chance to see Dweezil play live, I'd highly recommend going. He does a great job, and his band is really good.

[spookylaundry]

Love the Frank Gambale name drop. Heard Dweezil mention him YEARS ago, so grateful.

[StuartwasDrinkell]

Dweezil is way underated! His name needs shouting from the roof tops. Such a great teacher too!

[whatsername]

hes such a good i could listen to him all day omg

[chrisdiceart]

Dweezil - your Dad would be proud.  That the highest complement I can pay. :D Thanks for sharing YOUR gift. :D

[TLONachoLibre]

That guitar is the most beautiful instrument I have ever seen in my entire life. My hunger for guitar has just been multiplied by 10 just by glimpsing this masterpiece

[theresa]

l'm SO PROUD of this guy!!  ....brings tears to my eyes!    Comin to see ya in a few days Dweez!

[jimiquackers]

I've seen live Dweezil twice. He would make his dad proud because he tears it the fuck up.

[potsandpans]

In 1984 I was in the same room with this guy but I was really dumb back than. I snuck in the concert and was looking for free beer and chicks. I'm blown away buy what squared away great guy he is.

[AE-hxwy]

Dweezil is such a nice dude. Damn, your dad must be proud up there. I loved that intro pentatonic lick sounded so shredded! Will learn ASAP! Thanks!