Man he needs more credit and recognition, he's the backbone of DGD and it would not be DGD without him. There is only one word to describe his song writing: Delicious
I adore him and I'd agree but he's been the face of DGD for a long time and anybody that talks about DGD extensively will always bring up our lovely Swan. There's a reason the term 'Swancore' exists (;
Best song writers of all time???!! I mean art is subjective and if you believe that than it is true to you. However I would definitely balk at that suggestion myself. Personally I think he is a good guitarist for sure but I would say in today's terms he is above average but definitely no where near the best song writer ever.
im trying to learn how to play electric guitar its been a bit difficult but the reason i wanted to learn again is i love the sound, especially the way he plays is just a amazing sound. Could you give me some tips because learning how to use my fingers on the frets has been difficult and holding it a bit
Justin Slater the best advice I can give is to find a band that you love and listen to their stuff, then play over it. Over time you will learn where to move your fingers to sound the best, and you will build up speed. Music is like a language, songs are books. Learn the language so you will know how to write the books
He’s in the band, dance gavin dance as well he also plays with another bands too such as sianvar, secret band and etc. The dude’s killing it in every single songs he wrote!
@@slvrstnthb It's about respect to the instrument I think thats what u meant, when u strum to hard when ur not supposed to or try to hard it doesn't work. But with delicate hard picking with some "respect" it works out.
You know what amazes me the most about DGD? The fact that Tillian can still write amazing and catchy vocals parts over this amazing guitar work and there's absolutely no crash at all. These guys are fucking amazing
I’m tempted to say Will Swan is one of the greatest guitarist of our generation ( millennials and gen z as well I guess). He’s so versatile with his playing. He’s definitely one of the greatest of the scene. But his guitar work has made me want to learn how to play the guitar
He and the drummer write their parts first, at least for the last few albums that's how they've written. I think that partially explains why the guitar melodies are so strong, but even on their earlier stuff he's always had a really beautiful way of writing melodies and hooks.
@@CatmanJimbo where did you hear this? I’ve always been insanely curious about Will’s writing process and also how he makes these amazing instrumentals and then Tilian’s vocals work so well over them! Like, does Tilian write the vocal melodies or does the band help? Probably a bit of both...idk I’m just rambling lol
@@AirGuitar I think Tillian writes his vocal melodies, I heard it across some interviews I think. Specifically with the first album with Tillian, since he was the last to join for that I think the other stuff got written first, I'm not sure if they've changed their process now that that lineup has become more of a solid thing.
@@CatmanJimbo yeah that makes sense. Is it just me or do you think the Afterburner songs were a not as good as the ones on Mothership. It just seemed like on Mothership everyone just went all out, Tilian included. On Afterburner, it seems they kept everything more predictable and not as heavy/chaotic which is one of the reasons I love Mothership so much; it always kept you on your toes because the songs had so many intricate parts to them.
@@AirGuitar I haven't listened to Afterburner as much, but that's partially because I've just been listening to a lot of non-heavy music lately. I liked Afterburner, I think your observations kind of track with what I remember of the album though. I disagree that it makes it a worse album, but that's what's nice about a band with a discography as large as DGD, you get something a little different every time they release an album.
Well when you write the music it's much easier to remember it, plus Im sure hes played this song literally a thousand times so yeah...... Killer playing though, and an absolutely gorgeous guitar to boot!
As a guitar player nowhere near this caliber of playing, it makes me so happy to always see such well written parts in a genre that can very easily get lost in loud distortion and chugs.
The control that Will shows in this song, not only technically but compositionally, is just incredible. A lot musicians with that level of skill over write songs with useless bs, or cliche licks, but he puts these stunning segments of musicianship in the perfect place to bolster the song and its rhythm and flow. Just a genius.
His style of writing is so bizarre to me. It reminds me of my metal core background, but the lead melodic lines are more relentless. It adds an interesting rhythm in addition to melody. It's so strange to me and my style of writing music where rhythm and lead guitar are more like separate entities from one another, but I love it and it's inspiring to me. It's not like this is my first time hearing this style of playing either. I've listened to bands like Chon, Animals As Leaders, Polyphia, but those bands are mainly focused on instrumental music. That's where DGD is different to me, because it takes a different kind of skill to be able to write a song that flows, is catchy, has hooks, and finds that perfect balance of playing that adds depth to the song but doesn't interfere with anything. It's like that adage "play for the song," and toeing that line perfectly between overplaying and not overplaying.
First time I heard of them was when I heard he was with Kiesel ... so I thought they might be worth checking out and it's been quite a while since I listened to anything else.
Three fantastic vocalists with absolute monsters on the drums, bass, and guitars. One of my favorite bands of all time. Downtown Battle Mountain pt 2 is probably my favorite album though
This is absolutely incredible that you guys have him on board thank you kiesel guitars and Thank you will swan for your amazing music every riff feels like a fresh take that always sounds unique and tasty as hell! REQUEST: can you guys get will to come back and play through "flossie dickey bounce" and betrayed by the game" 2 absolute bangers by DGD? Myself and all of the fans would really appreciate it I'm sure of that! You guys rock cheers from niagara falls Canada - Adam
@@CJ-lr4uq wow a piece of petty clothing ruined an entire video of a guy shredding on the guitar and being more successful than you will ever be. what a pity.
Slowed down the video to 0.5 speed to learn the guitar part and ended up listening to the entire song like that. Just listening to the way Will's guitar parts interact with Tilian's vocal melodies is beautiful. Slowing it down makes it easier to hear how the two work together and it makes you appreciate it even more!
I remember back in high school seeing DGD.. We had just seen them the week before in Dekalb and met them in the next state. After their magnificent set, I met Will and Eric in the van where they offered me a luke warm sugar free redbull. I usually don't drink the stuff but this I must say, was sublime.
Most people don't understand how instrumental Swan is to the songs that DGD puts out. It's been said in a couple interviews that Mess and Tilian usually writes their songs around whatever track Swan produces.
They hate that album lol I would be up for a remastered Downtown Battle Mountain where they just redo Jon’s vocals though, he could not scream back then lol.
Tillian would never compare to Johnny Craigs vocals in that album. It was so fucking Raw, him and Mess. Mess cant scream like that anymore either but damn im about to play some burning down the nicotine armoire now
By far the most underrated musician in the alternative scene. Doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his song writing and guitar skills. DGD wouldn’t sound nearly as good as they do without Will
I've heard Tilian say in different interviews that the best thing for him, as a singer, is the way Will composes, because his writing style allows singers to flow between so many phrases and melodies.
@@juancarlos-mj6kq I like john petrucci and other guitarists who are fast. However, will and Tim are different kinds of guitarists. Yes, the other guitarists can create great melodies, but the focus is on their skill - being fast. However, those two create melodies that are just so good and incorporates different kinds of styles of playing the guitar.
edjae david theoretically, with the right amount of time anyone can play fast. What this dude has is creativity which is a skill that goes beyond coordination
I remember watching DGD live at the Warped Tour in 2009. Incredible to see how far they've come. If you know about them, then you know. They don't need the advertising.
Man he needs more credit and recognition, he's the backbone of DGD and it would not be DGD without him. There is only one word to describe his song writing: Delicious
I adore him and I'd agree but he's been the face of DGD for a long time and anybody that talks about DGD extensively will always bring up our lovely Swan. There's a reason the term 'Swancore' exists (;
Can't argue with that!
He hides in the shadows when live.
But we see you now.
Don't forget Matt too
Noo I'd say John Mess has easily been there right with him. Unless lyrics arent your thing i guess.
I love how its so aggressive and up tempo yet hes so chill, like hes falling asleep lol.
He’s just stoned
hes got no guitar face at all lol
One of the best songwriters of all time. This man is an artist of the highest degree, as well as a true technician on the fiddle.
@@rohan.buchner like really good..
Ugh I agree with this so hard!
Its because he watches Rick and Morty
Best song writers of all time???!! I mean art is subjective and if you believe that than it is true to you. However I would definitely balk at that suggestion myself. Personally I think he is a good guitarist for sure but I would say in today's terms he is above average but definitely no where near the best song writer ever.
JediMind Trix well to me is because it appeals to me more than anything. Opinions.
This guy is the reason I play guitar. I wanted to play just like him, 12 years later I'm glad of my progress but no one compares to swan
Evan Oliver show us man 👌🏼👍🏼
I'd love to see how you play.
im trying to learn how to play electric guitar its been a bit difficult but the reason i wanted to learn again is i love the sound, especially the way he plays is just a amazing sound. Could you give me some tips because learning how to use my fingers on the frets has been difficult and holding it a bit
Justin Slater the best advice I can give is to find a band that you love and listen to their stuff, then play over it. Over time you will learn where to move your fingers to sound the best, and you will build up speed. Music is like a language, songs are books. Learn the language so you will know how to write the books
Im a drummer dgd is my fav3 band hit me up bro
This guy is pretty good, should join a band or something
He could write some stupid good riffs, maybe have a genre of his own
He’s in the band, dance gavin dance as well he also plays with another bands too such as sianvar, secret band and etc. The dude’s killing it in every single songs he wrote!
@@aminx23 r/woosh
Λ Μ X Ν r/woooosh
Λ Μ X Ν wooooosh
Watching this guy makes me realize I strum like a damn caveman. He plays so delicately
@@slvrstnthb Nah, depends on what you want to achieve. Aggressive sounds are helped by harder picking.
@@slvrstnthb very subjective. Imagine whitechapel or suicide silence with soft picking, wouldn't have the right vibe
@@flagmuffin1221 True always keep yours fret fingers relaxed tho change sound with picking not your fretting
@@slvrstnthb damn with this comment alone I don't wanna take the time to learn guitar.
@@slvrstnthb It's about respect to the instrument I think thats what u meant, when u strum to hard when ur not supposed to or try to hard it doesn't work. But with delicate hard picking with some "respect" it works out.
The DGD mastermind, wish there were more unique guitar player like him.
It's a good thing that there aren't many unique players/writers. The less there are, the more recognition gods like Will get.
I like Polyphia guitar work. Kind of remind me of DGD sometimes. Just instrumental.
@@colossus4602 My friend, you just opened an enormous can of worms lol
Cameron Ratliff how
@@huntersilvey1111 Polyphia just gets so much hate lol
You know what amazes me the most about DGD? The fact that Tillian can still write amazing and catchy vocals parts over this amazing guitar work and there's absolutely no crash at all. These guys are fucking amazing
Effortless and relaxed musicianship
Relaxed or super high?
The amount of practice to get here must have been insane
@@stevenschwartz6632 Both.
I’m tempted to say Will Swan is one of the greatest guitarist of our generation ( millennials and gen z as well I guess). He’s so versatile with his playing. He’s definitely one of the greatest of the scene. But his guitar work has made me want to learn how to play the guitar
Can we please get a play through of the whole album!!!
ajh0005 ugh yes! I would die for count bassy. Even just the guitar around the 245 mark would make me so happy
@@jenniferchristine1945 Jesus Christ, yes.
How many likes and reposts for one!?
fuck just one album, i want playthroughs of their entire discography
They did it
He makes it seem effortless. One of the greatest guitarists of our era. Regardless if you like the band or not. Respect him.
1:21 This riff takes me to heaven!!!
just beautiful changes of chords and strumming, has so much flavor in the switching up the same chords as we
This guy’s playing is so unique. It sounds like he’s singing.
He and the drummer write their parts first, at least for the last few albums that's how they've written. I think that partially explains why the guitar melodies are so strong, but even on their earlier stuff he's always had a really beautiful way of writing melodies and hooks.
@@CatmanJimbo where did you hear this? I’ve always been insanely curious about Will’s writing process and also how he makes these amazing instrumentals and then Tilian’s vocals work so well over them! Like, does Tilian write the vocal melodies or does the band help? Probably a bit of both...idk I’m just rambling lol
@@AirGuitar I think Tillian writes his vocal melodies, I heard it across some interviews I think. Specifically with the first album with Tillian, since he was the last to join for that I think the other stuff got written first, I'm not sure if they've changed their process now that that lineup has become more of a solid thing.
@@CatmanJimbo yeah that makes sense. Is it just me or do you think the Afterburner songs were a not as good as the ones on Mothership. It just seemed like on Mothership everyone just went all out, Tilian included. On Afterburner, it seems they kept everything more predictable and not as heavy/chaotic which is one of the reasons I love Mothership so much; it always kept you on your toes because the songs had so many intricate parts to them.
@@AirGuitar I haven't listened to Afterburner as much, but that's partially because I've just been listening to a lot of non-heavy music lately. I liked Afterburner, I think your observations kind of track with what I remember of the album though. I disagree that it makes it a worse album, but that's what's nice about a band with a discography as large as DGD, you get something a little different every time they release an album.
He's mesmerizing. Met him, really down to earth and pretty quiet but friendly.
@2:00 some of the best Music in our history. It's everything that leads up to
"I wish I could be you"
When you love playing but you're dead inside
Don't you understand? His play is his inside. His guitar speaks for him.
Guess you've never played technical guitar, smart guy? Turns out it takes some focus... Back to the power chords for you bud.
He’s a bit different when he’s got the whole band playing. Go watch them live. It’s a sight for sore eyes.
He’s just high as fuck, have any of you ever met will?
@half this thread r/ wooooosh
3:24 caught a lil smile 😋
Dawee
Don’t be fooled, that was just acid reflux. Lol
Its a video distortion, you should calibrate your screen
legocyclops he was happy it’s almost over
How do people remember all these licks and play so on point, mind = blown
Well when you write the music it's much easier to remember it, plus Im sure hes played this song literally a thousand times so yeah......
Killer playing though, and an absolutely gorgeous guitar to boot!
Ryan Schindler Yeah you're right, I haven't learnt my scales yet so Will Swan boggles my brain haha. Beautiful stuff.
A lot of repetition.
Practice,plus band rehearsals plus shows. Lot of muscle memory
Will’s guitar playing makes every song feel like going on an adventure. Not one song is the same.
Goddamn that riff @ 0:41 gives me life
I thought I was the only one!
jacob razo so funky.. must dance
+C Trusz Tell Gavin
One of my favorite DGD riffs of all time
One of my fav sections in DGDs entire discography, so good
As a guitar player nowhere near this caliber of playing, it makes me so happy to always see such well written parts in a genre that can very easily get lost in loud distortion and chugs.
The control that Will shows in this song, not only technically but compositionally, is just incredible. A lot musicians with that level of skill over write songs with useless bs, or cliche licks, but he puts these stunning segments of musicianship in the perfect place to bolster the song and its rhythm and flow. Just a genius.
Spooks playthrough when?
His style of writing is so bizarre to me. It reminds me of my metal core background, but the lead melodic lines are more relentless. It adds an interesting rhythm in addition to melody. It's so strange to me and my style of writing music where rhythm and lead guitar are more like separate entities from one another, but I love it and it's inspiring to me. It's not like this is my first time hearing this style of playing either. I've listened to bands like Chon, Animals As Leaders, Polyphia, but those bands are mainly focused on instrumental music. That's where DGD is different to me, because it takes a different kind of skill to be able to write a song that flows, is catchy, has hooks, and finds that perfect balance of playing that adds depth to the song but doesn't interfere with anything. It's like that adage "play for the song," and toeing that line perfectly between overplaying and not overplaying.
Look up, swancore 😉
amazing, first time even hearing these guys.
I recommend checking out DGD's Mothership album. Solid start to finish!
Cyborg Rabbit you’re in for a ride brother
First time I heard of them was when I heard he was with Kiesel ... so I thought they might be worth checking out and it's been quite a while since I listened to anything else.
Three fantastic vocalists with absolute monsters on the drums, bass, and guitars. One of my favorite bands of all time. Downtown Battle Mountain pt 2 is probably my favorite album though
Welcome
You are in for several treats
All the treats
Every song from them is a banger
My favorite country guitar player.....again ! :D
This is absolutely incredible that you guys have him on board thank you kiesel guitars and Thank you will swan for your amazing music every riff feels like a fresh take that always sounds unique and tasty as hell!
REQUEST: can you guys get will to come back and play through "flossie dickey bounce" and betrayed by the game" 2 absolute bangers by DGD? Myself and all of the fans would really appreciate it I'm sure of that! You guys rock cheers from niagara falls Canada
- Adam
And Suspended in this Disaster, and Honey Revenge, and Frozen One, and Skyhook, and Alex Engli - ya know what, just play em all.
Yeah, he could just do the entire discography and I wouldn't complain at all
@@forbidden.404 ^^^ Agree with you both haha a long play through wouldn't hurt anybody for sure!
Of all the posthardcore bands, DGD just spiced it so much, and that is why I love these guys.
What a time to be alive will swan is genius
Lol the rick and morty shirt is the icing on the cake 😂
I thought that kind of ruined the whole thing.
@@CJ-lr4uq wow a piece of petty clothing ruined an entire video of a guy shredding on the guitar and being more successful than you will ever be. what a pity.
@@benpdr10 hurdurrrrr!
Dance Gavin Dance is easily one of the best bands, regardless of genre, of the 21st century
This guy is always so calm, cool, and collected. Even when you see him playing live he's just chilling Haha.
He deserved a spotlight in our heart
Slowed down the video to 0.5 speed to learn the guitar part and ended up listening to the entire song like that. Just listening to the way Will's guitar parts interact with Tilian's vocal melodies is beautiful. Slowing it down makes it easier to hear how the two work together and it makes you appreciate it even more!
I remember back in high school seeing DGD.. We had just seen them the week before in Dekalb and met them in the next state. After their magnificent set, I met Will and Eric in the van where they offered me a luke warm sugar free redbull. I usually don't drink the stuff but this I must say, was sublime.
Most people don't understand how instrumental Swan is to the songs that DGD puts out. It's been said in a couple interviews that Mess and Tilian usually writes their songs around whatever track Swan produces.
His guitar playing is just absolutely brilliant
First time hearing of both the band and the guitar and I'm in love!
Dgd should remake a song from their "whatever I say is royal ocean" album.. That would be sick
man they don't even acknowledge that album anymore. Jon has said that they feel they've moved on to better things and are never going to revisit it.
YES PLEASE that would be awesome
They hate that album lol I would be up for a remastered Downtown Battle Mountain where they just redo Jon’s vocals though, he could not scream back then lol.
Tillian would never compare to Johnny Craigs vocals in that album. It was so fucking Raw, him and Mess. Mess cant scream like that anymore either but damn im about to play some burning down the nicotine armoire now
why my peepee hard
If I had a peepee, it would be hard too. ;)
Y'all are weirdos, but if you love Swan you're good with me 😂
Where r ur parents?
😭😭😭😭😭
By far the most underrated musician in the alternative scene. Doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his song writing and guitar skills. DGD wouldn’t sound nearly as good as they do without Will
As sick as the riffs are in this song, my favorite part is the chorus. It’s so simple but those chords sound soooooo good.
The real Colossus of the band! Tilian and Jon being also cool AF of course.
Cant forget about Matt. (& Tim)
just an absolute god of harmony in music and needs to be recognized more for his talent!
Fuggin SHREDDIN!!!!! I listen to this song so differently now
One of the most creative guitarists in the scene at the moment
Facial expressions are straight chill
This dude has been in my life almost 15 years and damn idk what I'd do or who'd I'd be without him.
two will swan playthroughs in 2 months :o What have i done to deserve this.
Will, you are fantastic sir. From a fellow Sacramenten. Been a fan since like 2009
Just insane. So creative!!! Entire band is gold.
The tone of this guitar is unbelievable, awesome
you dont understand how much this makes me wanna learn how to play the guitar
I love the Lazer focus he has while playing. It's like nothing else matters to him but the song he's playing.
His sense of rhythm is what stands out to me. His pauses and such when hes playing the verses is master level
Keep these coming please! Love watching Will play.
He is an absolute beauty of a guitar player.
when you realize son of robot is a sad song
EXPLAIN PLEAS
@@not.a.dci.marcher1149 most of their songs are read the lyrics
@@youtubesbichasspolicys5888 Even Hair Song?
Yes!!! More Will
playthroughs please!!
My goodness he is so precise! I can learn a lot from this guy!
This guitar riff and the song is what I think about when this song comes on. It all goes so well together
Excellent posture....
I've heard Tilian say in different interviews that the best thing for him, as a singer, is the way Will composes, because his writing style allows singers to flow between so many phrases and melodies.
Another playthrough where I realize this song has like 8000 more notes than I thought it did
Can't wait to see you guys down here in Austin Nov. 6th.. You and Mess owe me another picture!!..
Superb technique goes to Will Swan.
This song will test your playing for sure this man makes it look easy.
Kiesel! Did you have him do more songs?
will needs to do more of these he's so talented easily my favorite guitarist
I love how he plays effortlessly. So amazing
All I'm saying is Will Swan is probably one of the best modern day guitarist and he digs rick and morty? Come on he's dope
The reason I started liking DGD was because of the guitar rhythms and riffs. They are so damn good and just bruh amazing
Did you start listening from Jonny Craig to Tillian? Or just Tillian?
I love this. It brings clarity to DGD’s organized chaos.
Please do a playthrough of “care”
PLEASE KEEP DOING THESE FOR ALL THE SONGS. SPECIFICALLY HAIR SONG. ALSO THANK YOU BASED WILL
I just got into playing guitar, like I’m on day two of playing and I- omg so much more respect
Uodate: learned the solo… still so much respect ✊
Genius in his craft. DGD forever!
Will Swan and Tim Henson are the best guitarists out there I swear 😍💕✨
The dude is amazing yes. I saw this band in ft lauderdale this past week. But are you forgetting John Petrucci, Steve Vai?...
juan garcia the stuff Will rights is more difficult than sweep picking and playing as fast as humanly possible, trust me I’ve learned both
@@juancarlos-mj6kq I like john petrucci and other guitarists who are fast. However, will and Tim are different kinds of guitarists. Yes, the other guitarists can create great melodies, but the focus is on their skill - being fast. However, those two create melodies that are just so good and incorporates different kinds of styles of playing the guitar.
edjae david theoretically, with the right amount of time anyone can play fast. What this dude has is creativity which is a skill that goes beyond coordination
Dude I just saw DGD and Polyphia opened for them in Seattle lol I left the venue with my pants thoroughly shat
Always loved Will Swan such a talented guitarist 🙏
Omg please don’t stop bruhhh these are my fave
So underrated. Technically, flawless. Not easy stuff, either.
He writes such cool unique parts.
I remember watching DGD live at the Warped Tour in 2009. Incredible to see how far they've come. If you know about them, then you know. They don't need the advertising.
I love this dudes playing.
WIll Swan has an IQ of 200.
Infinity*
Christ, i keep slamming this on repeat Dx. What a God
My gawd that guitar is beautiful, also will swan is a guitar wizard
we need more of these
Also that guitar is fucking gorgeous holy shit
This, ladies and gents, is what a God looks like.
One of the best musicians of our generation.
What a beautiful guitar
So happy to see more of these
Remember when will was the screamer for while
Miguel Gamez his raps are my fav moments of DGD songs
@@ahiwalter9153 big same 😩😩
Oh damn, this is some unprecedented shit. 🤔... 👍👍
facts
kotokid31 Join our cult
I love him SO MUCH
will swan, a dude so cool there's a whole music genre named after him
Really awesome 👏 profession ufo !
totally digging his playing.
I listened to this during a rough breakup. Thanks dgd.