My son wanted a guitar when he was 15, I bought him a nice Yamaha acoustic, he said he wanted an electric. I told him come show me you can play and next Xmas you can get what you want. He did exactly that and a year later I bought him a new Strat and Fender amp. Then I handed him a dozen of my favorite guitar albums to check out. Two weeks later he handed me back most of the CDs, he kept one, Frank Zappa 'Guitar'. I was so proud, I guess music appreciation is in the genes.
As a lifetime lead guitarist myself, how did I miss this? I must say that Frank's guitar solo's are not only technically accomplished, but very original, creative, emotive, and unpredictable. Pure genius!
@@derrideschover6939 I understand if you don't like it, but there's way more than strung out hippy guitar playing in Zappa's solos. Randy Rhodes is a great guitarist as well. In Zappa's solos, he puts forth emotional, theoretical, and rhythmic ideas in a unique fashion. Unlike many solos, Zappa's aren't built around a slow start that builds to an epic climax. He experiments with building unique compositions each time he plays. He uses unconventional rhythm patterns (such as polyrhythms) and unique scales combined with any manner of expressive guitar tones to build a wild emotional experience. He used some of his solos as the basis of orchestral compositions. If you don't like it, that's okay , but it's not strung out hippy playing.
The first solo is from Zappa's concert in Barcelona in 1988, i believed it was on May 17th. I was standing in the first row exactly behind one of the two camera men covering the show for the Spanish TV. To this day, one of the most vivid and enjoyable memories of my life. I miss Zappa a lot.
@@davelanciani-dimaensionx I saw Zappa at Wembley Arena, London, UK 1988. It's a pretty terrible venue for such, and my friend and I only managed to get the cheap seats too, (though I loved it nonetheless). But towards the end of the concert, we thought; bugger this, let's try sneak forward. So we went out our nearest exit, snuck round the side of the arena, and came out looking straight over the stage on the left, on a gantry. I was amazed we hadn't been collared already by security, and expected to be at any moment. I stood in awe, not just of the man himself but of all the amazing kit they had there, it was a revelation. Now, true story bro; Frank noticed us, looked up, and gave us a quick wave, and of course we immediately waved back (it was mid song). I like to think that he totally got that us cheeky scamps just couldn't help ourselves, and he appreciated it. Those few seconds were enough for me (didn't want to over stay our 'welcome', or get collared) so we scarpered back to our seats and enjoyed the rest of the show. Great memories. RIP Frank, you glorious nutter.
It’s not magic, it’s improvisation. Millions of musicians around the world improvise solos; before and after Zappa. Not taking away from his talent, I dig him, but the improvisational approach is not unique.
Being a guitarist, i always heard about this guy and meant to watch him for years. Finally! I'm now a fan. Edit: Thanks for the likes and comments. As of now, i am a die hard Zappa fan and will say that he deserves all the credit he gets. The man was a fucking genius and a monster guitar player.
Im 22. I wish id been born earlier just so i could catch this man live. Id stand directly in front of a speaker and let it blow my eardrums out completely with a grin on my face. Genius and master class doesnt do it justice. The man was something special, a gift from God.
Same! I was to young to see him play. His son is currently touring and he is also a brilliant guitarist so it might not be Frank but it's still something!
The very fact that You are 22 and have found an interest in His music and want to pay it forward would have made Frank very happy. Keep exploring His music, my friend.
My grandpa was a die hard Zappa fan. I'm glad he inspired me to listen to him. His performance with Steve Vai in Italy is still the best duet/guitar solo I've ever heard. If you're interested just type in Zappa Vai. Such a legendary performance from two legends and pioneers of the music industry
Frank takes us on journeys and I'm like a dog with it's head out the window happily travelling and taking in all in even though I don't understand how the hell we're moving along...😜
Saw him 4 or 5 times in concert. Always was a big fan even though he put out some stuff I just couldn't get into. So many of today's guitarists are good at "shredding" but that never sounded like music to me. I read his autobiography recently, very insightful. He was well aware he was an aquired taste, well out of the mainstream, and that never bothered him. Although he was never able to sell out large venues he made enough to live comfortably, have his own studio, and make the music he wanted to make when he felt like doing so. We all should be so fortunate (and talented).
Depends what you mean by "large venues". I saw him in London in 1988. Two nights at Wembley Arena, sold out. 12,000 people each night. I saw him in 1977 and 1979 at the Glasgow Apollo, where EVERYONE played - Rolling Stones, AC/DC, the Who et al - 3500 capacity, and it was full both times.
FZ is a very honest dude, and The most imaginative composer of our time.......and the best sounding guitarist of my life....RIP Frank....miss ya so much
There was only one absolute genius when it came to playing guitar, starting his own record company, political ideas that make sense, and I could name much more. All self taught mind you. No pretentiousness, thanks Frank for signing my book you wrote, and all the tremendous concerts in which you blew my mind. The lecture at U of Md in 86, and the list goes on. Lucky am i to have experienced much of you, only to be entertained by your son Dweezil, who loves you to pieces. Just learning one song is difficult. He’s something else!
Zappa is a hero and a genius and above all, he's so much more than a guitar player..And that's what I love about this man. His music, his view on music and his performances are a genre on it's own.
I knew Vai learned from him, but I HAD NO IDEA, including how way ahead of his time he was. My millennial mind is blown, this just after watching Gary Moore's soul injected shred on a Les Paul.
@@annex6 I feel for you. I've been aware of his talent and influence but as a teenage guitarist I tried so hard to listen and learn from him but I really just didn't get it. I'm just now revisiting his work at 26 and kicking myself in the head. I still don't get the heart of Zappa but I could've learned so so much from him if I wasn't an idiot.
@@willkoestner4159 yeah I’m forty now and abandoned Eddie for Vai out of being a music snob, and then two decades later saw Eddie performing live in Charlotte. I love Vai, always will, but Eddie has a special magic that only a small handful of guitarists have. Much as there is the light and dark side of the force, Zappa is the chosen one, tapping the Far Side of the imagination. I am born again😜
He's a downright amazing guitarist but for the majority of people he isn't that "approachable" and he may take a while to get used to... Or that he's just too obscure, especially the lyrics . I personally believe in the latter, just never got into a lot of his songs that had obscure lyrics, which is a lot of them. His instruments tend to be my favorites of his, except for Hot Rats. That album is masterpiece
Even classical luminaires considered Zappa a genius - Conductor Kent Nagano remarked that "Frank is a genius. That's a word I don't use often ... In Frank's case it is not too strong ... He is extremely literate musically. I'm not sure if the general public knows that." What I loved about him also, was his sense of humor- he was SUCH a rascal. : "The Muffin Man is seated at the table In the laboratory of the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen... Reaching for an oversized chrome spoon. he gathers an intimate quantity of dried muffin remnants, and, brushing his scapular aside, proceeds to dump these inside of his shirt. He turns to us and speaks: "Some people like cupcakes better. I, for one, care less for them!" Arrogantly twisting the sterile canvas snoot of a fully charged icing-anointment utensil, He pulleth forth a quarter-ounce green rosette near the summit of a dense-but-radiant muffin Of his own design. Later he says: "Some people like cupcakes exclusively, while myself, I say, there is naught, nor ought there, be nothing so exalted on the face of God's great earth as that Prince of foods... the Muffin!"
FZ!!WOOOOO!! THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSICAL INFLUENCE OF MY LIFE! NO ONE HAS MADE ME FEEL MORE, THINK MORE, LEARN MORE. I GET EMOTIONAL EVERY TIME I LISTEN . THANKS FOR THE POST!
I've known Zappa's name my whole life but today I was like "what's his deal?" This was incredible. That third solo was right up my alley but all wild 😍
He was an even greater social force than a composer and he was an even greater composer than a guitarist and he was one of the best electric guitarists in rock. And I keep coming back to him
I somehow always forget that Zappa was the Godliest guitarist who ever lived, because he was such a visionary artist and musician and that’s how I always think of him. Puts most “legendary” guitarists to shame tbh. Humble, genius and inspiring. Also incredibly insightful into the world of music.
social force. he was involved with business deals ith russia as soon as the wall came down. people that lived within the iron curtain regarded him as a leader for democracy. (and all that was good about America land of opportunity, and diversity) He is my lifelong hero and ispiration. his raw intelligence and drive and faith in perseverence and carry on after failures and tragedies.
"....and he was an even greater composer than a guitarist". Sorry, I can't agree with that. Have you tried your hand at both the arts of playing an instrument, and composing? I have, and from experience I think the opposite, but that's just my opinion.
I guess you don't have ears. And visually watching him play was an experience in itself. Frank Zappa 1985 Buffalo New York water show.@@buckbreaker5185
The emotion he puts into the Black Napkins performance is insane. It's like he's hurting his SG with the bends and making it cry lol. So beautiful and somewhat almost morbid sounding.
Not sure it's my ATF performance of Black Napkins, but if not, is damn close. That he played that passionately on the Mike Douglas show, of all things, is remarkable. My favorite Zappa song.
@@brucemcclendon6959 I agree man the Mike Douglas performance is my favorite of it too. I was just generalizing anytime he plays this tho just so much emotion is shown
I cant believe the comments on this video lol! Never in my life have I ever seen comments trashing Frank Zappa"s playing. FRANK ZAPPA!! HOLY SHIT. Next thing you know, Robert Fripp all of a sudden is going to be a shitty player like damn!
Frank felt it. For those who think to be considered great at guitar means the guitarist must be fast and clean is narrow minded. Many of those guys are simply fast. So what. Give me this. Musical. Feeling. Expressive. Genius. And by the way, He's really fast and clean too. 'Random notes' someone said? That's moronic.
He played note phrasings (fives, sevens) on the guitar that not a lot of other people played. Most people do not have the manual dexterity to phrase those notes correctly, Allan Holdsworth and Ollie Halsall are the only two guitarists that come to mind.
JC The thing about Zappa's guitar playing is that he played modally. I obviously don't know if you play an instrument but, if you don't, what this means is that his scale choices are often separate from the pentatonic or 'Blues' scale that is most often employed in rock and, therefore, most familiar to rock fans. As it happens, if you watch the footage of The Alman Brothers performing Whipin' Post at the Filmore, both guitarists play modally in part also. The difference with Zappa was that very rarely was it his aim to play "rootsy" straight blues / rock style guitar. He could do this and did so very well on any number of recordings, but, essentially his musical interests were grounded more in modern classical and the abstract / art music coming out of both Europe and America over the previous 100 years or so. (He often played it down but his approach to playing and composition could often be grounded in extended Jazz theory also). So, it may not be for you, and I understand that, - the forms that Zappa employed were rarely to the taste of the majority of rock and pop fans, - but, as far as musicality goes, technically: harmonically, melodically, rhythmically as well as in his dexterity on the instrument and his theoretical knowledge of both composition and improvisation, far, far exceeded the ability of 99% of others working in the field either then or now. Of course, no amount of discussion along these lines could ever make anyone like or find worth / enjoyment in something they just don't like; and nor should it: that's why taste is subjective. I just wanted to point out that, whether you do like Zappa or not, what he did was, in every sense, extremely musical. For me, it depends what mood I'm in: I love The Stones, The Who, The Clash, etc, etc as well as Zappa. Sometimes only "Exile On Main Street" will hit the mark, but, I've got to say, sometimes only "Uncle Meat" will do the job!
@@beefheart1410 thank you very, very, very much! That's the best explanation of Zappa I've heard yet and makes total sense. I do own guitars and I am currently learning to play, so I'm familiar with all of the stuff you talked about. Now I feel like I somewhat understand Zappa's playing. Knowing this, I'll have to go back and give him a critical listen and see what I think now that I have a better understanding. Thank you! 😎👍
I got hooked on the Filmore and Hot Rats albums in those early years. Nobody has Franks style and attitude. Each lead seems to tell a story. There's a lot of good guitar players out there but none quite equal Zappa's playing.
I saw a mate of mine sat down on the sofa, looking gutted with a tear in his eye. Not the usual vibe from him at all. I said "what's up man?", he just stared at the floor and said "Frank Zappa is dead". I didn't know who Frank Zappa was........I do now, and I'm sad that he's gone. Much of his music is burned into my soul now. Thanks Frank......and in answer to your question: Yes, humour does belong in music !
Per 35 anni o girato nella musica Jazz,Rock,Bluse,ecc.O trovato molti bravissimi chitarristi di spessore che mi anno "a volte"fatto pensare che non era il migliore chitarrista MAI esistito.NO SONO RITORNATO A ZAPPA.Per quanto mi riguarda è,ed rimarrà il migliore ancora per molti anni. DAVIDE
Saw him at Fillmore West '70...FILTHY MOUTH and HYSTERICALLY FUNNY. Both he and the other musicians were laughing and had the time of their lives and so did the audience. So, one day I'm surfing RUclips and find THAT concert!! Twice as filthy and twice as funny! I've seen Duane Allman, Jimmy Page and all the others but Frank is my fav. I flew from San Francisco to Prague and was walking in a park and looked up: a GIGANTIC bronze bust of Frank since he is a god there...they have great taste there.
The Black Napkins solo is just beautiful. Like Rory Gallagher, Frank could make his guitar do whatever he wanted it to. I was lucky enough to see both of them perform back in the 70s.
𝄞 I can never find the words that best describes this man. I don't think there is even such a word or words. A pure genius of a guitar player that no one can even come close to. Franks arrangements are so complicated that they do not follow any pattern known in the world of music today. " Without deviation (from the norm), progress is not possible." - F Zappa
Black Napkins was played on a little Pignose amp. This was on the Mike Douglas show or something similar. I remember seeing this. I also saw Zappa back in 1973 with Mahavishnu Orchestra. One of the best musicals nights I ever experienced.
Yes. It was the Mike Douglas show with the house band. I told my my mom I had to see this. A one tv household back then. Needless to say, she didn't get to watch her soap opera that afternoon.
I first heard Overnite Sensation LP in 74 and the solos on Dirty Love, Zombie Woof, 50/50 and Montana swirled in my head til this day. These solos are each magnifico in their own styles. Geez, the opener is a killer though. Frank's not looking at the guitar, he's gazing out, possessed by his craft. This is beauty as we luckily get Strats, Cherry SGs, Les Pauls. It amazes me how Frank could play with such confidence as he almost made it up as he went. Sometimes into sheer beautiful chaos. Along with the greats who have gone, I miss Gary Moore's emotional brilliance and Frank's mastery and unique brilliance.
Been on the zZappa team since i was 15 in 1967-8, recognized his genius, suzy creamcheese was such a fuk u to the establishement, politics, music industry, hollywood and the general duplicity and malaise that existed at the time, Frank didnt buy it and neither did a few of us....love him for never buyin in or sellin out, for his intellectual intelligence, music genius and honesty...
One thing I really enjoy in his guitar playing is constantly changing tempo and rhythm of guitar, even though he is doing a guitar solo but he sometimes plays slow expressive then next moment one can hear him play very fast. This gives a strange, fuzzy, psychedelic but extremely enjoyable
I am in no way a rock fan, or a fan of this genre at all, furthest thing away, but I will only and will always be a fan of Mr frank zappa, he’s style is just like no other, I couldn’t care if others are 100x better then him, franks style will always draw me in and hypnotise me . Unbelievable. Love some of his interviews. Very smart and astute individual
That reggae improv was something - it just feels like he gets the truth out of the guitar with his style. I'll never understand why some people simply don't like the way he plays.
Cause they don’t have ears or feelings. All of their opinions are based off of stereotypes. They don’t like the way good things feel. They just care if they line up with the popular trends because they want people to accept them, little do they know all of them find each other phony and don’t have the balls to say it. All living in fear of each others judgement, just to become a boring grey square, and a building block in someone else’s monument.
@@reinodjanghardt8604 Speaking of judgement dude...holy shit. Maybe some folks REALLY just don't like listening to some guy randomly rambling over what always seems to be one or two chord vamps. How interesting can you get jamming over a chord or two. If this was a middle aged nobody doing this on youtube it have 2 hundred views and 1 or 2 likes.
@@SLAMS211 It's great if you have the taste and discretion and harmonic/melodic sensibilities of Miles Davis. And Zappa doesn't have that. Even then it's good for 5 minutes. EVERY jam he does where he takes a solo, it's one or 2 chords and he's missing notes all over the place. The guy's a gifted musician/composer but all these ramblings about world class guitarist are a joke.
Agreed, I just don’t get it. Page, SRV, Trucks, Django, so many others are players. Zappa isn’t in that class, and I can’t hear what others are saying.
You can tell he is in that state of mind that is described in psychology called flow....where you are in your element practicing a craft you have some mastery in...your mind is in an other state and it’s about the closest to total peace a person can ever get. I’ve been there myself and it’s the only time my mind is ever quiet
I dont think these solos were even close to his best, but then again, his output of material was just too vast to nail anything down as 'best'. Secondly, Zappa almost never plays the same solos twice in his live performances, he always improvises and gives unique twists and variations to them every time. Some of the best stuff I've heard came from his Shut up and Play your Guitar albums. Another album of great Zappa guitar work is his Trance Fusion album. Incredible stuff there.
Agreed. Every show was unique. You could see him 2 nights in a row and even if some of the songs were the same they had a different sound to them. The ability to improvise and still sound good is a mark of true talent.
Stephan Arminski yes exactly. That’s what a good touring band should be, to give u a good live experience by surprising u by not going out and sounding like the album! That’s what’s been lost on so many artists for so long. The reason ZPZ was the best concert I ever saw was just that. Every other concert I’ve been to, it seems (with 2 or 3 exceptions) I am anxious for the concert to end. Because they aren’t giving me something different, just what’s on the album, basically, and I get bored.
Kurt Kish yeah Walt he threw everyone off of what the title said. Fifty/Fifty is still the most intense blistering sounding guitar solo ever recorded IMO though
As a longterm Zappa fan who saw at least 4 shows between 1979 and 1988, I appreciate the inclusion of Chunga's Revenge in this collection. Of course it's easy to criticize "essential" omissions such as Inca Roads, but his catalogue is so huge that's not really fair. This is a great intro to FZ for guitar players - thanks.
He was awesome. Saw him 5 times in concert. From 1975 through the early 80s. First one was when I was only 14 yrs old in Charleston West by God Virginia!
Thank you for uploading this gem. The electric guitar is perhaps the most dynamic musical instrument. This RUclips upload shows up close footage of Frank manipulating the strings like no other person on this planet. These are snippets of isolated solos, so you won't be subjected to any useless lyrics. If civilization is still around in 400 years, Frank will be remembered along with Mozart, Beethoven and the like, because he was a composer of their caliber, and greatest electric guitar manipulator EVER !!
0:00 Illinois Enema Bandit (1988)
2:59 Black Napkins (1976)
6:31 Montana (1973)
10:30 Whippin' Post (1984)
12:02 Chunga's Revenge (1980)
16:01 Reggae Improv (1991)
Thank you for doing your civic duty
12:02 on has so many special moments
Thank you. Frank Zappa is truly amazing
@BBB H totally cheers
Thx 👍
My son wanted a guitar when he was 15, I bought him a nice Yamaha acoustic, he said he wanted an electric. I told him come show me you can play and next Xmas you can get what you want. He did exactly that and a year later I bought him a new Strat and Fender amp. Then I handed him a dozen of my favorite guitar albums to check out. Two weeks later he handed me back most of the CDs, he kept one, Frank Zappa 'Guitar'. I was so proud, I guess music appreciation is in the genes.
Dude, this story is awesome. Pretty sure I’d cry tears of joy if this happened to me 😂
Did he progress up to the Shut up and play your guitar series?
Hah nice! Future Guitar Legend
Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.
I read once that Zappa never (intentionally) prepared any guitar solos... his hope was to always stumble upon totally unique moments of magic.
Exactly
That's what he always said in interviews
Zappa's unprepared was/is more than the normal overwhelmingly prepared.
Check the 1977 Halloween box concerts, the Wild Love solos and Conehead, all different, just following a very large and recognizable pattern - Amazing
I absolutely love that about Zappa solos
As a lifetime lead guitarist myself, how did I miss this? I must say that Frank's guitar solo's are not only technically accomplished, but very original, creative, emotive, and unpredictable. Pure genius!
Missed this video or Frank Zappa generally?
He gets a bad rap, even though he's a great guitarist and composer, people only focus on his stupid songs
You should see his show at the Palladium featuring a young Steve Vai
Zappa wasnt anything special, strung out experimental hippy guitar playing. I'll take a randy rhodes over zappa any day thanks
@@derrideschover6939 I understand if you don't like it, but there's way more than strung out hippy guitar playing in Zappa's solos. Randy Rhodes is a great guitarist as well. In Zappa's solos, he puts forth emotional, theoretical, and rhythmic ideas in a unique fashion. Unlike many solos, Zappa's aren't built around a slow start that builds to an epic climax. He experiments with building unique compositions each time he plays. He uses unconventional rhythm patterns (such as polyrhythms) and unique scales combined with any manner of expressive guitar tones to build a wild emotional experience.
He used some of his solos as the basis of orchestral compositions.
If you don't like it, that's okay , but it's not strung out hippy playing.
The first solo is from Zappa's concert in Barcelona in 1988, i believed it was on May 17th. I was standing in the first row exactly behind one of the two camera men covering the show for the Spanish TV. To this day, one of the most vivid and enjoyable memories of my life. I miss Zappa a lot.
I was at one of the shows in Boston, MA in 1988. That was an amazing band.
I miss Frank a lot too!
blackj pageg!!1!1!1
i love frnka zpapa
i WAS ALL OVER NEW ENGLAND FOR THE 88 TOUR. I am forever grateful I was at the Nassau Colisem show, his last performance in the USA.
@@davelanciani-dimaensionx I saw Zappa at Wembley Arena, London, UK 1988. It's a pretty terrible venue for such, and my friend and I only managed to get the cheap seats too, (though I loved it nonetheless).
But towards the end of the concert, we thought; bugger this, let's try sneak forward. So we went out our nearest exit, snuck round the side of the arena, and came out looking straight over the stage on the left, on a gantry. I was amazed we hadn't been collared already by security, and expected to be at any moment. I stood in awe, not just of the man himself but of all the amazing kit they had there, it was a revelation.
Now, true story bro; Frank noticed us, looked up, and gave us a quick wave, and of course we immediately waved back (it was mid song). I like to think that he totally got that us cheeky scamps just couldn't help ourselves, and he appreciated it. Those few seconds were enough for me (didn't want to over stay our 'welcome', or get collared) so we scarpered back to our seats and enjoyed the rest of the show.
Great memories. RIP Frank, you glorious nutter.
"What I do on the guitar has very little to do with what other people do on the guitar."
- Frank Zappa
He had a high opinion of himself. This sucks😂
@@benitohernandez935couldn't agree more. Garbage at its finest
@benitohernandez935 that's what struck me.
He meant nothing about Ego in his quote. Clearly over your heads
@@SonGoku-uu4cmyeah some people will never get it, he played exactly what he wanted just as Hendrix and the best did
Anything unrecorded will never be heard again. Each solo unique. Zappa himself may not even remember how. Magic.
It’s not magic, it’s improvisation. Millions of musicians around the world improvise solos; before and after Zappa. Not taking away from his talent, I dig him, but the improvisational approach is not unique.
Why Magic finger 200 motels, is SENSATIONAL it got that Zappa stamp
Being a guitarist, i always heard about this guy and meant to watch him for years. Finally! I'm now a fan.
Edit: Thanks for the likes and comments. As of now, i am a die hard Zappa fan and will say that he deserves all the credit he gets. The man was a fucking genius and a monster guitar player.
HARD BLUES HIS SPECIALITY SAW HIM 6 TIMES BUCKET LIST .....ANYTHING FROM 74 TO 84 UNTOUCHABLE .... AND IM A BECK . HOLDSWORTH / TROWER JUNKIE !!
AS STEVE VAI PUT IT......RAZOR BLADES !!!!! CHECK OUT SG PREAMPING !!!~~!
He's so hard to cover most people can't wrap there heads around his music
His work is delicious.
i saw him in paris in 1974....i will NEVER forget that night until i die...miss you frank
Im 22. I wish id been born earlier just so i could catch this man live. Id stand directly in front of a speaker and let it blow my eardrums out completely with a grin on my face. Genius and master class doesnt do it justice. The man was something special, a gift from God.
Same! I was to young to see him play. His son is currently touring and he is also a brilliant guitarist so it might not be Frank but it's still something!
The very fact that You are 22 and have found an interest in His music and want to pay it forward would have made Frank very happy. Keep exploring His music, my friend.
So great to hear younger people loving his music! Keep FZ goin!
Six times
Six dreams
The he left
Zappa live is an experience
Over Marley Pink Floyd Prince
This sound is ahead of time
Not for all kind of ears
@@joezap3385
Thats it
Had a roommate at Ole Miss that was into Zappa & weed very heavily. Used to get so stoned & listen to this in the 90’s. Man thanks for posting.
My grandpa was a die hard Zappa fan. I'm glad he inspired me to listen to him. His performance with Steve Vai in Italy is still the best duet/guitar solo I've ever heard. If you're interested just type in Zappa Vai. Such a legendary performance from two legends and pioneers of the music industry
Thanks for the tip my friend!
Thisbis what the comment section is all about, sharing insightful thoughts and recomendations, much appreciated!
Got it queued up
Zappa only played with the very best musicians, he took Steve Vai into his band at age 17.
Frank was the old testement
Vai was the new testement.
There's your bible right there.
Frank takes us on journeys and I'm like a dog with it's head out the window happily travelling and taking in all in even though I don't understand how the hell we're moving along...😜
Or where we are even going, but it´s good.
The most perfect explanation of the appreciation of this wizard's music!
Zappa is one of those who really made a difference.
Saw him 4 or 5 times in concert. Always was a big fan even though he put out some stuff I just couldn't get into. So many of today's guitarists are good at "shredding" but that never sounded like music to me. I read his autobiography recently, very insightful. He was well aware he was an aquired taste, well out of the mainstream, and that never bothered him. Although he was never able to sell out large venues he made enough to live comfortably, have his own studio, and make the music he wanted to make when he felt like doing so. We all should be so fortunate (and talented).
been a huge fan myself nearly 40 years still don't get it haha maybe we not meant to.
Depends what you mean by "large venues". I saw him in London in 1988. Two nights at Wembley Arena, sold out. 12,000 people each night. I saw him in 1977 and 1979 at the Glasgow Apollo, where EVERYONE played - Rolling Stones, AC/DC, the Who et al - 3500 capacity, and it was full both times.
Came here because of an interview I saw on instagram. I had no idea he was this good.
Me too
Me three
Same, so sick, didnt realize he just improvs every solo live
Watch Baby snakes. Such an elite musician
I had no idea he was this mediocre… I’ve heard about him for years and this is the first time hearing him play… very underwhelmed to say the least
FZ is a very honest dude, and The most imaginative composer of our time.......and the best sounding guitarist of my life....RIP Frank....miss ya so much
I miss him so much...best musician ever🙏👍👍👍
4 shore I agree with you my brother I've been listening to Frank for 50 years
He's the best composer I've ever heard. He doesn't due classic music. He's a one of a kind from my old school days 50 years ago
And I'm an old school hippie
Rock n Roller for life
There was only one absolute genius when it came to playing guitar, starting his own record company, political ideas that make sense, and I could name much more. All self taught mind you. No pretentiousness, thanks Frank for signing my book you wrote, and all the tremendous concerts in which you blew my mind. The lecture at U of Md in 86, and the list goes on. Lucky am i to have experienced much of you, only to be entertained by your son Dweezil, who loves you to pieces. Just learning one song is difficult. He’s something else!
Zappa is a hero and a genius and above all, he's so much more than a guitar player..And that's what I love about this man. His music, his view on music and his performances are a genre on it's own.
Absolute hero of my childhood. Everyone needs to listen to him. He was a true to the bone man of the people!!!!!
I knew Vai learned from him, but I HAD NO IDEA, including how way ahead of his time he was. My millennial mind is blown, this just after watching Gary Moore's soul injected shred on a Les Paul.
@@annex6 I feel for you. I've been aware of his talent and influence but as a teenage guitarist I tried so hard to listen and learn from him but I really just didn't get it.
I'm just now revisiting his work at 26 and kicking myself in the head. I still don't get the heart of Zappa but
I could've learned so so much from him if I wasn't an idiot.
@@willkoestner4159 yeah I’m forty now and abandoned Eddie for Vai out of being a music snob, and then two decades later saw Eddie performing live in Charlotte. I love Vai, always will, but Eddie has a special magic that only a small handful of guitarists have. Much as there is the light and dark side of the force, Zappa is the chosen one, tapping the Far Side of the imagination. I am born again😜
He's a downright amazing guitarist but for the majority of people he isn't that "approachable" and he may take a while to get used to... Or that he's just too obscure, especially the lyrics . I personally believe in the latter, just never got into a lot of his songs that had obscure lyrics, which is a lot of them. His instruments tend to be my favorites of his, except for Hot Rats. That album is masterpiece
I saw him 1978 in Vienna -Austria, never forget this Concert.
He is one of the greatest❤
The Genius of FRANK ZAPPA, luckly I saw him live 8 times witnessing a GINIUS at work Play❤
Even classical luminaires considered Zappa a genius - Conductor Kent Nagano remarked that "Frank is a genius. That's a word I don't use often ... In Frank's case it is not too strong ... He is extremely literate musically. I'm not sure if the general public knows that."
What I loved about him also, was his sense of humor- he was SUCH a rascal. :
"The Muffin Man is seated at the table In the laboratory of the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen...
Reaching for an oversized chrome spoon. he gathers an intimate quantity of dried muffin remnants, and, brushing his scapular aside, proceeds to dump these inside of his shirt.
He turns to us and speaks:
"Some people like cupcakes better. I, for one, care less for them!"
Arrogantly twisting the sterile canvas snoot of a fully charged icing-anointment utensil, He pulleth forth a quarter-ounce green rosette near the summit of a dense-but-radiant muffin
Of his own design.
Later he says:
"Some people like cupcakes exclusively, while myself, I say, there is naught, nor ought there, be nothing so exalted on the face of God's great earth as that Prince of foods... the Muffin!"
Oh yeah! I love muffin too!!!
FZ!!WOOOOO!! THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSICAL INFLUENCE OF MY LIFE! NO ONE HAS MADE ME FEEL MORE, THINK MORE, LEARN MORE. I GET EMOTIONAL EVERY TIME I LISTEN . THANKS FOR THE POST!
Your so right tomorrow is Frank's b day dec21 2024 he would have been 83??
I've known Zappa's name my whole life but today I was like "what's his deal?" This was incredible. That third solo was right up my alley but all wild 😍
I was lucky enough to see Frank LIVE in Boston, back in 79 or 80.
Great to see him play live!
Filled with spontaneous moments!!
I'm re-aquanting myself with the great mans music after way too long. Simply put, the man was a genius.
He was an even greater social force than a composer and he was an even greater composer than a guitarist and he was one of the best electric guitarists in rock. And I keep coming back to him
I somehow always forget that Zappa was the Godliest guitarist who ever lived, because he was such a visionary artist and musician and that’s how I always think of him. Puts most “legendary” guitarists to shame tbh. Humble, genius and inspiring. Also incredibly insightful into the world of music.
social force. he was involved with business deals ith russia as soon as the wall came down. people that lived within the iron curtain regarded him as a leader for democracy. (and all that was good about America land of opportunity, and diversity) He is my lifelong hero and ispiration. his raw intelligence and drive and faith in perseverence and carry on after failures and tragedies.
"....and he was an even greater composer than a guitarist". Sorry, I can't agree with that. Have you tried your hand at both the arts of playing an instrument, and composing? I have, and from experience I think the opposite, but that's just my opinion.
He was never one of the "best" guitarists
I guess you don't have ears. And visually watching him play was an experience in itself. Frank Zappa 1985 Buffalo New York water show.@@buckbreaker5185
The emotion he puts into the Black Napkins performance is insane. It's like he's hurting his SG with the bends and making it cry lol. So beautiful and somewhat almost morbid sounding.
Not sure it's my ATF performance of Black Napkins, but if not, is damn close. That he played that passionately on the Mike Douglas show, of all things, is remarkable. My favorite Zappa song.
Will always be one of my very favorite pieces by Zappa. So much feeling in that song it hurts
@@brucemcclendon6959 I agree man the Mike Douglas performance is my favorite of it too. I was just generalizing anytime he plays this tho just so much emotion is shown
@@theherbpuffer I agree man
@@_dmfd and I’d bet money Frank provided the horn charts to the band himself.
Nicely curated!!! SO enjoyed this. All the completely different eras. Sweet!
Zappa was an absolute musical genius
This man's musicianship and brilliance cannot be described. Not made like this anymore.
I cant believe the comments on this video lol! Never in my life have I ever seen comments trashing Frank Zappa"s playing. FRANK ZAPPA!! HOLY SHIT. Next thing you know, Robert Fripp all of a sudden is going to be a shitty player like damn!
You should probably branch out of the classics. There are plenty of guitarist these days that are amazing guitarist as well as amazing composers.
I get the vibe he was a high functioning autistic. They are usually very smart with the one thing they enjoy the most.
I don't know much about Mr. Zappa, but his son Dweezil, he can really play. Very underrated guitar player
His son is a very different player he is more a EVH kinda guy his dad is just someone who goes off dwez knows what he plays
I wouldn’t say Dweezil is underrated. Most guitarists recognise the boy has some high level skill. I sure do.
Ahhhh, underrrated. Naturellement 🤷♂️
when zappa plays solo, you also want to play solo. - old indian proverb
And never can.
Cool comment mate!
Guitar should change name to Zappar
Top comment :)
Frank felt it. For those who think to be considered great at guitar means the guitarist must be fast and clean is narrow minded. Many of those guys are simply fast. So what. Give me this. Musical. Feeling. Expressive. Genius. And by the way, He's really fast and clean too. 'Random notes' someone said? That's moronic.
Adam Gedritis his tone and vibrato are great too
He played note phrasings (fives, sevens) on the guitar that not a lot of other people played. Most people do not have the manual dexterity to phrase those notes correctly, Allan Holdsworth and Ollie Halsall are the only two guitarists that come to mind.
This shit isn't musical in any form whatsoever. 👎 What was supposedly Whipping Post was a disgrace to the song and the people that wrote it.
JC The thing about Zappa's guitar playing is that he played modally. I obviously don't know if you play an instrument but, if you don't, what this means is that his scale choices are often separate from the pentatonic or 'Blues' scale that is most often employed in rock and, therefore, most familiar to rock fans.
As it happens, if you watch the footage of The Alman Brothers performing Whipin' Post at the Filmore, both guitarists play modally in part also. The difference with Zappa was that very rarely was it his aim to play "rootsy" straight blues / rock style guitar. He could do this and did so very well on any number of recordings, but, essentially his musical interests were grounded more in modern classical and the abstract / art music coming out of both Europe and America over the previous 100 years or so. (He often played it down but his approach to playing and composition could often be grounded in extended Jazz theory also).
So, it may not be for you, and I understand that, - the forms that Zappa employed were rarely to the taste of the majority of rock and pop fans, - but, as far as musicality goes, technically: harmonically, melodically, rhythmically as well as in his dexterity on the instrument and his theoretical knowledge of both composition and improvisation, far, far exceeded the ability of 99% of others working in the field either then or now.
Of course, no amount of discussion along these lines could ever make anyone like or find worth / enjoyment in something they just don't like; and nor should it: that's why taste is subjective. I just wanted to point out that, whether you do like Zappa or not, what he did was, in every sense, extremely musical. For me, it depends what mood I'm in: I love The Stones, The Who, The Clash, etc, etc as well as Zappa. Sometimes only "Exile On Main Street" will hit the mark, but, I've got to say, sometimes only "Uncle Meat" will do the job!
@@beefheart1410 thank you very, very, very much! That's the best explanation of Zappa I've heard yet and makes total sense. I do own guitars and I am currently learning to play, so I'm familiar with all of the stuff you talked about. Now I feel like I somewhat understand Zappa's playing. Knowing this, I'll have to go back and give him a critical listen and see what I think now that I have a better understanding. Thank you! 😎👍
Idk what’s funnier that he’s amazing at guitar or looks like he doesn’t give a shit
It’s that direct connection he has between his brain and the instrument I think.
I think Zappa has resting "I don't give a shit" face.
Is peaches en regalia still up from SNL.
I used to watch that daily on the Internet in The infant years
He reminds me of those on the spectrum that perform magic
F BOTH🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤Love from frank
Man, Borat is just killin' it on guitar!Very Niiice!High Five!🙌
The suit is black...............Not!
Very nice!
That's nice
Ha!
Stop 💀
@@dustineberle1735 in the name of love? 🤷♂️
I got hooked on the Filmore and Hot Rats albums in those early years. Nobody has Franks style and attitude. Each lead seems to tell a story. There's a lot of good guitar players out there but none quite equal Zappa's playing.
AMEN TO THAT.SO TRUE.
He was good but there are many FAR better than Frank Zappa.
@@justin9744 I don't think so. And I've seen the best. From Reinhardt to Hendrix
@@tixximmi1 Yea okay guy. Sure. Regardless of what you think, there are many FAR better guitarists.
@@justin9744 who ?, and please some links & btw what is your age?
I was totally into zappa music in the 70s
I saw a mate of mine sat down on the sofa, looking gutted with a tear in his eye. Not the usual vibe from him at all. I said "what's up man?", he just stared at the floor and said "Frank Zappa is dead". I didn't know who Frank Zappa was........I do now, and I'm sad that he's gone. Much of his music is burned into my soul now. Thanks Frank......and in answer to your question: Yes, humour does belong in music !
Per 35 anni o girato nella musica Jazz,Rock,Bluse,ecc.O trovato molti bravissimi chitarristi di spessore che mi anno "a volte"fatto pensare che non era il migliore chitarrista MAI esistito.NO SONO RITORNATO A ZAPPA.Per quanto mi riguarda è,ed rimarrà il migliore ancora per molti anni.
DAVIDE
Saw him at Fillmore West '70...FILTHY MOUTH and HYSTERICALLY FUNNY. Both he and the other musicians were laughing and had the time of their lives and so did the audience. So, one day I'm surfing RUclips and find THAT concert!! Twice as filthy and twice as funny! I've seen Duane Allman, Jimmy Page and all the others but Frank is my fav. I flew from San Francisco to Prague and was walking in a park and looked up: a GIGANTIC bronze bust of Frank since he is a god there...they have great taste there.
The Black Napkins solo is just beautiful. Like Rory Gallagher, Frank could make his guitar do whatever he wanted it to. I was lucky enough to see both of them perform back in the 70s.
ive seen zappa 5 times in the 70's. and i saw rory gallagher in 1975. he played for 3 1/2 hrs. what a great show. i miss them both.
Probably the most underrated, yet greatest guitarist’s ever 👏👏🙏🙏💕💕👌👌
𝄞 I can never find the words that best describes this man. I don't think there is even such a word or words. A pure genius of a guitar player that no one can even come close to. Franks arrangements are so complicated that they do not follow any pattern known in the world of music today. " Without deviation (from the norm), progress is not possible." - F Zappa
Frank zappa interview collection is awesome I want to play just the same if possible with a lot of practice, especially black napkins!! ❤😮😅😂
Black Napkins was played on a little Pignose amp. This was on the Mike Douglas show or something similar. I remember seeing this. I also saw Zappa back in 1973 with Mahavishnu Orchestra. One of the best musicals nights I ever experienced.
I'm so jealous you got to see him play live. I was 1 when he died :(
Yes. It was the Mike Douglas show
with the house band. I told my my mom I had to see this. A one tv household back then. Needless to say, she didn't get to watch her soap opera that afternoon.
a heavily modified pignose...but none the less and on the Mike Douglas shows .the house band loved that hit !
Undoubtedly the best guitarist to walk this earth and his music could never be replicated , impossible
Frank Zappa WAY underrated as a guitarist! this guy could play!
Yes. You hear his italian roots. He noodles and noodles
@Juan2003gtr zappa influenced govan
@@evil_of_banality bold to say considering that jonny greenwood loves microtonal
i know this is an old ass comment but its worth tagging on, a lot of people forget that it was *him* that pushed steve vai to be as good as he is now.
@@joe22589 Classic dude..lol.
I first heard Overnite Sensation LP in 74 and the solos on Dirty Love, Zombie Woof, 50/50 and Montana swirled in my head til this day.
These solos are each magnifico in their own styles. Geez, the opener is a killer though. Frank's not looking at the guitar, he's gazing out, possessed by his craft.
This is beauty as we luckily get Strats, Cherry SGs, Les Pauls. It amazes me how Frank could play with such confidence as he almost made it up as he went. Sometimes into sheer beautiful chaos. Along with the greats who have gone, I miss Gary Moore's emotional brilliance and Frank's mastery and unique brilliance.
Thanks for posting ... lovely.
Been on the zZappa team since i was 15 in 1967-8, recognized his genius, suzy creamcheese was such a fuk u to the establishement, politics, music industry, hollywood and the general duplicity and malaise that existed at the time, Frank didnt buy it and neither did a few of us....love him for never buyin in or sellin out, for his intellectual intelligence, music genius and honesty...
One thing I really enjoy in his guitar playing is constantly changing tempo and rhythm of guitar, even though he is doing a guitar solo but he sometimes plays slow expressive then next moment one can hear him play very fast. This gives a strange, fuzzy, psychedelic but extremely enjoyable
And a damn good role model. Frank walked and talked the talk. Shredded the world , thank you frank. Valley man.
Ghost notes master.
Just went and saw Dweezil last night playing two of the old man's guitars. 😊
My dad fed me this shit when I was a little kid. I still love it
Excellent collection of Zappa solos on video! thanks 😊
You're very welcome, I need to make more compilations of his excellent playing soon.
I am in no way a rock fan, or a fan of this genre at all, furthest thing away, but I will only and will always be a fan of Mr frank zappa, he’s style is just like no other, I couldn’t care if others are 100x better then him, franks style will always draw me in and hypnotise me . Unbelievable. Love some of his interviews. Very smart and astute individual
Luckily there is no one out there better than Zappa
Love "Whippin Post"... everyone was so tight and Frank, possessed as usual.
Us from the 70,s loved this unconventional amazing guitarists and his crazy music. Newbies should welcome this genius exposure. Amazing
Besides being a virtuoso, Zappa put together some Hellabands!!! Just blessed I was, to see him live, every chance I got!!
HAPPYBirthday今日は作曲の巨人巨匠師匠鬼才フランク・ザッパ先生の誕生日ですお誕生日おめでとうございます🎉🎊✨✨✨✨😍😍😍😍🤟🤟🤟🤟🤘🤘🤘🤘貴方の事を尊敬していてそして憧れていました多大為る影響を受けました大大大大ファンでした大好きでした偉大過ぎる素晴らしすぎて凄すぎましたありとあらゆる音楽ジャンルを越え続けましたsowearloveyouforEverフランク・ザッパ先生は自分の中で永遠に生きています
His picking style is off the charts. Master!
Great compilation. Cut the crap. Just solid genius guitarist. ❤️
at 7:08 George Duke and Tom Fowler (on bass) are smiling because they no Frank is IN THE ZONE!
His lyrics got me into him as a kid never really noticed what a great guitar player he was till i grew a bit
Got to love a bit of zappa, unbelievable guitarist
The second will always be one of my favorites. The feeling of it all together is perfect
This should have 50M likes
i love his sound and style , thanks for upload 😎🌞👍
That reggae improv was something - it just feels like he gets the truth out of the guitar with his style.
I'll never understand why some people simply don't like the way he plays.
Cause they don’t have ears or feelings. All of their opinions are based off of stereotypes. They don’t like the way good things feel. They just care if they line up with the popular trends because they want people to accept them, little do they know all of them find each other phony and don’t have the balls to say it. All living in fear of each others judgement, just to become a boring grey square, and a building block in someone else’s monument.
@@reinodjanghardt8604 Speaking of judgement dude...holy shit. Maybe some folks REALLY just don't like listening to some guy randomly rambling over what always seems to be one or two chord vamps. How interesting can you get jamming over a chord or two. If this was a middle aged nobody doing this on youtube it have 2 hundred views and 1 or 2 likes.
@@davederoux3361 go tell Miles Davis playing over two chords isn’t interesting 🤦🏽♂️
@@SLAMS211 It's great if you have the taste and discretion and harmonic/melodic sensibilities of Miles Davis. And Zappa doesn't have that. Even then it's good for 5 minutes. EVERY jam he does where he takes a solo, it's one or 2 chords and he's missing notes all over the place. The guy's a gifted musician/composer but all these ramblings about world class guitarist are a joke.
Agreed, I just don’t get it. Page, SRV, Trucks, Django, so many others are players. Zappa isn’t in that class, and I can’t hear what others are saying.
Besides no one . Frank was the best . I've ever heard.seen .bought.and I thank you brother mike
The album versions of Inca Roads and Montana were his best solos IMO. That early 70's period he was absolutely killing it on guitar.
It´s so amazing thank you very much 👍👏 danke vielen dank
0:40 Oh that’s where Steve Vai learned it from
oh yes.
Joe Satriani?
@@rodericksloan1255 no
@@matheushoff3089 Sport what does no mean?
Roderick Sloan Steve Vai used to play with Frank Zappa if you didn’t know
1of the mostly underrated guitarist of my beings
"I know you're saying to yourself, I can do that! And of course you can!"
~ FZ
I feel so fortunate to have seen him live. Amazing guitarist and writer
You can tell he is in that state of mind that is described in psychology called flow....where you are in your element practicing a craft you have some mastery in...your mind is in an other state and it’s about the closest to total peace a person can ever get. I’ve been there myself and it’s the only time my mind is ever quiet
Hmm so they have a term for it. I wondered. I always called it the clarity.
Genious flo with inspiration and spontanious intuitio.
The 'outside now' solo from the same live show that chunga's revenge is taken from is amazing too.
brilliant brilliant son g that outside now just gorgeous and gorgeeosity .
Thanks. Tremendous channel. Love it.
Safe list of songs. How about some psychedelic/jazzy stuff?
Look up Transylvania Boogie, by Frank Zappa.
I dont think these solos were even close to his best, but then again, his output of material was just too vast to nail anything down as 'best'. Secondly, Zappa almost never plays the same solos twice in his live performances, he always improvises and gives unique twists and variations to them every time. Some of the best stuff I've heard came from his Shut up and Play your Guitar albums. Another album of great Zappa guitar work is his Trance Fusion album. Incredible stuff there.
Wat Dis I think the best solo he ever did was on the studio version of "Fifty/Fifty" Blistering! JLP's violin solo was pretty incredible as well.
Agreed. Every show was unique. You could see him 2 nights in a row and even if some of the songs were the same they had a different sound to them. The ability to improvise and still sound good is a mark of true talent.
Stephan Arminski yes exactly. That’s what a good touring band should be, to give u a good live experience by surprising u by not going out and sounding like the album! That’s what’s been lost on so many artists for so long. The reason ZPZ was the best concert I ever saw was just that. Every other concert I’ve been to, it seems (with 2 or 3 exceptions) I am anxious for the concert to end. Because they aren’t giving me something different, just what’s on the album, basically, and I get bored.
It says "Amazing", not "Best".
Kurt Kish yeah Walt he threw everyone off of what the title said. Fifty/Fifty is still the most intense blistering sounding guitar solo ever recorded IMO though
I saw the mother's play in a gym at Waterloo university in 74 or 75, it was the most incredible 3 hours of my concert going life.
these solos are truly awesome. 100% expression. That's the secret. WAY easier said than done.
Outstanding video. Well done.
Black Napkins always gets me.
ive seen frank zappa 5 times. he is one of the best guitarists ive ever seen. and very underrated.
I don’t know if it counts as a solo because it’s basically the entire song, but Muffin Man is his best one
Girl you thought he was a man but he was just a muffin
Same with Sleep Dirt
I think you are right Mike. I just watched it.
I would beg to differ... imho Watermelon in easter hay.
Oh btw what about sexual harassment in the work place and Inca roads those also hit with franks best solos
I wish i could channel art like this Its truly magical
What a ride!!!!
As a longterm Zappa fan who saw at least 4 shows between 1979 and 1988, I appreciate the inclusion of Chunga's Revenge in this collection. Of course it's easy to criticize "essential" omissions such as Inca Roads, but his catalogue is so huge that's not really fair. This is a great intro to FZ for guitar players - thanks.
I did not know Borat plays so good.
He always had a cant be bothered look on his face, but having it while cranking out his guitar solo is a special i dont give a f*ck!! Love it!
In a league of his own.
I always enjoy excellent guitar playing, and this is it. Thanks, Frank, for the legacy.
Good, man...Been listening to Zappa for 40 years. Love this stuff....
Why?
He was awesome. Saw him 5 times in concert. From 1975 through the early 80s. First one was when I was only 14 yrs old in Charleston West by God Virginia!
Thank you for uploading this gem.
The electric guitar is perhaps the most dynamic musical instrument. This RUclips upload shows up close footage of Frank manipulating the strings like no other person on this planet. These are snippets of isolated solos, so you won't be subjected to any useless lyrics.
If civilization is still around in 400 years, Frank will be remembered along with Mozart, Beethoven and the like, because he was a composer of their caliber, and greatest electric guitar manipulator EVER !!
AGREED....10,000%!!!!!!!
The best composer of our time! Frank was amazing live when I got to see him.
1:32 Frank looks like he's staring into another universe.