2 February 2009

A bit of inspiration...

Hello Friends,

A couple of months ago I was asked to participate in a fun event for Fender Guitars. It was called Fender University. I spent about 90 minutes with the students who attended and answered various questions about music, guitars, guitar gear, recording techniques and practice tips etc. There was one fine gentleman who was very interested in improving his own playing and asked me for some specific examples that might help him. I asked him to join me on stage and I showed him a few things that I said would most likely improve his playing right away.

Within a few moments he started to get the idea of the new picking technique I shared with him and the other students enjoyed watching the transformation.

He recently wrote this kind note to me. With his permission I will share it with you.

Dweezil:

I want to thank you for the 15 seconds of fame I got in the pictures and video of you teaching me that picking move. It was a big hit with my family and friends, and I'm grateful for that.

More important, I wanted to thank you for the inspiration you gave me in those few moments. When you signed your picture for me afterwards, I said you changed the way I played guitar. You really did. I spent the fall on leave in Amsterdam and I had time to practice guitar 1-2 hours every day. I wore out three picks working on picking and scales and incorporating what I learned into my regular playing. I learned scales and modes years ago, but I never worked them out with three notes on each string, which I needed for that picking move. When I improvised, I'd fall back into pentatonics. Now I have a whole new vocabulary and I've found renewed joy in playing my guitar. I know I'll never be a rock star, but that's not the point. You showed me that I could play better if I worked at it, and you inspired me to put in the hours it takes to do it. I got better and I'm working hard at getting even better.

It's challenging but rising to the challenge is very satisfying. Thank you so much for your encouragement and inspiration. You really did change the way I play guitar.

Best wishes,
Gordon Logan

I decided to share Gordon's message with all of you because in many ways this whole Zappa Plays Zappa project reflects a very similar transformation within my own playing. I also share his sentiment in his final few sentences. I feel the very same way about my own musical journey.

I find so much inspiration in my Father's music. I have logged tremendous hours of practice forensically uncovering the twisted secrets behind his boldly idiosyncratic and quixotic phrases he composed both with a pen in hand and spontaneously with his guitar in hand. I always find something new that baffles me. I don't know how he did what he did - but I sure am grateful he did it.

It truly is the most fun and satisfying musical experience to be a part of. It's a privilege to be able to walk out on stage with my band and do what we do.

Thanks again for all of your support. See you on the road in a few weeks!

Regards, DZ

POSTED BY DWEEZIL ZAPPA AT 2009-02-02 09:58:44