“Jimmy Page would be nice to have on there”: Dweezil Zappa has already tapped Eddie Van Halen, Brian May and Yngwie Malmsteen for his ambitious instrumental project – but wants to recruit a few more guitar greats before it’s finished.

“Jimmy Page would be nice to have on there”: Dweezil Zappa has already tapped Eddie Van Halen, Brian May and Yngwie Malmsteen for his ambitious instrumental project – but wants to recruit a few more guitar greats before it’s finished.

 

 

Dweezil Zappa’s ambitious instrumental epic What The Hell Was I Thinking? has been decades in the works, and its scale has only continued to grow. Conceived back in 1989–1990, it is meant to be a continuous, 75‑minute piece of music that morphs through every guitar style Zappa admires—rock, heavy metal, shred, blues, prog, jazz, microtonal, melodic metal and more.

Already involved

The roster of contributing guitarists is nothing short of star‑studded. More than 40 A‑list players have recorded solos or parts. Key names include:

Eddie Van Halen (who contributed two solos recorded at his own 5150 Studios, using his original early amp). One of these solos is a “greatest hits” medley of his signature licks, stitched together and connected in new ways.

Yngwie Malmsteen, who, in a twist, was asked to play over a very slow blues section—one that highlights his speed by contrast.

Brian May, Steve Morse, Steve Vai, Brian Setzer, Angus and Malcolm Young, Eric Johnson among others.

Despite the many contributions, Zappa is still adding to the lineup.

Wishes to recruit more legends

Zappa has openly said he’d like to include even more guitar heroes. In particular, he’s expressed an interest in getting Jimmy Page, calling him “obviously still some very well‑known guys” he’d like on the project: “He’d be nice to have on there.”

Other names Zappa has mentioned include Eric Clapton and David Gilmour.

Technical & creative challenges

Because the project began so long ago, there have been many obstacles. Some of the original recordings were analog, with inconsistent tension in the tape reels that caused pitch drift, making overdubs difficult.

Also, some tapes degraded, or there were issues with erasure and digital transfers. Zappa says having newer tech—like Atmos mixing—and better digital workflows is now helping him finish what he’s been working on for decades.

Artistic concept

The central idea is to treat the whole thing like an “audio movie” or a journey. As one listens, the music changes style, environment, feel—like flipping radio channels, but seamlessly. Zappa wants all guitar styles represented, including from “newer players” alongside the classic legends.

Including Jimmy Page would add yet another major current of influence: Led Zeppelin’s sound, Page’s riff‑craft, layering, tonal dynamics—all things that align with what Zappa is trying to achieve in What The Hell Was I Thinking?