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D.J. Williams is an acclaimed guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Denver, CO, whose illustrious career has seen him traverse the globe, igniting stages ranging from intimate clubs to renowned festivals with his band's fiery performances. Described by Premier Guitar as "... a monster... an inventive, effective, and ear-catching soloist, armed with a warm tone and superior chops," Williams has unleashed his next creative achievement: new album "By Way Of RVA" on his own label Projekt Records.
Previous endeavors saw Williams tour with eclectic Richmond funk outfit DJ Williams Projekt and handle guitar for San Diego's legendary tour-de-force, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. Since launching onto the scene, Williams has also had the honor of performing with some of live music's greatest names, including John Legend, Dave Matthews Band, Warren Haynes, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, John Oates, Hannibal Buress, Robert Randolph, Soulive, Slightly Stoopid, & many, many others!
If it wasn't for Curtis Mayfield and Jimi Hendrix, I'd probably never be playing guitar. These two are very different players but show the versatility of what can be done with the instrument and laid a foundation for not just my guitar playing but my singing as well.
Starting out on guitar can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most important pieces of advice is to be patient and consistent. Learning an instrument takes time, and it's easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow. Instead of focusing on perfection, aim for gradual improvement. Break things down into manageable chunksâmastering a few basic chords, scales, or songs at a time. It's also important to celebrate small victories, like getting through a song without stopping or nailing a tricky chord transition. Consistency is key, so even practicing for just 15-20 minutes daily can lead to noticeable improvement over time.
Another piece of advice is to have fun and explore your musical interests. While technique is important, don't get bogged down by trying to play everything "correctly" right away. Allow yourself the freedom to play around, make mistakes, and find what you enjoy. Learn songs that inspire you, and don't be afraid to improvise or experiment with your sound. Building a personal connection to the music will keep you motivated and passionate as you progress. Lastly, don't compare your journey to others; everyone learns at their own pace, and it's all about enjoying the process.
What gets me excited to play guitar is the feeling of expression and freedom it gives me. Every time I pick it up, I feel like I'm stepping into a world where I can communicate without words, just through sound. The connection between my fingers and the strings allows me to channel emotionsâwhether it's joy, sadness, or energyâinto something tangible. There's also the thrill of discovering new techniques or nailing a song I've been working on, like hitting a perfect riff or creating a melody from scratch. Playing guitar feels limitless, and the creativity it sparks keeps me inspired every time.
I'd bring the Ibanez Tube Screamer, volume pedal, and reverb pedal to a desert island because each one adds a distinct and versatile element to my playing. The Tube Screamer is legendary for its warm overdrive, giving my tone just the right amount of grit and punch, without being too harsh. It's great for adding character to both rhythm and lead work, allowing me to get everything from smooth, bluesy tones to crunchy rock riffs.
The volume pedal is essential for dynamics, letting me control the intensity of my sound in real time. I can swell in with atmospheric builds or cut back for more subtle, cleaner tonesâall without having to touch the guitar itself. Finally, the reverb pedal is like adding space and atmosphere to my playing. It can make everything feel richer, from simple chords to complex leads, giving the music a sense of depth and openness, almost like playing in a vast, echoing landscape. Together, these three pedals give me the flexibility to create a wide range of tones and textures, even in isolation.
One of the best ways is to learn something completely new, whether it's a genre I don't usually play, a different tuning, or an unfamiliar chord progression. This pushes me out of my comfort zone and opens up new possibilities. Sometimes, learning a song from an artist I admire can also spark creativity, especially if it has elements I don't usually incorporate into my playing.
Another helpful technique is improvisation. I'll set aside any expectations and just jam, letting myself make mistakes and explore new sounds without judgment. It often leads to discovering unexpected ideas. I might also experiment with effects pedals to shape my sound in fresh ways, like tweaking reverb or using my Tube Screamer to give riffs a different edge. Finally, taking a break from playing entirely and listening to diverse music helps reset my mind.
I don't like picking favorite artists because it feels limiting, as if narrowing down my influences to just a few names defines my entire musical taste. Music is such a vast and evolving landscape, and my connection to different artists can change depending on my mood, what I'm working on, or where I am in life. Sometimes, I'll resonate with a certain artist or style deeply for a while, but that doesn't mean they'll always be at the top for me.
By not sticking to favorites, I stay open to discovering new sounds and influences. Every artist brings something unique to the table, and picking favorites feels like boxing myself into one particular style or genre. I appreciate different musicians for different reasons, and keeping it fluid allows me to draw inspiration from a wider variety of sources. It's about the journey of constantly finding new things to love in music.
I love the riff to ZZ TOP's Just Got Paid. Dog the clean stuff and mess around with some Spanky Alford riffs. If you don't know him, he's the one who started all the Neo Soul guitar stuff he sees and hears.
My Fender Telecaster is my most prized piece of gear because of its versatility and the unique feel it offers. It has this perfect blend of simplicity and precision, with a tone that cuts through any mix, whether I'm playing clean or using effects like my Tube Screamer. The Telecaster has a timeless sound, and there's something about the way it responds to my playing that just feels rightâwhether I'm strumming chords or digging into a lead.
Beyond that, the Tele is durable and reliable, always delivering when I need it. I love the history behind it, too; it feels like a connection to so many legendary players who've shaped music. Having it in my hands gives me the confidence to create, knowing it can handle anything I throw at it, from rock to blues to more experimental sounds.
I've totally become a Strat lover this year! An American Vintage Stratocaster is going to be my next purchase because it offers a classic tone and feel that complements my Telecaster, expanding the range of sounds I can explore.
Currently, I'm playing and loving a custom-built Strat that I've pieced together over the last year. That's being run through my Texas Red Fender Deluxe with a Vintage 30 speaker. I keep a modest pedal board of a Dunlop Volume X pedal, TC Polytune, MXR Classic Overdrive, MXR Duke of Tone, Outlaw Delay, and the Strymon Flint. I use the Standard 1/4 in Rattlesnake Cables in Blue with one straight angle and one right angle.
Do you have to be a famous musician to be featured? No. Do you have to be a professional musician to be featured? No. Do you have passion about playing and gear -- oh and a verified Rattlesnake Cable Company cable user. Yes!
All you need to do is contact us and we'll direct you to our submission form. If your submission is approved, it will be in the queue to be showcased!
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