Guitar Tech David Daniel

  I met David on a tour that almost killed the dreams of everyone on it. I was FOH and he was the guitar tech. At the end of that tour, the whole crew had hard core trauma bonded. One of the things I liked about David is that when it was suggested we start a crew band that would practice on stage before the band came in to sound check, he immediately picked up a guitar and started playing Weezer at full show volume. Another thing I like about David is that he agreed to be the first person to answer the 5 questions. (I am aware these are not all questions but that's not really the point.)

Question #1: If you could only bring what fits into your pocket to work a show, what would it be?

DD: I have extra pockets on my work pants so: hand drill with string winder attachment, flashlight, multi-tool, gaff tape, headstock tuner.

Question #2: Name someone you would be happy to just sit and watch play the guitar all day.

DD: Dylan Day

Question #3: How many pushups can you do?

DD: I can get to 20 without complaining.

Question #4: Other than tuning guitars and handing them off, what's something that most people wouldn't know you do as a guitar tech?

DD: I try to never take my eyes off the artist during a show. They might need water or help at any point and I'm their first point of contact for that. I know what an artist wants before they ask when I'm on tour; the relationship is a big part of being in a tech position. I do all sorts of repairs on the road, to guitars, amps and keyboards.

Question #5: How did you get into the industry? What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a touring guitar tech?

DD: I've played music since I was 6 years old and it's pretty much been my only focus in life. I moved to Nashville in 2020 and slowly but surely made connections in the touring world. My primary focus is audio, but I got into teching through my brother who is a guitar tech. My advice would be to either move to an industry city or position yourself near the local community/venue in your city. There's so much work post pandemic that you can get a gig knowing nothing and get paid to learn. Stay humble and respectful and listen more than you talk. The artist is always right even when they're wrong.

IN SUMMARY

David is a great tech and a class act. He's calm, funny and likes free food. I would highly recommend touring with him. If you need a tech, send us an email and we'll get you his info.