I'm here because a Reddit video of a person who used to ride in the car with their dad.This was their dad's favorite guitar solo song and I have to say it was definitely worth looking up
I came here to pay homage to Cliffs of Dover, in honor of a lady's father. The lady told a story on Reddit, of how her rather stoic dad jammed out to this song and told her that this was the best music guitar performance ever. According to her, the dad died not long after, and this song stuck to her mind for years, until she was able to find it on TH-cam. Respect to her dad, and this wonderful guitarist. It is indeed the best guitar performance I've listened to in a while.
If it’s set up right and has good quality specs then strats are great for tuning, I take mine everywhere and it’s gets banged about and even when I go nuts on he trem, I barely ever have to tune it
Once you learn his descending 5s lick, it comes together, A BIT. But that finger and pick technique he's got going on right before the song kicks in for real, I'll never be able to get.... it's really two finger per string pentatonic but he makes it look so easy.....
Well its pretty simple really. It would take you four hours of work to save the money to buy that jacket, or 4 decades of work to play guitar like that. I would choose to play guitar like that. But thats just me. It is a nice jacket tho...
Every person I've ever heard talk about meeting him has said the same thing. It's tough in this day and age to not have a single bad story about someone this famous. He and Keannu stand above the rest of us (but have the humility to never remind us).
This for me is on a whole other level of guitar playing. It’s not the fastest in the world (it’s goddamn close though), but it’s so insanely clean my mind is blown
1990, playing in a punk band in Chicago and I heard Eric was playing at the Cubby Bear. After band practice we all head to Wrigleyville and the show was sold out. Didn't matter as you could hear everything that was played on that stage, on the street. The three punks stood outside waiting to hear this song. Young, dumb, arrogant, self righteous and brash, we all shut the phuck up when we heard those first notes at 0:50. The Jam was and is my favorite band of all time. My other two bandmates were fans of hardcore punk. Didn't matter. Freezing our asses off, staring at our hot body breath that exited our mouths, the flask stopped being passed as we listened to one of the greatest guitar players of our lives. Just wonderful.
@@OfficialEricJohnson Shouldn't you be rehearsing for G3 now Mr Johnson, not reading comments on TH-cam! LOL just kidding and can't wait to see you again :)
This may be the only guitar "shredder" song that is universally loved by non-guitarists. This is a beautifully composed piece with a strong melodic hook.
True, I was trying to think of another one, I’m sure there is, but I can’t. I think Eric Johnson’s tone is perfect for a more mainstream “shredder” style. It’s a lot softer on the ear for non guitarists. I always loved this song before playing guitar, just because of guitar hero 3 lol.
I had loved this song when I first heard it after I first watched a performance on TV. But back then there was no internet. And apparently it did not come on the radio and I did not have the forethought to write the name down. Decades later at an arcade, I hear this song on Guitar Hero... OMG!!! 😱
And no distortion. Mid range CLEAR distinct chords and notes. This solo is MUCH better than anything you will hear from a hard rock guitar player. SO much more intricate. no power chords. no phoney noisy bullshit.
He used to be a regular at a restaurant I worked at in Austin, I had heard him but didn't know what he looked like.. One day he was digging for some change and dumped his pockets on the counter.. a bunch of picks fell out and I said "oh that's cool you play guitar?" He replied "yeah a little..." 😅🤦♂️
This is really one of the greatest live electric guitar performances ever. To play something this long, this technical, and to nail it like this is otherworldly.
I played this song on Guitar Hero 3 when I was a child. I never knew the name of the song but I remembered clearly how it sounds even after years passed. Today I finally discovered the song's name and I'm so happy, its been like ten years that I'm seeking this.
There's an arcade in Soho in London that I occasionally frequent and I always choose to play this on their now ancient GH machine just in case anyone who is there hasn't heard the song before lol.
Yup. One of those nights where you’re just “in the zone”. It’s a rare event. But it’s one of those things that just happens. Your confidence is unquestionable, and yeah, it just seems like you’re in a a different dimension (for the player). Hendrix Band of Gypsies on New Year’s Eve I believe was another one of those rare times.
It could be argued that he is underrated, but he is also considered one of the greatest guitarist of all time. The underrating occurs when you add in "one of" to the statement.
I was playing this around 30 years ago ,,, wholly inequitably it seem's,, at 68 years old I still run the riff when I'm three beers down and feeling fogy,, Could'n't touch Eric with a ten foot pole after 50 Years,, :-)
The next note is high e on the 14th fret, bend it then mute and restart the same bend only 1/2 bend now. That'll have you busy today at least. It's a real finesse thing.
@@michaeltether2595 Oh that's the next part. Thank you, I've finally decided to fully commit to just listening to it on TH-cam and never touch my own guitars again!
Song gives me chills, I remember being in my basement in 2007, im playing halo 3 online and next to me on his Xbox is my brother playing GH3 cliffs of Dover, I would kill to go back to these days.
This is the best guitar tone I've ever heard in my whole life. I play guitar 8 hours a day, every day. This is the best tone I've ever hear, recorded or not.
It is quite epic. Eric Johnson is still amazing to this day, some could say he's been surpassed.. but i'd say he's made his way into Legendary status. Guy rips and has a signature sound
This was *before* he even recorded the studio version. It's crazy how much he improved it in such a short time. Check out his 1984 ACL performance of this song - a lot rougher in every way. This performance was basically a perfect storm of playing. He had a good day for a lot of reasons. Most performers can recognize those inexplicably great days to perform, and this must've been one of them. Sound guy was also killing it with a stereo lexicon reverb. Really adds to the atmosphere.
Pretty sure his hands can’t replicate the sound of an overdrive, reverb, delay, and chorus. Unless he’s got some sort of advanced technology I don’t know about. So I’m pretty sure it’s not all in his playing
@CarFreak Ok cool, sorry if I sounded hostile. It just seems like some people are convinced that all of guitar tone is in the hands and gear doesn't matter. I agree that he has special way of playing and phrasing that no one can replicate, thats why he's one of the best.
@ 2:58 when he finally hits a bum note that doesn't resonate and he shakes his head in disappointment in himself. It's actually refreshing to see that moment of humanity 💜
I can't give you a thumbs up as you are at 42, which we know is the answer. I do agree, his live music is the best. I saw him with a friend in the late 90's at Bogart's in Cincinnati OH. Before the concert we walk into Mikes music, next to Bogart's, and hear this beautiful music, not your normal music store wank fest. Low and behold, we walk up and it was EJ killing it on an old Fender blackface. One of the greatest moments of my life.
I searched this song 16 years. First time heard it on my 15th birthday and it gave so much happiness, joy and hope! I still remember this day. Today I'm 31 and I found this song!!! I am so greatful! It is amazing!
Harley Likes Magic Boi you warm butter to make it softer and smoother if you pulled it out of the fridge it like a block you can barely spread it just warm it up a bit and wallah soft warm butter
I remember in 1990, I was 16 and driving home when I first heard this song on KLBJ in Austin. The world stopped, grabbed my attention and had to pull over to hear this song. I wasn't a "guitar" guy, never knew EJ, VH, SV, JS or any of the greats before this song. THIS SONG, single handedly opened my world to the amazing music that i had YET to discover. I also remember I had this same EXACT reaction to the first time I heard Venus Isle on the radio, had to pull over and just listen. Something EJ has always done for me. Thanks Eric!
Listening to memorialize the wonderful girl’s father who passed away before she could find out what the song was. He had amazing taste! And I’m so glad she gets to listen to this in it’s entirety whenever she wishes ❤️❤️❤️
@@JustGeorge770 Neither way of playing is wrong it depends on the musical context. As a performer you want to engage your audiences. I play exclusively folk which is really easy almost muscle memory strumming. It's honestly not good to stare at your neck as a performer is situations like that.
Keep In mind that this song wasn’t commercially released until 1990. This is nearly a full 2 years before that. What a revelation it must have been to those who saw it live
Well jason becker was a thing before 1990 and hes been melting peoples faces off with his guitar skills since he was a child i love this song and eric johnson but if you like this you should listen to jason beckers perpetual burn album thats the absolute apex of guitar playing
@@LuciousMidnite Becker was an insane guitarist, but I think he went a little too hard and didn’t really put out good music. He’s basically just showing off that he can shred at insane speeds
This song will go down in the annals of History as the best modern instrumental song ever made. From the ethereal opening, to the double chords, and just his skill and grace...i hope this song is never forgotten.
Some fool actually said this is tedious scaling. WTF? Listen to yngvie for 5 minutes and you fall asleep. This playing is melodic and fluid and chordal and chromatic and Tonal beyond my wildest dreams. I hear chords of heaven and melodies like years of love and devotion to old hymns and classic songs. God bless Eric with a long life and more love to come
His note selection in his solos is tasty, cerebral, and beyond impressive. So damn interesting. Some folks just don't know what the hell they are listening too huh?
This was one of my little brother's favorite songs. He died 6 years ago in a bike crash . Every time I listen to this song I can see him smile like he's here and I cry ❤
I know right pisses me of about a lot of Hendrix videos they are always looking at his face, like yeah, Jimi is one cool looking dude but im far more interested in looking at his guitar playing. They are very few that do tho, really annoying.
When I was in college I was studying radio broadcasting. I volunteered/interned at the community college radio station and was the board operator of the afternoon jazz program. The show’s host chose the music and one day he told me to play this song. That was in the summer of 1990. I’ve loved the song ever since.
This performance appeared on a PBS show called Austin City Limits. I recorded it onto VHS. I pretty much wore out the tape by playing it over and over while trying to play along by ear. Later, I was glad to come across tablature of the piece.
I dont think anyone who doesn't play guitar can truly undersand just how dirty, disgustingly clean this is.. just unfathomable, some of the phrasing and jumps he makes in the intro to the intro is just unbelievable
For the people that are searching the reddit lady's story about her dad: "I remember being about 8, and in the car with my dad. I was in the front seat and we were driving somewhere, and this song came on the radio. He cranked it and said something about it being the best guitar playing ever. He really jammed out, which was really uncharacteristic because he was usually so stoic. It was the only time I heard the song, and he died before I could ever ask him what song it was. When I asked around, no one knew wtf I was talking about or what song I was thinking of. So I had this melody in my head for years, but how do you look up a song that has no lyrics? So for years and years, this song stayed on the back burner in my brain. I was afraid to forget it. Somehow this story pops up when I'm like 26 or so, chatting with my husband and we searched TH-cam for "best guitar songs". After about 15 minutes, we find it. Cliffs of Dover was the song that I'd burned into my brain on repeat for 16 years. Now I jam out to it with my kids."
Join me this Thursday June 9th at 11 AM PST/1 PM CST/2 PM EST for a @reddit AMA. I’ll be chatting and answering questions in the r/music subreddit! @OfficialEricJohnson
Eric Johnson's guitar playing is soothing to the ears! Btw guys Our first track "inner dimensions" is out and we hope we did our mentors proud! th-cam.com/video/v20kKBgK8Hg/w-d-xo.html
I have watched this 20 times over. Over and over and over. Brings tears to my eye how wonderful this guy makes that guitar sing. You are a legend sir. Thank you!
Mr Johnson, I showed this to my 8 year old daughter and she had tears in her eyes. She wanted to take your picture to school the next day and tell her classmates about you and your strat. So I promptly printed one and Cliffs of Dover will be played in class. The teacher agreed to this. I will never forget seeing Julie cry when she listened to you playing this magical song. Greetings from Belgium! Julie and Jürgen.
As an aging boomer guitarist I can state that this is the most talented rock guitar performance I have ever seen . I was totally in disbelief when I first saw this years ago. His talent is beyond fantastic it is a master piece that even Jimi Hendrix is in awe.
As an aging boomer you need to get out more. This is pure corny cheesy shit. No soul, nothing revolutionary, just an excuse for him to show us how fast he can play scales. It’s tedious.
I don’t believe that the excellence, or creativity of this performance can ever be quantified, or known. It has bless me and so many others deeply. Thank you Eric Johnson (and the band)!!! Thank you to Creator and Savior Yeshua!!!
I studied this song religiously and was able to play it 1/2 speed. Life changing. Be sure to turn down your treble and bass, and up your mids, and also a nice delay/chorus/reverb is a must. Much love.
David Bolick this song is the reason I got so good at guitar. When I first started I would practice for hours and hours and hours, just this one song. First song I ever learned and it basically set my foundation for guitar playing and to this day, Eric influences my playing so much.
i play it with my fretboard pick, high bass and treble and low mids, its the closest to it i can get with my amp since i dont have pedals or any effect available
I think the record plays this at half speed! LOL! If is funny how one always ends up way faster live than in the studio. I do the same, I have to really concentrate to keep the pace reasonable. I think it is the live vibe just gets you jacked up.
@@joeshmoe7967 - I was told a long time ago that band deliberately record most of their songs a little slower than they play them live. The audience gets used to the songs at that slower tempo and that adds an extra energy to the live shows, when they hear them played "faster."
I love how Tommy Taylor keeps the tempo in check when the whole band comes in. Eric's playing it a bit fast and Tommy forces him into the right groove. It's cool to hear Eric adjust to it
The people who heard about this song because of a lady who posted her dad and had this rolling in her head for 16 years, UNITE HERE
I have been summoned
🙋🏾♂️
Yurrr
Caught
Yep😂
I'm here because a Reddit video of a person who used to ride in the car with their dad.This was their dad's favorite guitar solo song and I have to say it was definitely worth looking up
Same here , how mads that
Same
weird how the internet works right?
Same cuh
Yessir
After years of practice, hard work and determination, I can finally play this song on guitar hero 3!
I can’t 👀.
Bro, Eric Johnson literally responded to this one
Bro, watch who replied..
@@OfficialEricJohnson Never say can't, young man. You just need to practice and apply yourself ;-)
@@s2snider lmfao
Got home from a gig being a guitar hero at 3am in 1988. Popped a beer, turned on the TV, and saw this. I immediately became a guitar zero.
You are humble.
We're all subjects to the masters we allow ourselves to be subjects to. Except in this case, you're right. Johnson slays
Some people are players and some people are watchers. I became a watcher......
Well it could have been worse.... it could have been Tender Surrender by Steve Vai 😂
@@p.h.bridegroom4142Now that is something to see…
10 years ago when I started learning gutiar, I thought I'd never be able to play this song. 10 years later, I realized that I was correct.
🤣🤣
you lazy ass...just like me...
😂😊😂
😳🥰🥰boy is awesome 😂
30 years for me, but I feel you, man.
This was FOURTEEN MONTHS before the song was even released. The world was not ready.
Yeah I first heard it on a local rock station in 1990. Didn't know it was around before that.
Neither was 8 year old me trying to play the song on expert in gh3 8-)
@@fizzjuty5798 bruh this song was lit on gh3
Amen.
The world was ready, it just took 14 months for the recording equipment to catch up to him playing it in the studio!!
To the lady who lost her father and had this song in her head for 16 years, hope you are doing okay :)
You too?
Yo! im here because of that vid too
Yeah, thats how i got here too!
Same reason being here lol
I’m here because of her to😂
To whomever edited/directed this for video/broadcast, thank you for not leaving Eric’s hands for the entire intro.
Such a good point
Indeed, & camera man is a f*cking legend. Millions of guitarists are grateful to this unsung hero.
I respect the opinions of anyone who uses "whomever" in a sentence.
Austin City Limits was the best music show ever to air on TV.
Amen! That's why we're watching and not just listening. They know their audience.
Lyrics:
thank you very much.
This is the only time that comment is acceptable 😂
Thanks, man, finally I can understand the song
Absolutely outstanding.
😶👂🤘
Top Banter
I like how Eric is giving us two minutes of guitar practice first.
I’d call it more “foreplay” to the audience 😂
@@liamwagner9160 more like the first unending climax
LOL
@@liamwagner9160 before "longtime"?
@@liamwagner9160 lolol thanks for that
After years of hard work, persistence and sweat, I finally bought that jacket.
hahaha you just made my day
You do know that's his high school band jacket, right? I'm pretty sure it was a marching band, which accounts for all his flashy footwork.
And he took it to a Goodwill or something many years ago! Just think, someone probably has rock history in their closet and doesn't even know it!
Dope jacket not gonna lie
😂😂🤣🤣
this is for my husband Dave who passed away 7 yrs ago,his favorite
Well, Dave had good taste in music and wife. Thanks for honoring him, even now.
thank you
❤
I'm sorry for your loss. I'll enjoy the song in his honor 🍻
RIP Dave
Right on. RIP my man Dave.
I came here to pay homage to Cliffs of Dover, in honor of a lady's father. The lady told a story on Reddit, of how her rather stoic dad jammed out to this song and told her that this was the best music guitar performance ever. According to her, the dad died not long after, and this song stuck to her mind for years, until she was able to find it on TH-cam. Respect to her dad, and this wonderful guitarist. It is indeed the best guitar performance I've listened to in a while.
Can you post a link to the story?
Came here with the same reason.Here is the link.th-cam.com/video/_5C3Lwh4V6o/w-d-xo.html
That’s how I got here too!
Oh my god I just saw that story came here too!
@@OfficialEricJohnson oh hi eric
Eric Johnson makes my favorite Italian food:
arpeggios
Chicken Wings yes.
Arpeggio is actually an Italian word
LMAO
Lol!
Scaloppine ;)
the most in-tune strat ever recorded
Strat players will understand 😭
I don't get it
My LP & 335 are set up perfectly and they can’t hold tune nearly as much as my strats and tele.
If it’s set up right and has good quality specs then strats are great for tuning, I take mine everywhere and it’s gets banged about and even when I go nuts on he trem, I barely ever have to tune it
@@JMRMusic01 agreed. Strats are excellent for staying in tune.
I studied this song, practiced religiously. Months and months, every day after work. I'm proud to say..
I've got the first two bars down pat.
Bullshit you have two bars in such a short time
@@JayRiemenschneider lol
@@JayRiemenschneider tryng to learn this song SENT me to the bar!
NICE ONE 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Once you learn his descending 5s lick, it comes together, A BIT. But that finger and pick technique he's got going on right before the song kicks in for real, I'll never be able to get.... it's really two finger per string pentatonic but he makes it look so easy.....
I don’t know what I want more: his astonishing guitar skills or that freaking jacket.
Both ✌️😎🤣☕️
James Tudor Are you serious!?
😂🤣 When I couldn't follow his fingers my eyes rolled away to the jacket.
Yes :D
Well its pretty simple really. It would take you four hours of work to save the money to buy that jacket, or 4 decades of work to play guitar like that. I would choose to play guitar like that. But thats just me. It is a nice jacket tho...
Eric Johnson use to come into the coffee shop I worked at in Austin a few nights a week and he was always the sweetest man.
How lucky. Stay safe.
He's my hero
His Music is Vitamins for the soul!
Like his coffee I bet?
Every person I've ever heard talk about meeting him has said the same thing. It's tough in this day and age to not have a single bad story about someone this famous. He and Keannu stand above the rest of us (but have the humility to never remind us).
The first time you heard eruption you said wow. The first time you heard this you didn't speak for three days but just hit repeat...
Best comment
This for me is on a whole other level of guitar playing. It’s not the fastest in the world (it’s goddamn close though), but it’s so insanely clean my mind is blown
So true. I’ll never forget the first time I heard this song. I was absolutely blown away.
I saw him play this in concert right after they had recorded it (so before it was released) and I thought
True! Anyway EVH passed away a couple of hours ago. RiP Eddie 🎸
1990, playing in a punk band in Chicago and I heard Eric was playing at the Cubby Bear. After band practice we all head to Wrigleyville and the show was sold out. Didn't matter as you could hear everything that was played on that stage, on the street. The three punks stood outside waiting to hear this song. Young, dumb, arrogant, self righteous and brash, we all shut the phuck up when we heard those first notes at 0:50.
The Jam was and is my favorite band of all time. My other two bandmates were fans of hardcore punk.
Didn't matter.
Freezing our asses off, staring at our hot body breath that exited our mouths, the flask stopped being passed as we listened to one of the greatest guitar players of our lives.
Just wonderful.
Eric Johnson is the perfect combination of melodic and shred playing. One of the best of all time, imo
Melodic and shredding aren't exclusive tho. Melodic is the sound, shredding is play style / technique.
There’s a lot of shredding that is not super melodic. I think that’s what they are referring to. Guthrie Govan is another great example of both
The short text inside the printing of this CD describes EJ as "fire and finese." No better description is available, IMO.
@@sulfuras1985Buckethead be playing faster and better with a rubber chicken in one hand😂😂 he's on his own level fr
Idk what that means but I think I get rhe idea. This guy is on another level
When guitars are born, they are warned about dudes like Eric Johnson..
Or, are those guitars the happiest guitars ever?!
This is awesome 😂
Yes!!!! Along with Hendrix, Blackmore, Vaughn and all the other string rapist that have been.
Lol
DTM 24 “String Rapist” lmao
Yo where can I get that jacket
Hey Tyler! Can you make a video, on how to achive his lead-tone?
wtf hi tyler
Denkmark Street, London, England.
You’re welcome ✌🏻
THAT jacket is way 2 small for you Tyler ! ;)
Yoooooooo
4 years in a row every morning when I wake up I play this and my mood changes immediately to a great and hope status. honestly it really helps
Thank you for listening!
@@OfficialEricJohnson Shouldn't you be rehearsing for G3 now Mr Johnson, not reading comments on TH-cam! LOL just kidding and can't wait to see you again :)
@@OfficialEricJohnsonAbsolute legend 💪 Almost brings a tear to my eye listening/watching this. You've used your time wisely!
Same here 😭
@@OfficialEricJohnsonhello you absolute legend
This may be the only guitar "shredder" song that is universally loved by non-guitarists. This is a beautifully composed piece with a strong melodic hook.
This is the paradox of Eric Johnson, a lot of his songs are at the crossroad of pop and instrumental rock
Joe Satriani always with me always with you?
Perfectly said
True, I was trying to think of another one, I’m sure there is, but I can’t. I think Eric Johnson’s tone is perfect for a more mainstream “shredder” style. It’s a lot softer on the ear for non guitarists. I always loved this song before playing guitar, just because of guitar hero 3 lol.
I had loved this song when I first heard it after I first watched a performance on TV. But back then there was no internet. And apparently it did not come on the radio and I did not have the forethought to write the name down. Decades later at an arcade, I hear this song on Guitar Hero... OMG!!! 😱
This is the greatest tone I’ve ever heard.
For me brian may, but yes, i love this tone too
Yes, very cool tone.
U ain’t wrong son
He is known for being able to tell what kind of battery (Energizer-Duracell ect.) is in each different stomp box.
@@jazzram_ interesting seeing as how this show is your profile picture.
In case if someone was wondering, here's the time frame for the solo 0:00-6:11
We all know where the real solo within the solo is
Thanks bro
Gabriel dos Santos 4:50
@@TheMrsoulkitchen 4:28
Lol
This performance is legendary for every guitarist out there.
And no distortion. Mid range CLEAR distinct chords and notes. This solo is MUCH better than anything you will hear from a hard rock guitar player. SO much more intricate. no power chords. no phoney noisy bullshit.
Yes....and also YOU are legendary
The bass player and drummer are supreme musicians too.
absolutely right
No
Ikr?? Omg the music they make together is amazing. They complement each other so well
Look up country bass solo
Just what the doctors ordered.
He used to be a regular at a restaurant I worked at in Austin, I had heard him but didn't know what he looked like.. One day he was digging for some change and dumped his pockets on the counter.. a bunch of picks fell out and I said "oh that's cool you play guitar?" He replied "yeah a little..." 😅🤦♂️
That’s hilarious 😂
oh my god I would die on the spot
Was it Uno 360 in Westlake? I used to run into him a lot there.
That's so cool
I would've stole a pick from him thats worth like 100 bucks
This is really one of the greatest live electric guitar performances ever. To play something this long, this technical, and to nail it like this is otherworldly.
He was rushing a lot in this performance though
You should check out machine gun at Fillmore east
@@liambaulman Not even close bruh
@@selliantuttimusi6735 it's always something with you, isn't it?
@@selliantuttimusi6735 agree...seems nervous. he was a boy. still one of the all time great performances.
I played this song on Guitar Hero 3 when I was a child. I never knew the name of the song but I remembered clearly how it sounds even after years passed. Today I finally discovered the song's name and I'm so happy, its been like ten years that I'm seeking this.
That's how I first heard it! I had to turn down the difficulty to medium 😅
There's an arcade in Soho in London that I occasionally frequent and I always choose to play this on their now ancient GH machine just in case anyone who is there hasn't heard the song before lol.
This is probably one of the most magical moments in guitar history.
Yup. One of those nights where you’re just “in the zone”. It’s a rare event. But it’s one of those things that just happens. Your confidence is unquestionable, and yeah, it just seems like you’re in a a different dimension (for the player).
Hendrix Band of Gypsies on New Year’s Eve I believe was another one of those rare times.
💯 absolutely stunning
Every guitar plays parts of this!…. But playing the whole thing is like swimming to the planet Jupiter!…. Imagine nailing this song live!…. 🤷🏼
I love this...and my debbie....
You are absolutely correct.
Honestly one of the most underrated guitarists of all time
If not the most
Uuum idk about that. He's hella famous
It could be argued that he is underrated, but he is also considered one of the greatest guitarist of all time. The underrating occurs when you add in "one of" to the statement.
Sonny Landreth
Underated for those who doesn't know guitar
I finally nailed that low E in the intro....now I gotta figure out the rest
I was playing this around 30 years ago ,,, wholly inequitably it seem's,, at 68 years old I still run the riff when I'm three beers down and feeling fogy,, Could'n't touch Eric with a ten foot pole after 50 Years,, :-)
@@MsScoooper you got me at the first half, not gonna lie.
The next note is high e on the 14th fret, bend it then mute and restart the same bend only 1/2 bend now. That'll have you busy today at least. It's a real finesse thing.
@@michaeltether2595 it's a joke lol
@@michaeltether2595 Oh that's the next part. Thank you, I've finally decided to fully commit to just listening to it on TH-cam and never touch my own guitars again!
His tone is exquisite.
His playing is so clean my acne cleared up
Not takin' effect on me :(
I wish lol
Good 4 you mate!🤟
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah dude, that was good
It's so clean that Jim Gaffigan used it in his stand up routine.
I can do the part when he said thank you very much
yeah except no one is clapping when you say it.
Quiltface 😂😂
khalid king 300th like haha
@Sumit Arya Your cover is awesome, I'm glad I check it out, everyone should check out Sumit's cover =) (th-cam.com/video/GPyuhlnmNUM/w-d-xo.html)
khalid king I can’t even fix my hair like dat!
Song gives me chills, I remember being in my basement in 2007, im playing halo 3 online and next to me on his Xbox is my brother playing GH3 cliffs of Dover, I would kill to go back to these days.
Dayummm 2007 I was 3 🤣and now I’ll be 18 soon
dam I would have just been born that year
@@timgooby5776 Dang you are young. It reminds me that I’m finally getting old.
@@dreamcatcherismylifesuppor2348 bruh we we’re born the same year 2004 gang 💯
@@pizzaman9859 Bruh this year we’ll be 18😭
This is the best guitar tone I've ever heard in my whole life. I play guitar 8 hours a day, every day. This is the best tone I've ever hear, recorded or not.
Cuz it’s 80 percent in his fingers
He really went the extra mile to prove live was better than studio. Hope everyone loves this as much as me :)
It is quite epic. Eric Johnson is still amazing to this day, some could say he's been surpassed.. but i'd say he's made his way into Legendary status. Guy rips and has a signature sound
Live is almost always better than studio
This was *before* he even recorded the studio version. It's crazy how much he improved it in such a short time. Check out his 1984 ACL performance of this song - a lot rougher in every way. This performance was basically a perfect storm of playing. He had a good day for a lot of reasons. Most performers can recognize those inexplicably great days to perform, and this must've been one of them.
Sound guy was also killing it with a stereo lexicon reverb. Really adds to the atmosphere.
Unreal guitarist
I doubt that, given the most played time stamps, most just skipped straight to the studio part of the song.
you know a song is bad-ass when its intro has an intro
I thought this whole song is the intro at first
Lol
Who's the guy in your pic?
@@gabrielramos3201 one of the bogdanoff twins
@@gabrielramos3201 mike Mceady he is lead guitarist in pearl jam
This is the best live clean tone ever recorded 100%, so clean it looks like a mexican mother’s home
OMG. That's so f**kin funny.😅
Does anyone know how he got it?
We must know different Mexicans
Lol
@@kingbumi3418 bridge pickup. Tone knob turned way down. Overdriven amp
PBS needs to put these old episodes in full rotation.
This inspired me to give up guitar.
Lol yea there's too much catching up to do. Ill find something else to do
🤣😂🤣😂
Not for me.
Hahahaha.. true dude
Yeah. Between him and Phil Keaggy I realized that I was never gonna be that great, so I calmed down and just enjoyed what I could play.
I heard Eric Johnson made a deal with the devil. No one knows what Johnson got, but the devil got guitar lessons.
i laughed out loud that was great
The devil sold his soul to Eric Johnson
@@phasergim2154 That explains why he keeps trying to buy mine.
Devil got that jacket.
Jochem what an original comment, I‘ve never heard this about any guitarist before
That tone, man! That TONE!!!
Just amazing
He has a hell of a pedalboard and back line but it all starts with that unbelievable 1954 Strat “Virginia” !!
Pretty sure his hands can’t replicate the sound of an overdrive, reverb, delay, and chorus. Unless he’s got some sort of advanced technology I don’t know about. So I’m pretty sure it’s not all in his playing
@CarFreak Ok cool, sorry if I sounded hostile. It just seems like some people are convinced that all of guitar tone is in the hands and gear doesn't matter. I agree that he has special way of playing and phrasing that no one can replicate, thats why he's one of the best.
Folks in this audience were very fortunate to see musicians of this caliber in a relatively intimate setting , most amazing
This has to be one of the greatest electric guitar instrumentals of all time. 😃
CANoN RocK
the strat is one of the best to be fair
it's my favorite and I love hendrix and vaughn too.
@@bryanmack7463 nowhere near Jimi Hendrix voodoo child live at Maui or Van Halens Eruption.
It DEFINITELY is.
@ 2:58 when he finally hits a bum note that doesn't resonate and he shakes his head in disappointment in himself. It's actually refreshing to see that moment of humanity 💜
I caught that to.
I saw that too and I loved it.
Yeah, I was wondering if that's what I saw too. It still sounded great because he continued without missing a beat.
I've been there. It's so easy to let that affect your whole performance. He handled it like the true pro he is. :)
There is no wrong note only leading tones;)
This live version always sounded better than the studio version imo. It's incredible that he can play that cleanly live. Absolutely unreal.
Degen Gibs everyone makes mistakes 3:00
I can't give you a thumbs up as you are at 42, which we know is the answer. I do agree, his live music is the best.
I saw him with a friend in the late 90's at Bogart's in Cincinnati OH.
Before the concert we walk into Mikes music, next to Bogart's, and hear this beautiful music, not your normal music store wank fest. Low and behold, we walk up and it was EJ killing it on an old Fender blackface. One of the greatest moments of my life.
100% agree. This is the only song where I can wholeheartedly say I prefer the live version. This performance is absolute perfection.
No one cares
@@cuickoo1085 Yes I noticed that one mistake too.
I searched this song 16 years. First time heard it on my 15th birthday and it gave so much happiness, joy and hope! I still remember this day. Today I'm 31 and I found this song!!! I am so greatful! It is amazing!
I could listen to Eric Johnson shred scales all day with that tone. It's like warm butter.
Butter isnt warm.
If butter were warm, it would be salty milk.
Methinks you mean smooth.
Same
Harley Likes Magic literally what he meant by “warm butter” 🤦🏼♀️
Harley Likes Magic Boi you warm butter to make it softer and smoother if you pulled it out of the fridge it like a block you can barely spread it just warm it up a bit and wallah soft warm butter
The moment you realize an argument might break out in a comment section over butter
Somehow I can't imagine a performance like that WITHOUT that jacket.
And a pair of jeans
I don't always listen to Eric Johnson, but when I do, so do the neighbors!!!
SAME! :D just rememebered this amazing performance again. Had to put it on my loudest speakers
So true
Haahaha fkn. Yes!!!
Right on 😎 and I tell them : you’re welcome ☺️
@@marytygett4189 Absolutely. LOL
I remember in 1990, I was 16 and driving home when I first heard this song on KLBJ in Austin. The world stopped, grabbed my attention and had to pull over to hear this song. I wasn't a "guitar" guy, never knew EJ, VH, SV, JS or any of the greats before this song. THIS SONG, single handedly opened my world to the amazing music that i had YET to discover.
I also remember I had this same EXACT reaction to the first time I heard Venus Isle on the radio, had to pull over and just listen. Something EJ has always done for me.
Thanks Eric!
The best thing about Eric Johnson next to his playing is how brilliant his fans are in the comments. Third place is the jacket.
Luke Maynard Ahahahahahahamuhahaha Lol oh shit! I was just saying that to my wife-these comments are gems.
Deal with the devil one was brilliant, definitely stealing that line
I've laughed so hard I've been crying. Lots of brilliance in here.
Nah the jacket is 1st place
My Chemical Romance should taken notes
Listening to memorialize the wonderful girl’s father who passed away before she could find out what the song was. He had amazing taste! And I’m so glad she gets to listen to this in it’s entirety whenever she wishes ❤️❤️❤️
Haha you came from there too? 🤣🤣
Someone already said this
Me too
I came from there too
Lmao not people coming cuz of that short
This is proof that it’s ok to look at the neck when you’re playing
Felt this comment
I find I look at the neck when improvising as a way to plan ahead more. But if I'm site reading music obviously that isn't an option.
@@PebelWasTaken True 🙂
Why wouldn't it be ok?
@@JustGeorge770 Neither way of playing is wrong it depends on the musical context. As a performer you want to engage your audiences. I play exclusively folk which is really easy almost muscle memory strumming. It's honestly not good to stare at your neck as a performer is situations like that.
This is the best guitar performance on TH-cam
this guy practiced the night before
Easily lol. Imagine if he forget he had a concert and had no idea to play this so he had to cram lol
I'd have to practice my whole life right b4 lol
before millennium the like Moe
this guy practiced the life before*
Nahhh, he stayed at a Holiday Inn the night before.
Keep In mind that this song wasn’t commercially released until 1990. This is nearly a full 2 years before that. What a revelation it must have been to those who saw it live
A key point of understanding for those of us who care about those things, thanks for making it !
Well jason becker was a thing before 1990 and hes been melting peoples faces off with his guitar skills since he was a child i love this song and eric johnson but if you like this you should listen to jason beckers perpetual burn album thats the absolute apex of guitar playing
perpetual burn kinda sucks
@@LuciousMidnite Becker was an insane guitarist, but I think he went a little too hard and didn’t really put out good music. He’s basically just showing off that he can shred at insane speeds
There's a version from 84 as well
What in the hell. I’ve never seen someone play a guitar like this guy. Incredible masterpiece
I came here because of the reddit thing
@@KrowTheGreat That's cause you're lame af.
ONE name..... VAN HALEN
@@Lostdwarf yngwie steve vai joe satarianna stevie ray vaughn the kids good but he was a flash in the pan
@@Lostdwarf dude, he s THE ONE
This song will go down in the annals of History as the best modern instrumental song ever made. From the ethereal opening, to the double chords, and just his skill and grace...i hope this song is never forgotten.
the real hero in this video is the cameraman, flawlessly keeping both of EJ's hands in view during that incredible intro, clear as crystal.
I can't even play this on my air guitar
hahaha!
lol ! i tried but the strings broke
this song makes me glad i'm not a musician... I can't listen to this much less play music this beautiful in front of people without shedding tears.
Me either
Lol
The accuracy, the atmospheric reverb/delay, the melody, the tone, the dexterity, the vibe. MmmMM.
This was his best version ever of Cliffs of Dover. But, his most impressive tune of that night was Zap!
agreed
ye
From what I've heard Eric Johnson himself said he can't play it the same way he did in this video.
I actually like the studio version more but this one is definitely more complex
The opening atmospheric section is what really does it for me when it comes to this version.
This performance isn't just clean, it's *S T E R I L E*
No, it is still warm! It is like the Chagall blue.
And he was injured here
@@jazzram_ wdym
@@averagegamer1618 his pinky was injured
@@jazzram_ oof howd he do it
Most of that tone is in that jacket
Where can i buy that
don't forget the hair...
Haaaaa
@@jazzram_ You don’t buy it. You join your local high school marching band and get issued one 😜
@@psyberiusblack 😂
This will blow peoples minds for thousands of years to come
I believe that this is how Mozart would play the electric guitar. This guy plays so fluidly.
Some fool actually said this is tedious scaling. WTF? Listen to yngvie for 5 minutes and you fall asleep. This playing is melodic and fluid and chordal and chromatic and Tonal beyond my wildest dreams. I hear chords of heaven and melodies like years of love and devotion to old hymns and classic songs. God bless Eric with a long life and more love to come
th-cam.com/video/mQlY7jwl_Us/w-d-xo.html
His note selection in his solos is tasty, cerebral, and beyond impressive. So damn interesting. Some folks just don't know what the hell they are listening too huh?
Eric Johnson is good weed music. Yngvie Malmsteen is good speeding ticket music.
Well said
@Eddie Gooden hey bro I got your back
when the gain kicks in at 0:50, holy shit, that’s one of the best strat tones i’ve ever heard
Gotta love Virginia 🥰
@@setharookazoo virginia?
@@trevorclark7985 The guitar's name
@@lievliberant6019 anything special about it?
@@trevorclark7985just the specs of it, 54’ pick up but not really
The best instrumental song ever , beautiful
His tone unnnnghh...so good! It's like a warm stack of pancakes with butter and syrup
This was one of my little brother's favorite songs. He died 6 years ago in a bike crash . Every time I listen to this song I can see him smile like he's here and I cry ❤
Time heals you. Sorry for your loss brother.
Sorry to hear this
I am sorry for the loss of your brother. They say time heals all wounds but...
Be the strongest you can be.
Sure
My youngest son loved it as well, tried so hard to play it, I lost him 9 yrs ago
The camera man must have surely been a guitarist. Pretty much focussed on the fretboard for the most part.
Finally.
He had been adviced to do that.
3:14
This is from a live music tv program "Austin City Limits". I'm sure the camera operator has filmed plenty of guitarists before.
I know right pisses me of about a lot of Hendrix videos they are always looking at his face, like yeah, Jimi is one cool looking dude but im far more interested in looking at his guitar playing. They are very few that do tho, really annoying.
When I was in college I was studying radio broadcasting. I volunteered/interned at the community college radio station and was the board operator of the afternoon jazz program. The show’s host chose the music and one day he told me to play this song. That was in the summer of 1990. I’ve loved the song ever since.
Also let’s just recognize how great the bassist is, I have zero clue on his name but he’s shredding too
Lazmo Snack absolutely true
His name is Kyle Brock 😎🎸🎶
Hats off kyle brock...well played
Damn true the bassist just right for the job
They all rock
This show will go down in history as one of the best guitar performances, ever, by anyone.
It's because their wives were instantly impregnated after listening
Except here on TH-cam where everyone is either a troll or a better guitarist. Or both.
Marty guitar is better
SRV Austin City Limits. 🙄
Doubt
My dads favorite song from Eric Johnson, RIP, love my dad, got me into metal and beyond.
Bro got a heart from Eric, damn
God Bless Your Dad🙌
@@falcon0351are you serious?
This performance appeared on a PBS show called Austin City Limits. I recorded it onto VHS. I pretty much wore out the tape by playing it over and over while trying to play along by ear. Later, I was glad to come across tablature of the piece.
Love Austin city limits ❤️ 😎 😁
So satisfying playing this
on Guitar Hero.
On easy mode.
Felt that
Well you are correct! Haha
Yup my favorite song so chill.
lol actually i think play this in a real guitar much more easier than guitar heroes expert mode
I dont think anyone who doesn't play guitar can truly undersand just how dirty, disgustingly clean this is.. just unfathomable, some of the phrasing and jumps he makes in the intro to the intro is just unbelievable
this^. it's staggering.
yup this is at least 10 years to life in prison CLEAN!!!
truly is a song for guitar players
He from another planet. There, he's average, but here its like he's from another planet!
If you look at his right hand you’ll clearly see he’s holding the pick of destiny
Dylan Derr So THAT'S what it is!!
That give supra natural powers
john_doe 97 lol it's like a whole level above super
Best comment on here by far 😂
I thought I had seen the POD....
One of the greatest live performances ever recorded, incredible.
For the people that are searching the reddit lady's story about her dad:
"I remember being about 8, and in the car with my dad. I was in the front seat and we were driving somewhere, and this song came on the radio. He cranked it and said something about it being the best guitar playing ever. He really jammed out, which was really uncharacteristic because he was usually so stoic. It was the only time I heard the song, and he died before I could ever ask him what song it was. When I asked around, no one knew wtf I was talking about or what song I was thinking of.
So I had this melody in my head for years, but how do you look up a song that has no lyrics? So for years and years, this song stayed on the back burner in my brain. I was afraid to forget it. Somehow this story pops up when I'm like 26 or so, chatting with my husband and we searched TH-cam for "best guitar songs". After about 15 minutes, we find it. Cliffs of Dover was the song that I'd burned into my brain on repeat for 16 years. Now I jam out to it with my kids."
Join me this Thursday June 9th at 11 AM PST/1 PM CST/2 PM EST for a @reddit AMA. I’ll be chatting and answering questions in the r/music subreddit! @OfficialEricJohnson
I’m calling bs. I’m not sure what radio station would ever play this. It’s not mainstream enough.
Swiss sarah it's called The Bone Florida rock station from the early 90s they have played it a few times that I can remember personally
Swiss Sarah - WXPK aka The Peak in Briarcliff Manor (Westchester County) New York. FYI not all radio stations play mainstream music exclusively.
@@swisssarah Lost Not Forgotten by Dream Theater was on the radio a few weeks back. Not all radio is mainstream
The people who disliked are just mad because they couldn’t beat this song in guitar hero
LOL
On Medium 💀💀💀
Eric Johnson's guitar playing is soothing to the ears! Btw guys Our first track "inner dimensions" is out and we hope we did our mentors proud!
th-cam.com/video/v20kKBgK8Hg/w-d-xo.html
@@midnightmadnessbandx get out. Leave.
With the controller... On hard.
I’m returning my Strat tomorrow, I got robbed, I can’t find half of those notes on mine!
LOL
Send it to me :)
That's because this Strat was a limited edition that came exclusively with the "guitar genius" pack. Unfortunately
Those are only on the Eric Johnson signature models. Hope this helped.
Damn son.. lol😁🇺🇸
I have watched this 20 times over. Over and over and over. Brings tears to my eye how wonderful this guy makes that guitar sing. You are a legend sir. Thank you!
He’s singing with his guitar. Beautiful
he really is
Mr Johnson, I showed this to my 8 year old daughter and she had tears in her eyes. She wanted to take your picture to school the next day and tell her classmates about you and your strat. So I promptly printed one and Cliffs of Dover will be played in class. The teacher agreed to this. I will never forget seeing Julie cry when she listened to you playing this magical song. Greetings from Belgium! Julie and Jürgen.
That is awesome!!!
A lovely story !
i'll be 56 this summer, and listening to this brings tears to MY eyes!
Is one of the most weird songs ever. A happy piece bringing tears?
this did not happen
As an aging boomer guitarist I can state that this is the most talented rock guitar performance I have ever seen . I was totally in disbelief when I first saw this years ago. His talent is beyond fantastic it is a master piece that even Jimi Hendrix is in awe.
As an aging boomer you need to get out more.
This is pure corny cheesy shit. No soul, nothing revolutionary, just an excuse for him to show us how fast he can play scales. It’s tedious.
@@nick260682 You have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to playing guitar.
@@nick260682 douchebag. Neal Schon plays for nonsensical speed. . . not Eric!
You should listen to some Shawn Lane.
nick260682 super incorrect but I think Guthrie Govan is more talented
I don’t believe that the excellence, or creativity of this performance can ever be quantified, or known. It has bless me and so many others deeply.
Thank you Eric Johnson (and the band)!!!
Thank you to Creator and Savior Yeshua!!!
That’s one of the greatest guitar sounds I have ever heard
Them Seymour Duncan PU’s !
1955 fender Stratocaster (Virginia)
Wow my strat doesnt sound like this one. Gotta return it.
your strat is probably a chinese made 100 dolar one
It doesn't sound good cuz ur bad at guitar
@@THESlammethy Don't blame your lack of skills on the strat. Just face it, you're bad at guitar.
@@Lemon-st3mf Dude. It was a joke. I dont even play this style of music. Lol.
@@THESlammethy You know what's a joke? Your guitar skills.
I studied this song religiously and was able to play it 1/2 speed. Life changing. Be sure to turn down your treble and bass, and up your mids, and also a nice delay/chorus/reverb is a must. Much love.
David Bolick this song is the reason I got so good at guitar. When I first started I would practice for hours and hours and hours, just this one song. First song I ever learned and it basically set my foundation for guitar playing and to this day, Eric influences my playing so much.
i play it with my fretboard pick, high bass and treble and low mids, its the closest to it i can get with my amp since i dont have pedals or any effect available
I think the record plays this at half speed! LOL! If is funny how one always ends up way faster live than in the studio. I do the same, I have to really concentrate to keep the pace reasonable. I think it is the live vibe just gets you jacked up.
@@joeshmoe7967 - I was told a long time ago that band deliberately record most of their songs a little slower than they play them live. The audience gets used to the songs at that slower tempo and that adds an extra energy to the live shows, when they hear them played "faster."
Which key is it in?
One of the most legendary guitar performances in the history of music. Thank you Mr. Johnson
I love how Tommy Taylor keeps the tempo in check when the whole band comes in. Eric's playing it a bit fast and Tommy forces him into the right groove. It's cool to hear Eric adjust to it
I noticed that too. 👍
I love it when little things like this as Eric's hybrid picking at 2:04 are pointed out. Makes the comment section worthwhile.
A great band is nothing without an equally great drummer!
could you add the timestamp here please?