Did Eric Johnson write the GREATEST Shred song?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 เม.ย. 2022
- What is the greatest shred guitar song of all time? Many modern shredders like Rick Graham are influenced by Lord Eric Johnson. His tasteful playing is characterized by smooth voice leading and scary pentatonic licks. Hybrid picking, pedal point and piano voiced arpeggios are all fair game in his iconic track, "Cliffs Of Dover". We'll be watching a live performance of this song recorded in 1988 in Austin Texas. The Cliffs Of Dover are located in the south of England....nostalgic looming white stone....perfect for inspirational shredding muhahaha!
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EJ's shredding reminds me of Joe Bonamassa.
My favourite tracks of Joe Bonamassa are 'Just Got Paid' and 'Stop'.
These are worth checking out.
Mr Shred, next please react to Marty Friedman's masterpiece, UNDERTOW. His bending and phrasing is out on the galaxy. Here's th link. th-cam.com/video/jdVg-1FKX4k/w-d-xo.html
I think that is his marching band coat. Saw eric with yingwie and joe satriani many years ago, amazing show. Another comment mentioned joe bonamassa, i was lucky enough to see him at HoB sunset in 2002. He opened for...get this...DOKKEN 😂. Idk if it was a tune up gig for him or if he was just getting started at that time but i can barely remember dokken's set but joe left an indelible make on me. That was an amazing show
Eric’s technique is incredible
The way he takes simple voicings with slides, nice vibrato and fast pull offs is just really crippling to the ascending easily while descending roughly guitarist like me.
I’ve asked Eric about that coat he’s wearing. He picked it up because it reminded him of one that Hendrix had back in his early days in England. He said that he eventually donated it to a Goodwill in Austin years ago. So it’s probably still out there somewhere…
I thought it was the cost he wore in Marching Band in HS?
This is the most beautiful rock/metal song of all time. Absolute masterpiece
I wouldn’t call this metal
Manhattan for me ❤
To me, Eric is the shredder that understands space. Much more interesting and the notes have a place, not just filler.
I agree. It's got everything and it's tasteful. It almost sounds like an interpretation of a classic folk song or something.
exactly
The song "Lonely In The Night" off of Venus Isle has another of the greatest solos ever recorded. It is quite remarkable. Beautiful song as well. Eric Johnson is magical
Could not agree more!! A lot of people miss the solos in that song but they are on par with Cliffs of Dover just lesser known IMHO. You inspired me to go listen to it right now. Thanks!
@@OceanofMaya Venus Isle is a great album. It is under the radar and quite special. Eric is an perfectionist and 4 years may be a long time for some to expect a follow up disc. Love that he takes his time, tones was 86 and Ah Via 1990. Venus followed in 1994. There are great guitar albums like Passion and Warfare and Surfing With the Alien that were the litmus, as time goes on on the litmus that was Van Halen 1 became the litmus 1, 2 3 4 5. It is great to have so many great players, it makes music wonderful
@@chrisharris4975 You don't need to tell me :)...I've been an EJ fan since the moment my ears heard him. I was just echoing what you said regarding Lonely in The Night. I think the bridge solo and the outtro solo simply perfect in every way. I'm sure you've heard the following but if you haven't you're in for a treat...check out Rick Beato's youtube page and he asks a few players 'what would you do if someone asked you to write the solo a a particular Led Zep. song. (PhilX was the other person he asked) and EJs solo is what one would expect = perfect.
@@OceanofMaya Camel's Night out
The white cliffs welcomed back returning allied pilots during WW2. Once they saw them, they pretty much knew they were back home and it was time for a beer. Well done chaps!
Eric’s jacket was his HS band jacket and he wore as a tribute. (From what I recall/read in an interview)
When i was younger I tried to play with more conventional speed like hitting up all the notes in the scale but that ends up sounding like you’re just running scales. Eric almost feels like he’s free from the idea of scales when he’s playing. He even goes in and out of the key/scale
Well said
Yeah, I could never really stick to actual scales and modes I practiced them all then just thought in terms of patterns and had a general idea in my head what would come out. Start out Phrygian then Dorian at this point I barely even remember. Unless I was playing jazz I never found it all that important to know exactly what I was playing lol. You always have a basic idea of the chord structure and emphasize it hope you don’t hit any sour notes. When I did I would go chromatic and pretend it was on purpose. We didn’t call if caged we called it pretend you know what you are doing. I am kidding of course- wasn’t that bad.
@@bojangles6444 I never heard of CAGED until very recently but I kind of already knew what it was from practicing arpeggio patterns lol
@@rios39 yeah same here. Lol I am assuming at least. I didn’t know it had a name.
True but if you play as fast as EJ the individual note choices matter less. Then the next thing is phrasing
The jacket is a tribute to one like Hendrix wore for a time.
EJ was a piano prodigy at age 13. Too much talent in one person.
Shred, if you combine a diminished chord with an augmented chord, do you get a demented chord?
The coat is a marching band coat. It’s from his high school in Texas! I guess before he did Austin city Limits, he just walked into the school, went to the music room and grabbed it!
This has to be one of the greatest versions of a guitar instrumental ever! The technique is flawless, the tone is sublime and it is a lesson on how guitar playing should be!
6:55 fun fact did you know the EJ's first instrument was the piano he's not wrong when he said that the chord voicing sounds like a piano
yeah, that makes sense
@@ShredmasterScott indeed he stated this in an interview here th-cam.com/video/iRg13KGb-28/w-d-xo.html
edit: thanks for the short lesson shred they help me out alot
He is an amazing Pianist. He and Shawn Lane were quite the guys that had this talent. Both incredibly talented guitar players and both scary on the keys!
Band uniform coat. I think he's making a statement. "I made it!"
I've seen him probably 50-60 times when he played the Houston bars with "The Electromagnets." Nothing like watching him from 7-8 feet away, eyeball to eyeball. What a treat!
Andy Timmons and his Electric Gypsy is the one taking the title of the favorite for me. Although Eric is absolutely amazing and writes incredible music.
EJ was my stepdad's best friend growing up. He told me the band leader jacket was a tribute to Hendrix. Hendrix was actually wearing a Hussar's jacket, but close enough.
Old Austinite here. All the hot guitar players in Austin in the 80's ( Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dave Grissom, Charlie and Will Sexton ) wore those old fashioned band uniforms as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix who made that coat famous. 🌮🤘
I really like EJ. His smoothness of shredding and tastefulness is blowing my mind every time I listen to him. Sometimes I get discouraged because he's simply so good. Imagine composing and then executing licks and melodies with such tastefulness and precision. Not to mention that tone. Goddamn!
The best shred track IMO, because it was way ahead of it's time, is "Hard Lovin' Man" by Deep Purple.. released in 1970. The solo played by Ritchie Blackmore literally sounds like Megadeth.
Crazy good - and so unique, given this was the era of peak high-gain, high-speed shredding on humbuckers - I think he picks every single note here, pretty much (no legato) and his tone is super-sweet, dialled back and uses the front pickup a lot.
Lord Johnson sums it up perfectly
Surprisingly, not his best video performance of this composition. Also, not EJ’s most advanced work. Perhaps his most widely glorified among the masses. I’m in between flights at the moment and gotta run. Just wanted to stick my two cents in this one, as it was just uploaded. Will come back with some “go too’s” soon. They’re worth the time, for those who appreciate what a special artist he truly is. Love the channel my bro. Regards 😎
Hey, Shred. Awesome video as always, but the chorus is actually Am - D - G - Em. Eric arpeggiates Am while the bass plays an A
I still love "Steve's Boogie." that's playing the guitar instead of the amp so much.
"This is a Racer X Song and it's call Scarified" Paul gilbert Space Ship Live
Scarified is the definition of Shred, is a perfect balance between technique and musicality 🤠🤠🤠🤠
I agree. Comment you can hear... BTW
the best live performance of one of the best guitar songs of all time. this is the definitive version. even better than the album, in my opinion. you should watch the entire concert of this. Live at Austin City Limits 1988
Recorded this on my VCR from pbs at the time, and then recorded it onto cassette tape, couldn't and can't get enough!!!
This song is a showcasing of pretty much everything great about electric guitar, while remaining tasteful and meaningful. His tone is smoother than butter.
I’ll forever refer to him as Lord Johnson from this moment on
Eric Johnson and Yngwie Malmsteen are Hendrik fans who often wear army coat on his live perform.
I love how he mixes playing with a pick and also using a couple of his fingers, unbelievable talent. No doubt hrs upon hrs of practice to perfect the technique. Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Joe Bonamasa, Evgene Malmsteen and Stevie Ray Vaughn are my favorite shedders to listen to.
He had to have been using Fender Lace Sensor pickups. They make that sound. They were popular back then. They sound really rich and smooth.
This was the song that introduced me to EJ. I heard it on the radio and thought OMG who is this? That said, I still love Cliffs Of Dover, but it is not my favorite of EJ’s. Listen to the last half of Lonely In The Night off of Venus Isle. It is the most amazing guitar playing I’ve ever heard and I never get tired of hearing it.
The entire show from Austin in 1988 was absolutely perfect. Emerald Eyes, Zap, Trail of Tears, Desert Rose, East Wes and ofc the greatest instrumental track ever written: Cliffs of Dover. With by far the greatest improvised intro ever played. The way he starts it off with that looped chord on his Echoplex is the most brilliant thing I have ever heard. He is a genius!
His version of Cliffs of Dover recorded in 88 surpasses the recorded version from Ah Via Musicom
Zapp recoreded in 86 for Tones on the live Austin City Limits show smokes
The coat further enhances the spirit of that magestic tone muhaha
I had the pleasure of a front row seat to this man about 3 years ago or so. I’ve never seen an act get called back to the stage that many times lol
He was so loving to the fans, he couldn’t say no, the band must’ve played for at least two hours! Really made me re-fall in love with music!
EJ is more 555
But shred is 666 maharaja
Eric was in contact with Robert Johnson and his friend!
Can't find another comment addressing this. His jacket is worn as an homage to the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The sleeve actually has a Hendrix patch on it.
I was 15 in 1985 when I 1st heard this and I was considered a weirdo amongst my friends bc I couldn't get enough of it, they only listened to music w/lyrics as if the assholes didn't give me enough shit for spamming them w/Metallica lol good times. but this song still gives me chills, it's perfect 🥰
Check out the bass solo from this show. Only a minute long but pretty saucy and tasty. Muahahaha.
One of the most amazing human performances ever recorded.
Would have loved to see him review his performance in 91 at the woodlands his intro is even more insane
Your analysis is spot on, both from a musical standpoint as well as a compositional one as well... it's what makes your channel great, and your opinion worthwhile. Also Eric's tone is ridiculously fantastic...
"So damn smooth" definitely describes it. It is very different from metal shredding, as already stated.
What a coincidence!!! I just seen Eric playing around with a prototype strat with onboard overdrive about an hour before this video posted. I was so fortunate ( or just old enough) to see EJ at a Blue's Festival in 91 . His tone is like a violin. 🎸🔥
EJ string control is so perfect!
i saw this when it originally aired and my jaw literally dropped.. this at the time was the most amazing thing i ever heard .. I believed i could see the cliffs of dover
You have an amazing ability to draw my attention to music styles and theory I never thought I’d enjoy.
I think my top 3 guitar shredders masterpieces are: Altitudes- Jason Becker, Far beyond the sun- Yngwie J. Malmsteen and off course... Eruption- Van Halen
Eric Johnson has the best Strat tone I've ever heard and some of the cleanest technique out there. He's basically the Al di Meola of blues rock.
Ah yes.....Eric "Pardon me, youre stepping on my" Johnson......this was from his legendary ACL performance....
Greetings from Austin, Texas.
Eric Johnson, the dude from white Lion and Rik Emmett are my favorite guitarists. Thank You for this. I play this song. All through it is hybrid picking through different parts.. Very tricky. Thank you beloved SHRED.
You are truly great at your explanations.
Vito Bratta is the White Lion dude. He’s one of my faves too. EJ is #1
his backup was world class also
You can have the tone and the guitar but without his fingers it never sounds the same. His technique is what makes his songs his and I don’t know many people that can replicate it.
Feels like you start ascending when you try play this
He mastered that technique. Its his cord. He owns it. ♥️
Yes this song is a favorite among the fractal crew too. This live version is breathtaking.
Would be cool to have you talk about Jason Becker’s - Valley of Fire. That there might be the greatest shred song of all time. Not nearly as iconic but holy hell that song has quite the lineup.
Would be cool to actually have the approach of each artists solo explained.
Yeah, that would be really awesome.
Would also love to see Shred talk about Jason's "Once Upon a Melody", since Shred's into classical as well.
Edit: Oh, and also, can't forget Guthrie Govan's part in Rivers of Longing.
Freaking love this song.
Would also like to see one of these on Glenn Tipton and KK Downing when they did Victim of Changes live 1982
The way EJ grabs some of those beautiful moody chords in the first part of the guitar solo reminds me a bit of Allan Holdsworth's stuff...Both EJ and AH are just from another dimension, musically. Their music brains are so far ahead of the rest of us imho. And EJ seems like such a soft-spoken, nice, and quiet dude. I suppose he doesn't need attitude since he can reduce any grown man to tears with his insane playing.
You never see his hands move, they just magically teleport to where they need to be next.
An interesting song to take a look at with some fine shredding: Deep Purple's "The Battle Rages On". Would like to see you examine the genius that is Ritchie Blackmore.
if you listen to ah via musicom, cliffs of dover is just one of the many gems on that cd. High Landrons is actually my favorite. The most amazing blues runs you'll ever hear from a guitar.
The coat looks like a throwback to the Beatles - St Peppers Lonely Hearts Album
This is the nicest guitar tone ever recorded.
Amazing intro... eric johnson is awesome.. nice video sir.
This song always makes me so happy !! It’s incredible
Talking about the music theory is very useful for someone like me trying to get better :)
This channel rules! Hail Bro!!
I always get chills watching this performance
Best analysis I saw so far. It is good to see someone who knows what they are speaking about. His track Manhattan is also very good. New subscriber here.
Talk about making easy chords into a difficult song! 😍😍
EJ is an absolute master, love his style. So melodic and clean
One of my favorite songs to play on Guitar Hero III, and the track list for that game was LEGENDARY!!
Your Steve Vai GOAT vid got me kinda upset, but I couldn't agree more with you on this one!
This is like watching a boxing match lol. Every time you raise up your hands it’s like you’re covering up as he’s delivering the combos. I remember watching this on Austin city limits when it first came out. Every Saturday evening I’d roll up a fat one and sit down and listen to whoever was on that particular night. One of my favorite memories of that show
the coat is a nod to the Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club or Jimi Hendrix in a Military's Hussar Jacket
SAVAGE AF!!!! so clean, so smooth, so uplifting!!!! I was 17 when I watched this on T.V......
Eric took a 4/4 country shuffle and turned it into fire.
One of my favorite guitar tunes ever. Thanks Eric!
In my opinion Eric Johnson’s live version of cliffs of Dover has the greatest guitar tone ever
I agree! He basically rolls his treble all the way off to zero so his bridge pickup almost sounds like a neck pickup.
you're goddam right
This song is a picking hand workout. 👋🏼🏋🏽♂️💪🏽
this was the best version and im in love with the intro
Love this song so much!
From the day this aired on PBS Austin City Limits, it became the de-facto start sequence or filler for our PBS station before almost all future Austin City Limits. Heck of a track.
4:54 is where it's at.
Dig your channel man!!!!😎🤘
So Intense and melodious! Eric is a true virtuoso!
Eric Johnson is a true class act. Found the tab for Cliffs of Dover in Guitar Player back in the day and my mind was blown!
Would love to see you break down ZAP by Eric Johnson. The live version is absolutely incredible
thats the first song i heard by eric i have the original 1986 tones record that i bought at half price books and that song fkn slaps
I've always heard that the coat was the marching band uniform for the local Austin HS, where i believe he grew up. Not sure if that's true or not.
Such a good video
How you picked my 2 favorite guitar players. EJ so different from so many others. Lord of guitar.
Wow, that tone, EJ 🤯
when this EJ and his ilk came out we used to call it Fusion to separate it from the likes of Malstein.
Such a GREAT song!
Eric have perfect Mega Man tone! He is the Mega Man!
I saw this when it originally aired and recorded it on VHS. Good times