There is guitar mastery, then there is Eric Johnson. He is by far the best guitarist I have seen live. It doesn't even look like he's trying hard, but the notes come forth rapid fire!
I agree…he humbled me beyond belief when I saw him live. Complete control of entire guitar. Cliffs of Dover is the greatest guitar instrumental of all time and Eric is one of the best to ever play.
There are few guitarists that don't greatly admire and respect this man for his technical skill, his violin-like tone, his beautiful composition, but he doesn't get the credit he deserves from the general music lover. I wonder if it is his unremarkable name, or the fact that his music and image is a little too "nice". Perhaps if he was called Zakk van Hellfire, a notorious alcoholic, and/or womaniser, and played with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, he'd be in everyone's top five all-time guitarists. But, he keeps himself to himself and plays the kind of electric guitar music your mother approves of. That's enough for lot of people to forget about him, until they listen to something like this again, and are reminded how extraordinarily talented a musician he is.
For my money, & considering all the great guitar players I've seen live, Eric's TONE was the best! Simply, the most beautiful, clear & rich guitar tone I've ever had the pleasure of hearing live.
You guys have NO idea how good this guy really is!! This was the Austin City Limits show from 1988 and he was off a little that night frankly. I started going to see Eric in 1982 in Houston at a little club called Rockefellers and the WHOLE club would be full of all the guitar players in the city who worked the music scene. The place would go mad because we couldn't believe how good this guy from Austin was!! I for one quite playing the club circuit and decided to go to college because of this guy... I'm not kidding!!!!
Right on. Eric Johnson is in the Mount Rushmore of technique with a guitar pick. He might not have the flair on stage like his contemporary Stevie Ray ... but his sound and skill are impeccable.
1) This song was YEARS in the making. Pretty sure there is a video on YT where he plays a version of this on Austin City Limits in 1986. 2) I was at a G3 concert (Petrucci, Vai, Satriani) in Austin, where Eric lives. Eric is a G3 veteran, so he came out and played during the encore. Of course, it was a Hendrix song (Eric's favorite). After Eric killed on a portion of the song, I saw Steve Vai turn to Billy Sheehan and say "I told you." Even Steve Vai is amazed by EJ.
Eric Johnson and Stevie Ray Vaughan, are in my view the two greatest guitarists there has ever been in the history of humanity. I've never seen anyone else top their level of technique and skill, it seems to come so naturally for them.
Eric is from the same area in Texas as Stevie Ray Vaughan. Some of the most incredibly talented musicians and singers I've ever heard have been from the South. Such talent. It just blows my mind when I watch Eric and Stevie play that they can move their freakin' fingers that fast and it sound so clean. Thanks so much for the reaction. Eric truly is very, VERY underrated.
It is great that kudos were given to Kyle Brock and Tommy Taylor in this review. That is one amazing rhythm section that gives a solid second half after E has shown everyone that he is the GOAT. He is not pretentious and is a genuinely nice guy! If you have never seen this talent in person you need to do so. Dude switches from total shred mode to beautiful melodic tone in a heartbeat and makes it look effortless (it is anything but that)!
I saw Eric play live for the first time 30yrs ago while touring with Rush. Wow the best live duo band performance ever in my opinion. Take the next step with EJ with song “Desert Rose”. Thanks for sharing your reaction
You guys are lovely and some very good points made. "Did you guys see that?!" Yes. It's probably the most awesome piece of guitar work we will ever see in our lives and that's even before the song starts proper. Thanks for sharing the reaction and love that you noticed the bassist! Shout out to the drummer as well who is doing an amazing job of driving the piece forward.
Greetings from Austin, home of Eric Johnson! One of the benefits of living here is being able to see Eric live many times over the last 30 years. This video is from Austin City Limits music show 30 years ago on PBS. And.... have my tickets to go see Eric again in April 2022!!
Epic performance! What a composition. I believe it won a Grammy as I recall. I saw Eric once in the 80s. Such precision technique coupled with amazing tone! Thanks for the excellent reaction.
I hear he won awards for this particular performance! Over here in the UK we have a radio station Planet Rock and this song often gets played by them! The only station I've heard playing instrumentals! Real music man \m/
"They'll be blue skies over, the White Cliffs of Dover"....yes there definitely cliffs in Dover, they even wrote a song about them (other than this one, of course). This is a great song, thank for playing it!
1990 Grammy winner - Best Rock Instrumental. Obviously. I saw him on this tour, with same band shirt 😂, in a smallish Houston club - I can still feel the vibrations through my body 👍🏻😎🔥
Getting that violin tone from a strat is mindblowing. Ah Via Musicom is a fantastic album, wish Eric would do more vocal tunes. Such a nice mix of instrumentals and vocals on that album. Such a refined sound.
I haven't seen him - I want to. I hear he is a perfectionist... Some complain because he will tune his guitar often during a concert. Hey, tune away - cuz the riffs are phenomenal.
Just saw this! Lol Love Suzy-Q’s hair in this one. I grew up a few miles away from the Cliffs. They are one of the most beautiful things on the planet! And Eric is one of the most incredible guitarists on Earth.
My eyes got serious cramps just trying to follow his fingers flying over the strings. My brain hard an even harder time keeping up with what I was trying to watch. When you listen to the Studio version you are mightily impressed then when you listen to this live you realize it's almost half Improve and much better for it.
I’ve watched this like six times now. Not that I don’t know this song, it is just that I think Eric Johnson may be my favorite guitarist. Maybe not the best, most influential, most popular, but his because his music makes me happy.
I heard this three times back in '78 then never again. I could sing that hook in my head but I could not sing or describe it other than drums and this incredible guitarist. I gave up: Knowing I would most likely die before I heard it again. But some months ago I was in a certain mood and I posted a description of it to the WNEW-FM FAN CLUB as a guitar and drums, 1978-ish, only had airplay for a short time. Respondent #14 got it. "Cliffs of Diver" by Eric Johnson. It was well worth the wait.
Made me laugh at Bananas. Yes this song is Bananas so much Eric got an award for this grand masterpiece. Well deserved Eric. I liked when he flicked the whammy bar away like, you are in my way get outta here. Awesome reactions from you both. I mean how can any not be digging it to this jam gem.
Glad you give my favourite guitarist a chance. He's very melodic, also a great virtuoso. Please check from this same concert the music Trail Of Tears. He sings on that song and for me is as great or better than cliffs of dover
Do not sleep on Eric Johnson! Also, check out Joe Satriani performing Always With Me Always With You live. Talk about a guitar that sings a song! Incredible
The Cliffs of Dover are in England facing France. I have seen them myself.....and they are known world wide. They are made of white limestone or something like that. Have a good one guys. Eric's great on that guitar isn't he?
This is why I enjoy Eric Johnson so much. Not because of his technique, but because of his gorgeous guitar tone. His in my top 3 for favourite guitar tones. Other 2 being David Gilmour and Carlos Santana. No particular order.
I liked your reaction To this. His playing is so technically perfect. I love electric guitar music period. This Cliffs of Dover is probably thee best music I have ever heard in my whole life. I love his music. So clean so pure and that perfect tone yesssss. I am also a huge Joe Satriani fan too.
This guy. The man adds notes to his stuff live. A guy, like myself who has played my entire life. 53. Well, since 12 seriously. This is the kind of man who made me want to throw my guitar through the window, fingers torn up, hands and fingers hurting. Guys and gals that were the kid that came home from school, immediately went to your guitar and played until your mom came in, had to turn your light off and on to get your attention because it was so loud in your room. My story anyway. Thank you mom.
Well I won't ramble on, but just wanted to say what a great reaction it was. Been following your channel for a while now, I am a reactor too and have played guitar for over 30 years. Eric Johnson is quite unique stylistically and a really cool human being, not unlike you guys. Really enjoy virtually hanging out with you all. Keep On rockin'!🤘
I've already got my tickets to see him in March at least there is someone who prices their tickets so us poor folks can go too... I'm going to be close to the stage and only paid 47.50 per ticket... I've always loved how versatile he is... Can't wait to go see him...
For all the guitarists who try to perform the beginning part up until the pedal-point hybrid picking, note for note as the original studio recording - this live version is proof in that whole section being improvised - just planned out modulations, with improvised melodic runs! Groovy approach! I always wondered how "impressive" this song would be without all the "delay" effected repeating notes in the phrases, without actual "performance" picking. In other words, if Mr. Johnson would just plug into an amp and perform the notes with NO EFFECTS... How impressive would that be? 🌎✌️🌱🎶
Guys, given your deep interest in Australian talent, you might want to check out Taj Farrant, an Australian who also plays "Cliffs of Dover" beautifully. So why would you be interested? Because he was only 10 years old at the time he played it. Prepare to be gobsmacked - would love to see your reaction this kid.
In my next life, I want to come back as Eric Johnson's guitar tone.
Lmao
The one from this video.
It is surreally good
I want to come back as his guitar
Johnson's music and technique is so impressive, yet so wholesome sounding at the same time.
What kills me is how effortless he makes it look...
@@RaymondBCrisp Totally.
For pure technique, Shawn Lane (RIP) is/was the best that ever was or ever will be. Period.
There is guitar mastery, then there is Eric Johnson. He is by far the best guitarist I have seen live. It doesn't even look like he's trying hard, but the notes come forth rapid fire!
This is one of the BEST workout songs, period!
@@RaymondBCrisp This is imo the greatest song ever written bar none.
I agree…he humbled me beyond belief when I saw him live. Complete control of entire guitar. Cliffs of Dover is the greatest guitar instrumental of all time and Eric is one of the best to ever play.
I've been watching a lot of him lately he is such a clean guitarist wow
Satriani and Johnson definitely the GOAT of G's!
The solo that cemented Eric Johnson as a guitar hero and legend.🔥🔥🔥🔥
There are few guitarists that don't greatly admire and respect this man for his technical skill, his violin-like tone, his beautiful composition, but he doesn't get the credit he deserves from the general music lover. I wonder if it is his unremarkable name, or the fact that his music and image is a little too "nice". Perhaps if he was called Zakk van Hellfire, a notorious alcoholic, and/or womaniser, and played with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, he'd be in everyone's top five all-time guitarists. But, he keeps himself to himself and plays the kind of electric guitar music your mother approves of. That's enough for lot of people to forget about him, until they listen to something like this again, and are reminded how extraordinarily talented a musician he is.
Dover, in the UK, are famous for the cliffs.
Julius Caesar knows them well
I just think of the scene in sopranos “that’s right Dover, ya know where the name comes from??
“The cliffs?”
“Dats right, da cliffs.”
@@mikegutschow8384 lol, good call... and timing, as I just finished watching the Sopranos a couple days ago.
Charles Schwab over here
@@josephduffy9802 ?
For my money, & considering all the great guitar players I've seen live, Eric's TONE was the best! Simply, the most beautiful, clear & rich guitar tone I've ever had the pleasure of hearing live.
You guys have NO idea how good this guy really is!! This was the Austin City Limits show from 1988 and he was off a little that night frankly. I started going to see Eric in 1982 in Houston at a little club called Rockefellers and the WHOLE club would be full of all the guitar players in the city who worked the music scene. The place would go mad because we couldn't believe how good this guy from Austin was!! I for one quite playing the club circuit and decided to go to college because of this guy... I'm not kidding!!!!
One of the elite guitarists, today, or any day/era/period. His technical execution is second only to his 'feel' and sound.
Jason Becker
@@omarzamudio617 ...it's a good choice.
Right on. Eric Johnson is in the Mount Rushmore of technique with a guitar pick. He might not have the flair on stage like his contemporary Stevie Ray ... but his sound and skill are impeccable.
My favorite comment on the original video is "So clean it kills 100% of germs."
he won A grammy for this best instrumental.
I was in my mid 20s when this first hit the radio. That was some 30yrs ago. Still love this song.
1) This song was YEARS in the making. Pretty sure there is a video on YT where he plays a version of this on Austin City Limits in 1986.
2) I was at a G3 concert (Petrucci, Vai, Satriani) in Austin, where Eric lives. Eric is a G3 veteran, so he came out and played during the encore. Of course, it was a Hendrix song (Eric's favorite). After Eric killed on a portion of the song, I saw Steve Vai turn to Billy Sheehan and say "I told you."
Even Steve Vai is amazed by EJ.
Eric Johnson and Stevie Ray Vaughan, are in my view the two greatest guitarists there has ever been in the history of humanity. I've never seen anyone else top their level of technique and skill, it seems to come so naturally for them.
Always loved the tone of his guitar. Very clean and effortless. This has always been one of my favorite songs.
Eric is from the same area in Texas as Stevie Ray Vaughan. Some of the most incredibly talented musicians and singers I've ever heard have been from the South. Such talent. It just blows my mind when I watch Eric and Stevie play that they can move their freakin' fingers that fast and it sound so clean. Thanks so much for the reaction. Eric truly is very, VERY underrated.
I didn't realize they both had borned in the same year. Such a shame we lost SRV too soon.
This song sounds like happiness to me.
It is great that kudos were given to Kyle Brock and Tommy Taylor in this review. That is one amazing rhythm section that gives a solid second half after E has shown everyone that he is the GOAT. He is not pretentious and is a genuinely nice guy! If you have never seen this talent in person you need to do so. Dude switches from total shred mode to beautiful melodic tone in a heartbeat and makes it look effortless (it is anything but that)!
I saw Eric play live for the first time 30yrs ago while touring with Rush. Wow the best live duo band performance ever in my opinion. Take the next step with EJ with song “Desert Rose”. Thanks for sharing your reaction
If I recall correctly, Alex Lifeson liked Eric’s playing so much that he gave Eric one of his guitars as a gift.
You guys are lovely and some very good points made. "Did you guys see that?!" Yes. It's probably the most awesome piece of guitar work we will ever see in our lives and that's even before the song starts proper. Thanks for sharing the reaction and love that you noticed the bassist! Shout out to the drummer as well who is doing an amazing job of driving the piece forward.
Greetings from Austin, home of Eric Johnson! One of the benefits of living here is being able to see Eric live many times over the last 30 years. This video is from Austin City Limits music show 30 years ago on PBS. And.... have my tickets to go see Eric again in April 2022!!
Look at the way he moves those fingers. Theyre so technical like a robot yet they flow so effortlessly across the fretboard.
Nightime, a Corvette, with the top down and THIS playing really loud! I had that once.
Eric Johnson is a hero, to other guitar heroes !
You're probably aware, but the band jacket is Eric's homage to Hendrix...who performed in one on several occasions.
At 3:00 mark, the look on her face, is EXACTLY what EJ does to people!
Epic performance! What a composition. I believe it won a Grammy as I recall. I saw Eric once in the 80s. Such precision technique coupled with amazing tone! Thanks for the excellent reaction.
I hear he won awards for this particular performance! Over here in the UK we have a radio station Planet Rock and this song often gets played by them! The only station I've heard playing instrumentals! Real music man \m/
I saw him back in the early 90's opening for Joe Satriani. Then I saw him last year. He's still got it. Amazing guitarist and singer.
I have seen EJ many times in small venues since I am from Texas. This guy is unbelievable and the tone. Wow!
"They'll be blue skies over, the White Cliffs of Dover"....yes there definitely cliffs in Dover, they even wrote a song about them (other than this one, of course). This is a great song, thank for playing it!
Eric is technique personified, still plays like a demon
You are right to point out that through it all,..He never abandoned the melodic sense of the song. That is the best observation.
The White Cliffs of Dover are on the coast. They are large chalk cliffs (hence the white cliffs) and are a famous landmark.
And they are most beautiful - I just stood and looked in awe.
Best live record ever ! your head bangging on this made me smile so much XD
1990 Grammy winner - Best Rock Instrumental. Obviously. I saw him on this tour, with same band shirt 😂, in a smallish Houston club - I can still feel the vibrations through my body 👍🏻😎🔥
Getting that violin tone from a strat is mindblowing. Ah Via Musicom is a fantastic album, wish Eric would do more vocal tunes. Such a nice mix of instrumentals and vocals on that album. Such a refined sound.
Incredible album - listened to it too many times during the first few years, just blew me away.
I found this song on guitar hero and just loved it because it's so catchy and the melody is so sweet
Love you guys, love Eric, got to see him about 10 times, my favorite along with Joe Satriani, Eric has a beautiful voice...
I haven't seen him - I want to. I hear he is a perfectionist... Some complain because he will tune his guitar often during a concert. Hey, tune away - cuz the riffs are phenomenal.
Just saw this! Lol
Love Suzy-Q’s hair in this one.
I grew up a few miles away from the Cliffs. They are one of the most beautiful things on the planet!
And Eric is one of the most incredible guitarists on Earth.
Probably one of the cleanest guitar tone ever.
They are The White Cliffs Of Dover. Beautiful Scenery!
I seen him and I think 1991. At a guitar clinic at the house of guitars in Rochester New York. Humble yet amazing
So many memorable hooks in that song that stand out with some great jazz chords thrown in
My eyes got serious cramps just trying to follow his fingers flying over the strings. My brain hard an even harder time keeping up with what I was trying to watch. When you listen to the Studio version you are mightily impressed then when you listen to this live you realize it's almost half Improve and much better for it.
An absolute guitar God
Have seen Eric many a time here in Central Texas(he's an Austin guy),never fails to entertain.
I’ve watched this like six times now. Not that I don’t know this song, it is just that I think Eric Johnson may be my favorite guitarist. Maybe not the best, most influential, most popular, but his because his music makes me happy.
Have always loved his work. His a awsome musian.
That tone is something that can never be recreated or surpassed.
He’s one of my top 5 of all time!! Dude is amazing!
I heard this three times back in '78 then never again. I could sing that hook in my head but I could not sing or describe it other than drums and this incredible guitarist. I gave up: Knowing I would most likely die before I heard it again.
But some months ago I was in a certain mood and I posted a description of it to the WNEW-FM FAN CLUB as a guitar and drums, 1978-ish, only had airplay for a short time.
Respondent #14 got it. "Cliffs of Diver" by Eric Johnson. It was well worth the wait.
The jacket is a tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
Made me laugh at Bananas. Yes this song is Bananas so much Eric got an award for this grand masterpiece. Well deserved Eric. I liked when he flicked the whammy bar away like, you are in my way get outta here. Awesome reactions from you both. I mean how can any not be digging it to this jam gem.
This dude is the one who made me quit guitar. Had no chance.
eric plays with such joy... no other way to describe it.. he is pretty stiff there back in the day but it still comes through.
Glad you give my favourite guitarist a chance. He's very melodic, also a great virtuoso. Please check from this same concert the music Trail Of Tears. He sings on that song and for me is as great or better than cliffs of dover
Do not sleep on Eric Johnson! Also, check out Joe Satriani performing Always With Me Always With You live. Talk about a guitar that sings a song! Incredible
So amazing!
He’s like a fucking machine. Perfect.
The Cliffs of Dover are in England facing France. I have seen them myself.....and they are known world wide. They are made of white limestone or something like that. Have a good one guys. Eric's great on that guitar isn't he?
This is why I enjoy Eric Johnson so much. Not because of his technique, but because of his gorgeous guitar tone. His in my top 3 for favourite guitar tones. Other 2 being David Gilmour and Carlos Santana. No particular order.
I liked your reaction To this. His playing is so technically perfect. I love electric guitar music period. This Cliffs of Dover is probably thee best music I have ever heard in my whole life. I love his music. So clean so pure and that perfect tone yesssss. I am also a huge Joe Satriani fan too.
The difference between someone 'shredding ' vs a true musical genius on the guitar
The (White) Cliffs Of Dover is in Dover, Kent England.....overlooking the English Channel.
This guy. The man adds notes to his stuff live. A guy, like myself who has played my entire life. 53. Well, since 12 seriously. This is the kind of man who made me want to throw my guitar through the window, fingers torn up, hands and fingers hurting. Guys and gals that were the kid that came home from school, immediately went to your guitar and played until your mom came in, had to turn your light off and on to get your attention because it was so loud in your room. My story anyway. Thank you mom.
Better appreciate Eric whilst he still here cause he’s the current goat!!
Most under-rated guitarist ever
Well I won't ramble on, but just wanted to say what a great reaction it was. Been following your channel for a while now, I am a reactor too and have played guitar for over 30 years. Eric Johnson is quite unique stylistically and a really cool human being, not unlike you guys. Really enjoy virtually hanging out with you all. Keep On rockin'!🤘
believe it or not, he actually sings too. Steve's Boogie and Righteous are great songs
I've already got my tickets to see him in March at least there is someone who prices their tickets so us poor folks can go too... I'm going to be close to the stage and only paid 47.50 per ticket... I've always loved how versatile he is... Can't wait to go see him...
He took guitar classes from Chet Atkins... And Chet Atkins said he actually only taught him for 2 weeks then Eric Johnson took over his class ... 😂😂😂
GOD!! I LOVE HIS SOUND!!!!!!
Best guitar tone ever
MASTERCLASS!
Check out Manhattan from Eric Johnson, the live version from the G3 concert is “bananas” lol
Johnson came out of the Austin music scene along with SRV, among others.
Woww!!!!
It's going great!!
this is anthem of my life :)
every time I see Eric playing Guitar, I remember the facehugger from alien.
Fucken A guy’s I have tried to get 25 people to react to this song and I am glad you guys are doing it you’re going to love it
Yeah Cliffs of Dover are real white cliffs along the Strait of Dover which is part of the English Channel facing France, across from Dunkirk France.
Hair and makeup game on fleek ....... so is hers
For all the guitarists who try to perform the beginning part up until the pedal-point hybrid picking, note for note as the original studio recording - this live version is proof in that whole section being improvised - just planned out modulations, with improvised melodic runs! Groovy approach! I always wondered how "impressive" this song would be without all the "delay" effected repeating notes in the phrases, without actual "performance" picking. In other words, if Mr. Johnson would just plug into an amp and perform the notes with NO EFFECTS... How impressive would that be?
🌎✌️🌱🎶
One of my Faves.....😍👍🇦🇺
Guys, given your deep interest in Australian talent, you might want to check out Taj Farrant, an Australian who also plays "Cliffs of Dover" beautifully. So why would you be interested? Because he was only 10 years old at the time he played it. Prepare to be gobsmacked - would love to see your reaction this kid.
magical.get it whf.
Johnson's is godspeed technique.
There are cliffs there. I been there. The white cliffs of Dover. We crossed the English channel to go to Belgium. Peace out!
if I didn't know better I would think Travis was watching an episode of "Murder She Wrote " .
This tune makes me crazy happy. If I could skip to his beat, I would
The arpeggio king 👑
Got 2 of the greats for you...
Eric Claption & J.J Cale
After Midnight &
They Call Me The Breeze
White Cliffs Of Dover ✌😎
He has a song called SRV dedicated to Stevie Ray Vaughan.
The size makes it look like Eric Johnson is reacting to you.
The cliffs of Dover(England) are world famous
Cliffs of Do er are offthe Enlish coast, stareing at France.
the thing with Eric ..even if youve heard the song he takes it somewhere else
you need to check out Trail of Tears from the same concert