If anybody hasn't listened to Where the Light is, it's one of Mayer's live albums, and it's brilliant. I didn't pay him much attention before, but the guy is a brilliant guitarist.
I never got John Mayer or the buzz around him but a couple of years ago I heard "Edge of Desire" and the solo on that blew my mind. From there I've gone on to fall in love with his entire catalogue. He is the first player that made me realise you don't have to play fast or a hundred notes to communicate feel. On top of that, he just has immortal hair.
Crazy you chose that song. I’m a big JM fan (not fanatic, but long time fan) - and that song is by FAR my favourite. I used to binge it on repeat, something I never do. Incredible piece of music end to end. Thanks for reminding me, going back to binge!
@@jefflevesque5316 jumped in here to suggest born and raised. Continuum hooked me hard. Literally skipped born and raised when came out because wanted more blues. Came back to it 2 years ago, kinda glad I saved it. Also think it’s best.
@@kippsguitar6539 lmao right, I’d love to see you sing and play Neon or compose something like that. Always middle aged dudes that are the mediocre ones shitting on any artist past 1990.
I've been a gigging musician (guitarist/vox mainly) for over 20 years, and when John Mayer first broke out I thought he was really freaking lame. Then I actually listened to the Room For Squares album on a long drive, and I was actually blown away by the sheer musicality. In fact, my playing on a technical level really improved when I sat down to learn the song "Neon". That song challenged me in a new way back then, and man, when I finally nailed it I was so freaking proud of myself. John isn't just some lame pop artist. He's a true talent.
I bought the cd when it came out and “Neon” is my favorite on it. I was already a Grateful Dead fan back then too so it was awesome seeing him join Dead & Co years later. I remember a lot of GD fans were initially pissed when they heard Mayer was part of it. I was pretty jazzed because I knew he was skilled enough to handle it. He killed it!
Sob rock is one of the most underrated albums of the last 5 years, new light and last train home are amazing. It feels like Springsteen did Human Touch then have this album to John
The thing with Mayer is he is probably one of the best examples of a post modern rock guitarist. He grew up during the singer/songwriter age. He grew up hearing the best guitarists that have ever lived and he grew up during the beginning of the MTV age. This gave him the ability to perfect catching poetic songs that are signature pop sounds with a mastery of vocal harmonies and of course blues with world class guitar licks. He’s a triple threat that few can match. Some can do one or two, but few can accomplish all three.
Justin I just love the "child of chaos" approach you have to analysing content, we can see your thoughts tumbling out of your head in real-time interspersed with wit, humour and haphazard musicology. I've been a fan of Mayer for ages, but honestly I've become a big fan of yours over the last year. You have an infectious enthusiasm and raw honesty that I've really grown to admire.
@@Countachockula nah, he doesn't do that - he's said before that he simply doesn't have the time. The man just has a fantastic ear. It's definitely a skill that can be developed - I've put much work into it over the years - but J-Hawk is exceptional at it.
I saw Mayer in May on the Sob Rock Tour and it was one of the best shows with some of the best music I’ve ever seen live. Completely took me by surprise.. I was not expecting to really like it at all, but he is the complete package AND an incredible guitar player.
In Dallas the band broke off into a jazz style breakdown and just played for 10 minutes. What really impressed me though is how John Mayer started playing rhythm and let some of the other guitar players have their moment. It was a hell of a concert
I was never in to John Mayer mostly I think because he was a huge pop star when I was growing up and I listened to nothing but Led Zeppelin, My wife and I went to his concert in 2019 because we could and they blew us away. Been a fan since.
One of the main reasons I love John Mayer, moreso his albums than his live stuff, is the guitar is played when it's needed. Queen of California's lead guitar parts simply fit the vibe. No shred needed. A Face To Call Home, simple lead guitar after the buildup which just elevates it. Love nothing more than a songwriter similar to the Beatles who adds all the necessary parts to fit the songs and nothing more. Walt Grace's Submarine Test has made me weep numerous times.
That’s interesting, I’ll have to revisit that record. To me, the opposite stood out to me on first listen, the songwriting felt very flat and uninspired/not very memorable generic “acoustic folk pop”.
As a guitarist and guitar enthusiast I always want Mayer to take it further with his playing on records BUT my respect for the songwriting and his remarkable ability for keeping an audience wanting more for essentially his entire career is kind of unrivaled. There is something to be said about always keeping that card up your sleeve. Also big props on the musicians he hires, from Zane to Isaiah to David Harris… he never shies from spotlighting and lifting remarkable players who dont have the reach he does. Smart dude and great player
Yeah I remember getting the Room For Squares album and just wishing he'd really rip but he stopped way short because he's more concerned with doing it justice and not turning it into something altogether different. He's awesome.
I can't remember where, but he once described a guitar solo like making glue and glitter art in art class as a kid: you kinda make your design in glue, pour on ALL the glitter you possibly can, and shake off the excess when it's done. I agree, I've always really wanted him to completely hit the throttle and see what happens.
Been waiting a long time to hear you talk about John. I gotta say you were a huge reason why I started playing guitar at 14 after hearing I Believe In A Thing Called Love, but when I discovered John at 19, it opened a whole new world for me as far as guitar playing goes. I just couldn’t resist and bought a nice Strat shortly after. He’s so gifted and versatile with his playing, a true master of the instrument.
I love the stuff of his I have heard. I think very early in his career he was unfairly dismissed by many as a run of the mill pop act, but I very much enjoy "me and my guitar" type singer songwriters (don't really know what else to call this) and he's very good at what he does. I feel a lot of artists in this vein are unfairly diminished, actually. So much love to you Mr. Hawkins ♡
This is the link to my Patreon I mentioned very briefly in the video, you're most welcome to join and become one of my beloved patrons. We do a lot together on there and it includes access to my private Discord server. It's brilliant in there: www.patreon.com/jushawk
I love how Dr Hawkins makes a mockery of guitar playing. He just makes it look so easy to grab the acoustic and replicate whatever is being played. Just brilliant!
@@thetrueblindman there really isn’t much theory in matching notes. You can be completely ignorant of theory but have a good ear, know your chords and fretboard and play anything. Theory really helps when writing your own music.
Not taking anything away from Justin. But any experienced player will be able to do this. John in firmly based in blues playing. So many things are familiar to players in terms of notes. The phrasing/vibrato and other subtleties are similarly down to his experience. Personally I see my fingers on the fretboard when I hear such lines. It’s all practice, ear training, time in rehearsals and on gigs. I have friends who come round who never heard me and they put any music on and can’t understand how I play along within seconds. Even if I haven’t heard it. It’s practice and experience. Again, nothing taken away from Justin here ;).
Even if you don’t like his solo stuff, it’s pretty hard to deny his immeasurable talent. Saw him recently with Dead and Co. He blew the doors off the place with his guitar work.
I appreciate your mentioning the early steps in a musician’s life - that “his father RENTED an acoustic guitar” - kids don’t always know about such options.
Got a feeling this particular video could go viral. Justin’s hit all the right notes , if you will, with the breakdown of this video. A bit like Mr Mayer , this video has a little bit of everything but is hitting that everything just rightly. Funny bastard, ridiculous yet palatable analogies, interesting and kindly informative with a slanty TH-cam award in the background. Go on , Son. Thanks for the daily good times.
So happy you have finally discussed John Mayer. Was listening to him all day yesterday. Listen and you will find many of Johns songs have emotional depth: Clarity, New Deep, Daughters, (Heavier Things), Belief, Gravity, Heart of Life, Vultures (Continuum), Shouldnt Matter But it Does, Wild Blue, I Guess I Just Feel Like (Sob Rock). Sob Rock is one of his best yet.
There's little microtonal things in his bends that make him recognisable even when he's playing 'typical' blues licks. He's a very good musician, even though I'd never have expected to like him as much as I eventually came to, when I first heard his early stuff.
As someone who doesn't play guitar, but loves John Mayer's music, it's so fascinating to hear someone pull apart his musical capabilities. In case I wasn't already a massive fan, I sure am now! Thanks for the pull-apart, Justin!
Nice to see you covering John. I started in the rock n roll/metal world as a teenager and while I still love the music, I got bored playing it. I put the guitar down for almost a decade. Then I heard John and it sent me down a blues/soul rabbit hole and have been playing almost daily for 7 years since.
Neon from where the light is.. is the perfect example of how John is both a master guitarist/songwriter who can also write pop sounding hooks as if it were a Backstreet Boys song.
Oh Justin the harmony at 12:07…so good! 🙌🏻🥰 I love your videos and agree that John Mayer is an unrivalled talent. So good and stands on his own 💪🏻☺️🙌🏻🎸
Not a huge fan of Mayer’s solo work , but his work with Dead and company is top notch! He is a brilliant musician , and his role taking the place of Jerry Garcia has been phenomenal!!!!
Another great video, Justin! I absolutely love John Mayer. There is a track on the same record this song is on called Wild Blue. Total Mark Knopfler Dire Straits vibes. The album is called Sob Rock. Also love John's goofy sense of humor. Cheers!
how subtly you said "those are words to live by" at 13:05 after he sang "if you don't want to love me, let me go" was so unbelievably powerful to me haha. you're a very... mysteriously intellectual character.
I'd never heard of him until tonight. Thanks for this video, Justin. I'll keep an ear out for him now - and he's someone my other half might like too, so I'll make sure he's on his radar as well. Hasn't he got a beautiful sound? Real "Late Sunday Night In The Dark Music". I also include Mazzy Star and All About Eve in this classification. For anyone wondering what the heck I'm on about, imagine you're in your front room. You're on your own in the house, you're laying on the settee with a couple of candles on and it's a lovely, warm atmosphere. There's nothing on the telly and you don't want to watch a DVD or anything, so you put this music on and just let it wash over you. You lay with your eyes closed, nice and relaxed but not falling asleep. Try it this weekend and see how it makes you feel. I think you'll like it.
I became a fan of yours Justin after seeing a Rig Rundown on Premier Guitar. It was so funny I had to check out your music. Then I found your TH-cam channel. Being a musician in Nashville, I really enjoy your insights into music. Yes. Nashville. Which means I normally play Country music. How does a guy like me become a fan of a guy like you…it’s all music. Keep making these great videos brother!
The PRS Silver Sky is based on a 63 Fender Strat Mayer owned. If you ever get to play one you'll realise it's a bit of a beast to handle, but in a good way. The neck is very thick, and is has an old school Fender radius. Sounds fabulous, but you really need to fight for the tone.
I have always been a huge fan of John Mayer. I always return to his live performances of “Neon”, “Free Fallin” and “Message in a Bottle”. His tone is absolutely breathtaking and there’s just such a richness and smoothness to how he plays! Love watching you cover John Mayer and would love to see more!!!!! 😍😍
I feel it's hard to really put Mayer's songwriting in a box. He's done folkish, country inspired, and most recently 80's pop inspired albums. I don't know if anyone could reliably predict what his next album would sound like.
He's my favourite artist. Stop this Train is my favourite song. It gave me perspective on life. People don't like him because they think he's cheesy. But he's actually one of the most diverse and clever songwriters out there.....not to mention a phenomenal guitarist.
I too came late to Mayer. I was first aware of him based on You Body Is A Wonderland era and thought him nothing more than a pop singer songwriter. Then I heard some tracks from his Heavier Things album and started to get interested but wasn't knocked out impressed. Then I heard the Trio live album with him and Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan and I was floored! He wasn't a guitar SRV worshiping poseur but a serious studied guitar player! Been a fan since and love how he can take a simple pop song and inject some blues and soul into it.
I love the guy. Love the song writing. Nice voice not crazy high pitch. He sounds like he actually means what he's saying in the songs and doesn't sound like he put words together just cuz they sound good.
wow! when talking about the model of guitar you perfectly summed up what I also love about a guitar - the fight! great video as always, thank you for all that you do Justin!
Every song you say. Belief doesn't give me 80s adult contemporary sleepiness vibes in the slightest. Neither does the song Layla by Derek & The Dominoes.
I always thought I loved music, but you make me understand why. That being said, thanks your for the music and Permission to Land got me through some things while studying abroad in Atlanta (yes, in the Americas like Austin). Love the channel, keep on keeping on. Best, Jan from Berlin (p.s. wouldn’t hate seeing The Darkness come back for a gig)
I'm surprised you didn't mention his role in Dead & Company. Stepping into the shoes of Jerry Garcia and doing it so tastefully... it was an amazing thing to witness
I always let out a laugh of complete joy when I see Justin first pick up the guitar… just how ready and quick he his to jump on board and get stuck in for the break down. Not cocky or trying to show off, just pure coolness if you like. Call me the cheesiest commenter ever but i really don’t give a shit. Awesome stuff. Its the small things sometimes 🍷(clink)
I started listening to John Mayer 2 years ago and never really was in to it before. But than you really start seeing/feeling his work/sound and it's truly unique.
@@johnchandler6831 a good American friend of mine managed to get me tickets for one of the San Francisco shows in July……..I hope I can go, I also hope that the USA will be a bit cheaper for Europeans than it right now……
Super interesting analysis of the Strat type guitar v Les Pauls. Strat gal here, just learning to play then I will worry about tone more later maybe. I didn't appreciate John Mayer much until I began playing guitar again and watched many other youtube guitarists praise him. Grateful to you for sharing your insights. You are giving a great gift to us all. Speaking of gifts, this year I am celebrating the one year anniversary of the Cameo you made for me as a gift from my brother last year. I loved it so much. We have a tradition of exchanging gifts related to The Darkness going back over a decade. I bought him the Pinewood Smile CD this year : ) Sending u much love.
John's amazing and, as a Deadhead, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that he has admirably filled in shoes that are basically unfillable by taking over Jerry Garcia's lead guitar role for Dead & Company. In addition, his back-to-Americana-Dead-influenced albums in the early 2010s after he had that throat trouble are really great. Glad to see your appreciation for him, Justin!
This was really fun Justin, thanks! I saw John Mayer in 2011 and wanted to hear him do Free Fallin so bad, but it looked like he was going to come out got An encore and we decided to head back to the car and meet the traffic, thinking the encore would be new music. Almost to the last section before the maze of fences to leave and he just appeared, standing in that section (it really looked like he was standing on one of the chairs) with a spotlight and did Free Fallin and it might be my favorite moment from a concert ever. He played an incredible show that night.
I totally agree about the PRS thing. I just recently sold my Custom 24 and bought a Custom shop 57' Les Paul Jr. single cut, heavy relic. I connect so much more with it and my LP gold top.
Early in his career, Mayer did a one-off show called "John Mayer Has a TV Show" that aired briefly on VH1. It is legitimately hilarious. Completely reshaped my opinion of him. It's worth a quick google search.
I took a fellow blues lover and a metal head to claptons 2010 crossroads festival. During John mayers 3 song set (maybe 4 I can’t remember) the metal loving friend yelled into my ear “I thought he only sang p@$sy songs! He’s awesome!” And indeed, John was tearing it up. I laughed so hard watching my friend blown away by John’s chops.
I've heard that sentiment too and I'll never understand it. A lot of men I've known throughout life only seem to listen to the types of music they do to come off as masculine to others. Who likes the hardest, heaviest metal? Who likes the most gangster rap? That's who's the coolest and toughest. I used to get made fun of all the time by my friends in college for liking funk, RnB, reggae, and some pop on top of all the rock and metal we all listened to
@@lepus6511 Unfortunately it is a thing. John Mayer had a talk in 2008 on Berkeley (its on TH-cam) where he said that after his song "daughters" that his label published against his wishes he had to do something so as not to get labeled as the sentimental ballad guy, he went and made the trio and I say thank god for that...
The Darkness and John Mayer are without a doubt my two favourite sources of musical delights. Though very different in what they produce, the musicality, melody and performance standards are in my opinion, some of the best out there! I can’t get enough of either of them! Hearing Justin speak so fondly of John Mayer is also music to my ears…would love to hear John’s thoughts on The Darkness, I’m sure he’d appreciate them too! How amazing would a collaboration be?! Make this happen Justin!!! Lots of love and a Merry Christmas to you sir! X
John Mayer is a phenomenal statesman for the guitar and all of it's facets! He's completely rehabilitated his ways and is humble and expressive and is a fantastic guy!
As a person who live and breathes music myself, your absolute passion for it is intoxicating. You really give a lot of respect, while also showing excitement to other artists. Extremely commendable.
Hands down my favourite artist. Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles is definitely worth a watch, it's absolutely spectacular! SO many good songs... SO many good solos. I'd probably say my favourite song is 'I guess I just feel like' and my favourite solo can be found in 'Belief'. What's everyone else's favourite songs and solos?
He is wonderfully talented and gifted. He’s not afraid to branch out into different genres and still stays true to himself. He sounds just as amazing playing a pop tunes as he does playing blues with BB King to creating his own blues to playing with new musicians too. He’s not afraid to try the most off the wall things. And it generally works. He’s a master lyricist. He can put into words the exact emotions and thoughts that so many feel. He never ceases to capture my emotions and articulate them. I realize every one has their own opinions on music, but I feel when people say he’s not talented or he sucks it’s really just envy. You can not be into someone and still recognize talent.
Wow I wish I had the guitar playing skills Justin has. Just listens to something and replicates is brilliantly. Not to mention presenting JHRA in an informative and most entertaining way. Wish he was my guitar teacher.
@@kippsguitar6539 His first album in 2001 has the song St Patrick's Day with 31 chords. We get it, you don't like John. You've commented similar negativity on many other posts. Just know that you're wrong here.
@@KevisaVivose I'd hate to burst his bubble and let him know that the song he covers on his channel "Sloop John B" basically has 4 chords for the whole song lol. The guy is delusional
Spot on about the two musical personalities. I'm a huge fan of his blusey rocky stuff and some of his live performances are just on fire. He also tours with the remnants of the Greatful Dead, which is very cool. At the same time, he has a load of sugary pop songs that make me want to just rip my ears off my head.
I’m not a huge fan of his, especially the newer records that sound like compilation albums to me. But I definitely enjoy some of his songs here and there. What I really appreciate about him is that he refuses to stay in a box. He lets his music, his style, even his gear evolve, and it took him all the way from the cheesy acoustic pop rock of Your Body Is A Wonderland to a blues-infused 80s inspired upbeat Last Train Home. Lyrically, he’s quite a creative writer too.
Your Body Is A Wonderland is on the same album as 3x5. 2002 he played Covered In Rain. Sorry but it just urks me when people who don't like Pop stuff like Your Body assume that's all they did. I implore you to give his earlier stuff more of a chance
I'm not musician myself, but it's nice to see that "professionals" are learning from others as well. That kind of stuff (show in the video) could make your music even better for sure! This kind of videos bring musicians closer to normal people who got problems in their everyday work also. I love The Darkness! Maybe I'll see you in Finland one day! Have a nice and relaxing Christmas!
I drove to Austin, TX to see the statue of SRV there down by the river. It really brought a wave of emotion. I actually sat there and cried a while. Worth the trip,
Wow the take on different types of guitars and what it may mean to play them was beautiful. Completely agree that 'the fight' with an instrument (or any art form for that matter) is, for me, what makes it the most fun.
Worth a nod - keyboard player is the legend himself, Greg Phillinganes. He was MJ’s keys/synth guy (he also MD’d the Bad tour) and co-wrote ‘don’t stop if you get enough’. Oh yeah, and John Mayer is a genius!
I couldn’t love your channel more, JDH! So entertaining AND educational. So cathartic an escape from all the 💩 in the world. You’ve motivated me to resume guitar lessons (after 40 years’ abstinence) and enrol in a music theory course. Love your work! ❤
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wPd7VFfWHIA/mqdefault.jpg)
If anybody hasn't listened to Where the Light is, it's one of Mayer's live albums, and it's brilliant. I didn't pay him much attention before, but the guy is a brilliant guitarist.
Found that last year, this year I was in the top .5 percent of listeners of Mayer on yt music. He's so good.
John Mayer is my favorite guitar player and artist and it's all because of where the light is
Try! Would blow your mind
The sound production quality of that concert is insane!
It’s a good one
I never got John Mayer or the buzz around him but a couple of years ago I heard "Edge of Desire" and the solo on that blew my mind. From there I've gone on to fall in love with his entire catalogue. He is the first player that made me realise you don't have to play fast or a hundred notes to communicate feel. On top of that, he just has immortal hair.
Literally, On top of that.
@@shiftybat7318 😄
Crazy you chose that song. I’m a big JM fan (not fanatic, but long time fan) - and that song is by FAR my favourite. I used to binge it on repeat, something I never do. Incredible piece of music end to end.
Thanks for reminding me, going back to binge!
Similar for me - I heard his live album (Where the Light is), and immediately changed my mind. If you're a guitarist, you can tell he plays with soul.
He's painfully mediocre. There is no buzz...
Still love Continuum. His best. Also wish he'd get the John Mayer Trio back together.
We need a full trio tour!!
Saw him live in 2017 and he played with the trio. I assume you meant you want the trio to make another album like "TRY!" ? Me too man. Me too.
Love Continuum...but I'm a Born and Raised kinda guy. Let's not talk Trio....it just makes me mad there's no Trio II.
@@eldensmith4161 Hell fuggin Yeah!
@@jefflevesque5316 jumped in here to suggest born and raised. Continuum hooked me hard. Literally skipped born and raised when came out because wanted more blues. Came back to it 2 years ago, kinda glad I saved it. Also think it’s best.
John Mayer is a rare case of master song writer and a master guitar player, Such a rare talent.
Or a mediocre entry level song played by a one trick pony and boring guitarist in love with himself
@@kippsguitar6539 you are totally wrong, i feel grief for you bro :(
@@kippsguitar6539 lmao right, I’d love to see you sing and play Neon or compose something like that. Always middle aged dudes that are the mediocre ones shitting on any artist past 1990.
@@anthonycowan3481 man, forget about "Neon", I'd like to see him play 'Why Georgia' on the guitar and sing .
@@anthonycowan3481 I was just listening to Neon thinking I wish I could write a song like this haha
I've been a gigging musician (guitarist/vox mainly) for over 20 years, and when John Mayer first broke out I thought he was really freaking lame. Then I actually listened to the Room For Squares album on a long drive, and I was actually blown away by the sheer musicality. In fact, my playing on a technical level really improved when I sat down to learn the song "Neon". That song challenged me in a new way back then, and man, when I finally nailed it I was so freaking proud of myself. John isn't just some lame pop artist. He's a true talent.
If you were able to actually learn Neon, then you're an accomplished player.
I bought the cd when it came out and “Neon” is my favorite on it. I was already a Grateful Dead fan back then too so it was awesome seeing him join Dead & Co years later. I remember a lot of GD fans were initially pissed when they heard Mayer was part of it. I was pretty jazzed because I knew he was skilled enough to handle it. He killed it!
Sob rock is one of the most underrated albums of the last 5 years, new light and last train home are amazing. It feels like Springsteen did Human Touch then have this album to John
Also hell of a guitar player
The Rutles put in more imagination copying the Beatles than Mayer with Clapton
Meh. His songwriting is pants. Music for girls.
And wild blue
Oh please. Continuum is ‘amazing’. Gravity is ‘amazing’. Slow dancing in a burning room is ‘amazing’. Sob rock is, so so.
The thing with Mayer is he is probably one of the best examples of a post modern rock guitarist. He grew up during the singer/songwriter age. He grew up hearing the best guitarists that have ever lived and he grew up during the beginning of the MTV age. This gave him the ability to perfect catching poetic songs that are signature pop sounds with a mastery of vocal harmonies and of course blues with world class guitar licks. He’s a triple threat that few can match. Some can do one or two, but few can accomplish all three.
Justin I just love the "child of chaos" approach you have to analysing content, we can see your thoughts tumbling out of your head in real-time interspersed with wit, humour and haphazard musicology. I've been a fan of Mayer for ages, but honestly I've become a big fan of yours over the last year. You have an infectious enthusiasm and raw honesty that I've really grown to admire.
Perfectly said!
I would pay top dollars to watch a sit down chat/jam with Justin and John. They seem to be super compatiable with their music and humor.
+1
How much exactly is "top dollars"?
A firm handshake and an honest expression of enthusiasm for Justin and a 15 year old whose dad has a new girlfriend for John
Exactly! They could take turns soloing!
i find it amazing how fast you pick up other players riffs and licks just by ear. Great stuff
So quick
Impressive
You don’t think he may have researched and learned before making the video?
@@Countachockula nah, he doesn't do that - he's said before that he simply doesn't have the time. The man just has a fantastic ear. It's definitely a skill that can be developed - I've put much work into it over the years - but J-Hawk is exceptional at it.
Normal people who plays and practice a lot vs someone who lives music all the time. Who also plays and practice all the time but just by living it.
I saw Mayer in May on the Sob Rock Tour and it was one of the best shows with some of the best music I’ve ever seen live. Completely took me by surprise.. I was not expecting to really like it at all, but he is the complete package AND an incredible guitar player.
In Dallas the band broke off into a jazz style breakdown and just played for 10 minutes. What really impressed me though is how John Mayer started playing rhythm and let some of the other guitar players have their moment. It was a hell of a concert
Thank you for this! I love hearing other musicians talking about how incredible John is ❤ Sarah
I was never in to John Mayer mostly I think because he was a huge pop star when I was growing up and I listened to nothing but Led Zeppelin, My wife and I went to his concert in 2019 because we could and they blew us away. Been a fan since.
Born and raised is such a great great album. Not so much for the guitar playing, but the songwriting is really strong
Absolute and fully agree
One of the main reasons I love John Mayer, moreso his albums than his live stuff, is the guitar is played when it's needed. Queen of California's lead guitar parts simply fit the vibe. No shred needed. A Face To Call Home, simple lead guitar after the buildup which just elevates it. Love nothing more than a songwriter similar to the Beatles who adds all the necessary parts to fit the songs and nothing more. Walt Grace's Submarine Test has made me weep numerous times.
That’s interesting, I’ll have to revisit that record. To me, the opposite stood out to me on first listen, the songwriting felt very flat and uninspired/not very memorable generic “acoustic folk pop”.
My favorite of all his albums, honestly a masterpiece!
Huzzah my brother. Huzzah. Man's record ya think?
As a guitarist and guitar enthusiast I always want Mayer to take it further with his playing on records BUT my respect for the songwriting and his remarkable ability for keeping an audience wanting more for essentially his entire career is kind of unrivaled. There is something to be said about always keeping that card up your sleeve. Also big props on the musicians he hires, from Zane to Isaiah to David Harris… he never shies from spotlighting and lifting remarkable players who dont have the reach he does. Smart dude and great player
Yeah I remember getting the Room For Squares album and just wishing he'd really rip but he stopped way short because he's more concerned with doing it justice and not turning it into something altogether different. He's awesome.
I can't remember where, but he once described a guitar solo like making glue and glitter art in art class as a kid: you kinda make your design in glue, pour on ALL the glitter you possibly can, and shake off the excess when it's done. I agree, I've always really wanted him to completely hit the throttle and see what happens.
Been waiting a long time to hear you talk about John. I gotta say you were a huge reason why I started playing guitar at 14 after hearing I Believe In A Thing Called Love, but when I discovered John at 19, it opened a whole new world for me as far as guitar playing goes. I just couldn’t resist and bought a nice Strat shortly after. He’s so gifted and versatile with his playing, a true master of the instrument.
I love the stuff of his I have heard. I think very early in his career he was unfairly dismissed by many as a run of the mill pop act, but I very much enjoy "me and my guitar" type singer songwriters (don't really know what else to call this) and he's very good at what he does. I feel a lot of artists in this vein are unfairly diminished, actually.
So much love to you Mr. Hawkins ♡
Not many guitarists, heard that Hendrix cover EP, for years after he released it.
Run of the mill is a good description
This is the link to my Patreon I mentioned very briefly in the video, you're most welcome to join and become one of my beloved patrons. We do a lot together on there and it includes access to my private Discord server. It's brilliant in there: www.patreon.com/jushawk
As usual ...Justin you are a man of exquisite musical taste 👌
I love how Dr Hawkins makes a mockery of guitar playing. He just makes it look so easy to grab the acoustic and replicate whatever is being played. Just brilliant!
It’s obvious he has perfect pitch. If if you know what notes you’re singing and you know where they are on fretboard it’s pretty simple to do.
It’s called “knowing your music theory”. Takes all the guesswork out of working out what other musicians are doing 😉
@@thetrueblindman there really isn’t much theory in matching notes. You can be completely ignorant of theory but have a good ear, know your chords and fretboard and play anything. Theory really helps when writing your own music.
@@smelltheglove2038 Paul McCartney is a good example. Great ear.
Not taking anything away from Justin. But any experienced player will be able to do this. John in firmly based in blues playing. So many things are familiar to players in terms of notes. The phrasing/vibrato and other subtleties are similarly down to his experience. Personally I see my fingers on the fretboard when I hear such lines. It’s all practice, ear training, time in rehearsals and on gigs. I have friends who come round who never heard me and they put any music on and can’t understand how I play along within seconds. Even if I haven’t heard it. It’s practice and experience. Again, nothing taken away from Justin here ;).
Even if you don’t like his solo stuff, it’s pretty hard to deny his immeasurable talent. Saw him recently with Dead and Co. He blew the doors off the place with his guitar work.
I appreciate your mentioning the early steps in a musician’s life - that “his father RENTED an acoustic guitar” - kids don’t always know about such options.
Got a feeling this particular video could go viral. Justin’s hit all the right notes , if you will, with the breakdown of this video. A bit like Mr Mayer , this video has a little bit of everything but is hitting that everything just rightly. Funny bastard, ridiculous yet palatable analogies, interesting and kindly informative with a slanty TH-cam award in the background. Go on , Son. Thanks for the daily good times.
Fell in love with his music in high school, he’s an amazing musician, vocalist and song writer.
So incredibly talented
John Mayer Trio's cover of 'California Dreamin' is absolutely sublime. If you haven't heard it before, check it out!
Aint no sunshine live, is unreal. The trio is a powerhouse of pros.
So happy you have finally discussed John Mayer. Was listening to him all day yesterday. Listen and you will find many of Johns songs have emotional depth: Clarity, New Deep, Daughters, (Heavier Things), Belief, Gravity, Heart of Life, Vultures (Continuum), Shouldnt Matter But it Does, Wild Blue, I Guess I Just Feel Like (Sob Rock). Sob Rock is one of his best yet.
There's little microtonal things in his bends that make him recognisable even when he's playing 'typical' blues licks. He's a very good musician, even though I'd never have expected to like him as much as I eventually came to, when I first heard his early stuff.
As someone who doesn't play guitar, but loves John Mayer's music, it's so fascinating to hear someone pull apart his musical capabilities. In case I wasn't already a massive fan, I sure am now! Thanks for the pull-apart, Justin!
Nice to see you covering John. I started in the rock n roll/metal world as a teenager and while I still love the music, I got bored playing it. I put the guitar down for almost a decade. Then I heard John and it sent me down a blues/soul rabbit hole and have been playing almost daily for 7 years since.
Neon from where the light is.. is the perfect example of how John is both a master guitarist/songwriter who can also write pop sounding hooks as if it were a Backstreet Boys song.
I had zero time for John Mayer. Then I heard some of those live acoustic songs.. Love them
Give him a ginger wig and it's ed Sheeran
Oh Justin the harmony at 12:07…so good! 🙌🏻🥰 I love your videos and agree that John Mayer is an unrivalled talent. So good and stands on his own 💪🏻☺️🙌🏻🎸
Not a huge fan of Mayer’s solo work , but his work with Dead and company is top notch! He is a brilliant musician , and his role taking the place of Jerry Garcia has been phenomenal!!!!
Simmer down wook
I saw them in Washington last July and I was blown away by Mayers performance
Another great video, Justin! I absolutely love John Mayer. There is a track on the same record this song is on called Wild Blue. Total Mark Knopfler Dire Straits vibes. The album is called Sob Rock. Also love John's goofy sense of humor. Cheers!
how subtly you said "those are words to live by" at 13:05 after he sang "if you don't want to love me, let me go" was so unbelievably powerful to me haha. you're a very... mysteriously intellectual character.
I haven’t listened to Mayer since his earlier albums but he has a beautiful voice and always plays so well on the guitar. Love this
I'd never heard of him until tonight. Thanks for this video, Justin. I'll keep an ear out for him now - and he's someone my other half might like too, so I'll make sure he's on his radar as well. Hasn't he got a beautiful sound? Real "Late Sunday Night In The Dark Music". I also include Mazzy Star and All About Eve in this classification. For anyone wondering what the heck I'm on about, imagine you're in your front room. You're on your own in the house, you're laying on the settee with a couple of candles on and it's a lovely, warm atmosphere. There's nothing on the telly and you don't want to watch a DVD or anything, so you put this music on and just let it wash over you. You lay with your eyes closed, nice and relaxed but not falling asleep. Try it this weekend and see how it makes you feel. I think you'll like it.
I became a fan of yours Justin after seeing a Rig Rundown on Premier Guitar. It was so funny I had to check out your music. Then I found your TH-cam channel. Being a musician in Nashville, I really enjoy your insights into music. Yes. Nashville. Which means I normally play Country music. How does a guy like me become a fan of a guy like you…it’s all music. Keep making these great videos brother!
There's a great mini documentary video on TH-cam of him writing and recording the song 'In Repair' in one day. It's incredible.
Love your harmony bit with JM! Okay, I love your voice no matter what you’re singing. ❤
The PRS Silver Sky is based on a 63 Fender Strat Mayer owned. If you ever get to play one you'll realise it's a bit of a beast to handle, but in a good way. The neck is very thick, and is has an old school Fender radius. Sounds fabulous, but you really need to fight for the tone.
I have always been a huge fan of John Mayer.
I always return to his live performances of “Neon”, “Free Fallin” and “Message in a Bottle”.
His tone is absolutely breathtaking and there’s just such a richness and smoothness to how he plays!
Love watching you cover John Mayer and would love to see more!!!!! 😍😍
I feel it's hard to really put Mayer's songwriting in a box. He's done folkish, country inspired, and most recently 80's pop inspired albums. I don't know if anyone could reliably predict what his next album would sound like.
hoping for a floyd or zep through mayers hands
Would be interested to see him go to a prog route.
What an absolutely beautiful sideboard. Smashing to see.
He's my favourite artist. Stop this Train is my favourite song. It gave me perspective on life. People don't like him because they think he's cheesy. But he's actually one of the most diverse and clever songwriters out there.....not to mention a phenomenal guitarist.
Stop this train is my fave too:)
Glad to hear your props for John. I could see you two really getting along.
I too came late to Mayer. I was first aware of him based on You Body Is A Wonderland era and thought him nothing more than a pop singer songwriter. Then I heard some tracks from his Heavier Things album and started to get interested but wasn't knocked out impressed. Then I heard the Trio live album with him and Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan and I was floored! He wasn't a guitar SRV worshiping poseur but a serious studied guitar player! Been a fan since and love how he can take a simple pop song and inject some blues and soul into it.
Finally. Been waiting for a Mayer video. Please do more. His Americana album is quality. And his drummer Sterloid is the man
He’s awesome! I love his take on “I don’t need no doctor “
One of the best covers ever in 2007. Just phenomenal
His John Mayer Trio live album is really great.
THANK YOU sir Justin for riding again
From AZ
I would love to watch a podcast with these two
Watch his live performance of Wild Blue on The Late Show. Mesmerizing solo
I love the guy. Love the song writing. Nice voice not crazy high pitch. He sounds like he actually means what he's saying in the songs and doesn't sound like he put words together just cuz they sound good.
Wild Blue is top 2 on Sob Rock, and the tour was incredible, he was performing songs he hasn't played in years and said he wouldn't.
For half a second, you harmonized with him, and it sounded so good. Call him up
wow! when talking about the model of guitar you perfectly summed up what I also love about a guitar - the fight! great video as always, thank you for all that you do Justin!
Every song drips with 80s adult contemporary sleepiness. No wonder Clapton loves him.
I have respect for his abilities, but it is perfect music for 90's soft-core porn.
He's almost as boring as Clapton so that makes sense
Every song you say. Belief doesn't give me 80s adult contemporary sleepiness vibes in the slightest. Neither does the song Layla by Derek & The Dominoes.
John Mayer is an absolutely exceptional guitarist. Even Clapton have him mad props. The guy is a musical genius
Check out the where the light is live album. Some mind blowing guitar moments in that show.
I always thought I loved music, but you make me understand why. That being said, thanks your for the music and Permission to Land got me through some things while studying abroad in Atlanta (yes, in the Americas like Austin). Love the channel, keep on keeping on. Best, Jan from Berlin (p.s. wouldn’t hate seeing The Darkness come back for a gig)
Thanks so much Jan!
I'm surprised you didn't mention his role in Dead & Company. Stepping into the shoes of Jerry Garcia and doing it so tastefully... it was an amazing thing to witness
What the world needs now, is love, sweet love - oh no it doesn't!
What it needs is a Justin Hawkins and John Mayer duet!
Make it happen! ;)
I always let out a laugh of complete joy when I see Justin first pick up the guitar… just how ready and quick he his to jump on board and get stuck in for the break down. Not cocky or trying to show off, just pure coolness if you like. Call me the cheesiest commenter ever but i really don’t give a shit. Awesome stuff. Its the small things sometimes 🍷(clink)
I love your jacket Justin. 😀
The hawk flies again! 🎤
I started listening to John Mayer 2 years ago and never really was in to it before. But than you really start seeing/feeling his work/sound and it's truly unique.
You forgot to mention his extensive touring (almost every year) with Dead & Co. in the USA. John Mayer is amazing.
Hell yea! I was at his first NYE show with dead and company. He won even the oldest deadheads over in minutes. So sad next year is their last tour.
@@johnchandler6831 a good American friend of mine managed to get me tickets for one of the San Francisco shows in July……..I hope I can go, I also hope that the USA will be a bit cheaper for Europeans than it right now……
@@johnchandler6831 thanks for letting me know! I need to catch a show!
Super interesting analysis of the Strat type guitar v Les Pauls. Strat gal here, just learning to play then I will worry about tone more later maybe. I didn't appreciate John Mayer much until I began playing guitar again and watched many other youtube guitarists praise him. Grateful to you for sharing your insights. You are giving a great gift to us all. Speaking of gifts, this year I am celebrating the one year anniversary of the Cameo you made for me as a gift from my brother last year. I loved it so much. We have a tradition of exchanging gifts related to The Darkness going back over a decade. I bought him the Pinewood Smile CD this year : ) Sending u much love.
John's amazing and, as a Deadhead, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that he has admirably filled in shoes that are basically unfillable by taking over Jerry Garcia's lead guitar role for Dead & Company. In addition, his back-to-Americana-Dead-influenced albums in the early 2010s after he had that throat trouble are really great. Glad to see your appreciation for him, Justin!
Exactly. That alone is quite the accomplishment.
This was really fun Justin, thanks! I saw John Mayer in 2011 and wanted to hear him do Free Fallin so bad, but it looked like he was going to come out got
An encore and we decided to head back to the car and meet the traffic, thinking the encore would be new music. Almost to the last section before the maze of fences to leave and he just appeared, standing in that section (it really looked like he was standing on one of the chairs) with a spotlight and did Free Fallin and it might be my favorite moment from a concert ever. He played an incredible show that night.
Absolutely LOVE John Mayer
I’m a long time die hard John fan, but I couldn’t agree more about the silver sky. It’s too perfect. No rough edges, and just… missing something
Great vibe today. I could do this all day. Nice one! Yeah, Mayer absolutely crushes.
I’d love to hear your musical view on a song called To The Hellfire by Lornashore, especially the last 60 seconds! Be amazing to hear what you think
I totally agree about the PRS thing. I just recently sold my Custom 24 and bought a Custom shop 57' Les Paul Jr. single cut, heavy relic. I connect so much more with it and my LP gold top.
I get it - I recently sold my custom 24 for a custom shop '60 Les Paul special, no regrets!
Early in his career, Mayer did a one-off show called "John Mayer Has a TV Show" that aired briefly on VH1. It is legitimately hilarious. Completely reshaped my opinion of him. It's worth a quick google search.
Yes! I think him and Justin have witty, fast-thinking, hilarious minds. I would love to see them chat about music.. I’d watch it for hours.
Was that where he'd go to American Football games dressed as a rabbit or whatever, and ask people in the car park what they'd think of 'John Mee-yer'?
@@olicraske4083 yes, it was a segment of the show
Heaven. I get just as lost in his playing as he does. And you analyzing whilst looking so damn dapper is the icing on the cake!
I took a fellow blues lover and a metal head to claptons 2010 crossroads festival. During John mayers 3 song set (maybe 4 I can’t remember) the metal loving friend yelled into my ear “I thought he only sang p@$sy songs! He’s awesome!” And indeed, John was tearing it up. I laughed so hard watching my friend blown away by John’s chops.
My favourite ain't no sunshine cover... You are a lucky man who got to see it live...
I've heard that sentiment too and I'll never understand it. A lot of men I've known throughout life only seem to listen to the types of music they do to come off as masculine to others. Who likes the hardest, heaviest metal? Who likes the most gangster rap? That's who's the coolest and toughest. I used to get made fun of all the time by my friends in college for liking funk, RnB, reggae, and some pop on top of all the rock and metal we all listened to
@@lepus6511 Unfortunately it is a thing. John Mayer had a talk in 2008 on Berkeley (its on TH-cam) where he said that after his song "daughters" that his label published against his wishes he had to do something so as not to get labeled as the sentimental ballad guy, he went and made the trio and I say thank god for that...
The Darkness and John Mayer are without a doubt my two favourite sources of musical delights. Though very different in what they produce, the musicality, melody and performance standards are in my opinion, some of the best out there! I can’t get enough of either of them! Hearing Justin speak so fondly of John Mayer is also music to my ears…would love to hear John’s thoughts on The Darkness, I’m sure he’d appreciate them too! How amazing would a collaboration be?! Make this happen Justin!!! Lots of love and a Merry Christmas to you sir! X
The live version of wild blue on the late show is phenomenal.
Agreed and aint no sunshine live
Especially before bed time, puts me to sleep
@@kippsguitar6539 or after a joint.
John Mayer is a phenomenal statesman for the guitar and all of it's facets! He's completely rehabilitated his ways and is humble and expressive and is a fantastic guy!
He’s a complete and utter genius. If you know you really know.
Complete? It's just entry level pentatonic soloing, he has great technique but it's dull as dishwasher and limited
@@kippsguitar6539 Your mistake is thinking a genius has to do something 'complicated' to be considered good.
💯
@@kippsguitar6539 man, you’re obsessed.
As a person who live and breathes music myself, your absolute passion for it is intoxicating. You really give a lot of respect, while also showing excitement to other artists. Extremely commendable.
Hands down my favourite artist. Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles is definitely worth a watch, it's absolutely spectacular! SO many good songs... SO many good solos. I'd probably say my favourite song is 'I guess I just feel like' and my favourite solo can be found in 'Belief'. What's everyone else's favourite songs and solos?
He is wonderfully talented and gifted. He’s not afraid to branch out into different genres and still stays true to himself.
He sounds just as amazing playing a pop tunes as he does playing blues with BB King to creating his own blues to playing with new musicians too.
He’s not afraid to try the most off the wall things. And it generally works.
He’s a master lyricist. He can put into words the exact emotions and thoughts that so many feel.
He never ceases to capture my emotions and articulate them.
I realize every one has their own opinions on music, but I feel when people say he’s not talented or he sucks it’s really just envy.
You can not be into someone and still recognize talent.
Wow I wish I had the guitar playing skills Justin has. Just listens to something and replicates is brilliantly. Not to mention presenting JHRA in an informative and most entertaining way. Wish he was my guitar teacher.
He’s good with the Grateful Dead, only time I’ve seen him live. I didn’t expect much, but was pleasantly surprised.
Yeah, I think John Mayer is the complete package. Great writer, singer and of course guitarist
Maybe when he gets past 4 chords, repetitive stuff
@@kippsguitar6539 I'm just curious, why do you shit on Mayer so much? What's with the intense hate? Genuinely asking.
@@kippsguitar6539 His first album in 2001 has the song St Patrick's Day with 31 chords. We get it, you don't like John. You've commented similar negativity on many other posts. Just know that you're wrong here.
@@KevisaVivose I'd hate to burst his bubble and let him know that the song he covers on his channel "Sloop John B" basically has 4 chords for the whole song lol. The guy is delusional
Spot on about the two musical personalities. I'm a huge fan of his blusey rocky stuff and some of his live performances are just on fire. He also tours with the remnants of the Greatful Dead, which is very cool. At the same time, he has a load of sugary pop songs that make me want to just rip my ears off my head.
I’m not a huge fan of his, especially the newer records that sound like compilation albums to me. But I definitely enjoy some of his songs here and there. What I really appreciate about him is that he refuses to stay in a box. He lets his music, his style, even his gear evolve, and it took him all the way from the cheesy acoustic pop rock of Your Body Is A Wonderland to a blues-infused 80s inspired upbeat Last Train Home. Lyrically, he’s quite a creative writer too.
Your Body Is A Wonderland is on the same album as 3x5. 2002 he played Covered In Rain. Sorry but it just urks me when people who don't like Pop stuff like Your Body assume that's all they did. I implore you to give his earlier stuff more of a chance
I'm not musician myself, but it's nice to see that "professionals" are learning from others as well. That kind of stuff (show in the video) could make your music even better for sure! This kind of videos bring musicians closer to normal people who got problems in their everyday work also.
I love The Darkness! Maybe I'll see you in Finland one day! Have a nice and relaxing Christmas!
Mayer is an incredible performer.
I drove to Austin, TX to see the statue of SRV there down by the river. It really brought a wave of emotion. I actually sat there and cried a while. Worth the trip,
Wow the take on different types of guitars and what it may mean to play them was beautiful. Completely agree that 'the fight' with an instrument (or any art form for that matter) is, for me, what makes it the most fun.
He’s so underrated by many. He’s a phenomenal player. Can take or leave some of his music, but as a player he’s truly something else.
Worth a nod - keyboard player is the legend himself, Greg Phillinganes. He was MJ’s keys/synth guy (he also MD’d the Bad tour) and co-wrote ‘don’t stop if you get enough’.
Oh yeah, and John Mayer is a genius!
Indeed. i was like "hey! I know that guy"
Oh, Justin, that jacket is gorgeous!
I couldn’t love your channel more, JDH! So entertaining AND educational. So cathartic an escape from all the 💩 in the world. You’ve motivated me to resume guitar lessons (after 40 years’ abstinence) and enrol in a music theory course. Love your work! ❤
His debut is fantastic. I also love “Still Feel Like Your Man.”