Imagine being called a "master guitar player" by Eric Clapton? I'd carry the link to this TH-cam video and give it to people all day, every day. Anyway. Yet another masterful interview by Santa Claus.
Eric Clapton is talking about John Mayer's technical guitar playing abilities. Anyone who's ever played guitar would consider that to be about the biggest compliment they could receive, and from a legend at that. I'll take Clapton's opinion over some fat guys on TH-cam any day of the week.
Fat guys can't play guitar? lol. I mean, I get your point about people on the internet, but I don't think weight determines one's ability or knowledge. I'm pretty fit and not overweight, but that probably was an unnecessary part of your trying to make a point. Friedman builds some of the best amps in the world and he's a heavy guy. BB King, Michael Romeo, Jerry Garcia, Elvis, Yngwie, Ed king and even Dime weren't exactly skinny guys. I mean the list goes on. Check out Johnny Hiland. And at one time, they would've been considered the "fat guy on the internet" if the the technology had existed then and prior to them making it in the music world. Some of the greatest guitarists to ever exist have and will die someday, unknowns.
@@HooksBill ok who is a better guitarist a example Yngwie could play anything clapton can play. But can clapton play Yngwie's music the answer .....''NO''..... ,someone is stuck in the pentatonic scale and will never learn anything more. I am not here to teach anyone anything but if you want to argue who is best at playing the pentatonic scale go ahead. ok just for the fat comment i will add this video of a fat guitarist that is one of the most advanced guitarists in the world that plays with a pick. ENJOY th-cam.com/video/2yfQN8-tVlQ/w-d-xo.html
+Ryan Beck It's not his talent that turns some of us off. It's his pseudo-intellectual way of pointing out the obvious. He strikes some of us as pretentious.
umm... he's probably a fan and hence responding to him as a player. There's countless idiots out there proclaiming he's overrated on guitar... probably for sentiments similar to yours which have nothing to do with the fact.
I used to see John Mayer as a pop artist and always hesitated listening to his music and certainly made fun when guitar world listed him as a great guitarist. But I grew out of the metal phase and started listening to music in every form and genre and John Mayer was a shocker to me. He's such a brilliant songwriter and a very very very good guitar player. There was a time when I used to think that anybody that does not shred 100 notes per minute isn't a great guitarist..lol
+Jon Samuel And when you start to learn John Mayer songs you realize what amazing nuance there is in his playing. He's a monster guitarist/song writer alright.
+Jon Samuel Same here. Whenever I would hear about John Mayer, I would always write him off as another pop-star. After I dropped my Metal, Jazz Fusion Elitist attitude and, like you, started listening to things outside of my preferred genres, I learned that there was so much more to John than I originally thought. His riffs and melodies are so beautiful and brilliant that I feel ashamed for bashing him without even giving him a chance. It's guys like John Mayer that teach me to never judge until I listen to their music.
John Mayer is a great guitarist. Even Clapton and B.B. acknowledged the man's great talent. Say what you want about the guy, but he has amazing songwriting skills and has done it all - pop, blues, soul, Americana, country - a total breath of fresh air in mainstream music today.
Clapton is a guitar god, especially in blues and rock. Mayer is the most versatile guitarist I've heard. He one of the few players that can pay Hendrix songs in the same unique style of Jimi Hendix. Mayer can can also play Grateful Dead songs in Garcia's unique style. Their styles are exceptionally unique and as opposite as it gets. Mayer also plays multiple musical genre's - country, blues, jazz, folk, funk, and rock (which is combination of several) - not just adequately but accurately and with a lot if emotion. .
How is that humbling? You need to look up what humbling means. What Clapton said about Mayer is exalting or honoring. Getting kicked in the nuts is humbling.
I saw John play live over a decade ago and he brought out some double headed 12 string beast and slayed it. I was so impressed and I’d tell people he was a phenomenal guitarist and they’d look at me sideways.
You gotta give credit where credit is due. That's the smart and mature way to be. John Mayer is a very talented and gifted musician. Some people may not like his style, but that is simply a matter of personal taste. John can write excellent pop songs that have mass appeal, sing well, and he plays guitar with authority and an excellent knowledge of the instrument. Those BB King style riffs he was playing were spot on, and he got a ringing endorsement from one of the most celebrated and legendary guitarists ever. If you don't like John Mayer, I can understand and respect that. But the dude is very talented. Anyone truly honest with themselves can acknowledge that. Peace.
John Mayer has been spoken about by many famous guitarists as a person who transcribed Interviews for a Guitar magazine, he is loved by his fellow guitar friends!~ He's a pure genius! Love his passion
Clapton doesn't hand out compliments like that too often. I saw all the initial love-in fawning over Mayer on the covers of People and Vanity Fair and MALE or whatever lol as I walked through the drugstores and airports and just tuned him out I guess. After really seriously listening to his blues and rock guitar playing (especially his recent playing with Dead & Company), I am blown away. Maybe the best electric guitarist so far this century or certainly in the running for such distinction. His self-admitted need for some ego-checking and gratitude has clearly affected him for the better as well.
So many people jump to criticise Mayer, classing his ability as inferior to that of other famous guitarists, before taking a moment to analyse what actually makes a great guitar player. For me, there are two components that are integral, and cannot be taught. You either have them, or you don't. Touch and feel. Touch is something that - in my mind at least - you can decipher from a guitarist playing just two or three notes. It's as given and determined as the shape of their little finger. Some people just have that natural ability to make any guitar note sound beautiful - on its own, unaided. John has that - in spades. Feel, in my mind, is working on the instrument to the point where the player has gotten its elasticity as natural as the voice of a great singer. There's no feeling stunted - the player understands rhythm and dynamics (the latter is so criminally overlooked) to the point that they can build and unbuild a phrase in a way that is effortlessly musical. I've always thought these two things are ingrained, and not taught or learned. Someone like John could think out that same guitar solo - probably even think it better than he can play it. When you analyse an experience in life where another human being communicated something to you that triggered a strong emotion, there was probably more to it than just the words he/she used. Pauses, delivery, dynamics, flow - coupled with the meaning of the words; the same is true of music. All these things are what the best musicians spend their time trying to emulate. Then you have technique - that's just the mechanical ability to know your instrument well enough to communicate the ideas in your head cleanly, without necessarily being overly sloppy etc. Technique comes with practice. Touch and feel are innate. Comparing John Mayer to certain other successful (unnamed) blues guitarists out there is to be impressed by technique and show, more than to be impressed by how elegantly an emotion is delivered to from heart to heart. John can do this without thinking. That's why it only took him an hour to cut those tracks, and that's why Eric has praised him so highly. It's an innate communication of notes through his guitar, into your ears and hearts - there is so little thought involved at this point, it becomes effortless. I don't even know where I'm going with this any more! Moral of the story - thank you, Eric. You hit the nail on the head in your appraisal of Mayer, and I know that anyone who's hearing and feeling the same thing listening to his music, can vouch for that, too.
"It's an innate communication of notes through his guitar, into your ears and hearts - there is so little thought involved at this point, it becomes effortless." That is the point when good guitarists become great guitarists. Clapton said of himself that when he is playing he can nearly lose consciousness. Another well known said he could see himself playing.
Finally someone who understands music (and guitar specifically) at a quality level. Give yourself some credit too for having the ability to discern good music (and guitar playing) from shitty ones!
Very kind torduc22 - guitar's my thing, and I love it so much when I hear someone like JM playing with soul, I always feel the need to show others just how great a player he is (along with many other greats). Nice to meet you! :)
What ever your taste may be (musically) you have to appreciate things for what they are.. Agree with Adam here in that it's not just being technically great, it's so much more and that those who capture it make it easy for us to know it's them playing even if its 2-3 notes. It doesn't matter to me what type of music it is (blues, classic rock, country, metal etc…) it's all about what the player brings that makes it uniquely theirs or shapes the sound of the band just so. We have all seen/been to shows where the band continues on w/a new guy and even though the new guy plays note for note to your favorites.. it isn't the same. That's where the emotional gets tied in, where no matter how hard the new guy tries you can't replace the innate thats linked to their experiences. … "it's my failure to sound like my heroes that makes me sound like myself" -John Mayer quote
John is the most complete musician of this generation. Phenomenal Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter. There are only a few people in the world that can boast that.
@@joaopolainas love Myles but imo hes not on Johns level lyrically and as a guitarist. Hes a better singer though I think. Mad respect for the guy though. No insult intended. Jmo.
I’ve always gotten the sense that Eric really couldn’t care less who you are by name but what you can do. You know when he praises an artist that he means it. Always respected him for that.
I sure hope John realizes what a compliment this is? Slowhand knows good blues guitar playing. I am glad they have a mutual respect and do work together now and then. Peace and Merry Christmas to everyone.
twas a bigger compliment than what Eddie Van Halen got from Clapton. Eddie was possibly a bigger Clapton fan. Poor dear. Clapton gave praise to so many young exceptional guitar players, all played the Blues.
Mayer is the most complete artist of this generation. He truly excels in every aspect of the profession. In truth he should be held in as high esteem as all the greats that have come before him.
@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_ The premise is “complete artist”, not mechanical guitar ability. Dave was the drummer for the band that started a new era.. one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen. Then went on to become the frontman/guitarist/singer/songwriter for the biggest band of the next era. As far as artists go, Dave has done a LOT, writing hit after hit is something you can’t teach. I know exceptional players who can’t write. You can’t teach creativity. Love John, love the way he plays, love his live music, his voice isn’t great but he uses it well and is unique to him.
@@samblack5313 I'm well aware of his accomplishments. I'm a drummer, that plays multiple instruments. I'm from San Diego, I've ton tons of work in la.. as a drummer Dave was avg. His best ability is singer songwriter. Don Henley alone outranks him.
@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_ Well, we all have opinions. Nothing wrong with that. I’m a muso myself. While I’ve always had huge respect for mechanical prowess and practice an unhealthy amount in pursuit of it, the ability to write is what makes you an artist. Mechanical ability and theory knowledge merely allows you to express your creativity to its full extent. No amount of theory or practice will gift you with creativity. I guess, for me, Dave has one of the most impressive bodies of work in the industry, (I say this as I sit here listening to CAFO by AAL 😂), is known for phenomenal live shows, and it all came from a garage.. One of my old band members describes him as a ‘hit machine’.
Mayer is one of the best guitarists of his generation and you don’t get a compliment like that from eric clapton unless you have really impressed him. high praise indeed
As shocking as this may sound, people are allowed to appreciate music...and even have their favorite musicians and bands, and you are not required to agree with their subjective opinions. ...it doesn't have to have anything to do with musicianship. If only musicians bought music, went to concerts, there would be no music industry because there wouldn't be enough money in it.
@@le_th_ Taste and quality aren't the same thing. Mayer is quality guitarist, but his style might not be to the liking of some people, and shouldn't give them the "right" to hate on him or discredit him in any way.
@@AbdelhamidZekri91 Yes, of course, they aren't the same thing. Mayer is an accomplished guitarist, and I actually am one of the people who very much like his style of playing. However, he is an almost insufferable human being whose personality is, at time, nauseating. So, as a human being, I dislike his behavior and public comments. Finding out he's such a prick has really made it incredibly difficult to listen to his music. I can still remember walking through Central Park one autumn night back in 2013. I recognized it was Mayer on stage right away (several artists were playing), and as he was closing his show he was saying to the audience, "thank you for giving me another chance" and "I know I've said and done some really dumb things" and all I could think as he was saying these mea culpas is how very empty and meaningless the apology sounded. Sure, he said the words, probably because a publicist told him he had to clean up his act and his reputation, but I honestly don't think he had any idea what the words he was saying meant. I can understand why some people hate on him so much, not so much his musicianship, but for just being an insufferably shallow and (seemingly) hollow person. This is a YT clip for the last song of that performance where the person recording even edited his apology out, BUT you can hear him begin to thank the audience and tell him how great it is to be there and, although Mayer continued to play for another 10 minutes or so as he was offering his apology, t the person posting the video cut all the nauseating, empty BS out before they posted this. th-cam.com/video/rWqrxXeYG88/w-d-xo.html I once heard David Lee Roth say that if you take a guitar out of Eddie Van Halen's hands you have a fairly unlikable person. I'm toning down what Ross said slightly (and he wasn't bitter or malicious in his tone at all as he said it, more matter of fact). I think a similar statement could be made about John Mayer, as well. Mayer is lacking the social skills that many narcissists lack, and that is what makes some of them so distasteful and difficult to tolerate when they're not playing.
@@le_th_ Can you elaborate on that "insufferable human being whose personality is , at time, nauseating"? What are you basing this on? Are you going off a few comments that were taken out of context by tabloids? Are you repeating stuff you have heard on forums without verifying or knowing the whole story? I don't ask to be difficult. I ask because this kind of thing is so common. As the audience, we sometimes forget that famous actors, musicians, and other similar celebrities are held to wildly unrealistic standards and one comment (often taken entirely out of context for the sake of click-bait articles) can loom over their reputation like a shadow for years. I am aware of the controversy surrounding Mayer's "behavior" and when I actually looked into it (and not just the hyperbole on forums/social media and click-bait articles by online tabloids), I didn't really see anything that warranted such a strong response. He has said some stupid stuff but when taken in context, none of it was so bad that it paints him as a bad person. Likewise. I get the impression that his "bad behavior" is often based more on tabloid relationship drama than reality. I guess what I am saying here is that it is important to keep perspective. We are all human and sometimes we say the wrong thing. Most of us have the benefit of not being a celebrity and as such, we can get away with saying the wrong thing without some person on the internet judging our entire personality and being on that one stupid thing we said. Mayer (like any other celebrity) is human and just like you and me, he doesn't always say or do the most correct, most perfect thing. In my digging, I couldn't really find any situation where he did something truly bad enough to warrant your strong opinion but I did see a lot of people making assumptions based on misinformation and hyperbole. Maybe that is something you should think about.
Ive been a fan of John for about 2 years now, but i just went to my first concert if his in Houston. Hes really amazing in how hes able to rip a solo on every song, well said by Eric Clapton. Hes a master.
Well I can't speak for all of you but I don't hold a candle to either John or Eric.. I think they are both phenomenal. Glad to see a great like Clapton recognize.
Eric Clapton got me into blues like Kirk Hammett got me into Metal. I don't hold a candle to either Kirk or Eric but I still appreciate them. John Mayer is good, but he's at the point of his career where he doesn't try anymore. I don't listen to his new music, I just watch his shows now since he still plays guitar live and still sounds really good.
Man are you ever wrong about john mayer not trying anymore... in the last 5 years hes worked so hard to learn jerry garcias style. And jerry is a legend in his own right. A guitar legend who many many have tried to immitate since, and it is difficult but john mayer pulls it off
The one thing I like about Johnny Boy is when I listen to his CD's his playing fits the songs... It is not all about flash. The colors he uses are very nice and sometimes done so well one doesn't even realize all of the guitar work in a track... I will also say he is a very good lyricist. That said, I have no plans on following him on twitter...
He wasn’t on my radar whatsoever for years. I was first drawn in by the song age of worry. That whole born and raised album was great, but I still didn’t know how good he was just as a pure guitarist until I saw his cover of voodoo child. It absolutely blew my mind. Since then I’ve been scouring the internet for more of his solos because for gods sake he still insists on being a “singer songwriter” instead of just playing guitar like a god. I honestly think he’s one of the greatest if not the greatest of all time
He constantly talks about how his playing is just stealing from other artists, rarely acknowledging his own talent. His ego likely comes from deep rooted self consciousness which tells me Clapton is likely right.
Both are really gifted guitarists Clapton is in a league by himself and very few and John is really good at what he does and its awesome that Clapton recognizes this.
Been playing for years, clapton is a genius and he is just great. I personally don't like John Mayer's music but he can really play the guitar. I put him in the box with yngwie, dimebag, buckethead, lynch, vai and many other guitarists that I do not like their music, still they can fucking play and you can't deny that.
Icon... Eric Clapton. ..and he gives praise...2 many in the buisness.. Ive watched an interview...and Eric ..when asked by interviewer, .how does it feel 2 be best guitarist. .ASK PRINCE.. and that people... should know...just how underated. ..prince is.... I didn't know myself.... just how amazing prince played .. David Gilmour. ..is an icon of all time too...he also...spoke highly..of prince's. .guitar playing....love to see the best of the all times Give praise..2 fellow musicians...
There it is John. You know you’ve made your stamp when the legend himself is calling you a master! There’s not much more to accomplish at this point except to just keep doing what you do!
I just saw John play in Sacramento a few days ago, was left with a completely new appreciation for his music! I have always loved his music, but watching him live really gives you much more of an insight into the music legend this guy really is! So unbelievably talented!
To the people saying that this doesn't mean anything, or that Eric Clapton himself is bad compared to the other "great guitarists", how the fuck does that mean that Eric can't recognise pure talent. The man is considered to be up there with best, and even if you don't somehow find him a good guitarists compared to your own biased opinions, he can still see when someone is good at the guitar.
You sons need to check out John Mayer's work on the John Mayer Trio album called Try. Dude kills it on multiple tracks. Check out his solo on Wait til Tomorrow.
People based his skills on his old catchy pop songs. His CDs are far more complex than what is being released out on the radio. And seeing and hearing him live is really something else. He’s definitely one of the greatest guitarists of this current time. It’s too bad people only know him for his old pop songs. He’s really grown as an artist.
It's funny 'cause songs like clarity, you're body is a wonderland or no such thing are really complex, something that you don't find in pop songs. Even if he writes a song with only 4 common chords there's always some trick
If the man himself said it, I believe it. Clapton got to be one best blocks out there. There was a time that he was constantly buying guitars as gifts for his other star buddies
If John Mayer was transported and lived in the 70s-80s during the height of blues, he would be at the top with Eric himself, and other legends like SRV, or B.B King. Even nowadays, if he'd sticked to just strictly playing blues, he would be regarded as one the best. It's just that John plays a lot of pop in his music. So people undermine him as just some other pop artist that can play the guitar. Though it's definitely not a negative, certainly not for John himself. If he's just made blues since the start of his career, he would've been a nobody. Maybe if he wrote a blues hit, which is very unlikely, he would've just been a really good guitarist, that just tours around the states for a bit. Not selling out shows over the globe, and playing with the legends. But, all in all, John is undoubtedly one of the best guitarists to ever live. Take it from Eric fucking Clapton.
Martin Anthonio16 that’s why Continuum is By Far his best album and One of my favorite albums ever (across all genres) Cuz even tho yes it’s still overall Pop it’s still the Most Bluesy Soul Album that he has. Like I can listen to The Guitar on Gravity and Slow dancing in a burning room all day.
Been a big fan of Mayer as a guitar player for years... he has that great balance of musicality/technicality... He usually plays his guitar to add/compliment the song rather than making the guitar playing overpowering and the song secondary... it's a fine line that not many guitar players get quite right IMO.. it must be hard when your a virtuoso player to not overplay on a song
One would think that and an endorsement of this type from a legendary guitar player like Eric Clapton would silence a few of the John Mayer critics, most of who know absolutely "NOTHING" about music composure & composition and what complex guitar arrangements Mayer is capable of playing. As a writer/ composer I can assure anyone that for Mayer to go in and play three J.J. Cale songs for recording in an hour, as Clapton remarks he's a Master, he really doesn't know how good he is.....neither do his detractors....Peace!
Its not his technical abilities that people have a problem with. On the contrary he is a really good guitarist. But dont use your own failed music career as an excuse to push Mayers songwriting to some guitargod status. I cant remember even one of his songs. They are mindnumbing softpop pieces that shines like a polished turd in a sea of musical garbage. Have you ever met a session guitarist for real? Someone who can sightread almost anything or even better yet hardly knows any theory yet they just play everything they hear by ear in an instant? Because i have seen it and Mayer wouldnt last a second if he got out of his comfort zone. Id like to see Mayer go from Blackbird to Zappa to Pagannini and then finish off with some megadeth.
@@Barbro247 Why would he? What's more. What worthwhile point would that really prove? Guitar playing (and music by extension) isn't a competitive sport. It isn't this thing that you do so that you can be "better" than the other person. There are obviously going to be musicians that jump into the technique/knowledge side of things in a much more focused manner (Steve Vai or Zappa for example) but I think it goes without saying that Vai doesn't sit around writing comments about how some other guitarist isn't as good as him just because they play acoustic folk, blues, or some other less technically demanding genre. He is a adult and is capable of seeing music as a product of art and feeling rather than as some stupid competitive sport where your favorite artist has to be better than someone else's. It says something that whenever you see famous guitarists hang out together, they are often quite good natured about it and don't just sit there and childishly accuse those around them of not being as good. Maybe you should take some lessons from that...
Shouting out from 2022, John is also 'The Man' and the 'The King' all of which is equally shared with Eric, of course! Twin masters and twin Kings forever ❣❣🌟🌟👑👑👑
Well for the record, I would love to be able to play like either John or Eric, and I’m fully aware of how much I do suck at guitar. But I’m enjoying learning more and more, been playing but a few years. I started playing in my mid 40s, better late than never.
Hysterical that 90% of the commenters believe that their opinion is more valid than Eric Clapton's in regards to another's guitar playing. When you get 1/4 of the way to what Clapton can do, then maybe you can comment and disagree. That said, you haters have your own issues going on which is another story. Insecurities, immaturity, lumping john Mayer's personal life in with his guitar playing (if you thought he was a cool dude with no ego, you'd act like he was amazing, which he is). Check yourself if you are hating. Even more so if you are starting to hate on Clapton because of his thoughts on Mayer. He has a right to make judgements like he did. You haters, Prob not so much. You are entitled to an opinion. Does that make it valid. Hell no. Whether you like it or not, John Mayer's talent (not shredding, but over all musicality as a guitar player) is up there with all of the greets. Satch and guys like him are unparalleled as well, but very different. And, who has more people listening at the end of the day? Good music makes people listen to it. So, if you don't think he is good, you are disagreeing with millions of people who like good music. Or, are those millions of people shit heads too? If you truly aren't aware of John's talent, TH-cam "where he light is" as others have said. Watch 10 min of it and then you'll have more of a right to have an opinion that could be taken seriously. Btw, don't forget that you don't have to like someone's musical style or taste in order to realize their talent. Ugh, haters...pick up a self help book when you get a chance and work on those insecurities.
Fuck you Clapton and John. Talent?? Ok they have talent. But their horse is way too fuckin high. People have their options. Ever heard of Overrated players?? Well that's my opinion. Cream was great along with some stuff with George Harrison but give it a rest you dick head.
Absolutely the top of the top, the cream delah Cream! The greatest whole hearted compliment that I have heard in all my Days! Mr. Mayer, you are most deserving of this monumental validation from one of the greatest amongst the Greats! We all stand on shoulders of Giants...
Hugo Nongbri It took me a few hours to learn how to play it at 1/4 speed. I’ve spent the last month practicing it religiously and can still only play it at half speed if I want it perfectly clean with no errors. Realistically, I probably won’t get it down clean at full speed for another month or two. It normally never takes me more than a few days to learn a song! John Mayer is fuckin nuts writing songs like neon and being able to sing over them live without any errors 😭
@@Flipmusic5 I am not Michael Wayne but if you want to learn NEON try learning Belief and Why Georgia first. They will help you grasp neon better. If you already know these two songs (Belief is pretty easy, same for why Georgia but that pinky part is somewhat intermediary) then grab your guitar and start learning neon.
I remember a few years ago I mentioned at a party that I thought that John Mayer was comparable to SRV and other great guitarists. One of the guys in the little circle laughed right in my face and said I was crazy. Good to know Clapton of all people agrees with my assessment.
Not even in the same ball park as SRV still great in his own right but not comparable I've seen both live and SRV was just to damn good but that's my opinion and like assholes we all have them.
@@davehendricks7023 . Not even in the same ballpark? john Mayer is arguably better than SRV (huge fan of both btw). both SRV and JM are virtuosos - JM is just more versatile in his music knowledge.
I couldn’t wait to see the comment section after I watched this. 😆 I knew exactly what I was gonna find. It gets a little harder to say a guy sucks when an undeniable guitar god proclaims him a master. It just makes all the JM haters sound even more petty.😆 Oh I so love this😆🎸🎸🎸
Watching John tour with Dead and Co last summer opened my eyes to the true genius of John Mayer. I'd been watching him play those songs for a few summers, but what happened in 2023 was an entirely different level. Especially tracks like Standing on the Moon and Terrapin Station. He's a gifted, gifted man, that breathed new life into those old favorites. John needs to be protected at all costs.
You've got it all wrong, Yngwie Malmsteen is a superb guitar player and composer. He can blend all styles of music, blues, jazz, classical, rock, heavy metal, there isn't one style in the book that Malmsteen hasn't covered and pulled it off with exceptional brilliance!! That's why Yngwie Malmsteen, we call him the "Maestro"!! If you don't like Yngwie Malmsteen, perhaps neo-classical rock is too complex and sophisticated for you??
Couldn't have said it any better! He seems to be a talented man, but minor arpeggios at break neck speeds get old after two minutes tops. He's stuck in one category of 80's shred rock hahaha
I believe that. Grew up with Clapton, Page, Beck, Hendrix, etc. Mayer is a freak of nature. He was 26 or so when Continuum came out. He shut my mouth with that one. Crushingly good. Such interesting times. Mayer, Paisley, Gill, Urban - this is a golden age no doubt.
I care if you like him or not. Also, I like 3 or 4 of his songs, the rest I could do without. You can appreciate how amazing someone is buy still not love it. I think the same about the Doors and Led Zep
I recently attended John mayer at the 3 arena in Dublin. I am an avid music fan but would not have called myself a big fan of John mayer but enjoyed some of his music, What I didn't know about the man was his ability on the guitar, A week has passed now and I'm still in awe of his gift, And I have seen so many artists this year ranging from Chris Stapleton to the Eagles and he is hands down the best musician I've seen to date! Absolute genius, can't wait for the next time he is here!
Brendan walsh Mayer is great, but better than the Eagles(whole group combined)? Lol. Might as well say he's better than led Zeppelin or pink floyd while you're at it. Eagles are immaculate and perfect in every way live, every member is insanely skilled musicians in their own right. The one thing that Mayer lacks is his voice is not as versatile and he cannot sing higher notes.. Eagles can all sing too..
I think too many people confuse preference with talent. Not liking a person doesn't mean they aren't talented. John Mayer is very talented. That's a fact not an opinion. Not liking (having preference for) his style, voice, or song writing does not mean he's not talented. Pitbull, Brittany Spears, Eric Clapton, Tool, Metallica, Bonnie Rait, on and on all have tons of talent, which is why they are where they are. I don't care for several of those I listed, but won't be so naive as to say "they suck."
No. You put together a video of you freestyling and do it better. You can do it better than pitbull right? I mean he's only there because...he was chosen? Slept his way to the top? He has a talent. You not liking his personality or type of rap doesn't change that. Sorry bud
***** Come on dude... Isn't that obvious that the other guy is right nd you're wrong? Start by not calling people "kid" to upset them like you're a big brother trying to piss off his little bother... It's childish.
+skinsman82000 that's actually not true. Put an acoustic guitar in front of her I'll bet you any sum of money she will outperform thousands of would be songwriters crawling all over bars and coffee shops.
I bet John Mayer watches this every night before bed
Nanika lol
I would.
x2
I do it
Lmao wouldn't be surprised
Imagine being called a "master guitar player" by Eric Clapton? I'd carry the link to this TH-cam video and give it to people all day, every day. Anyway. Yet another masterful interview by Santa Claus.
+James Ash
i would put the link on a business card or something
Santa Claus hahahaha
James Ash LOL
hahahahahhahahahahhaahhaaha
This may be my favorite youtube comment
Eric Clapton is talking about John Mayer's technical guitar playing abilities. Anyone who's ever played guitar would consider that to be about the biggest compliment they could receive, and from a legend at that. I'll take Clapton's opinion over some fat guys on TH-cam any day of the week.
@Jerry Thomas nahhh
Wow you done said (Fat People on the internet)what I never had the stones to. That is whats were dealing with.
Fat guys can't play guitar? lol. I mean, I get your point about people on the internet, but I don't think weight determines one's ability or knowledge. I'm pretty fit and not overweight, but that probably was an unnecessary part of your trying to make a point. Friedman builds some of the best amps in the world and he's a heavy guy. BB King, Michael Romeo, Jerry Garcia, Elvis, Yngwie, Ed king and even Dime weren't exactly skinny guys. I mean the list goes on. Check out Johnny Hiland. And at one time, they would've been considered the "fat guy on the internet" if the the technology had existed then and prior to them making it in the music world. Some of the greatest guitarists to ever exist have and will die someday, unknowns.
@@HooksBill ok who is a better guitarist a example Yngwie could play anything clapton can play. But can clapton play Yngwie's music the answer .....''NO''..... ,someone is stuck in the pentatonic scale and will never learn anything more. I am not here to teach anyone anything but if you want to argue who is best at playing the pentatonic scale go ahead.
ok just for the fat comment i will add this video of a fat guitarist
that is one of the most advanced guitarists in the world that plays with a pick. ENJOY th-cam.com/video/2yfQN8-tVlQ/w-d-xo.html
take advice from this fat guy th-cam.com/video/2yfQN8-tVlQ/w-d-xo.html
There you go John Mayer haters. One of the blues legends said it himself.
+Ryan Beck It's not his talent that turns some of us off. It's his pseudo-intellectual way of pointing out the obvious. He strikes some of us as pretentious.
+JGPorcello he just has an ego problem but when he talks, you can actually get a lot of things
umm... he's probably a fan and hence responding to him as a player. There's countless idiots out there proclaiming he's overrated on guitar... probably for sentiments similar to yours which have nothing to do with the fact.
No one can argue John Mayer is a bad guitarist - he can play quite well.
hater is such a stupid and immature word to use
I used to see John Mayer as a pop artist and always hesitated listening to his music and certainly made fun when guitar world listed him as a great guitarist. But I grew out of the metal phase and started listening to music in every form and genre and John Mayer was a shocker to me. He's such a brilliant songwriter and a very very very good guitar player. There was a time when I used to think that anybody that does not shred 100 notes per minute isn't a great guitarist..lol
+Jon Samuel I think you and I are the same person. I had the exact same thing to me!
+Jon Samuel And when you start to learn John Mayer songs you realize what amazing nuance there is in his playing. He's a monster guitarist/song writer alright.
+Maafa 1619 Wow, so mature, much classy, wow :)))
+Jon Samuel Same here. Whenever I would hear about John Mayer, I would always write him off as another pop-star. After I dropped my Metal, Jazz Fusion Elitist attitude and, like you, started listening to things outside of my preferred genres, I learned that there was so much more to John than I originally thought. His riffs and melodies are so beautiful and brilliant that I feel ashamed for bashing him without even giving him a chance. It's guys like John Mayer that teach me to never judge until I listen to their music.
+Jon Samuel John Mayer is not a master. He's overrated.
John mayer was so good at his craft that Santa Claus himself came down to interview Eric Clapton about it.
Take this W and the upvote
🤣🤣🤣
😂😂😂😂
I laughed out loud after reading that 🤣🤣🤣
How nice of the uploader to provide absolutely zero fucking context. Who is the interviewer? Just a small point, I guess. Unimportant.
"[John Mayer is] extremely gifted. His facility is phenomenal. He is a master. I don't think he even knows how good he is." - Eric Clapton.
Stephanie L Perfectly said
Oh trust me. John knows how good he is lol
@@clayallen4354 Indeed, any guitarist who hasn't got poo in his ears knows how good John Mayer is.
He doesnt..Hes a naturalist....; )Love watching him.....He could play guitar with his ties; )
Wow Stephanie. You're gorgeous. Can I take you out sometime?
Mayer is unbelievable. One of the best I’ve ever heard live.
John Mayer is a great guitarist. Even Clapton and B.B. acknowledged the man's great talent. Say what you want about the guy, but he has amazing songwriting skills and has done it all - pop, blues, soul, Americana, country - a total breath of fresh air in mainstream music today.
Clapton and B.B. King? Come on What do they know about Blues?
And he is good friends with Dave Chappelle! :)
Johan Er LMAO! Love that barber shop scene with Questlove!!
@@Bluesman78 here is some brilliant dude brings up something from over a decade ago...
Michael Saindon you're dumb as shit
Eric Clapton says he is a master.. now that is humbling.
Clapton is a guitar god, especially in blues and rock. Mayer is the most versatile guitarist I've heard. He one of the few players that can pay Hendrix songs in the same unique style of Jimi Hendix. Mayer can can also play Grateful Dead songs in Garcia's unique style. Their styles are exceptionally unique and as opposite as it gets. Mayer also plays multiple musical genre's - country, blues, jazz, folk, funk, and rock (which is combination of several) - not just adequately but accurately and with a lot if emotion. .
Ronald Raygun either trolling or ignorant
Courson John is incredibly underrated guitarist
How is that humbling? You need to look up what humbling means. What Clapton said about Mayer is exalting or honoring. Getting kicked in the nuts is humbling.
@@guitarplayer2846 Guthrie Govan...
I saw John play live over a decade ago and he brought out some double headed 12 string beast and slayed it. I was so impressed and I’d tell people he was a phenomenal guitarist and they’d look at me sideways.
Now I can say Eric Clapton agrees. 😁
The double necked Gibson.
You gotta give credit where credit is due. That's the smart and mature way to be. John Mayer is a very talented and gifted musician. Some people may not like his style, but that is simply a matter of personal taste. John can write excellent pop songs that have mass appeal, sing well, and he plays guitar with authority and an excellent knowledge of the instrument. Those BB King style riffs he was playing were spot on, and he got a ringing endorsement from one of the most celebrated and legendary guitarists ever. If you don't like John Mayer, I can understand and respect that. But the dude is very talented. Anyone truly honest with themselves can acknowledge that. Peace.
“I don’t think he even knows how great he is” what an amazing thing to hear from an artist like CLAPTON. Wow.
Oh he KNOWS, in fact his big ego was making the guys in the Dead disgusted after he got puffed into a "star".
John Mayer has been spoken about by many famous guitarists as a person who transcribed Interviews for a Guitar magazine, he is loved by his fellow guitar friends!~ He's a pure genius! Love his passion
Clapton doesn't hand out compliments like that too often. I saw all the initial love-in fawning over Mayer on the covers of People and Vanity Fair and MALE or whatever lol as I walked through the drugstores and airports and just tuned him out I guess. After really seriously listening to his blues and rock guitar playing (especially his recent playing with Dead & Company), I am blown away. Maybe the best electric guitarist so far this century or certainly in the running for such distinction. His self-admitted need for some ego-checking and gratitude has clearly affected him for the better as well.
In
The Dead made him grow up I think. He's so good with them and filling Jerry's shoes is no small feat.
You ever heard Eric Gales?
Clapton is a humble man in all his fame. Many are not.
@@redgrapeskins No he is humble in his own person. He learned that from quitting drugs.
If clapton says you are a master on a guitar, that is the moment where you can say to your mom: "I have made it mom!"
So many people jump to criticise Mayer, classing his ability as inferior to that of other famous guitarists, before taking a moment to analyse what actually makes a great guitar player. For me, there are two components that are integral, and cannot be taught. You either have them, or you don't. Touch and feel. Touch is something that - in my mind at least - you can decipher from a guitarist playing just two or three notes. It's as given and determined as the shape of their little finger. Some people just have that natural ability to make any guitar note sound beautiful - on its own, unaided. John has that - in spades. Feel, in my mind, is working on the instrument to the point where the player has gotten its elasticity as natural as the voice of a great singer. There's no feeling stunted - the player understands rhythm and dynamics (the latter is so criminally overlooked) to the point that they can build and unbuild a phrase in a way that is effortlessly musical. I've always thought these two things are ingrained, and not taught or learned. Someone like John could think out that same guitar solo - probably even think it better than he can play it. When you analyse an experience in life where another human being communicated something to you that triggered a strong emotion, there was probably more to it than just the words he/she used. Pauses, delivery, dynamics, flow - coupled with the meaning of the words; the same is true of music. All these things are what the best musicians spend their time trying to emulate. Then you have technique - that's just the mechanical ability to know your instrument well enough to communicate the ideas in your head cleanly, without necessarily being overly sloppy etc. Technique comes with practice. Touch and feel are innate. Comparing John Mayer to certain other successful (unnamed) blues guitarists out there is to be impressed by technique and show, more than to be impressed by how elegantly an emotion is delivered to from heart to heart. John can do this without thinking. That's why it only took him an hour to cut those tracks, and that's why Eric has praised him so highly. It's an innate communication of notes through his guitar, into your ears and hearts - there is so little thought involved at this point, it becomes effortless. I don't even know where I'm going with this any more! Moral of the story - thank you, Eric. You hit the nail on the head in your appraisal of Mayer, and I know that anyone who's hearing and feeling the same thing listening to his music, can vouch for that, too.
"It's an innate communication of notes through his guitar, into your ears and hearts - there is so little thought involved at this point, it becomes effortless."
That is the point when good guitarists become great guitarists. Clapton said of himself that when he is playing he can nearly lose consciousness. Another well known said he could see himself playing.
Exactly! It's the trait of a great musician, in general. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this!
Finally someone who understands music (and guitar specifically) at a quality level. Give yourself some credit too for having the ability to discern good music (and guitar playing) from shitty ones!
Very kind torduc22 - guitar's my thing, and I love it so much when I hear someone like JM playing with soul, I always feel the need to show others just how great a player he is (along with many other greats). Nice to meet you! :)
What ever your taste may be (musically) you have to appreciate things for what they are.. Agree with Adam here in that it's not just being technically great, it's so much more and that those who capture it make it easy for us to know it's them playing even if its 2-3 notes. It doesn't matter to me what type of music it is (blues, classic rock, country, metal etc…) it's all about what the player brings that makes it uniquely theirs or shapes the sound of the band just so. We have all seen/been to shows where the band continues on w/a new guy and even though the new guy plays note for note to your favorites.. it isn't the same. That's where the emotional gets tied in, where no matter how hard the new guy tries you can't replace the innate thats linked to their experiences. … "it's my failure to sound like my heroes that makes me sound like myself" -John Mayer quote
The way he picked up all the Dead tunes and his ability to channel Jerry but still himself at the same time is amazing really
John Mayer is truly phenomenal. Can’t say I sit down and listen to his work regularly, but you’ve got to recognise how talented he is.
John is the most complete musician of this generation. Phenomenal Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter. There are only a few people in the world that can boast that.
But he's very much underrated guitarist, what a pity!
You should check Myles Kennedy! On a whole other level
you just too lazy mate, there are lots of multi-instrumentalist song writers that don't write generic modern pop songs
@@RK-lq2ud you're obviously to lazy to properly listen to John to realise that generic modern pop songs isn't all that he can do.
@@joaopolainas love Myles but imo hes not on Johns level lyrically and as a guitarist. Hes a better singer though I think. Mad respect for the guy though. No insult intended. Jmo.
That Leon Russell performance is my my all time favorite John moment. So tasteful and emotional and just damn good!
I’m vindicated in my statement 20 years ago that JM is a supreme guitarist. Thanks Slowhand.
I love Eric when he sits on a chair and plays acoustic. He outstanding...
Its like Continuum launched Mayer to a new level. His ability is phenomenal
I’ve always gotten the sense that Eric really couldn’t care less who you are by name but what you can do. You know when he praises an artist that he means it. Always respected him for that.
I sure hope John realizes what a compliment this is? Slowhand knows good blues guitar playing. I am glad they have a mutual respect and do work together now and then. Peace and Merry Christmas to everyone.
twas a bigger compliment than what Eddie Van Halen got from Clapton. Eddie was possibly a bigger Clapton fan. Poor dear. Clapton gave praise to so many young exceptional guitar players, all played the Blues.
Just go watch his live performance of "A'int No Sunshine" with the Trio. John Mayer is brilliant!
Yes ! "I don't need no doctor" as well, they're one of the best live performances out there, he truly expresses himself effortlessly.
Mayer is the most complete artist of this generation. He truly excels in every aspect of the profession. In truth he should be held in as high esteem as all the greats that have come before him.
Grohl
@@samblack5313 Grohl is sick but he is nowhere near the guitar player as John.
@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_
The premise is “complete artist”, not mechanical guitar ability.
Dave was the drummer for the band that started a new era.. one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen. Then went on to become the frontman/guitarist/singer/songwriter for the biggest band of the next era.
As far as artists go, Dave has done a LOT, writing hit after hit is something you can’t teach. I know exceptional players who can’t write. You can’t teach creativity.
Love John, love the way he plays, love his live music, his voice isn’t great but he uses it well and is unique to him.
@@samblack5313 I'm well aware of his accomplishments. I'm a drummer, that plays multiple instruments. I'm from San Diego, I've ton tons of work in la.. as a drummer Dave was avg. His best ability is singer songwriter. Don Henley alone outranks him.
@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_
Well, we all have opinions. Nothing wrong with that. I’m a muso myself. While I’ve always had huge respect for mechanical prowess and practice an unhealthy amount in pursuit of it, the ability to write is what makes you an artist.
Mechanical ability and theory knowledge merely allows you to express your creativity to its full extent. No amount of theory or practice will gift you with creativity.
I guess, for me, Dave has one of the most impressive bodies of work in the industry, (I say this as I sit here listening to CAFO by AAL 😂), is known for phenomenal live shows, and it all came from a garage..
One of my old band members describes him as a ‘hit machine’.
Mayer is one of the best guitarists of his generation and you don’t get a compliment like that from eric clapton unless you have really impressed him. high praise indeed
I love how the people commenting hate on Clapton and Mayer are people who are way better musicians than both of them... Oh wait.
As shocking as this may sound, people are allowed to appreciate music...and even have their favorite musicians and bands, and you are not required to agree with their subjective opinions.
...it doesn't have to have anything to do with musicianship.
If only musicians bought music, went to concerts, there would be no music industry because there wouldn't be enough money in it.
@@le_th_ Taste and quality aren't the same thing. Mayer is quality guitarist, but his style might not be to the liking of some people, and shouldn't give them the "right" to hate on him or discredit him in any way.
@@AbdelhamidZekri91 Yes, of course, they aren't the same thing. Mayer is an accomplished guitarist, and I actually am one of the people who very much like his style of playing. However, he is an almost insufferable human being whose personality is, at time, nauseating. So, as a human being, I dislike his behavior and public comments. Finding out he's such a prick has really made it incredibly difficult to listen to his music.
I can still remember walking through Central Park one autumn night back in 2013. I recognized it was Mayer on stage right away (several artists were playing), and as he was closing his show he was saying to the audience, "thank you for giving me another chance" and "I know I've said and done some really dumb things" and all I could think as he was saying these mea culpas is how very empty and meaningless the apology sounded. Sure, he said the words, probably because a publicist told him he had to clean up his act and his reputation, but I honestly don't think he had any idea what the words he was saying meant.
I can understand why some people hate on him so much, not so much his musicianship, but for just being an insufferably shallow and (seemingly) hollow person.
This is a YT clip for the last song of that performance where the person recording even edited his apology out, BUT you can hear him begin to thank the audience and tell him how great it is to be there and, although Mayer continued to play for another 10 minutes or so as he was offering his apology, t the person posting the video cut all the nauseating, empty BS out before they posted this. th-cam.com/video/rWqrxXeYG88/w-d-xo.html
I once heard David Lee Roth say that if you take a guitar out of Eddie Van Halen's hands you have a fairly unlikable person. I'm toning down what Ross said slightly (and he wasn't bitter or malicious in his tone at all as he said it, more matter of fact). I think a similar statement could be made about John Mayer, as well. Mayer is lacking the social skills that many narcissists lack, and that is what makes some of them so distasteful and difficult to tolerate when they're not playing.
@@le_th_ Can you elaborate on that "insufferable human being whose personality is , at time, nauseating"? What are you basing this on? Are you going off a few comments that were taken out of context by tabloids? Are you repeating stuff you have heard on forums without verifying or knowing the whole story?
I don't ask to be difficult. I ask because this kind of thing is so common. As the audience, we sometimes forget that famous actors, musicians, and other similar celebrities are held to wildly unrealistic standards and one comment (often taken entirely out of context for the sake of click-bait articles) can loom over their reputation like a shadow for years. I am aware of the controversy surrounding Mayer's "behavior" and when I actually looked into it (and not just the hyperbole on forums/social media and click-bait articles by online tabloids), I didn't really see anything that warranted such a strong response. He has said some stupid stuff but when taken in context, none of it was so bad that it paints him as a bad person. Likewise. I get the impression that his "bad behavior" is often based more on tabloid relationship drama than reality.
I guess what I am saying here is that it is important to keep perspective. We are all human and sometimes we say the wrong thing. Most of us have the benefit of not being a celebrity and as such, we can get away with saying the wrong thing without some person on the internet judging our entire personality and being on that one stupid thing we said. Mayer (like any other celebrity) is human and just like you and me, he doesn't always say or do the most correct, most perfect thing. In my digging, I couldn't really find any situation where he did something truly bad enough to warrant your strong opinion but I did see a lot of people making assumptions based on misinformation and hyperbole. Maybe that is something you should think about.
Eric's a gentleman- always ready to step aside for others to play. Not an ego show- total class.
Ive been a fan of John for about 2 years now, but i just went to my first concert if his in Houston. Hes really amazing in how hes able to rip a solo on every song, well said by Eric Clapton. Hes a master.
Eric Clapton would be such a nice guy to talk to.
Well I can't speak for all of you but I don't hold a candle to either John or Eric.. I think they are both phenomenal. Glad to see a great like Clapton recognize.
Eric Clapton got me into blues like Kirk Hammett got me into Metal.
I don't hold a candle to either Kirk or Eric but I still appreciate them.
John Mayer is good, but he's at the point of his career where he doesn't try anymore. I don't listen to his new music, I just watch his shows now since he still plays guitar live and still sounds really good.
Man are you ever wrong about john mayer not trying anymore... in the last 5 years hes worked so hard to learn jerry garcias style. And jerry is a legend in his own right. A guitar legend who many many have tried to immitate since, and it is difficult but john mayer pulls it off
The one thing I like about Johnny Boy is when I listen to his CD's his playing fits the songs... It is not all about flash. The colors he uses are very nice and sometimes done so well one doesn't even realize all of the guitar work in a track... I will also say he is a very good lyricist. That said, I have no plans on following him on twitter...
He wasn’t on my radar whatsoever for years. I was first drawn in by the song age of worry. That whole born and raised album was great, but I still didn’t know how good he was just as a pure guitarist until I saw his cover of voodoo child. It absolutely blew my mind. Since then I’ve been scouring the internet for more of his solos because for gods sake he still insists on being a “singer songwriter” instead of just playing guitar like a god. I honestly think he’s one of the greatest if not the greatest of all time
"I don't think he even knows how good he is." Trust me he knows.
2v_5r where did he say he wasn’t satisfied with where the light is ?
Of course I should trust you about that.
You’re certainly one of John close friends who is commenting on TH-cam.
Makes sense 🥴
Trust you? Over the opinion of Eric Clapton? Shut up Kyle.
He constantly talks about how his playing is just stealing from other artists, rarely acknowledging his own talent. His ego likely comes from deep rooted self consciousness which tells me Clapton is likely right.
To be addressed by Eric Clapton who’ a master in his own right to be a master guitar player is truly phenomenal
Eric Clapton is such a nice guy
Both are really gifted guitarists Clapton is in a league by himself and very few and John is really good at what he does and its awesome that Clapton recognizes this.
you just know that if Eric Clapton says you are a master guitarist then you are one of the best all time
I love me some John Mayer ❤️. Saw him live fall of 2019 in Phoenix... absolutely legendary!
Been playing for years, clapton is a genius and he is just great. I personally don't like John Mayer's music but he can really play the guitar. I put him in the box with yngwie, dimebag, buckethead, lynch, vai and many other guitarists that I do not like their music, still they can fucking play and you can't deny that.
Icon... Eric Clapton. ..and he gives praise...2 many in the buisness.. Ive watched an interview...and Eric ..when asked by interviewer, .how does it feel 2 be best guitarist. .ASK PRINCE..
and that people... should know...just how underated. ..prince is.... I didn't know myself.... just how amazing prince played .. David Gilmour. ..is an icon of all time too...he also...spoke highly..of prince's. .guitar playing....love to see the best of the all times
Give praise..2 fellow musicians...
This is like Michael Jordan calling Kobe a master
Exactly!!
Nah Clapton isn’t MJ. BB King is MJ. Clapton is Pippen.
Its like Tiger Woods calling Michael Jordan a master golfer.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm....NO!
@@greenwoodmills7593 Hendrix is MJ. Clapton is Steve Kerr.
There it is John. You know you’ve made your stamp when the legend himself is calling you a master! There’s not much more to accomplish at this point except to just keep doing what you do!
mayer is a great guitarist an if mr clapton says it im not argueing
I just saw John play in Sacramento a few days ago, was left with a completely new appreciation for his music! I have always loved his music, but watching him live really gives you much more of an insight into the music legend this guy really is! So unbelievably talented!
Imagine being called a master by a master. Hell of a thought
I watched a solo he did the other day and mentioned it to a friend that John Mayer is extremely underrated in our time
To the people saying that this doesn't mean anything, or that Eric Clapton himself is bad compared to the other "great guitarists", how the fuck does that mean that Eric can't recognise pure talent. The man is considered to be up there with best, and even if you don't somehow find him a good guitarists compared to your own biased opinions, he can still see when someone is good at the guitar.
Went back to listen to the Magnolia cover with a focus on the guitar fills. Yeah I didn’t realize how jaw dropping those fills were
I always really liked the mentor ship that clapton has offered to John mayer
You sons need to check out John Mayer's work on the John Mayer Trio album called Try. Dude kills it on multiple tracks. Check out his solo on Wait til Tomorrow.
People based his skills on his old catchy pop songs. His CDs are far more complex than what is being released out on the radio. And seeing and hearing him live is really something else. He’s definitely one of the greatest guitarists of this current time. It’s too bad people only know him for his old pop songs. He’s really grown as an artist.
It's funny 'cause songs like clarity, you're body is a wonderland or no such thing are really complex, something that you don't find in pop songs. Even if he writes a song with only 4 common chords there's always some trick
Saw John play at Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Fest in Chicago. He went to toe to toe with some of the best.
When clapton says you’re a master you’re a god amongst men.
Eric Clapton rocks ! Love him ! 👍🎸❤️ I assume that John Mayer was totally ecstatic when he heard the compliment.
If the man himself said it, I believe it.
Clapton got to be one best blocks out there.
There was a time that he was constantly buying guitars as gifts for his other star buddies
What a compliment., im honored as a fellow Fairfield Connecticut native ♥️♥️♥️
If John Mayer was transported and lived in the 70s-80s during the height of blues, he would be at the top with Eric himself, and other legends like SRV, or B.B King. Even nowadays, if he'd sticked to just strictly playing blues, he would be regarded as one the best.
It's just that John plays a lot of pop in his music. So people undermine him as just some other pop artist that can play the guitar. Though it's definitely not a negative, certainly not for John himself. If he's just made blues since the start of his career, he would've been a nobody. Maybe if he wrote a blues hit, which is very unlikely, he would've just been a really good guitarist, that just tours around the states for a bit. Not selling out shows over the globe, and playing with the legends.
But, all in all, John is undoubtedly one of the best guitarists to ever live. Take it from Eric fucking Clapton.
Martin Anthonio16 that’s why Continuum is By Far his best album and One of my favorite albums ever (across all genres) Cuz even tho yes it’s still overall Pop it’s still the Most Bluesy Soul Album that he has. Like I can listen to The Guitar on Gravity and Slow dancing in a burning room all day.
He will still be a legend... you really have to listen and watch him such a natural
Been a big fan of Mayer as a guitar player for years... he has that great balance of musicality/technicality... He usually plays his guitar to add/compliment the song rather than making the guitar playing overpowering and the song secondary... it's a fine line that not many guitar players get quite right IMO.. it must be hard when your a virtuoso player to not overplay on a song
One would think that and an endorsement of this type from a legendary guitar player like Eric Clapton would silence a few of the John Mayer critics, most of who know absolutely "NOTHING" about music composure & composition and what complex guitar arrangements Mayer is capable of playing. As a writer/ composer I can assure anyone that for Mayer to go in and play three J.J. Cale songs for recording in an hour, as Clapton remarks he's a Master, he really doesn't know how good he is.....neither do his detractors....Peace!
I guess he didn't rehearse? Sthfu dude
@@GeriDoc8 I hope you have gotten your depression under control in the last year.
Its not his technical abilities that people have a problem with. On the contrary he is a really good guitarist. But dont use your own failed music career as an excuse to push Mayers songwriting to some guitargod status. I cant remember even one of his songs. They are mindnumbing softpop pieces that shines like a polished turd in a sea of musical garbage. Have you ever met a session guitarist for real? Someone who can sightread almost anything or even better yet hardly knows any theory yet they just play everything they hear by ear in an instant? Because i have seen it and Mayer wouldnt last a second if he got out of his comfort zone. Id like to see Mayer go from Blackbird to Zappa to Pagannini and then finish off with some megadeth.
@@Jonathan-Pilkington And what g berry said is valid. JJ Cale is probably something Mayer played all the time while in university at that.
@@Barbro247 Why would he? What's more. What worthwhile point would that really prove? Guitar playing (and music by extension) isn't a competitive sport. It isn't this thing that you do so that you can be "better" than the other person. There are obviously going to be musicians that jump into the technique/knowledge side of things in a much more focused manner (Steve Vai or Zappa for example) but I think it goes without saying that Vai doesn't sit around writing comments about how some other guitarist isn't as good as him just because they play acoustic folk, blues, or some other less technically demanding genre. He is a adult and is capable of seeing music as a product of art and feeling rather than as some stupid competitive sport where your favorite artist has to be better than someone else's.
It says something that whenever you see famous guitarists hang out together, they are often quite good natured about it and don't just sit there and childishly accuse those around them of not being as good. Maybe you should take some lessons from that...
John is one of the best I've ever seen!! And yes that is a complement coming from the real master!!!
“I use heavy strings, tune low, play hard, and floor it. Floor it. That's technical talk.” SRV
This isn’t about SRV; this is about Eric Clapton saying Mayer is a Master Guitarist.
Shouting out from 2022, John is also 'The Man' and the 'The King' all of which is equally shared with Eric, of course! Twin masters and twin Kings forever ❣❣🌟🌟👑👑👑
Mayer is a world class guitarist. He killed it on Texas Flood at the R&R HOF, and he sounds great with Dead and Company.
eric clapton what a gentleman, and talking highly of john, so awesome
Trust me John Mayer knows exactly how good he is
Well for the record, I would love to be able to play like either John or Eric, and I’m fully aware of how much I do suck at guitar. But I’m enjoying learning more and more, been playing but a few years. I started playing in my mid 40s, better late than never.
Hysterical that 90% of the commenters believe that their opinion is more valid than Eric Clapton's in regards to another's guitar playing. When you get 1/4 of the way to what Clapton can do, then maybe you can comment and disagree. That said, you haters have your own issues going on which is another story. Insecurities, immaturity, lumping john Mayer's personal life in with his guitar playing (if you thought he was a cool dude with no ego, you'd act like he was amazing, which he is). Check yourself if you are hating. Even more so if you are starting to hate on Clapton because of his thoughts on Mayer. He has a right to make judgements like he did. You haters, Prob not so much. You are entitled to an opinion. Does that make it valid. Hell no. Whether you like it or not, John Mayer's talent (not shredding, but over all musicality as a guitar player) is up there with all of the greets. Satch and guys like him are unparalleled as well, but very different. And, who has more people listening at the end of the day? Good music makes people listen to it. So, if you don't think he is good, you are disagreeing with millions of people who like good music. Or, are those millions of people shit heads too? If you truly aren't aware of John's talent, TH-cam "where he light is" as others have said. Watch 10 min of it and then you'll have more of a right to have an opinion that could be taken seriously. Btw, don't forget that you don't have to like someone's musical style or taste in order to realize their talent. Ugh, haters...pick up a self help book when you get a chance and work on those insecurities.
Brad Daddis What a pathetic comment. Save your efforts for commenting on Mayer, not peeing on others' opinions.
Yes very good answer for all the commenters!!!!
"1/4"
I see what you did there.
You're talking about drummers who can't count to 4. Lol
Fuck you Clapton and John. Talent?? Ok they have talent. But their horse is way too fuckin high. People have their options. Ever heard of Overrated players?? Well that's my opinion. Cream was great along with some stuff with George Harrison but give it a rest you dick head.
John's version of Magnolia is better than his own songs, fantastic rendition. I could listen to it all day.❤
That is the end of discussion as to how good mayer is . 👍🏻
*Let's be real, John Mayer knows the link of this video by heart and he chants it every day*
Who's John Mayor? Is he ready to be a star?
th-cam.com/video/SS0NHlWgi5w/w-d-xo.html Here He is keeping up with the real Kings Live. Master ? You be the Judge.............
@@JWILSON1971 heyy. i know who he is. check out the video for 'New Light' and revisit this comment again :)
@@JWILSON1971 heyy. i know who he is. check out the video for 'New Light' and revisit this comment again :)
@@ivurivurivur i'm the boy in your other phone
@@ivurivurivur pushing 40 in the friendzone
Absolutely the top of the top, the cream delah Cream! The greatest whole hearted compliment that I have heard in all my Days! Mr. Mayer, you are most deserving of this monumental validation from one of the greatest amongst the Greats! We all stand on shoulders of Giants...
for anyone questioning JM's guitar skills ...try learning NEON without bliwung ur head off 😂😂😆😂
Hugo Nongbri It took me a few hours to learn how to play it at 1/4 speed. I’ve spent the last month practicing it religiously and can still only play it at half speed if I want it perfectly clean with no errors. Realistically, I probably won’t get it down clean at full speed for another month or two. It normally never takes me more than a few days to learn a song! John Mayer is fuckin nuts writing songs like neon and being able to sing over them live without any errors 😭
Michael Wayne x
Hugo Nongbri H
@@michaelwayne8685 Dude, did you ever get it down? I'm afraid of even trying that one
@@Flipmusic5 I am not Michael Wayne but if you want to learn NEON try learning Belief and Why Georgia first. They will help you grasp neon better. If you already know these two songs (Belief is pretty easy, same for why Georgia but that pinky part is somewhat intermediary) then grab your guitar and start learning neon.
I agree. JM's playing is iconic and recognizable right away. Love it.
I remember a few years ago I mentioned at a party that I thought that John Mayer was comparable to SRV and other great guitarists. One of the guys in the little circle laughed right in my face and said I was crazy. Good to know Clapton of all people agrees with my assessment.
Not even in the same ball park as SRV still great in his own right but not comparable I've seen both live and SRV was just to damn good but that's my opinion and like assholes we all have them.
Eric Clapton agrees on your opinion... now youtube knows. Now life makes sense, doesn´t it?
@@davehendricks7023 . Not even in the same ballpark? john Mayer is arguably better than SRV (huge fan of both btw). both SRV and JM are virtuosos - JM is just more versatile in his music knowledge.
Mayer carries the legacy of hendrix, srv, and many more legends, and I beg for him to continue to hone his skills.
I couldn’t wait to see the comment section after I watched this. 😆 I knew exactly what I was gonna find. It gets a little harder to say a guy sucks when an undeniable guitar god proclaims him a master. It just makes all the JM haters sound even more petty.😆 Oh I so love this😆🎸🎸🎸
Watching John tour with Dead and Co last summer opened my eyes to the true genius of John Mayer. I'd been watching him play those songs for a few summers, but what happened in 2023 was an entirely different level. Especially tracks like Standing on the Moon and Terrapin Station. He's a gifted, gifted man, that breathed new life into those old favorites. John needs to be protected at all costs.
I am so glad Mayer gets the gold seal from a Legend ... And that my instinct was bang on
Mayer do it real good.Perfect small swells,and then at the right moment he wail.Respect.
John Mayer is wildly talented at the guitar. I just want to see him one time…shred metal. I know he can do it.
Eric clapton is very Humble ,and modest !!!!
Waaaaaaw ,that's amazing!!!
John Mayer has five 1TB HDDs and one SSD all backing up copies of this video
Pure genius who is unaffected by notoriety is super stardom. Such is John Mayer.
p.s. Malmsteen has never written anything memorable; his "songs" are simply excuses for him to solo.
You've got it all wrong, Yngwie Malmsteen is a superb guitar player and composer. He can blend all styles of music, blues, jazz, classical, rock, heavy metal, there isn't one style in the book that Malmsteen hasn't covered and pulled it off with exceptional brilliance!! That's why Yngwie Malmsteen, we call him the "Maestro"!! If you don't like Yngwie Malmsteen, perhaps neo-classical rock is too complex and sophisticated for you??
Van Malmsteen All of your comments are just funny! So much ignorance in a few lines!
Go and study some music before saying shit, Malmsteen's fanboy.
Couldn't have said it any better! He seems to be a talented man, but minor arpeggios at break neck speeds get old after two minutes tops. He's stuck in one category of 80's shred rock hahaha
Van Malmsteen Jazz?
Van Malmsteen John Mayer isn't talented?
I do. So proud. Our homey hometown sweetheart
He’s the best of our time
I believe that. Grew up with Clapton, Page, Beck, Hendrix, etc. Mayer is a freak of nature. He was 26 or so when Continuum came out. He shut my mouth with that one. Crushingly good. Such interesting times. Mayer, Paisley, Gill, Urban - this is a golden age no doubt.
I didn’t know whether to be more in awe of Clapton complimenting Mayer or Clapton being interviewed by Santa Claus.
John Mayer is an incredible guitarist, I just don’t like his music.
Same could be said for Dave Matthews. Fantastic musician and I don’t like DMB
Who Cares If You Like Him Or Dont They Both Have Talent
I care if you like him or not. Also, I like 3 or 4 of his songs, the rest I could do without. You can appreciate how amazing someone is buy still not love it. I think the same about the Doors and Led Zep
I’ve been a huge Clapton fan for years. Always nice to see the old guard complement one of the new folks. From his perspective, John is new, anyway.
he is dead on... john mayer is one of the best.. i could listen to him all day.. and here it is .. from eric clapton..
I recently attended John mayer at the 3 arena in Dublin. I am an avid music fan but would not have called myself a big fan of John mayer but enjoyed some of his music, What I didn't know about the man was his ability on the guitar, A week has passed now and I'm still in awe of his gift, And I have seen so many artists this year ranging from Chris Stapleton to the Eagles and he is hands down the best musician I've seen to date! Absolute genius, can't wait for the next time he is here!
Brendan walsh Mayer is great, but better than the Eagles(whole group combined)? Lol. Might as well say he's better than led Zeppelin or pink floyd while you're at it. Eagles are immaculate and perfect in every way live, every member is insanely skilled musicians in their own right. The one thing that Mayer lacks is his voice is not as versatile and he cannot sing higher notes.. Eagles can all sing too..
John Mayer is a phenomenal guitar player, end of story
Everyone was so into Eric's words they did not notice that Santa Claus is the interviewer.
I think too many people confuse preference with talent. Not liking a person doesn't mean they aren't talented. John Mayer is very talented. That's a fact not an opinion. Not liking (having preference for) his style, voice, or song writing does not mean he's not talented.
Pitbull, Brittany Spears, Eric Clapton, Tool, Metallica, Bonnie Rait, on and on all have tons of talent, which is why they are where they are. I don't care for several of those I listed, but won't be so naive as to say "they suck."
No. You put together a video of you freestyling and do it better. You can do it better than pitbull right? I mean he's only there because...he was chosen? Slept his way to the top? He has a talent. You not liking his personality or type of rap doesn't change that. Sorry bud
***** I don't listen to hip hop. But my whole point was that I don't have to like something to recognize talent.
***** Come on dude... Isn't that obvious that the other guy is right nd you're wrong? Start by not calling people "kid" to upset them like you're a big brother trying to piss off his little bother... It's childish.
you had me until britney, she's a glorified stripper, nothing more. all her singing is from technology.
+skinsman82000 that's actually not true. Put an acoustic guitar in front of her I'll bet you any sum of money she will outperform thousands of would be songwriters crawling all over bars and coffee shops.
1:09 santa claus demonstrating how to smoke a cigarette