Learn to Play Eric Johnson

One of the most profound lessons a guitarist can take is to learn from the masters themselves. With our product "Learn to Play Eric Johnson", you're provided with the quintessential roadmap to mastering the distinct guitar style of the Texas-born virtuoso. Get ready to take a deep dive into five iconic Eric Johnson songs: 'Trademark', 'Manhattan', 'Cliffs of Dover', 'Song for George', and 'S.R.V.' Guitar virtuoso Rick Graham takes you through this Eric Johnson masterclass.

Trademark

Beginning with 'Trademark', this song stands as a testament to Johnson's unique fusion of rock, blues, and jazz. Played in the key of E, the melodic and expressive phrasing of the guitar in this piece is something to behold. The use of alternate picking and hybrid picking techniques ensure each note shines with crisp clarity, no matter how quick the tempo. These techniques also showcase Johnson's intricate chord progressions, allowing for the transition between chords to feel seamless. This song also presents opportunities to explore 'double stop bends', providing that quintessential bluesy sound.

Manhattan

Next, we journey to 'Manhattan', an alluring track that encapsulates Johnson's exceptional understanding of harmony and melody. Its primary scale, E Lydian, paints a lush sonic landscape. Eric's seamless incorporation of arpeggios and double stops provide texture and depth, creating a rich and harmonic soundstage. Johnson's frequent use of 'pull-offs' and 'hammer-ons' adds a legato-like fluidity to the piece, providing a smooth, flowing resonance.

Cliffs of Dover

'Cliffs of Dover', perhaps one of Johnson's most recognized works, is an exploration of the G Major scale that involves complex techniques such as 'tapped harmonics', 'slides', and the rare 'pinched harmonics'. Notably, Johnson's incorporation of the pentatonic scale in the solo section reveals his strategic structuring of melody. The 'tremolo picking' employed gives the song an exciting, vibrant character.

Song for George

'Song for George' is a testament to Johnson's mastery of fingerstyle technique. The song is a gentle melody played in open E tuning that leverages 'travis picking' and 'finger-picking' techniques, allowing for complex rhythmic structures and syncopated melodies. The use of 'open-string riffs' and 'slides' gives this song a unique tonal color.

S.R.V

Finally, 'S.R.V.', a tribute to another Texas guitar legend, Stevie Ray Vaughan, showcases Johnson's diverse stylistic influences. It's a blues-inspired track in the key of A Minor that heavily features 'vibrato', 'trills', and 'unison bends', allowing for an emotive, heartfelt melody that resonates with the listener.

The Eric Johnson Style

Eric Johnson is a unique figure in the pantheon of guitar gods. His influences run wide, encompassing rock, blues, country, and jazz, with his musical style reflecting this eclectic mix. Johnson's approach to the guitar isn't just about technique; it's about emotion, expressiveness, and the subtle nuances that make each note count. Every bend, every note hit, and every chord played contributes to the story he tells with his music.

In this course, we'll dissect and delve into these techniques. You'll be led through step-by-step, note-for-note, giving you a complete understanding of Johnson's masterful guitar work.

Techniques Used

Throughout these lessons, we'll be focusing on a range of specific guitar techniques that are integral to Eric Johnson's signature sound. Here's a list of these techniques for your reference:

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Tapped Harmonics
5. Double Stop Bends
6. Unison Bends
7. Pinched Harmonics
8. Trills
9. Tremolo Picking
10. Chord Progressions
11. Arpeggios
12. Pull-offs
13. Power Chords
14. Slides
15. Travis Picking
16. Finger Picking
17. Open-string Riffs

Join us on this exciting journey and learn to play like the master Eric Johnson. Immerse yourself in his music, his style, and his techniques, and elevate your own guitar skills to a new level.