Eric Johnson – Manhattan

Eric Johnson’s Manhattan is an exquisite fusion of jazz, blues, and rock guitar that showcases his sophisticated touch, deep harmonic understanding, and unparalleled tonal control. This note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary.com provides a deep dive into the techniques that make this song a masterclass in expression and technical command. Whether you're looking to elevate your phrasing, improve your dynamic control, or expand your harmonic vocabulary, studying Manhattan offers a treasure trove of guitar wisdom. Eric Johnson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Artist

Eric Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most articulate and refined guitarists of his generation. Known for his Grammy-winning instrumental "Cliffs of Dover," Johnson blends rock, blues, country, and jazz in a way that's both lyrical and virtuosic. His tone is often described as “violin-like,” and his phrasing has influenced guitarists such as Joe Bonamassa, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci. In Manhattan, Johnson showcases his jazzier side, offering a smooth and intricate arrangement that reflects his admiration for Wes Montgomery and Chet Atkins. The track is a perfect example of how technical ability can be beautifully interwoven with musical sensitivity.

Guitar Techniques in Manhattan

Hybrid Picking

A defining feature of Manhattan is hybrid picking, a technique where the pick is used in conjunction with fingers to pluck the strings. This approach allows for greater articulation and is ideal for navigating through wide intervals and quick chord-melody passages. Hybrid picking gives the player control over dynamics and attack, which is essential for replicating Johnson’s elegant touch and clean note separation.

Legato

Legato playing appears prominently in Manhattan, enabling fluid runs that seamlessly connect notes without re-picking. Johnson uses a mix of hammer-ons and pull-offs to achieve a smooth, flowing sound that enhances the expressive quality of his solos. Mastering legato will allow players to build speed and smoothness in their phrasing.

Slides

Slides are used tastefully throughout the composition, creating seamless transitions between notes and giving the melodies a vocal-like quality. Slides add elegance and fluidity, and when executed cleanly, they can significantly improve a guitarist’s phrasing and control.

String Bending

Johnson’s signature string bending technique plays a pivotal role in his phrasing on Manhattan. His bends are always precise, expressive, and often reach microtonal destinations, subtly colouring the melody. Learning controlled bending is crucial for developing expressive solos and mimicking vocal nuances.

Vibrato

One of Eric Johnson's trademarks is his refined use of vibrato. On Manhattan, the vibrato is subtle yet expressive, helping to sustain notes with elegance and emotion. A well-executed vibrato adds personality to every note and is essential for emotive playing.

Arpeggios

The harmonic richness of Manhattan is partially rooted in Johnson’s intricate use of arpeggios. Instead of strumming full chords, he often breaks them into flowing, harp-like sequences that outline the chord changes with precision. This technique helps develop a deeper understanding of harmony and note targeting.

Chord Progressions and Voicings

The tune’s sophisticated chord progressions feature jazz-influenced voicings that push beyond standard rock fare. These chordal movements serve as an excellent study in voice leading and harmonic colour, offering intermediate and advanced players a challenge in smooth chordal transitions and rhythmic feel.

Benefits of Learning Manhattan

Learning Manhattan offers more than just technical advancement — it opens the door to a deeper musical vocabulary. Students will gain:

• Improved tone control through subtle dynamics and articulation.
• Enhanced finger independence with hybrid picking.
• A greater appreciation for harmony and chordal movement.
• Skills in melodic improvisation, especially within jazz-inflected contexts.
• Exposure to musical phrasing that transcends genre boundaries.

By mastering these elements, guitarists not only improve their technical skills but also elevate their ability to play expressively and with intention.

Guitar Techniques Used in Manhattan

• Hybrid Picking
• Legato
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions

This lesson is a perfect deep-dive for those wanting to blend technical brilliance with musical elegance. Whether you're exploring jazz-influenced rock or looking to emulate one of the greats, Manhattan will enrich your playing in every possible way.