Neon by John Mayer

Dive deep into one of the most iconic acoustic guitar performances of the modern era with our note-for-note guitar lesson of "Neon" by John Mayer, available now at Licklibrary.com. This in-depth breakdown not only teaches you how to play the song exactly as John Mayer performs it but also focuses on the advanced guitar techniques that make Neon such a challenging and rewarding piece to learn.

Whether you're a dedicated John Mayer fan or simply looking to develop your finger-style skills and rhythmic control, this lesson is packed with insights that will elevate your playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Performance

Neon is a standout track from Mayer’s 1999 debut album Room for Squares, quickly gaining attention for its unusual playing style, groove-heavy rhythm, and percussive acoustic tone. The acoustic version, often performed live by Mayer himself, showcases a combination of rhythmic sophistication and melodic fluidity rarely heard in contemporary pop songwriting. The percussive slap, funky chord voicings, and fast-moving licks have made Neon a benchmark for technical acoustic guitar performance.

This song is a masterclass in groove-based acoustic playing, ideal for players looking to develop stronger timing, dynamic touch, and right-hand precision.

Techniques Covered in the Neon Guitar Lesson

Our lesson breaks down every intricate detail of Neon, focusing on the core techniques that define its unique sound. Below are the key guitar techniques covered in this lesson, along with the benefits of each to your playing:

1. Finger Picking and Thumb Slap

Neon revolves around finger-picking, specifically a style where the thumb slaps the low E string to create a percussive backbeat. This technique helps guitarists develop right-hand independence, allowing for rhythmic complexity and tone variation.

2. Chord Voicing and Barre Chords

Mayer’s chord voicings are unconventional and utilise barre chords combined with fretted thumb bass notes. Learning these shapes improves chord vocabulary and grip strength, and encourages creative approaches to harmony.

3. Slides

Throughout the piece, Mayer uses slides to transition smoothly between chord positions. Mastering slides adds fluidity to your phrasing and helps develop better fretboard awareness.

4. Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The song features fast-moving melodic runs that use both hammer-ons and pull-offs. These legato techniques enhance your ability to connect notes smoothly and efficiently, perfect for fast melodic lines.

5. Syncopated Rhythms

The groove in Neon is driven by syncopated rhythms, making it rhythmically complex and funky. Learning to play these off-beat accents tightens your timing and deepens your internal sense of groove.

6. Hybrid Picking

Some of the faster licks incorporate hybrid picking—a blend of pick and finger usage. This technique expands your right-hand agility and allows for intricate string-skipping passages that would be difficult using a pick alone.

7. Open String Riffs

Mayer frequently uses open string riffs to build sonic contrast and dynamic movement. This adds richness and resonance to your playing and encourages better utilisation of the entire fretboard.

About John Mayer and His Influences

John Mayer is a modern guitar virtuoso whose style bridges the gap between pop, blues, soul, and jazz. With roots in blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton, Mayer’s acoustic playing style is also influenced by players such as Michael Hedges and Tommy Emmanuel—artists known for their percussive and highly rhythmic finger-style technique.

In Neon, Mayer blends funky R&B rhythm with blues-inspired phrasing, carving out a unique sonic space that’s both technically demanding and deeply musical. His influence on the modern guitar scene cannot be overstated—he’s inspired a generation of players to approach the guitar with both soul and precision.

Why Learn Neon?

Learning Neon challenges you to think about rhythm, harmony, and melody in a completely integrated way. It requires complete coordination between both hands, great timing, and a nuanced sense of dynamics. Whether you’re aiming to become a better acoustic player or expand your technical range, this lesson will push your musical boundaries and significantly improve your skill set.

This is more than just a song lesson—it’s a workout for your hands, ears, and brain.

Guitar Techniques Used in Neon

• Finger Picking
• Barre Chords
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Hybrid Picking
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

Ready to take on the challenge? Head over to Licklibrary.com and start your Neon journey today—master every note, every technique, and every groove.