I just want to add, that to my knowledge (and I have met Eric several times), he does neither drugs nor alcohol. He is simply a soft spoken Texas gentleman.
Eric seems to have achieved a Zen like mind. Tremendous value in his words that can apply to any and every aspect of life. I love the idea of being an eternal student. He also reminds us why we play the guitar. Some people do crosswords, some collect stamps or whatever, we're here because we love the guitar. Like someone once said, "Be water my friend", be guitar my friend.
That you just mentioned Shawn and Eric in a reply is all the proof I need that someone else (and I am not saying that there aren't more of us) truly appreciate and understand the genius of both musicians.
I've been a fan of Eric Johnson since 1991. I had the opportunity to see him live a few weeks ago for the first time, and he didn't disappoint! I love his laid back demeanor, such a class act.
One thing you'll notice about most of the great guitarists is that they are students of music who continue to learn and the humble attitude they have towards giving credit to other musicians. It's a refreshing thing to hear. Also, Mitch Gallagher always knows what questions to ask and gives a solid interview every time, with no "fluff".
I got to meet Eric Johnson this year, at GearFest, he really has a mellow aura about him, very soft spoken but somehow, draws you in . What an amazing player, and a very genuine person. I also got to see Mitch Sing at the show on the first night, I knew the dude could play, but Dang, boys got some pipes too lol. It was my 11th year at GearFest and I've been a customer of Sweetwater for over 20 years. Amazing event, Amazing players, and a World Class Store and Studios, with THE BEST STAFF and SERVICE, in the WORLD.
I guess against my better judgement, I will indulge your ignorance for a moment. First of all, I'm not an "overly intrusive fanboy" I am a professional musician also. Secondly, the whole idea of "GearFest" is to get to MEET and interact with the people who make and play the gear we all love. Thirdly, since I AM a professional musician, I think I understand and appreciate the interaction between people who enjoy what I do and myself. It doesn't matter how "Famous" you get, you should ALWAYS appreciate, relate, and make yourself available to your fans. These guys are pros, but they also understand how lucky and blessed they are to get to do what they love for a living. WE THEIR FANS, make that all possible. They show their appreciation by meeting and greeting their fans. Most of the people I have met at GearFest, greeted me first. Even Eric Johnson, said Hi to me, before I spoke to him. These are REAL PEOPLE, they aren't all aloof and pre-madonna's or unapproachable, like you seem to think.
Fantastic interview, smart and intelligent questions that generated thought provoking insights from a master musician. Well done Mitch, if this whole Sweetwater thing doesn't work you should go for Charlie Rose's job!
I love your voice Eric. I enjoy the sound of your voice even when you are talking. As much as when you sing. I think freedom is what you make me feel every day & not running from it or hiding myself from it. But just being what I feel from you & allowing myself to be seen without sniffling it because people are constantly watching you & consequently me. Never going to let fear or false embarrassment steal any of it.
“Becoming free” ... what a powerful statement by Eric relating to playing music. I’m always impressed how he plays with definition...always clean and clear.
He definitely isn't talked about as much as other players. It might be because instead of focusing on one aspect and exploiting the hell out of it(like Zakk with the pentatonic speed licks and pinch harmonics) he's always reaching for the next thing, and these days people tend to shy away from artists that do more than one or two things.
I grew up in the Austin area in the 70's and 80's and saw Eric play probably 50 times or more in small clubs in various configurations - with the Electromagnets and his solo act. Good to see that he is still going strong.
A true indication of humility:: Not thinking less of yourself,but thinking of yourself less. EJ gave it away when he mentioned getting out of your own way. Thank you, Rocky
Matthew Paluch Indeed, it never ceases to amaze me considering the amount of distortion he uses. Eric had opened my ears to the beauty of mild overdrive / fuzz (I've always been a high gain fanatic).
At the risk of harming my longstanding reputation with all fellow uber-masculine lumberjacks, I must say that every time a new Eric Johnson interview surfaces I watch it with giddy delight.
I have had a huge crush on Eric for years - not just because of his looks, but what his fingers can do. I tried guitar once in high school and just couldn't pick it up. I could watch Eric play for hours. Kudos to any of you who have the gift to play!
Eric is one of the greatest living guitarists, yet he is so humble and very cool. "There's always going to be someone better than you..." Yeah... His name is Eric Johnson!
Got to see Eric live. It was a concert series that my city does every summer. I arrived in time to see his sound check. He was joking with people, but what really impressed me was when he and the band were going to dinner, Eric stopped and shook the security hand and thanked him. Now this was during the Bloom album LONG before it was cool to do. Just a class act. Oh and the concert was beyond words.
The interview was a lot like the performance on Friday night. Five great guitar players made room for each other and were generous in their playing. Mitch did some wonderful playing and singing, too! Eric Johnson was over the top, though, with amazing tone, but with clear direction in each turn. Great event, and the video just adds more context to understand his great playing. Thanks, Sweetwater!
This man. Released Ah Via Musicom Live. With all the improvisation and improvements to the songs. And is still saying he needs to practice doing it. What a legend and an inspiration
As much as Sweetwater has helped me out over the years (thanks Josh and Arend) I think I love Sweetwater as a media company as much as anything else. I've learned so much. Thank you!
I like what Eric said about getting out of the way. So true and profound. When we can get to a stage in our development as a musician when we can get out of the way and just let it happen; that is key.
Man,EJ has this way about making everybody feel better about themselves.Even if he didn't play,I'd listen to what he had to say. His music is a bonus.And,what a bonus....
oh man i'm french ...don't understand all of the stuff lol ! but eric johnson is a real musician , shit , a very original style ! i love what he plays since so many years ! man what a tone and technique !
Very good questions presented to Eric Johnson. An excellent interview conducted by Mitch. This is how an interviewer conducts an interview. Hope others take note.
A note to everyone! did you hear eric? he was veryyy diplomatically and gently saying, that.. music is emotional! spiritual! and its not about theory, or technique, its about THE FEELING! and sharing of oneself THROUGH the instrument, whichever instrument, to MAKE MUSIC that TOUCHES OTHER PEOPLES EMOTIONS!!! so can we all just stop with the commercial money making exploitation of the natural true musician!!! we either HAVE IT? or we do NOT! and thats OK!!! not everyone is here to make music! or REACH PEOPLE WITH THE GIFT OF BEING ABLE TO REACH PEOPLE WITH THEIR FEELINGS, MUSICALLY!!! ..................
I totally get Eric's philosophy - to begin with the piano. It is a somewhat foreboding instrument, but to grasp its ability to unveil all of music - that is to unlock the "secrets" of any musical instrument. The piano is the one instrument on which every design of Music Theory can be readily, analogously displayed, explained, and portrayed. Just look at these greats - Eddie Van Halen and Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) are just two musicians who have gained great accolades in playing and composing that began their journeys at the piano.
4:50 guthrie govan said the same thing before regarding many styles of guitar playing. Crazy how these 2 humble and wise guitarist are so far up in the guitar echelon.
Eric Johnson; Phil Keaggy; Steve Howe; Al DiMeola; John McLaughlin; Carlos Santana; George Benson - to me these are the "Magnificent Seven" of Guitar Playing - all great players AND great composers.
Van Damme had an interesting quote that I thought about when Eric talked about fear and insecurity. And its about the difference between Jealousy and Envy. Jealousy is trying to be Eric Johnson overnight. Envy is doing the work to become a master of your craft lik ehim.
I first saw Eric on ACL wearing that funny jacket lol .. I never heard of him before then a couple years later Ah Via Musicom was released and he's been a major influence on me ever since then (of course i had to hunt down and purchase all his earlier releases i could find as well)
Exactly right Eric it's the joy of playing. that's what i keep telling people it doesn't matter how it looks to others that person on the stage is really doing what they are doing for themselves! Music can be fun. some think of it as a universal healing language but really music is a selfish persuit! I don't have a fear of playing in front of others because it's irrational. if you think about it some of the greatest mistakes every made we never knew were mistakes because to us they were just part of the song! In fact these mistakes are so integraded that when we hear the song without them we instantly think that's not right somethings wrong or mssing.
Interesting interview. His left hand's 3rd finger is massive, just like Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai. Watching him play, it's always floating (or is he using it? I can't tell) and his little finger appears to be just dragged along. Perhaps I have got it wrong but his fingers are massive.
Yeah--he's got "Guitar Man" hands! On a more serious note, his fingers are incredibly muscled. There's hardly any fat or gristle in between the knuckles--that's why his knuckles look pretty enlarged, like someone with rheumatoid arthritis.
![Rig Rundown - Eric Johnson [2018]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Nx6cUuH7QGw/mqdefault.jpg)
Eric Johnson: The Yoda of guitar
I just want to add, that to my knowledge (and I have met Eric several times), he does neither drugs nor alcohol. He is simply a soft spoken Texas gentleman.
Frances Barrineau True- he’s also a lifelong vegetarian. I wonder how these habits inform his playing and thought process.
Theyre both the same but cool
How tall is he?
@@stratosaurusrex3399 like 12 ft
Eric Johnson - Wisdom and Humility.
Eric seems to have achieved a Zen like mind. Tremendous value in his words that can apply to any and every aspect of life. I love the idea of being an eternal student. He also reminds us why we play the guitar. Some people do crosswords, some collect stamps or whatever, we're here because we love the guitar. Like someone once said, "Be water my friend", be guitar my friend.
Eric's right... you can never be the best. It's impossible because because Eric Johnson is already the best.
Gotta love Eric Johnson. He's such a cool dude
Ben Lucke he's the man, for sure.
Yeah, man. Yeah, he's cool, ya know, yeah. yeahhh.
Ben Lucke he seems very humble and a really nice guy that doesnt need a reality check. he's awesome
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
Eric speaks in essay form. Such a smart guy, killer talent. A giant, I'm heavily influenced by him musically.
Him and shawn lane were rare. Most guitarists have crazy egos and act like they're gifts from above. Love how humble and friendly the dude is.
That you just mentioned Shawn and Eric in a reply is all the proof I need that someone else (and I am not saying that there aren't more of us) truly appreciate and understand the genius of both musicians.
Shawn Lane🙌
Adore this man. What a genius, and so humble.
Truly brilliant guitar player and truly brilliant human being. it doesn't get any better than EJ
Eric, one of the best ever......What tone.
I've been a fan of Eric Johnson since 1991. I had the opportunity to see him live a few weeks ago for the first time, and he didn't disappoint! I love his laid back demeanor, such a class act.
Malcolm Palm if i become "famous" or whatever, i would want to be like him.
does he use his pinky when he solos? I haven't seen it.
One thing you'll notice about most of the great guitarists is that they are students of music who continue to learn and the humble attitude they have towards giving credit to other musicians. It's a refreshing thing to hear. Also, Mitch Gallagher always knows what questions to ask and gives a solid interview every time, with no "fluff".
Cliffs of Dover is one of the best Gutiar songs ever
What a great guy. He’s an amazing player and doesn’t have a huge ego.
I got to meet Eric Johnson this year, at GearFest, he really has a mellow aura about him, very soft spoken but somehow, draws you in . What an amazing player, and a very genuine person. I also got to see Mitch Sing at the show on the first night, I knew the dude could play, but Dang, boys got some pipes too lol. It was my 11th year at GearFest and I've been a customer of Sweetwater for over 20 years. Amazing event, Amazing players, and a World Class Store and Studios, with THE BEST STAFF and SERVICE, in the WORLD.
so jelly
I guess against my better judgement, I will indulge your ignorance for a moment. First of all, I'm not an "overly intrusive fanboy" I am a professional musician also. Secondly, the whole idea of "GearFest" is to get to MEET and interact with the people who make and play the gear we all love. Thirdly, since I AM a professional musician, I think I understand and appreciate the interaction between people who enjoy what I do and myself. It doesn't matter how "Famous" you get, you should ALWAYS appreciate, relate, and make yourself available to your fans. These guys are pros, but they also understand how lucky and blessed they are to get to do what they love for a living. WE THEIR FANS, make that all possible. They show their appreciation by meeting and greeting their fans. Most of the people I have met at GearFest, greeted me first. Even Eric Johnson, said Hi to me, before I spoke to him. These are REAL PEOPLE, they aren't all aloof and pre-madonna's or unapproachable, like you seem to think.
Well said.
except for yjm sir
YJ Malmsteen is way more genuine than people give him credit for. Saw him at Berklee Boston, and you could not be more wrong.
Fantastic interview, smart and intelligent questions that generated thought provoking insights from a master musician. Well done Mitch, if this whole Sweetwater thing doesn't work you should go for Charlie Rose's job!
It's available now...
I love your voice Eric. I enjoy the sound of your voice even when you are talking. As much as when you sing. I think freedom is what you make me feel every day & not running from it or hiding myself from it. But just being what I feel from you & allowing myself to be seen without sniffling it because people are constantly watching you & consequently me. Never going to let fear or false embarrassment steal any of it.
I first heard him in carole king's albums in 1980 and 82. I bought his albums in the 90s. A very humble but extremely gifted musician.
“Becoming free” ... what a powerful statement by Eric relating to playing music.
I’m always impressed how he plays with definition...always clean and clear.
Everyone recognises that this guy is a great guitar player, but he’s an amazing songwriter too. So beautifully melodic.
Eric Johnson - the most underrated guitarist
underrated not so much.. he was on guitar hero lol
love guitar hero 3 but look on any top guitarists list and he isn't there. I'd take him over angus young, zakk and many more
Underrated? That's a laugh. He's about as underrated as cheeseburgers.
He definitely isn't talked about as much as other players. It might be because instead of focusing on one aspect and exploiting the hell out of it(like Zakk with the pentatonic speed licks and pinch harmonics) he's always reaching for the next thing, and these days people tend to shy away from artists that do more than one or two things.
He's probably the most talked about guitarist of the last 30 years. Wake up.
I really needed the advice that Eric provided here. Was wonderful to see him at Gearfest, too!
Eric is truly a great musician and spiritually oriented person... his music always reflects that for me
Eric sounds like a stoner surfer dude, Excellent !!! lol
That's that laid-back, central Texas / Austin-townie dialect
I grew up in the Austin area in the 70's and 80's and saw Eric play probably 50 times or more in small clubs in various configurations - with the Electromagnets and his solo act. Good to see that he is still going strong.
A true indication of humility:: Not thinking less of yourself,but thinking of yourself less. EJ gave it away when he mentioned getting out of your own way. Thank you, Rocky
Nothing better then intelligent people having a conversation!
Imho 1of the best guitar
tones ever!
Matthew Paluch
Indeed, it never ceases to amaze me considering the amount of distortion he uses. Eric had opened my ears to the beauty of mild overdrive / fuzz (I've always been a high gain fanatic).
Wow -- this is the best Eric Johnson interview I've ever seen...
Such a brilliant musician, guitarist, and so humble and mellow. One of my favorites....
Your EJ album I listen to everyday. It is so beautiful. The melodies & the instruments Eric chose. Brilliant man.
Thoughtful, humble and mature man, as well as being a fabulous musician, singer-songwriter.
and I'm a really big fan of you too Mitch! you're a phenomenal player and legit gear reviewer.
At the risk of harming my longstanding reputation with all fellow uber-masculine lumberjacks, I must say that every time a new Eric Johnson interview surfaces I watch it with giddy delight.
The Rodney Mullen of guitar playing
A truer statement has never existed. Love the connection dude.
Haha
They actually have the same birthday!
Yep! Love both!
@@arpegio88 I had no idea! Both are about my dads age.
I have had a huge crush on Eric for years - not just because of his looks, but what his fingers can do. I tried guitar once in high school and just couldn't pick it up. I could watch Eric play for hours. Kudos to any of you who have the gift to play!
Thanks Mitch for the great interview. I stand In Awe when I listen to Eric Johnson and have for years. I enjoyed every second of it. Cheers!
You have earned your medals. Just never hide or protect your heart. Because in the heart is where all great music lives. Is it not ?
Awesome job, Mitch and Sweetwater. Changing my life. Thank you!
This guy is a guitar God
first! always been a fan of Eric! such an articulate player.
Eric is one of the greatest living guitarists, yet he is so humble and very cool.
"There's always going to be someone better than you..." Yeah... His name is Eric Johnson!
Nice interview Mitch! EJ is such a chilled out cat.
Got to see Eric live. It was a concert series that my city does every summer. I arrived in time to see his sound check. He was joking with people, but what really impressed me was when he and the band were going to dinner, Eric stopped and shook the security hand and thanked him. Now this was during the Bloom album LONG before it was cool to do. Just a class act. Oh and the concert was beyond words.
The Master speaks. GREAT interview!
Damn Eric has such a mellow vibe, wish I had a bit of that personality.
Love EJ...he is good at expressing concepts and a lot of what he says here rings true to me.
The interview was a lot like the performance on Friday night. Five great guitar players made room for each other and were generous in their playing. Mitch did some wonderful playing and singing, too! Eric Johnson was over the top, though, with amazing tone, but with clear direction in each turn. Great event, and the video just adds more context to understand his great playing. Thanks, Sweetwater!
Always loved Eric, he’s one of the best guitarist ever but at the same time he is a very humble and normal guy that never boasts about himself.
I totally am I huge fan of Eric Johnson and love his guitar playing, but wow, he sounds like Mr. Rogers! What a mellow dude!
This man. Released Ah Via Musicom Live. With all the improvisation and improvements to the songs. And is still saying he needs to practice doing it. What a legend and an inspiration
As much as Sweetwater has helped me out over the years (thanks Josh and Arend) I think I love Sweetwater as a media company as much as anything else. I've learned so much. Thank you!
Mitch is absolutely one of the best interviewers out there which leads into other great questions...
words of wisdom, thank you Eric.
I like what Eric said about getting out of the way. So true and profound. When we can get to a stage in our development as a musician when we can get out of the way and just let it happen; that is key.
Yep he was referring to my favorite guitarist of all time. Glen Campbell. That impressed the hell out of me.
the dynamic of placement........so cool,so true
Man,EJ has this way about making everybody feel better about themselves.Even if he didn't play,I'd listen to what he had to say.
His music is a bonus.And,what a bonus....
Great interview series! Eric super nice guy!
Thanks a ton for this Mitch 👍👍👍
Eric's voice and his words are like his music
Great interview, Mitch. Great questions to a great artist. 👍
Fantastic interview Mitch...thx a million
Eric is awesome!
Great interview!
Great interview! Always good when the interviewer asks such good/intelligent questions! Good job Mitch!!!
oh man i'm french ...don't understand all of the stuff lol ! but eric johnson is a real musician , shit , a very original style ! i love what he plays since so many years ! man what a tone and technique !
Such a humble guy.
Very good questions presented to Eric Johnson. An excellent interview conducted by Mitch. This is how an interviewer conducts an interview. Hope others take note.
Brilliant interview Mitch. Great questions, great answers.
king of guitar , and great person. get a lesson every time.
A note to everyone! did you hear eric? he was veryyy diplomatically and gently saying, that.. music is emotional! spiritual! and its not about theory, or technique, its about THE FEELING! and sharing of oneself THROUGH the instrument, whichever instrument, to MAKE MUSIC that TOUCHES OTHER PEOPLES EMOTIONS!!! so can we all just stop with the commercial money making exploitation of the natural true musician!!! we either HAVE IT? or we do NOT! and thats OK!!! not everyone is here to make music! or REACH PEOPLE WITH THE GIFT OF BEING ABLE TO REACH PEOPLE WITH THEIR FEELINGS, MUSICALLY!!! ..................
Great interview , great interviewer
eric johnson is the most chill guy ever
The ultimate perfectionist, all business. Mozart & Michelangelo wrapped up into one on the guitar 🎸
Man he is laid back, all around great guitar player.
Music... is about communication. The challenge is being able to play your instrument well enough to do so.
I totally get Eric's philosophy - to begin with the piano. It is a somewhat foreboding instrument, but to grasp its ability to unveil all of music - that is to unlock the "secrets" of any musical instrument. The piano is the one instrument on which every design of Music Theory can be readily, analogously displayed, explained, and portrayed. Just look at these greats - Eddie Van Halen and Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) are just two musicians who have gained great accolades in playing and composing that began their journeys at the piano.
Does anyone know whether Eric has had Zen training?
Dude is finally starting to age.
He's been 22 until he hit 60
bitch it catches up to all of us eventually.
you gotta love eric, a monsterguitarist, and seems avery humble nice guy ( and very stoned too)
4:50 guthrie govan said the same thing before regarding many styles of guitar playing. Crazy how these 2 humble and wise guitarist are so far up in the guitar echelon.
Guitar goes a long way with E.J. ! Saw Him years ago in the Bay area when his Ah Via Musicom came out. He keeps the awesome notes happening.
Eric Johnson; Phil Keaggy; Steve Howe; Al DiMeola; John McLaughlin; Carlos Santana; George Benson - to me these are the "Magnificent Seven" of Guitar Playing - all great players AND great composers.
You forgot one..Mr Mark Knopfler 🎸😉!!
@@danielost5252 and GLEN Campbell.
When I am feeling blue all I have to do is listen to Cliffs Of Dover !
Wonderful moment !
wow....all these years I thought he was British for some reason. He's a Texas kid....mind blown
Love to see Mitch interview Wayne Krantz and Scott Henderson and Greg Howe and Chris Duarte!
If he learned on piano I can only imagine him playing on a synthesizer the possibilities he'd come up with.
How could I have mixed this?!!!!!!
Van Damme had an interesting quote that I thought about when Eric talked about fear and insecurity. And its about the difference between Jealousy and Envy. Jealousy is trying to be Eric Johnson overnight. Envy is doing the work to become a master of your craft lik ehim.
The best antidote to ego is age! You can quote me... LOL How true.
I first saw Eric on ACL wearing that funny jacket lol .. I never heard of him before then a couple years later Ah Via Musicom was released and he's been a major influence on me ever since then (of course i had to hunt down and purchase all his earlier releases i could find as well)
I know about that..The jacket ultimately became an "homage" to Goodwill where it later ended up!
Exactly right Eric it's the joy of playing. that's what i keep telling people it doesn't matter how it looks to others that person on the stage is really doing what they are doing for themselves! Music can be fun. some think of it as a universal healing language but really music is a selfish persuit! I don't have a fear of playing in front of others because it's irrational. if you think about it some of the greatest mistakes every made we never knew were mistakes because to us they were just part of the song! In fact these mistakes are so integraded that when we hear the song without them we instantly think that's not right somethings wrong or mssing.
Interesting interview. His left hand's 3rd finger is massive, just like Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai. Watching him play, it's always floating (or is he using it? I can't tell) and his little finger appears to be just dragged along. Perhaps I have got it wrong but his fingers are massive.
Yeah--he's got "Guitar Man" hands! On a more serious note, his fingers are incredibly muscled. There's hardly any fat or gristle in between the knuckles--that's why his knuckles look pretty enlarged, like someone with rheumatoid arthritis.
dancing under the milky way to Frank Sinatra sounds very, very cool.
Great Video!
I cant belive james labrie from dream theater interviewing EJ
Is there a video of the workshop he did for fender (as mentioned in the end of this)? Would love to check that out!
10:28 That's his beliefs and I completely respect that. But for me personally, Eric Johnson is the best of the best.
Class act!