2009 Kickoff Event | Eric Johnson | Fender

Austin, Texas, guitar ace and longtime Fender signature artist Eric Johnson is an A-list guitar hero, earning critical raves, commercial success and continuing slack-jawed audience astonishment at his dazzling playing and complete mastery of tone.
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2009 Kickoff Event | Eric Johnson | Fender
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[@freewheelin100]

One of the greatest guitarists ever.

[@Roscoe1279]

So true...a great voice, too.

[@FirstAmericaFirst]

EJ is one in a hundred generations.

[@slados1]

Yeah, I know... the GREAT thing about Eric's vocals is that you really get the feeling that he involves himself in the lyrics, plus he sings to the highest point of his abilities... add to this his genius of composition and supreme technicality --- how can you NOT love this guy?!! London July, 2012!!!

[@SPQRTempus]

20+ years ago he was blowing away the shred heads with his technique and total control of his tone, and he is still going strong. My favorite guitarist, period!

[@JDestripador]

is immortal, eric johnson does not age

[@RsGhost1]

The Mozart of the electric guitar..

[@peacesells]

Eric Johnson is the epitome of what a real guitar player is: He has style, grace, melody, soul, and and skills that most people only dream of having.

[@WMDG3]

Is Eric getting better with age? Always dazzling and inspiring!!

[@thehollowaytape]

EJ looks like he's having so much more fun in these newer videos, rather than focusing on being absolutely perfect.

[@edsreturn2012]

this is great. That first song 'freinds' blew me out of the strasophere! (blown out of the stratosphere by a Stratocaster)

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

That's how the Stratocaster got it's name!

[@viatonejazz]

Lovely tone, beautiful songs. One of the greatest guitarists of our lifetime

[@hootinouts]

Breathtaking leads and awesome tonal colors. And what impresses me is how humble and down to earth he is.

[@llangwyk]

What beautiful playing. The colours, the tones, the technique. So lyrical, so emotional. It might sound daft to some, but it feels "loving" Ah, it makes me sigh. So very beautiful a journey. Thank you Eric for giving us this !

[@philipatoz]

First saw Eric in a small Columbia, SC club about 28 years back. I was awestruck by his tone, technique, exciting chording and dazzling, melodic runs, not to mention probably the best live sound mix I've ever heard. Went up to talk to him and almost did the Waynes World 'I'm not worthy' bit - I just stammered out how unbelievable I found his playing was. Afterwards, I thought about setting fire to my own Strat per Jimi. Felt like I'd seen God play guitar. Amazing guitarist! Enormously inspiring!

[@kingv911]

I like how Eric Johnson saves his pinkie usage for when he really needs it. I'm always using my pinkie - probably be good for my playing and finger stretch abilities if I used my ring finger more often in place of bringing the pinkie in.

[@CorbinSmith-yf3wd]

I do very similar fingerings to Eric (as I have pretty much learnt guitar through watching his instructional tapes lol). As far as I can see, the main benefits of using the ring finger instead of the pinky is that it makes position changes easier... Put your first finger on the 5th fret for example and try placing your ring finger on the same fret a string up from it (at the same time); now try doing the same but with the pinky finger - it's hard isn't it, and it feels really awkward. It's not ideal for when you are going back down the neck and doing position shifts. And can hinder going up the neck position shifts as well. The drawback with the Eric Johnson style grip of the neck is that it offers a lot less range than the 3NPS style grip that a lot of modern "shred" players would use therefore needs a lot of jumping about and position shifts - which is where using the ring finger instead of the pinky most times comes in handy. Additionally it offers more powerful vibrato and other benefits. But to be honest its mostly a preference thing.

[@carlosclaptrix]

His hand stretches from the 1st to the 22th fret!

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

yup , crazy

[@jchi1ds]

I like different guitarists for different reasons but Eric remains my favorite. He has great respect for his instrument. It is ironic that those most talented and accomplished are the ones that seem most humble and approachable. He is the musician I would most like to meet and thank.

[@jghuntr]

I was fortunate to have grown up with him. Our families lived 5 blocks apart. I became his equipment manager when he joined the Mariani Band at 15. ( I was 18) I went to high school with his drummer, Tommy Taylor. I sat next to him while he played piano in his practice room at his parents house. I would tell him , "you should be recording this!" He'd say, "In just fooling around " He writes most of his songs on the piano. He started taking piano lessons at 6. When he turned 11, he decided to play guitar. (Much to his parents' dismay, Lol) He has "Perfect Pitch"; good karma! He took 1 guitar lesson. The teacher told his parents, "Don't waste your money. He doesn't need lessons! I could tell you a thousand stories! When Hendrix died I remember he came to my parents house and woke me up with the news. We cried together 😢. Oh, BTW, I saw Hendrix twice! He always gives my tickets and backstage passes. We went to India together 25 years ago. I saw him play at the Paramount in Austin last month! ❤ Peace Out.

[@CorbinSmith-yf3wd]

@@jghuntr This is a beautiful story; I'm glad you have someone like Eric in your life

[@ballsarama1675]

Great performance by Eric with his old band mates Kyle and Tommy. Regarding the basic structure and sound, also, the closest live version of the album version of Camel's Night Out. When the Sun Meets the Sky is one of Eric's most heart feeling songs...the ending solo is pure emotion.

[@ferturasatana]

totally agree, Eric johnson is one of the greatest all the time, he looks so calm but he plays like a monster

[@douglassmith5211]

E.J. what else can you say . I've been a long time listener He's amazing.

[@Musiconly5934]

Eric Johnson one of a kind🎸

[@chadherring2790]

Eric’s a legend. We were raised on him and Stevie down in ATX. Never seen him play on a rosewood fretboard either

[@NEVAB4]

when he lights up at 3 40, guy has got it big time

[@nsgjdw]

E J is the best ever!! every note is played for a reason, not just for show. His playing "fits my ear"

[@CherokeeMusic]

Exactly! He doesn't need to be "famous". He is famous enough for us to know of him and enjoy his music!

[@dr.know-it-all5148]

WTSMTS is a masterpiece of art.

[@Peelick]

Yea i agree, Tommy & Kyle are his Noel & Mitch!!

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

my favorite artist of the last 40 years, yes I am old , and experienced

[@philipatoz]

Eric only gets better and better! After first seeing him 25 yrs ago, he's still the most complete player I've seen. Sadly, I'm afraid he'll never be a household name - and he SHOULD be. He's never really been in search of radio/mainstream paths to stardom (good!). If he'd come of age 15 - 20 years earlier, his name recognition would be right up there with Page, Beck, Clapton, etc, some of the blues and jazz greats. But he was kind of late to the "guitar hero era," which, sadly, is mostly past.

[@lawman2112]

EJ... Such a signature guitar sound... Awesome!

[@RIInzler]

Cleanest tone you'll ever find 👏

[@bimbomcgee]

great changup 8 mins. in. i like his voice, so underplayed. Didn't realize how much bonamassa used his style. yah and noticed the width of the neck........ is this the king of chordal structure.

[@kritolaos89]

camel's night out is Eric Johnson's playground...in this song he can do everything he wants (as always..but..) pure improvisation

[@schenker4]

WOW you could even talk about his singing while hearing his guitar playing It's says volumes about ones self

[@00KurosakiBankai00]

I salute Eric Johnson, even if I tried playing some of the simplest guitar chords while singing, one or the other would falter He is doing both (with what looks like semi-difficult chord transitions) AND singing.

[@DrPhrenology]

Track Listing -Friends -Camel's Night Out -When the Sun Meets the Sky

[@brian91145]

That bass player owns!!

[@sportsportsport]

Gotta say, that drummer is extremely good.

[@patrickangell5387]

That is Tommy Taylor, he is a excellent player. He is very precise and a hard hitter and plays the gap.

[@jesman1]

Kyle Brock on bass! ...and you call yourself an EJ fan, lol. Just kiddin ;) EJ, awesome as usual. What a talent.

[@DrumSolVanIsle]

This music is very well presented; and true in fidelity to Johnson's Past Consistent for years to my ears.

[@megafone58]

Fantastic player and a nice person

[@RigoesAmorrigotovar]

+megafone58 he is kinda getting the beau bridges look...

[@natemahony493]

Super humble and nice guy

[@BlowBackBenny]

coming off the back of some 80's videos its nice to see he uses the same bass player! I think he's using the same bass too

[@CherokeeMusic]

Goddammit, I love Eric Johnson on every imaginable level. He is the perfect musician, it's a shame that he is getting older because we need more of his music for years to come. He is never a dull performer this performance is just as lively and exciting as anything he did in the 80's. Kudos!

[@tsipfi]

Far away from other guitarists, with clear notes and classic cords that the speed junkees could never achive. Awesome!!!!!!

[@TheOccasionalss]

Eric is a riot. Even makes fun of Fender a little!

[@RigoesAmorrigotovar]

+TheSlasherGod u should see his rig rundown interview...he is so baked!!!!

[@SRVFreak123]

He does not do Drugs at all. Very conscious of that.

[@llangwyk]

One of the most beautifully expressive pieces of guitar playing I've ever heard. Bar None. Thank you EJ

[@komkritrientong5963]

Exellent drummer.

[@PaulBinghamguitar]

This is a great concert, Eric at his best as always. The new Strat looks great too! Eric's tone and phrasing is second to none, these guys are just excellent musicians!

[@cyphixx]

A pure magician with chords. Amazing

[@gondito]

The Marshalls are there. Stacked on the far left. He hits the pedal and switches from the Fender Twins to the Marshall for the lead tone. Listen to When the Sun meets the sky. Classic Eric Tone. One of my favorites. @ 15 min

[@UmbertoRonco]

Fuzzier Johnson ever!

[@JedWunderli]

Eric is absolutely amazing - so versatile and adept and many styles. Great tone.

[@thomasscillieri296]

jeez the sound guy forgot the reverb on his vox!! the opening track is so awesome, but, the lack of a nice deep reverb sucks the awesomeness out a tad.. thank god Eric is in control of the guitar tone

[@lordqs]

Love "Friends", loved this version. Grats for the drummer.. Thanks Eric. 5stars

[@nthsieh928]

god, Eric Johnson has mastered that fuzz sound so well! its so inredible!

[@SamOgilvieJr]

All of the players that accompany him are fabulous, but it is really good to see Kyle Brock on bass here.

[@DK00758]

EJ is EJ the magnificent tone master

[@Tyler18GoPhils]

His tone is amazing.

[@crelis]

remember that eric has 2 types of lead tones: one from the fuzz face and one from the tube driver. The violin lead tones are comming from the tube driver. and in in this video he used the fuzz most of the time for his lead tone. but i have heard the tube driver a view times too and he stil has the same violin lead tone

[@AKMAC82]

Wow, the last song he really turned it up there. He played with some extra passion. Very cool to hear.

[@phatorian]

Great set by Eric and the guys. I really enjoyed it. A long time fan of Eric's.

[@keiwil]

What a beautiful sounding fuzzface very smooth. Sounds like germanium transistors.

[@louiscarrollmusic-lcm5331]

His singing voice is so different to his actual voice. It's so great man.

[@Twistchawa]

Johnson is a very clean man. There is really no spirituality when it comes to his tone. He has it down to a science.

[@jetjock015]

Wow, that's great! Such a gorgeous guitar. I wonder how it feels to him now, looking back and playing all of these Venus Isle era songs with Kyle... That album is 13 years old this year! Sounds great. If I didn't already have a rosewood strat, I'd certainly save my pennies...

[@ObieCS2]

how can some who is almost 60 look (and sound) so youthful

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

ej = magical sounds !!!! tone is out of this world!

[@shadowsong1]

he played when the sun meets the sky - awesome!!

[@davegto67]

We all wish we could play guitar like Eric. Wonderful music, heartfelt playing.

[@ZenDriveSeven]

It's the decorative white trim that runs along the neck of the guitar. On the newest EJ Strat, the (white) binding wraps around the base of the neck as well.

[@timcwalker]

His playing seems more raw and improvised on this set, which is a great thing. Great band.

[@Roscoe1279]

'Five fret stretch' Eric, I call him. I'm learning Cliffs of Dover, a masterpiece. He uses 5 frets a lot there, as he does here.

[@CherokeeMusic]

I believe this is his "new vision". It seems like I remember hearing or reading something about it. Although, he has quit really obsessing, he still pays special attention to everything.

[@Bertiebaby]

i never saw him sing..... but bloody hell hes good at it!

[@jorari71]

since I knew him i always love him...I love her music and compositions as weel.

[@zackvanhalen]

The drummer here is awesome.

[@tobinhobbs]

B-A-D-A-Double S. No one does it better. One more reason to say, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got there as quick as I could."

[@Strateuphoria]

there's healing properties in the music of EJ... :)

[@DustinDrums1]

eric johnson is the man

[@AshStrat1]

the complete performer .

[@griffinmpable]

@theaceofclubs thank you kind sir. its frustrating as a musician myself to watch people rip on others when they have no room to talk. i work my ass off and barely have gotten anywhere with my stuff. so to be playing with someone as huge as Eric, youve gotta be a hard worker

[@badgermit]

whats with the drummer's monster faces? still - I never tire of EJ....just amazing.

[@Telewanger]

Some of you say " Damn He's Old !" Guess what? You will be there soon enough, if you make it that long! Once you hit 30 years old, time flies like a rocket. Enjoy it while you can!

[@rapidtranq]

his chordal playing is AMAZING!!!

[@edsreturn2012]

8;45 to 12: 45 was just wonderful. Blew my mind like the first time i heard Hendrix!

[@michaeljamsmith]

I has binding along side the finger board. It has the advantage of covering up the end of the frets so it smoother if you use a tight grip. Look at 2:33. You can see the ginding on the neck, not standard for a Stratocaster

[@campjam69]

WOW!!! A strat with binding on the neck... I like!!!

[@hogwild6161]

I have seen him well over a dozen times in the 2000's, never seen him with more than one Marshall Plexi. I even have a pic of me onstage(not while he was playing) in front of his gear. The last time I seen him I have never heard a Marshall cranked to 10, it made my ears bleed. But it's the only way to get that classic sound he gets......

[@Beanoismycat]

i've noticed as time has gone by, his tone has changed to a more fuzzy tone. I've seen him live countless times and he loves the fuzz now. I think Venus Aisle is my fav of his recorded tones. Regardless, the man is my hero.

[@Chillnote]

might also be the change from marshall to hiwatt amps

[@joeylodes]

I like this guys playing master of major pent and mixolydian modes

[@jammjunky7]

yes I agree, all he needed was a little more volume & reverb on his vocals.....but what a rare & good video this is...last time I saw Eric was at the "meals for Wheels" benifit in Austin @ the Garden with Alien Love Child... nothing beats seeing him live....thank you Fender for posting..

[@CherokeeMusic]

He has mastered chords. He has a lot of flexibility in his hands as a result of playing, so yes, he can stretch.

[@sergiooliveira-gy7zy]

Grande mestre das estratocasters!

[@smkonwater23]

A Guitar Archangel walks amongst mere mortals.

[@EmphaticItalic]

Perfection. All Eric's music has this special perfect something to it

[@ioannisdenton]

19:10 and after , oh man after 1953 i can see that chords make the music. screw mindless scale runs. Eric is by no means a shredder , he is a master

[@badfinger848]

appm81: By saying that Eric Johnson isn't famous, I think whoever said that meant that he's not mainstream and, instead, famous mainly with guitarists.

[@wileypayote]

He is the best and on Ah Via Musicom, his voice sounds like Brian Adams. Just a phenom in my book, and he always uses such pleasant chords and phrasing, but when he wants to shead, he can rip the roof off the place with the best of them, all with perfect tonality. Nobody has the complete packages. And no, I'm no EJ saying this about myself.

[@electricsoulrock]

Eric Johnson takes the guitar to the highest winds

[@cchmlfa]

The best guitarist EVER,