"Learn what you love"-John 5's Six-String Stories

World renown guitar virtuoso and monster enthusiast, John 5, took a break from touring with The Creatures in support of their explosive shred-fest of a live record "It's Alive!" to visit the offices of Alternative Press and...play "The Brady Bunch" theme song...
In this APTV exclusive, John 5 discusses how television (the TV set, not the band...) was his first musical influence, the inexplainable feeling he gets when he hears a great riff and his contentment as both Rob Zombie's resident axe man and leader of The Creatures.
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[@emiliopalomo5124]

He's been playing for so long that one hands is larger than the other from stretching around the neck. Talk about dedication. What a badge of honor, god John is a legend.

[@theateroftheabsurd2168]

Its amazing 👏

[@PerryCodes]

He has god-like skills. The whole hand thing is BS.

[@ItsaDaPope-a]

@@PerryCodes prove it!

[@PerryCodes]

@@ItsaDaPope-a It's basic science... You know - something called physiology? "... the actual size of your hands is limited by the size of your hand bones. No amount of stretching, squeezing, or strength training can make your bones any longer or wider. That said, the hand is powered by about 30 muscles, and they can grow stronger and more flexible with a variety of exercises." But there are plenty of morons in this world that will believe anything... Watch people respond to David Blaine... Hell - millions of people still think they were "robbed" of an election in the US... Morons. So no... I don't need to prove anything. It's a scientific fact that you can't "stretch" one hand larger by playing the guitar.

[@lomarsweed6604]

@@PerryCodes How is it BS? He literally put his hands together and the discrepancy in size was plain as day.

[@TazTaylorBand]

John 5 is a total class act all the way around. I have opened for him 3 times and am looking forward to doing it again in a few weeks!

[@altpress]

Taz Taylor He really is the nicest dude. Have a great show!

[@Devonellah]

Badass :)

[@onfghng]

He makes me want to be a better person to others and myself. And to get better at guitar ofc. Rly does seem like a genuine dude

[@scottyd2262]

Good on ya mate ! I wish that I was there !!!

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Cool!🤘🔥🌞

[@Avatinfernus]

I'm past 40 and decided to start my guitar journey. Better late than never :D John 5 is an inspiration

[@jessefinnigan662]

John 5 always just shocks me with how down to earth and chill he is despite the fact that he's easily one of the best and most versatile artists to ever live. Like, this man does not have an arrogant or mean bone in his entire body and just radiates so much positivity. Absolutely wild.

[@yvanlenyvan]

If they love Black Sabbath, teach 'em a few chords and they will never put that guitar again Best.Advice.Ever.period. John5 is a motivational speech that came alive, I can't stop listening to him. The man can play some freak riffs but he made the simplest sounds for MM and Rob Zombie and that still works

[@alerey4363]

but kids nowadays dont want to stydy (real music, theory, compass, etc); they are exactly like: "teach the BARE minimum to play Sabbath Blood Sabbath"; that's very lazy and every pro musician (being a session or band player) worth his salt worked his ass out to get there; the "teach me just a few chords to sound like my fav hero" goes in the opposite direction

[@keesketsers5866]

Juan Fonseca : maybe....but in the 1000 lazy kids learning those bare minimums there will be a few that grow out to be amazing and enjoy every second of it.

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

@@alerey4363 shut up you old bitch

[@laa0fa502]

Too be fair he didn't compose or originally play any of MM and Rob's best works but he's still ky favorite guitarist for both of them

[@experimentalgroup9473]

Amen

[@alexaymp]

Met him backstage at Ozzfest back in 2000-2001, I was 10-11 years old. Even back then he was as genuine and humble as you see in this video. John is the man!

[@LeadMe2TheBliss]

That was 2001, I was there. I also went to Ozzfest 1999, and 2000. J5 seems like everything a true rockstar should be, he's everything youd expect a rockstar not to be and that is actually what makes him the success that he is.

[@talisfinney984]

All I can say is John 5 is one hell of a dude and one badass guitar player

[@stevejames2234]

A fan of music, and an appreciation for all styles makes this guy unique. Has the talent and the chops to play whatever he wants. One of my new faves. Finger pickers are the best.

[@WexArexThexFallen]

This is what a true icon looks like.

[@gardaneianlord1402]

U look like a TRUE great fuck

[@WexArexThexFallen]

No, but you look like the guy I beat the shit out of last night with my chains.

[@RoboRocker69]

Amber Stevens Hot!

[@stupidjubei]

Leave it to some wanna be rapists to always class up the internet. A girl (God forbid she is attractive too) comments on a guitar forum....and 5...4....3...2... disgusting.

[@pissbaby7306]

then the desperate niceguy gang weeder calls them out in an attempt to woo her. That's probably not even her

[@rjc7289]

Credit where it's due to John for his versatility. I don't know of many guitarists who can go from metal to classic rock to bluegrass to flamenco and not miss a beat!

[@ThinkReal]

John 5 exudes inspiration. He's the nicest guy who could melt your face with his sonic shreds. Love this guy!

[@bwgti]

So weird. The last video with John from Hard Rock Cafe playing some cool vintage gear got so much dislike. It was kind of depressing. John seems like a decent guy. And obviously he can play. Nice video. Glad commenters enjoyed it.

[@danwilhite]

I thought the the Hard Rock video was pretty cool!

[@y2kcurran]

I don't remember reading any hate....most people are a little in love with this guy

[@BlackacreDoe]

I think most of the dislike came from the host and the editing, that's what annoyed me at least.

[@shaunpearson7905]

What are you talking about? That video has 1.2 million views, 11, 000 likes, and less than 800 dislikes as of this date. I very much doubt the ratio would have been much different when you wrote this.

[@BlackacreDoe]

Comments

[@tomfairbairn1202]

John 5 and Buckethead should tour together

[@killval849]

hahahahah ikr as soon as you see someone pull out the kill switch on the guitar you immediately think of buckethead

[@F1Slunk]

I'd hazard a guess and say Big B used the Kill Switch first, but hey, it's not a pissing contest.

[@earlycuyler2295]

Buckethead writes a few songs utilizing a stutter button and people think he invented the concept. Ive seen legit jazz bassists Use the technique to puncutate phrases for years.as well as all the guitarists that flick their selector to an off pickup. Sure jordan is an awesome riff but by NO means did he pioneer the idea

[@F1Slunk]

@@earlycuyler2295Big B uses the Kill switch on more than just a few songs. He may not be the inventor, but he's brought it to the forefront.

[@earlycuyler2295]

@@F1Slunk im not tryiny to diminish what hes done with it in any way. He clearly knows how to take full advantage of the technique.all im saying is he is one of many people to use it, not the first or the last.but to claim that his use of such a simple trick defines what he he is capable of, while ignoring his other ;more unique methods both vastly undercredits him as a guitarist and shows just how little some people appreciate the bulk of his work over a commonplace $3 guitar mod being used and attemtps to marginalize him into another "one trick pony" gimmick guitar guitarist.people like this because with a little time,a simple component and wire cutters they can learn to play the opening to jordan and say "im as good as buckethead" because thats all they know, or care to know of his work.its the same as bringing up dick dale every time you hear somebody use reverb or that every body that uses fuzz or a wah pedal is just trying to sound like hendrix. Bucket head, as well as the other guitar players ive mentioned while they are known to use these tools are great musicians before and after these effects and while they leaned(sometimes heavily) on them sometimes,they are just one of many facets to their playing style.

[@deezynrth]

I think this is a great video for beginners to watch for inspiration and motivation. His playing and perspective on guitar as a whole is brilliant too!

[@eliasaltman4439]

So true with learning what you love. I started without a teacher so I could learn whatever I wanted that I found on the internet and I do think that’s the main reason why I haven’t quit. You just feel so cool like “yeah I can play Walk by Pantera I’m so cool” so you keep playing and playing and you never stop

[@chrisorellp1]

His advice about learning to play music you like is spot on. I played piano as a kid and quit because I was being trained classically and hated classical music. I’ve recently picked up guitar, stuck to music I actually enjoy, and have been loving it.

[@DanDan-jw1fd]

John, I've seen you in 20 or more shows around the country and I'm so thank full for your small bar performances!!!! Appreciate the Zombie but LOVE the small local performances . Please don't stop!!!

[@Jtdubbzz]

What a down to earth guy he is. Every video I see of him he’s super polite and just stoked on everything. I love it and I’m happy for the guy, livin the dream. Wish I wasn’t such a bum

[@normcahall4548]

Talk about versatility. And the love to be versatile, that is a true music soul. Amazing.

[@kingsleycracknell7081]

When John 5 whacks out, Beautiful People I just melted.

[@johnchristopherlayton1325]

John 5 is the man. Didn't really know much about him until recently. Such a chill and genuine guy. You can see the passion for music in his eyes and everything he does. Watching him play and talk about guitar makes me want to learn how to play. 🎸❤️👏👏👏😊

[@cswal118]

I discovered John 5 while doing a Buckethead binge....he is an outstanding player and seems like a truly down to earth and humble person....

[@hubbsllc]

I'm a very-long-time drummer and bassist who started playing guitar in earnest relatively recently and found myself enjoying it so much that I got out of the drum business for the foreseeable. I'm not very good but what I *am* able to play is an absolute blast. And like John 5 says here - I'm playing what I love.

[@monkeymuggs]

His phrasing and technique is superb. Could watch him all day

[@ricktherrien8235]

I remember one time I was doing a show at a local bar here in Kingston and I was playing Breed by Nirvana. Well once the solo came I spun around and jumped down on my knees purposely but when I did my head hit the microphone and it made a loud bang through the PA. Well I thought people would be unhappy about it but it just fired them up and they started cheering. After the solo I returned to my feet to finish the song. The crowd went nuts and I received a standing ovation.

[@BrianMarto]

I just got into John 5 I love his humble attitude, and he is a brilliant player well he is from a different dimension,

[@bveracka]

You're the man John! You've been a huge inspiration to me. It's all about the love of music! Great advice too; I had one teacher who wanted to teach me from Mel Bay books and got discouraged. Then around age 11, I had another who started me right on the 12-bar blues and classic rock songs, and I was hooked for life! Keep up the good work. 👍

[@yorganyog]

I just love this guy. I stay 8 min listen and time flew. Some stories reminds me when I started to play guitar.

[@SwordShape]

one of the most underrated guitarists today

[@juanmercado8599]

The ‘Beautiful People’ riff is timeless. When you hear it, you know what song it is and can hear yourself playing the song in your head. And it’ so simple!

[@sagecreekwitt3301]

He's in the top 5 for sure. The fact that he can play so many styles is what sets him apart. Longevity is also a huge factor. Keeping yourself alive and in the game is what eliminates many from being the best ever.. in my opinion. Kudos keep the passion!

[@mastertemple8369]

He is an amazing storyteller too, wonderful human being...Grew up on Country greats and not ashamed to say it...

[@j.m5888]

What a lovely guy, so humble despite having epic talent. He's a lesson to everyone..

[@highsierra67]

John 5 can smoke anyone I know off the stage... he seems to be as grounded as one could be for his expertise. Must get tons of attention yet stays professional with an edge of curiosity and fun...

[@altpress]

John is such a positive guy. He’s an incredibly refreshing person to be around. He also recorded a Podcast when he visited our office. Definitely worth a listen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ2Vq4pvq5yHgs0

[@swampweasel]

I just love this guy so much...Im old Ive been going to shows for longer than most of you have been alive...saw him at the vogue in indianpolis a couple months ago...greatest guitar player alive...greatest show i've ever seen

[@mrc6032]

You can always tell a true musician if they appreciate every genre. Any one who says they only like one style.. Is not true musician. John 5 is there real deal.

[@nerdcave0]

It's so refreshing hearing someone go off about how totally content they are with their existing accomplishments and life. The whole "hustle till you die"/"it's never enough" is so tired. He seems like a great guy.

[@ralphfiligenzi8714]

Not only such an amazing guitarist but a down to earth great guy. One of my favorite guitarist's in the last 10 years at least!

[@altpress]

Ralph Filigenzi He really is an excellent guy. We were very fortunate to have him visit our office. John also recorded a Podcast with it Editor In Chief, Jason Pettigrew. It’s full of Manson tour stories, the backstory of the band John left in order to tour with Zombie and a lot of great guitar talk. It’s well worth a listen.

[@erenraymond3234]

Ive watched a few interviews of this guy so far and he seems so real and down to earth. Dude is cool AF and a mean guitar player too. I had no idea his scope of work or talent until recently, wish i'd discovered him sooner.

[@fileunderunknown6924]

Humble and talented and a true inspiration. This is the kind of musician kids growing up should look up to.

[@karynagibson05]

John has been kissed by the guitar Angels! ❤🎸🧚‍♂️ NEVER stop shredding John! We love you and your exceedingly beautiful talent ❤🎸🎵🎶❤🎸🎵🎶

[@yarrtaazeem]

I can listen to this man for hours

[@miguelhernandez6489]

5 seems to have a general love and respect for all forms of music something that musicians nowadays lack and a bad ass guitar player keep it up

[@altpress]

Miguel Hernandez John also recorded a Podcast with our editor in chief, Jason Pettigrew. It’s well worth a listen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ2Vq4pvq5yHgs0

[@kd5nrh]

I want to hear a John 5 and Chris Thile jam session.

[@tbobmann229]

what a talent.. of everyone that has ever played a telecaster.. he will be remembered as one of the greatest!

[@jeffrobodeenyehcmon5925]

Playing guitar is so much better than whatever it is your playing..the feeling..it feels so good to have the guitar as an escape or whatever..playing for 40yrs and you can only get better

[@bradpattinson2774]

It took me way too long to appreciate just how good John is at playing. I used to skim over him when I was younger (and a bit of an elitist) and now I'm just disappointed in myself for only starting to listen to him a couple years ago. Such a humble man and incredible guitarist.

[@natas3.14]

Agreed, did the same thing

[@VILLAINPANTHERA]

Totally true my very first popular riff was killing in the name by rage against the machine and as soon as I played that I had the biggest smile on my face and I keep it going with my favorite songs, is amazing to play the songs you love

[@LuisJimenez-pb3ge]

A true idol and wonderful role model. Who couldn’t love this guy?!?

[@dereksmith1159]

Still can't get over his different sized hands. That's incredible.

[@williamchiusano3185]

Who DOESN'T LOVE THIS FREAKING GUY??? I Never Knew Who the HELL ROB ZOMBIES Guitarist was ..THEN once I realized who John 5 was and such an wide variety of interest.... He's bout 7+ years old than me but I have been playing since 7 as well .I love everything from FOLK🤓 to YNGWIE 😎 I gotta admit I'm a HUGE metal and classical fan though... RAHHHHHHH 😜😎 😜

[@JohnyHimalaya]

John 5 its clear you are one happy rock and roll dude. Contentment is a great place to be, to appreciate what you have and to be enjoying where you are at in life. Think of all the rockers who did not value themselves or all their many blessings. Good on you.

[@williamzoom]

He truly is on another level!

[@brucespruce4689]

cant wait for john 6's 5 string stories!

[@roryt9751]

Bruce Spruce hahah excellent! 🤪😂

[@timgrzecki6539]

My favorite part of this video is the wear on his guitar from how much he plays it.

[@altpress]

Tim Grzecki His guitar has seen the world!

[@timgrzecki6539]

Alternative Press And the world has had the pleasure of hearing his guitar.

[@cheesehate1]

one of the most inspiring videos ever for a guitar player that is just starting out!

[@andre-michelgoulet6933]

Such a scholar and gentleman.

[@barell007]

Great Advice from a Truly Gifted musician. Very inspirational words John. Thank you Sir.

[@dundun8640]

Watching John 5 play is wonderful

[@dundun8640]

@John5music henlo, indian guy :3

[@dundun8640]

@John5music i wanted to meat you, but i didnt haveenough money for the MC ticket at the time, i hope you live lomg so i actually have a chance to see you play live😅

[@tdalb8985]

I'm really starting to admire this guy. So much more there, than I'd have guessed.

[@kevinsmith5318]

This young man is so grounded and talented. And genuine. Love him to bits!

[@overcome8628]

I prejudged you, not in a good way. But when I finally listened to u talk and found out u are so down to earth. You're like one of my favorite guitar players.

[@Titan520]

This guy is real humble. You are awesome!

[@MedicFromTF2_REAL]

I always forget to breathe when I hear him play. So underrated!

[@crissbang1370]

he is not just being a great guitarist.. he is a legend

[@lovineveryminuteofit7492]

Well damn!!!! Always have loved a guitar .....friends who played lead guitar in my younger years put it I my head and heart...

[@xxchugchugxx420]

That Guitar sounds so good ...... Dayummm

[@travvypoo]

Dude is so thoughtful and one helluva musician.

[@natjonestower3035]

Just got to see him with Rob Zombie a couple days ago, so good.

[@jackhead790]

I love the larger hand bit!

[@acocote2137]

this guy plays some great guitar in every possible style, and keeps being so cool it is hard not to like him...

[@Orieus]

one of the last cool guitar players around in rock, the dude is amazing, and a class act.........

[@markd4768]

So true, my first riff smoke on the water, the real way, two finger pick.. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and till this day it’s the first thing I warm up with before playing!!

[@bwalk009]

John 5 is a down to earth cool dude. I like and respect him very much.

[@EKEACRES]

The reason why a Bigfoot body has never been found, is because he collects them & makes coats out of them.

[@ozoneswiftak]

Toggle to the next level. This guy is no joke. Thanks master john for sharing.i might have seen you play live in Anchorage Alaska. Awesome guitarist

[@stevejames2234]

I think the young kid John is referring to on Hee Haw was Jimmy Henley. He was a hell of a banjo player at the age of 12!

[@theshuriken]

i thought it was the kid from deliverance

[@Fuq2]

@@theshuriken Fun fact, that kid wasn't playing. There was a guy behind him with his arms in the sleeves playing the banjo.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

At 2:08 he shows his hands difference in size, which is freaking amazing! More than anything else, that REALLY proves a guitar player from a young age......!

[@jamesyates2331]

Dedication... You probably never go anywhere without a guitar .. your left hand whoa. !! ....so much longer than your right , amazing ....Good thing your parents bought u a guitar so young....

[@damianhernandez8215]

I love hearing John play some Manson. Absolutely love it. I wish he played more of it these days

[@josuesamaniego182]

More Six Strong Stories. Best series on this channel!

[@altpress]

Josue Samaniego We actually have quite a few episodes already. We’ll definitely try to get more artists to do one with us. Any requests?

[@altpress]

Josue Samaniego kzbin.info/aero/PLOsyflpUac0m7mV61C1dHXvV96NQlcRH7

[@josuesamaniego182]

Alternative Press I’ve seen em all! No requests. I just really enjoy these. Maybe try and get Josh Travis!

[@altpress]

Josue Samaniego we’ll do our best. If you’re a guitarist, we also have a lot of Archive content that feature play through a and how to plays-Tiny Moving Parts, Halestorm, Escape the Fate and others are featured. Thanks for the kind words!

[@mangear2851]

The most well spoken and engaging guitarist out there. Very inspiring!

[@85jongo]

I'm not even a big fan of metal, which he's most well known for (recognize he transcends the genre). I like telecasters and inevitably come across videos of John 5, however, I find him to be very refreshing and inspirational, especially in this video. He's just one of those rare people that marries serious chops, love for music, and unbounded imagination.

[@Philtration]

Saw him with Marilyn Manson at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago in 2003. He just killed it.

[@dlloyd4896]

I can watch John 5 interviews all day long 🤘

[@AJBell-dh6ry]

John 5 is always a class act. He's a national treasure.

[@TheFree2last1]

I freakin love this guy. Such a great Man, and what a huge guitar hero he is. Amazing simple as that, just WOW.

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

This guy is amazing, great inspiration and humble. He doesn't try to hide the mystery of why different types of sound really energize him.

[@darknessnightfall]

I like how normal he is..how passionate..how he seems to enjoy it...even when his looks make you first think..he will act like a super star.

[@N8sLaxLife]

John 5 is on my list of people to grab lunch with and jam with. He seems like a hella cool dude to fool around with

[@sixpenske1940]

one of my favorites love his style!!

[@kellyrsmith9011]

Love the music, all music. 🤘😊🤘

[@ejicon3099]

Super cool and Super Humble. Awesome...

[@projectvex5235]

Just found this video, lol SPEAK IT MAN!!! solid advice from the best in the business, (in my opinion) I for one am glad you stepped back on stage after a bad first experience and continued to grace stages everywhere with your presence, and though I love what you're doing with Zombie, I think your solo stuff is the best! PS RIP Roy Clark, they don't build em like they used to...

[@kornival117]

hes so positive. i love it

[@sublime88sublime]

The most impressive part of this video was how perfect his tone was for the 'Smells like Teen Spirit' riff

[@josephmeo261]

Hello Chuck! And John 5 ROCKS!

[@nicksundstrom7341]

My musical tastes are the exact opposite of what he’s known for, but I’ll sit and listen to him talk and play all day.

[@mindwaterfallakaleroythech75]

Love the down to earth attitude. Very cool!

[@MouthyKnight]

So fucking good. Insanely modest about it. This guy has been shredding since he got a guitar in his hands.

[@Devonellah]

What a great person you are John5!!!! So inspiring, so legit :) Thanks for spreading the good energy!!!

[@ramaibrahim]

wow this guy is not only a great guitarist, but also such a great person..