Ask Jon: about Steely Dan

Question? "I was wondering if Don and Walter give you the freedom to use your own chord voicings and lead lines on their songs, or do they prefer you to play them as they were originally recorded? And has it ever intimidated you knowing many people are going to compare your playing to Larry Carlton, Hugh McCracken, Jay Graydon, Jeff Baxter. Elliott Randall, etc? " Questions? email [e-mail]

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

As a retired 65 year old your line ‘If it has the power to intimidate it also has the power to inspire’ is one I will add to my dwindling knowledge as I encounter the challenges of the twilight of my life.

[@brucewilliams6604]

You're playing is Phenomenal! Thankew2much!

[@davidblack7528]

Thanks Jon, such a great part of the heart of Steely Dan.

[@hampyonce]

I can't believe I just found your channel. I'm ashamed of the effort I put forth. Great talk.

[@betodaval]

You are a treasure John! Thank you for all you did. I love your sound.

[@loilt5091]

Inspiring words of wisdom…caught Jon with Steely Dan, once in Portland, a few years before Walter left us. Thanks Incredible‼️

[@ChrisHalo]

This was a tremendous help Jon! I caught your performance the other day at the Forum opening for the Eagles. Some of the stuff you played blew my head clean off! Had to look you up. So glad I did, also didnt realize it'd come with some life lessons.

[@derekhenderson1730]

Great to know these things Jon, I always wondered if you got a free hand to express yourself. I've knuckled down to learning much of the material from Royal Scam and on from that (Aja etc) and I know what you mean about all the information you have to retain. My muscle memory thankfully is kicking in, so not too many worries up to now. I saw you in Glasgow with Dan and you were very inspirational, as I love your playing very much. Thanks Jon.

[@soonerscooter3249]

Jon You Sir are. an awesome Guitarist 🎸

[@mariogia]

great stuff - always inspirational to hear you play and speak on the subject, too. Thanks, Jon! \

[@dazestress]

Great thought at the end about intimidation and inspiration! Think I'll hang on to that, Jon...

[@rochthis]

Love this! Thank you.

[@Katimac7]

nice

[@mikerinn6187]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Redcrusader]

One of the best guitar players ever!

[@nunnarij]

You’re awesome John!

[@moshezarviv1252]

so good , jon !!

[@Ronmon100]

I love your work.

[@studiodlux]

Brilliant player!! Check out his gtr solos on Studio D’lux

[@paullevine1813]

As long as Jon's been playing i think he's sort of joking as to if he gets intimidated buy great players but he;s one himself & he can hold his own with everyone that is mentioned even Larry Carlton who would the most likely to intimidate anyone even if Larry is one of the kindest musicians ever. Jon has nothing to fear that's for sure.

[@andreadichiara1280]

Sorry why is this video posted upside down?

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Brilliant, why give power to intimidation-are we so lacking in faith in our musicality that we cannot fashion anew something already in the canon? Of course we can!

[@abradfordajb]

The video is backwards. I HATE that. Love listening to Jon talk & play .... HATE that he looks like a lefty.