British guitarist reacts to Eric Johnson's award winning display!

So here it is! Tonight I'm looking at Eric Johnson with his classic track Cliffs of Dover. What a seriously cool guy!
Original video - • *** Eric Johnson - Cli...
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[@davidkendall9688]

I met Eric at his studio in Austin through my work in the AC business. I was a fan but didn’t mention anything about until I was ready to leave, and I was pretty low key about it, just telling him that I really enjoyed his music. He asked me if I was a guitarist. I told him, “Not really, I play guitar, but I wouldn’t call myself a Guitarist.” He got the joke, laughed, and said, “Well we have something in common then.” I found him to be a friendly, humble, likeable guy with a good sense of humor besides being one of the greatest guitarists I’ve ever seen.

[@williamsporing1500]

I’ve heard nothing bad about the guy either. That, to me, makes the guy even better.

[@patrickoflynn5414]

Eric is my dad. My guitar geins ran down my mams leg tho

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@patrickoflynn5414 Being a Fan in the AC business must be a real boon.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Sorry. I'll leave. lol Luv and Peace.

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@patrickoflynn5414 Tuff break kid.

[@jtarman70]

One of the greatest guitar players to ever live!

[@jondoe6273]

I must thank Eric, cause without him, i wouldn't realize how much i suck at guitar.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@SJ-up2zr]

I felt the same way about Neil Peart putting me in my place as a drummer

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

Rudy was not good at football.but Rudy had heart. and passion.

[@jondoe6273]

@@thedeathwobblechannel6539 He was a pretty good mayor too.

[@frankdeutan]

You don't suck, Eric it's just better lmao

[@williampatterson5067]

His tone is like butter, probably the smoothest guitarist around.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah!

[@henryneufeld7187]

Agree, like butter, but Santana is the king of smooth. =]

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

Yeah he has a lot of top end rolled off which is what most guitar players would never do but he sounds just gorgeous and with such a flawless technique you can hear all the low strings perfectly. Eric is like a miracle guitar player and writer:)

[@starcloud4959]

- yes i prefer eric johnson to both joe satriani and carlos santana now.

[@BondiJames]

Henry Neufeld You should listen to Manhattan, East Wes, and A Memory I Have. I think you might change your mind afterwards.

[@johnmeadows7504]

My son, Eric, loved this song. As a matter of fact, I took him to see Eric. It was his first concert at age 14. I had bought tickets, and wrote the local radio station to see if they would announce on air that my son was going to see him. They did better. They upgraded our tickets and got us backstage passes. When my son meet him, Eric asked if he played guitar. My son said no and Eric said "Good for you!" Later my son asked why he said that and I said I think it's because that's ALL he did was play guitar to get to that level. The show was great, smallish venue in Seattle. I'll never forget how kind Eric was to my son. We were told that he was very shy and didn't understand why people wanted to meet him. Wonderful man.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@famat161]

I just figured out what song this was after never hearing it since 1979. But i remembered the hook. I had heard it maybe ~6 times before it vanished from existence. I tried singing the hook to people but there was no recognition. Blank faces, nothing but blank faces amazed that I had tried to sing it at all. But last week I thought to ask the WNEW-FM Fan Club members. Guess number 14 got it. Eric Johnson's "Cliffs of Dover". It was worth the wait. Well worth the wait. When I saw the name Eric Johnson, there was a distant tremor of excitment. As the song progressed I knew it was it. I sing the hook line, a few measures at least, to myself atleast every few months for decades now.. I missed the song so much. I just assumed I would never know what the song was and never hear it again. Nice one WNEW-FM fan club. I'm good now.

[@awesomeness7434]

@Matej Juhás at least he can comfort knowing he's the greatest guitarist alive

[@albertschepis]

@@famat161 Which was it, WHEW or WNEW?

[@famat161]

@@albertschepis Thank you Albert. I fixed it.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

What I like about Eric's playing is his devotion to melody, and building atmosphere, he is not concerned with aggression but clear, expressive lines and imagination, delicious stuff.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@nellgwenn]

There seems to be always a hint of Texas Swing in the songs he composes. You can almost hear people like Chet Atkins or Les Paul or Joe Pass in him. Especially in this song. It shows depth of character and study.

[@Cheximus]

On the contrary, I find it rather dull after a bit. I love a big raking bend. Funny how tastes differ. I love the intro of the song, but after that pinch harmonic I get bored.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Isn't it funny, also how tastes often mature and the pyrotechnic flashy techniques simply pall after you reach a certain level of musical sophistication-still we each have to plod our own path, eh?

[@Cheximus]

Not really sure where you got pyrotechnic flashy techniques. The song that came to mind was SRV's famous version of Voodoo Child. But hopefully one day I will reach the dizzy heights of music sophistication that a select few get to enjoy.

[@othusa]

Eric is a magical player. He never plays this song the same way twice, an amazing writer and one of the Greatest Players I never get tired listening to:) Thanks Fil!

[@michaelouellette272]

Fabulous. One of the best. And the nicest, warmest, overdrive/sustain ever. The tone, the delay, perfect! And a great tune. And, his clean sound/tone is also amazing!

[@msolbakken]

That Austin City Limits TV show was my first taste of Eric Johnson. Such clean playing, every note fretted perfectly. He's also an amiable guy, humble and unpretentious.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@LostPlanet2024]

In 1979 at 16 years old, I used a fake ID to get into Sneaky Petes in Dallas. This was on a Sunday and we were only people there. We asked the wastress who the band was and she repied "some blues band". We almost left. About an hour later this kid of maybe 100lbs walks in with a seafoam green strat. Our jaws hit the table and remained there all night. That night changed my life and I saw Eric every chance I got after that. He IS the best rock/fusion player there will ever be.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@RealTemp02]

Fletch Redwine daamn, cool story bro👍

[@FeelingShred]

It was not HIS band

[@Gitfiddle]

FeelingShred come on dude when Eric plugs in every band becomes his band 😂

[@LostPlanet2024]

Talkin Bout Nawlins Well, this wasnt the EMs. It was his 3pc band doing mostly material off of Seven Worlds. Showdown, Emerald Eyes, etc.., He also did Politician by Cream and The Claw. Electromagnets had keys.

[@Bill_Jones.]

Man, if I were to choose one word to describe his playing it would be “effortless.” No matter how fast the run or how difficult the phrasing, he is always in a relaxed mode of playing. My favorite Eric Johnson song is “Trademark.”, but “Desert Rose” is another great one too. Love your channel !

[@jonroux9291]

The first 45 seconds of Eric's performance is one of his styles that I could listen to for hours. So hauntingly beautiful.

[@YoloMcSwaggot]

You know Cliffs of Dover is a great song, not because Eric won an award with it, but because it was featured on Guitar Hero 3, the very pinnacle of interactive entertainment.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@BondiJames]

Most people don't seem to notice, but Guitar Hero 3 doesn't have the real Cliffs of Dover as performed by Eric Johnson. It's a mediocre cover version. I suspect the reason is that the devs didn't have access to the individual tracks for the song, I.E. the isolated guitar, bass, and drum tracks.

[@arroncusimano9169]

licencing issues, its cheaper to hire studio musos to cover it, and if the orig artist dont want to give permission

[@WingmanStudios]

​@@BondiJames Steve Ouimette, the guitarist who performed the cover of Cliffs of Dover for Guitar Hero 3 (and also performed many of the other guitar tracks for the game, such as The Devil Went Down to Georgia, etc) did an excellent job in terms of technical ability for his cover of the song. His tone was very slightly off, but I consider his cover very respectful to the mood and growl of the original. Definitely better than most people could do. As Arron Cusimano said, a guitar cover was required for the game to input the song, as the game developers lacked the original tracks separating the guitar from the bass and drums. The game could not function properly without this, so unless the record company kept the original separate tracks from the studio (extremely doubtful), the cover was necessary to put the song into the game. Lastly, and most importantly, whether or not Ouimette's cover was perfect is aside the main point: The dissemination of that game, with that cover in it, to millions of young aspiring guitarists, inspired many to look up the original track and listen to Eric Johnson's original performance of it, which clearly has benefitted both Eric Johnson and his fanbase (growing it dramatically). I suspect 75% of all fans of this song are only aware of it because of Guitar Hero 3. So I say, bravo to Guitar Hero. Maybe some of those young folks will become real "guitar heroes" some day!

[@kellyjohns6612]

I beg to differ. I've known of and loved this tune since the 80s and I've never cared much for games. Everybody I know agrees. I checked😁

[@meticulousgeek]

It's like when Eric goes off he searches every nook and cranny of the melody but never drifting too far off. You won't get lost but it is an adventure for sure. Also, we cannot underestimate the absolute legends at the bass and drums on this one. The whole band is just supertight.

[@xSHIELDBREAKERx82]

My introduction to Eric Johnson was through Guitar Hero 3. When I first heard Cliffs of Dover on the game I was hooked immediately. I bought the dvd of Austin City Limits and by Our Lord, the man is just crisp, clean and amazing.

[@milypr81]

Tone master and the shreds are so understated, probably my favorite guitarist as I get older

[@INFPinSA]

Brilliant analysis. Loved the bits about Eric just 'dropping aces' all over the place in this 'hookfest'. This performance is just jaw-dropping. One of the greats. Love that he's still touring. Never seen him live, which is criminal. Seeing him in 2023, period! lol

[@JammyTom]

I've probably listened to this performance about 50-100 times. The chord progression at the beginning of the solo has brought me to tears multiple times

[@notes2keith]

When Jeff Beck heard this track he said "I might as well give up." Happy 64th birthday Eric. 1954 August 17

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@matthewhorizon6050]

Holy crap! I can't believe he's 64! I remember watching the Austin City Limits performance w my dad at home, which I think is this one. I remember my pops and I just periodically looking back and forth in amazement. Eric's a master and a legend. What a beast!

[@heybuddy6794]

Jimi Page should have given up when he heard Papa Roach

[@lorenzoamoso2952]

I heard lil Wayne said the same thing.

[@jmsbk12345]

He said that about Jimi Hendrix as well. Jeff is humble about his playing and yet he is a total master himself playing some guitar that even Eric Johnson couldn't play. However they are all masters.

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

Eric is such a humble guy,he playd with B.B. King and B.B had to bring him from behind the stage ,when he was playing ,so people could see him.

[@addicted2tone349]

I love how you genuinely love guitar as much as the rest of us and watch in awe of the music like I do. Music is the language that unites us all no matter where we come from..

[@wingsofpegasus]

Amen.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

I read there is some evidence human were making primitive music before language evolved...This wouldn't surprise me because everybody loves music in its plethora of genres and styles. It is a language we innately understand.

[@robertwhitcomb6105]

Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms Josey!

[@matthewhorizon6050]

True story

[@classicartfoundation639]

@@MICKEYISLOWD it's true, cavemen made guitars out of rock, with rock strings and rock amps. That's where the term 'Rock music' originates. They also had rock wah wahs and rock lighting rigs. None of it worked but it was the beginning. Until Leo fender came along 80 million years later.

[@andyharpist2938]

"Let's strart right here...." (0 - 1.00) Fil's eyes show he has entered that sublime state of mind...maybe even to another dimension...... that only music can create.

[@raibeartmurchadha5958]

Love how Fil is so respectful to those whom he reviews. He's very well-spoken, and has a knack for accurate description of what we are seeing and hearing. Being a musician, I hear every instrument individually and am fascinated how others (and myself) arrange the placement of instruments with rhythm and melody to make wonderful compositions. 12 notes, millions of combinations!

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

Composition, you say? Absolutely. There are so many genres that he touches. And he does them in nano seconds, too. The man's fingers and brain are in sync in a way that few people can possibly imagine. He's not just fast. He's playing classical guitar. Your analysis never misses the mark, Fil excellent

[@se2702]

I've met Eric after concerts several times. He's the nicest person you could ever meet - and very humble too.

[@kingadalou]

Probably the most unique sounding tone I've ever heard.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@donhancock332]

What is that sound- that drone?

[@jfilipeccnp]

Eric have that special touch. Only the greats, the top, top players can play like this. The guitar is an extension of their brain and heart. Amazing.

[@ginogenero7972]

Eric most impresses me when he ends a phrase with a single note that just takes off... soaring sonically well beyond the picked note, exploding with tonality beyond what we mere mortals can conjure.

[@KittyKarenpoo]

Saw him live twice. The first time it was in a mid-sized venue wherein maybe 200 people were in attendance, and it has an open floor, so you could basically just walk up to the stage and watch from ten feet away. I was walking back and forth in the room, finding the best acoustics 1/3 of the way back. For intermission he played Hendrix. Sometimes with one hand.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@mattflickinger8151]

Saw him this year playing this show, hasn't lost a step, was blown away...

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@KP-rm6dn]

It's hard to put your finger on it, but Eric is so unique in his ways, and he never overdoes things. Just love his style and music.

[@kodiakfamily8032]

I love Eric Johnson. He takes all that technical skills and makes it pleasant to the ear. So many highly technical players - Via, Satch, Yngvie.... - are phenomenal, but I can take in shorter doses. I can just listen to Eric. There is always a Melody. EVH has that Melody as well in all the technique. Then, I am no a musician, but it seems his ability to improvise, especially on a instrumental like this, blows my mind. I saw him live - every song was different but the same. Clapton has that too. But it seems with a song so technical, amazing!!! You nailed it Fil, you never know where he's going, but he gets there with an awesome journey. I have to tell you Fil, I love your work! I enjoy watching your smile and appreciation. I also appreciate you taking time to comment back to your fans. Plus, your T-shirts! I give a shout out to the Back to the Future one! How about some Brian Setzer. That man sounds so good. I personally enjoy the Nutcracker Suite. Cheers!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Will do!

[@larrywest9918]

i always enjoy your reviews Phil ! EJ's prolific writing and mastery of several other instruments, amid so many styles, is sometimes lost to the masses who haven't explored his body of work, so i would encourage music lovers to investigate those avenues. But "Cliffs.."is truly a trio masterpiece ! Love Kyle Brock and Tommy Taylor ! Thanks for posting brother !

[@SIXSTRING63]

Had the pleasure of seeing him live in a small club around 1994. It was great.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@brettkenschaft4239]

I've seen him quite a few times and he's beyond amazing. He's one of those guitarists that really has his own distinct sound, no one else like him. You know it's him even if you don't know it's him 😂. Such a humble and low key guy too.

[@craigdellapenna7103]

So nice to see a musician who gets the mastery and creativeness of EJ react with such delight. Well done and thanks.

[@ghfdt368]

One thing i've always loved about Eric's playing is how himself he is, he immediately has that sound where you can tell its him. He infuses blues and jazz techniques but ends up playing very unique stuff. I think his secret weapon is arpeggios, most guitarists think scales first, but I remember Eric in an interview say he played piano first and always thought of music that way, so he approached the guitar in more the mindset of arpeggios than scales. Of course he uses scales a lot, but what makes him sound like himself is really the arpeggio's he uses for soloing and phrasing. Interestingly even when playing fast, he mostly uses alternate picking rather than economy picking, he also uses harmonics in a really interesting way that is unique to himself. he has developed such speed and precision with alternate picking and hybrid picking technique's that's also is a big part of his sound in my opinion. Absolutely phenomenal player who often times go under the radar despite his terrifying skill and ability.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah some of the passages he plays definitely come from his piano playing, such unique lines.

[@guitarace100]

He uses economy picking literally every opportunity he can?

[@gregmardon6973]

Excellent analysis, this dude makes me feel good and I smile♡

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Greg!

[@billroberts4910]

I was fortunate to see and meet Eric many times. He played Castle Creek in Austin many times when I worked security. He is one of nicest guitar players you will ever meet.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@ge-8135]

So technically good. Yup. What makes this performance, and song so impressive, is it is so technical and melodic at once. Symmetry perfected.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@summer8347]

Absolutely beautiful musical piece. That's how a guitar should be played.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@MegaWilmington]

How the guitar should be played ? Don't be silly, this is everything I hate about guitars and guitarists, great technique, so what ?

[@williamludlow3788]

Most players will never get there.

[@FlorianFlorian573]

@@MegaWilmington I mean it sounds incredible.

[@yannick2047]

Definitely sounds f***ing incredible!!

[@bigbrutalbassbeer410]

And this version of Cliffs of Dover only exists in this video! I replayed this song hundreds of times when I first bought the CD many years ago and I can tell you this is about 80% improvised arrangements and structures compared to the studio track. Such a musical genius!💪🏻🤘🏻

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@OriginalDarkMark]

I love this concert. The man is just utterly in control. If you have a decent system, this performance really comes alive if you crank it.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@pilgrimnix1]

Awesome! I love how that even when he plays fast you can still clearly hear each individual note unlike the shredders, who are great, who when they play really fast and tons of notes they just run together and it gets jumbled, at least in my ears. Eric is so smooth and graceful. His playing always brings a smile to my face. Keep up the great work!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@mariomessina6389]

Your hearing well sir and I hear that in Eric’s playing !! It has a lot to do with his superior technique developed over years with his sound . It’s a bigger discipline to play that clean - you have to make sure your finger technique is perfect . High distortion can hide many mistakes

[@donaldmack2307]

Part of that problem is the “shredders” are typically metal guys(and gurls) and they have massive dist/gain/od/fuzz on a solo and it all sorta blends together.

[@mitchettie1581]

@@donaldmack2307 what's that word mean ( Fallacy) ?

[@PaulMikna]

I agree completely.... You can 'sing' his solos in your head like a Billy Gibbons or Neal Schon solo. Each note is clear as a bell and their solos are melodic.... I never cared much for the shredders solos, as I would just feel like they were technical show pieces and not musically catchy. I actually love EVH's rhythm work, but when he kicks in a solo I just don't enjoy it. Is he a guitar god? Sure, but to my ear Eric is on another level of songwriting/composing.

[@Frapzoid]

I don't even listen to Rock anymore but I think Eric is the best Rock guitarist ever. The only word to describe his tone is "wicked."

[@fredrikgradin92]

Eric Johnson is one of my favorite guitar players and he is the biggest inspiration to me and thanks to Eric he is the one who got me start to play guitar :)

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@kevinknight470]

What more can be said.? As close to perfection as one can get on an instrument, truly a master. Thanx Fil.

[@michaelbrito2978]

I went to two Eric Johnson Shows in Phoenix AZ back in the mid 90's and both times he hung out with my cousin and i before the show. One of those times was really funny cause all these girls were coming up to us and talking to us like we were all part of his crew and Eric didnt say anything different. He was just the nicest guy to everyone. What a talent!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@GitarCarl]

This is an amazing performance, thanks for spotlighting it and explaining some of the things that make it so mind-blowing.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@paulandlesson]

One of the most beautiful live performances for guitar ever!

[@TheKZOShow]

I've been in love with Eric's playing since I saw this version of Cliffs of Dover. That intro and how he plays over that looped G chord is the best improvised intro I've ever heard. That entire Austin 88 show is one of my all time favorite concerts. He was flawless that night!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@nimaside]

I just gotta also mention that as amazing as his tone is on video it doesn't compare to live. I had litteral shivers go down my back the first time I saw him play live. His tone is Godly.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@jchis9852]

I saw him on this tour. Awesome show. He opened up for Steve Miller.

[@ParabolicParable]

@@jchis9852 Saw Eric open for SMB at Red Rocks. Steve brought Eric out during the headline set and they traded licks on a blues tune for what seemed like 20 minutes. Helluva show!

[@jchis9852]

@@ParabolicParable Yeah, Eric came out and jammed with Steve at the gig I was at also. Memorable night for sure!

[@robertdavis3433]

The first time I heard this tune, I was in a supermarket in Sacramento, Cal.. coming over the loud speakers, was amazed and blown away. Perfect tone and composition. Can't be improved upon . Good vid.

[@paulp5656]

When I saw this link I had to click on it just to watch your reaction! This guy is sooo unique, you instantly know it's him when he starts playing. Aside from technicality and melody, you can count on him to do the unexpected which draws you in even more. Great choice for analysis!

[@jakenogard9667]

Great video Fil. Eric Johnson is one of my favorite guitar player too😍🤘🤘🤘

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@MnBicycleCommuter]

Excellent analysis Fil. EJ is one of my favs. Saw him 4 times during the 90’s. Once in a small venue. Then at a State Fair as part of a BB King and Friends Tour. Then saw him open for Rush. And finally the first G3 tour with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. EJ was flawless at every concert.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@mariomessina6389]

Man your blessed to have seen him with Rush ! That was on the Roll the Bones tour , I wish I had been older to go to that show . Rush and Eric Johnson are amongst my heroes and favorite musicians 😎🎸

[@MnBicycleCommuter]

Mario Messina That was a once in a life time show. Seeing EJ in the G3 tour was equally amazing. To end the show it was EJ, Satriani, and Vai onstage jamming together on “Going Down” and “Red House”. Doesn’t get much better than that.

[@48mastadon]

He's awesome. I hate him.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@DigitalJeremy]

I actually lol'd at that

[@gertpersson4271]

Still laughing...

[@marilynnavan3149]

hahahaha!

[@jessiem276]

😂😂

[@johnnymossville]

Eric Johnson is a guy that knows virtuosity isn't enough. Music needs a hook, and oh man does he deliver!!!!!!

[@calypsogrove]

I really, really enjoyed this reaction because you seem to know what you are talking about and understand that this is a composition and not just a song!! Love it!! Thank you

[@calebbromley9648]

0:55 just hits you right in the feels. Just beautiful.

[@TheKZOShow]

The best intro to any song played live in the history of music!

[@genbenjamin23]

Love this performance. So much great stuff, indeed. How does he fly around like that so effortlessly and with such feel and energy that is so engaging? Just phenomenal! Thanks for sharing.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

One of the most uplifting pieces of pure guitar music ever. Bravo for recognizing it as such.

[@Wisdomofautumn]

Well by golly you threw an ace down tonight, Fil! When I hear this song by the awesome Eric Johnson I imagine and feel that I’m flying above and around those white cliffs!! By the way, I’m “hooked” on your channel! Thanks for posting this!! Cheers

[@wingsofpegasus]

Haha thanks!

[@Wisdomofautumn]

Wings of Pegasus would love to hear your analysis on the song Green Grass and High Tides.

[@pennyantewest]

Years ago I went to a party in the Houston's Montrose area. In one room was a guy sitting on an amp with his guitar playing beautifully. Everyone was digging it. I asked, who was playing and was told it was Eric Johnson. I wasn't familiar with him but became a huge fan. One of the coolest times I got to see him was 3G "Satriani, Via and Johnson.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome!

[@RaiderfanCali]

Damn!! I've been waiting for you to profile this guy for a while. THANK YOU!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@derekstocker6661]

I just watched this performance on YT Fil and then came over to your site to see what you think about this fantastic musician.....In my opinion, one of the very, very best!

[@pablo1079]

I think this was the beginning of what they called jazz metal... This bro could kick major ass everytime!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@dr.know-it-all5148]

@@wingsofpegasus jazz rock fusion

[@classicartfoundation639]

Jazz Metal, that was invented by a anti-diluvian man from the ice age, he had a guitar made from dinosaur bones with Tasmanian tiger tendons stretched across them, the tuning pegs were teeth from a small mammal and amplification was a cave with natural reverb. The band was Rocky Flint and The Bear Skinner's. They played in Badlands regularly. The CD's are still around but they're made of stone and can't be played.

[@ahab6969]

For "real" Jazz-Metal google Bandname Matalex 👀 .. or song title Metal Fatigue - You then might possibly check out the Metal Fatigue Album as well 🤣😁😎

[@wolfgang4136]

His fingers are like spider legs. He’s just awesome. I sat down with the tablature for this song years ago and it was just too frustrating for me to tackle it. Wonderful tone too. The song makes you want to buy a guitar. Good one Fil!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@bucc5207]

If you don't play, this song makes you want to buy a guitar. If you do, this song makes you want to burn it.

[@javadude54]

Years ago I was going through the TV channels and saw some guy wearing a Strat dressed like someone in Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I had no idea who he was and I didn't see anything else on that I wanted to watch so I left it on that channel and saw Eric Johnson play Cliffs of Dover. I had already been playing guitar for years and I think that helped me appreciate just how amazing his technique was. He was about the same age I was. It made me want to quit playing for a long time, then it made me want to start practicing again. For sure I picked up a lot of cool ideas from him.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@ahab6969]

When Steve Morse mentioned E.Johnson in an interview, and itroduced him on his (Steves) 1st solo album in the early 80's I was completely blown away. Then it took me nearly 2 years to get hold and buy his (Erics ) first album called Tones - he has been and still is one of the most overlooked artists/guitar players/composers/arranges/sound wizards. While a vast majority of shitty music was produced, overpromoted and therefore filling the charts the genius (and I don't use this word lightly) of Eric was mostly ignored outside the musicians and music lovers domain. All of his music has the same high level of quality as Cliffs of Dover and has to be a basic part in the collection of any serious music lover. Hopefully the internet will give him the recognition that he already should have gotten 3 to 4 decades ago.

[@craigkowald3055]

He approaches his phrasing and fluid legato much like a violinist.

[@tomjackson5815]

He’s also the nicest and caring musician as well as such a great player

[@mccorklehometeam]

Great analysis as always!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Julian!

[@Alexanderie]

Really enjoyed this breakdown of the song mate, Eric will always be my number 1

[@michaelhalas4287]

I was so fortunate to see this tour--he wore the same shirt!! Live Eric is a whole new ballgame!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Haha cool!

[@melodiejones7100]

This just popped up on my YT feed. Eric is an incredible guitarist, love to listen to him. My only issue is that he's always looking down at his guitar, and sometimes has earphones on as well, which cuts off the audience. But you can't deny his talent or the fact that he has some of the best hair around. 🙂

[@GimmeJimmy23]

I was gonna say... The hair has PR covered.

[@erickhuntingfrompartsunkno7096]

This was awesome, amazing talent. Thank you for redirecting me to it.

[@dennisobrien2578]

Your a kind soul, I can listen to you breakdown these songs over and over.

[@alicekichlu215]

I AM FROM TUCSON ARIZONA,SAW ERIC JOHNSON TWICE IN CONCERT AND,ENJOYED HIS PLAYING.I LIKE YOUR PLAYING ALSO.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Awesome! Thanks! ☺

[@DougFullerton]

Three times in my life my mind has been blown by guitarists in a live setting. 1. Eric Johnson at an outdoor venue at night in Austin. 2. Steve Morse in a tiny club on 6th street in Austin. 3. Allan Holdsworth in another tiny club in Austin. Unforgettable...

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@chethammer]

What clubs and when?

[@DougFullerton]

@@chethammer Thanks to the internet I was able to find the newspaper articles. :) Allan Holdsworth (Liberty Lunch, 10/18/84) Steve Morse (6th Street Live 4/17/84) Eric Johnson (South Park Meadows 80 something... couldn't find that one) but another one was at Liberty Lunch 7/8/85.

[@chethammer]

I lived in Austin from 87-89 so I wondered if I had been to any of them. I was based on Bergstom so time and money were in short supply.

[@roldoxc2094]

Steve Morse you lucky fucker! '84, was he playing The Introduction stuff?

[@nutIcase666]

Every single time I listen to this performance, I end up repeating it for atleast half an hour. I just find it so pleasing and calming. All this, when I don't even play a guitar.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@mariorabottini5687]

Eric is wicked good!!! To have Such precision and technique and be able to play with amazing feel and so melodically is mind blowing!!!! This piece cliffs of Dover ....! Unreal!!! I went to one his concerts years ago, my god what a guitar sound he has and seeing Him live was mind blowing!!!!

[@robertburke784]

What a talented and beautiful player Eric is! His tone is instantly recognizable and his playing is always so clean and tasteful. I got to see him live at a club in Chicago and he was excellent. Where is he now? Fil, please do a segment on the vastly underrated Uli Roth.

[@wingsofpegasus]

I've done Uli! He actually watches these videos! 🤘

[@invapewetrustxxx1499]

A few months ago i had the great honor to meet Uli. He is a very cool guy. He was playing on the g3 tour together with John Petrucci and Joe Satriani here in germany. It was amazing😎

[@aka.Mr.French]

Robert Burke, to your question about where Eric is now -- still at it, and still amazing! He released his newest album last year, and recently was touring, doing shows that included this album (Ah Via Musicom) in its entirety start to finish plus lots of other material. Caught him in Philly a few weeks ago; well worth the time. :)

[@CurtisBoyle]

To me, Eric's fuzz tone is instantly recognizable, like Eddie Van Halen's "Brown distortion" is. And some of his live playing he is switching between many tones just seconds apart (clean, distorted, wah-wah, etc.), giving even his foot quite a workout. He is a pretty good piano player too. Amazing artist. Been a big fan since I first heard Trademark and Cliffs of Dover on Much Music here in Canada, and then bought Ah Via Musicom.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@mlhesler68]

1st time I heard it I was blown away. Not easy since I grew up listening to Bloomfield, Clapton, Hendrix, Beck and Page.

[@mikebratcher8593]

I got to see him probably 50 times when he played the Houston bars with his group The Electromagnets. Nothing quite like watching him from 6 feet away, eyeball to eyeball. What an unexpected life treat!

[@marcosborne4974]

I can remember being in the storage facility where Eric had his practice room. You could hear him practicing a rif for hours on end. A very devoted musician! It seems that Austin Texas has produced some pretty heavy hitters when it comes to guitar players.

[@jasonkeith9317]

The amazing thing about Eric's playing is that 90% of his playing is the pentatonic/blues scale we all learn when we start playing lead the two finger box patterns but my Lord he plays them at the speed of light the first time I saw him on t.v. I almost fell out of my chair I couldn't believe my eyes!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@davidcampbell4174]

That's about as good as it can be done. Clean, clear, precise with rapid fire runs second to none. Thanks Fil.

[@MarcoPolo-je5ej]

I've met Eric a couple of times and he's a really good dude. Always humble and has a hilarious sense of humor.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@sidgdansk6017]

I have always loved Erics tone.. what a genius! impressive runs that go out into the Aether - my soul 🇨🇦 😳

[@sterlingprice5963]

Eric is such a smooth player. His music is very soothing. I like the way he has the top string tuned down, which is how I tune my guitar. I like more treble, but I believe Eric intentionally uses less treble so as not to come off sounding too sharp, because he strives to produce a smooth soothing effect. Thnx for featuring one of the greats Fil. Peace.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@paulkolifrath9555]

My brothers play, how I discovered this. I really enjoyed how Eric's playing brought such joy to the host cheers mate from Boston

[@mikepoirier2492]

Yeah when you're watching EJ you never say 'That could've been a bit better...' Incredible guitarist and a smokin' backup band as well! Great video Fil! I love watching you watch these videos...like a kid in a candy store!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Haha thanks Mike!

[@jbartyparty7398]

Discovered EJ in college and study sessions were never the same! Such a phenomenal guitar genius, yet so understated and melodic. He shreds emotions as well as ears!!

[@willieboy8798]

saw him in concert several times! fantastic execution.... good job teach.... pS saw johnson, satriani and two others a hell of a guitar show save none!!

[@Mundellica]

Thank you for another great vid! Haven’t listened to EJ in years. Going to revisit that album for sure now!

[@amrannoordin1644]

I can't play a single instrument! Near zero music knowledge. But I have loved Eric's sound since I first heard him years ago. Thanks for the breakdown of what he was doing here. Made me appreciate him even more. Didn't even noticed that he was finger picking and using his pick until you mentioned it. LOL. Thanks again. Yes, and I love your smile.

[@BIGBLOCK5022006]

Another righteous Eric Johnson song is Trademark.

[@bucc5207]

Yeah! And Righteous. Or pretty much the entire Ah Via Musicom album. :-)

[@JammyTom]

Manhattan

[@collinjamesguitar]

Another righteous EJ song is Righteous lol

[@yannick2047]

Lonely in the Night