Chordplay - 'The Chords of Eric Johnson'

Here's the next episode of Chordplay and this time we're taking a look at some brilliantly unique chords and voicings that relate to Texas guitar-guru Eric Johnson.
This lesson tackles a series of Major 9 chords which is a common tonality in Eric's music, in addition to unlocking some of the mystery behind open voiced chords and arpeggios.
We're also targeting specific chord fingerings and exploring the neck using them to find new chord types, sounds, textures, and much more, so buckle up!
Give this episode a view, leave me some comments and feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons.
THANK YOU!
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[@bodine1231]

Randy Rhoads and EVH makes me want to learn and play,Eric Johnson makes me want to quit. That Live from Austin album is the most impressive guitar playing I've ever seen.

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

No kidding Bodine, i saw him at the Caboose in Dallas in 1981 and thought the same thing!! Lol

[@arnyarny77]

i agree, that footage is the holy grail for me

[@Scottocaster6668]

Lmao 🤣👍 You speak the truth brother.

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

yeah, he is a genious i love eddie and all those guys but eric just floors me

[@chrisellenback3884]

I have that one! Ur right though, EJ is great, but follow ur heart and play ur own thing!!

[@1992YR]

Eric's best performance and tone is on Live in Austin, TX '88 CD/DVD release. His 2nd best work is the Alien Love Child CD. I have been fortune to have seen him in concert several times and also to have met him.

[@nathancloud6344]

EJ is a different breed. A real student of this art we all love. Clearly on top.

[@Finkardop]

I do think his use of the pentatonic scales loses effect after a bit, but his melodies are beautiful.

[@tkdunn]

My big regret was missing Eric’s shows when I was in college around 1983. I went to Texas Tech in Lubbock and I would see his name on marques at small clubs in town fairly often as he toured Texas, but had no idea who he was. It wasn’t until I heard one of his tunes on Dallas radio around ‘86 that I was an instant fan - I was amazed. Saw him in concert in Philly on the first G3 tour around ‘97 and he was flawless. Satriani and Vai were great, but Eric kind of stole the show in terms of a musical religious experience. He is one of a kind with a voice all his own... Thanks for this great video - very helpful 🤓

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

Tkdunn, the first time I saw Eric was 1981 in Dallas at the Caboose in Medallion center..Maybe 75 -100 people there.. Changed my mind about what you could do with guitar, and where you could go...I waited for five years for Tones to come out to relive that show.. I understand completely!

[@zackeriah87]

That AmAdd11b5 blessed my soul... Thank you kind Sir for the lesson!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and you're quite welcome! Stay tuned... : )

[@Dan-zq5wt]

David; I learn so much from your lessons. They’re so rewarding. Need to keep rewatching your library.

[@larrysixstring6790]

Excellent as usual

[@superjam1446]

Thank you!

[@eight7777777]

This is a fantastic video and actually sheds some light on EJ’s playing. The last few minutes really tie it all together. Would be great to see more! Thank you for making this!

[@bcampbell185]

Great video ! Players like Eric Johnson only come along every few decades IMO. He is the very definition of a virtuoso IMO; and like this video--inspiring for me to practice ! Thx for posting this !

[@alecdawson1668]

Great lesson. Thought I’d add a beautiful chord I like to play in conjunction with Am9: X 0 9 5 8 10

[@eddieweldon5739]

Thanks man ! , can't wait to try it out !

[@dwightburns6699]

It's almost impossible to reach up and grab that C note on the 5th fret the g-string

[@starskystar]

Thanks so much for the tutorial! The way you describe the concepts in your teaching is done in such a tangible way. You're a very good instructor. Play on!

[@Kobayashhi]

Great material man. Love those voicings, Eric is a genius.

[@michaelmendillo4614]

Eric Johnson is on an entirely different level than most of us ,,,, almost impossible to sound like him,, much like Jeff Beck,,,

[@AstorSkywalker]

I think it's his great ability playing piano that helps him think outside the box so to speak

[@barrysmith7710]

Eric is a constant inspiration to me, and so many others. Nobody does what he does. So musical, inventive and from the heart

[@patconnelify]

Love those tones open string voicings and depth so good. Thank you.

[@philipherlambang2742]

Thanks for sharing, appreciate it.

[@jteichma]

Yes please! 2-3 more chord plays on Eric Johnson. This was great!

[@dexblue]

Well done ...

[@guitarkis4969]

I always loves those ascending licks but never knew what the heck was going on. THANK YOU for shedding light and explaining how to get that EJ sound. Those are some of my favorite licks, they just sound so damn cool!

[@derrickvella5912]

I can tell you loved making this one, great stuff!

[@chriswritt729]

You really know how to put it into perspective Dave, well done!

[@alessiograziani6355]

You play and explain very well!!! Many thanks for your videos

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

Outstanding insight into a player ive been following since the early 80s..Thank you sir!

[@robm3569]

Always appreciate any insights into EJ's playing. Some of the chords Eric Johnson uses here remind me of the chords that Ralph Towner gravitates toward in his compositions and playing.

[@GatesMcCrary]

Appreciate the video and lesson

[@skipneumann1]

Great video! This is 2022 and I am studying EJ again! There is so much to learn from him

[@DannyWJaco]

I’m only halfway through and so excited about these new chord options. These sound minor with a hint of hope. Great instruction as well. Thanks!

[@densondirosa4497]

By far Eric Johnson is one of, if not my favorite guitarist & where my love of melodic guitar work came from

[@godbyone]

Wow. Great great work

[@midiman5045]

I have watched quite a few of your videos, They are great I appreciate the info and the in detail explanation you give. Happy New Year!!

[@krisk1515]

Well done...I have been around Eric many times luckily because of my uncle, Van Wilks...been in studio with him, many shows and souvenirs...keep up the great work...

[@AP-ui7oi]

Great insight

[@SifuAlanMencke]

Nice one pal. Never get tired of EJ stuff

[@fabghassem]

Great work.✨🎸✨

[@jukup1]

Thank you so much for this excellent lesson! Seriously unlocked my playing with those open arpeggios!

[@italiatourismus547]

Maaan...! What a great lesson. Very inspiring. Thank you Dave

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and that's great to hear! Take care and stick around for more lessons and content! : )

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Another awesome lesson!

[@peterlefrancois5558]

I just discovered these videos and thank you! Best lessons on youtube!

[@manimusicka2]

Love to watch your videos! Thanks for sharing such cool stuff

[@moo.7643]

thank you so much for the time you dedicated into debunking these chords, making and editing the video and uploading it. this really really helps. god bless

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching these videos and the content! I see you were watching Eric Johnson - Eric is a MONSTER! Thanks again and rock on\m/

[@Heccy1961]

Thankyou so much for a great lesson!

[@eal9698]

Just saw him in Buffalo about a month ago - totally blown away, I think my brain is still processing that night. Band was top notch too. He started with all acoustic, then did an electric set, with some piano thrown in. I think when I was younger I was totally into Eric's speed and his soloing, but 30 years later and having played guitar for a while, I see the genius in his phrasing and chord voicings. Fun just to watch his left hand do these bizarre moves all over the neck, but somehow resulting in amazing lyrical phrasing. Good lesson, I'll go through it a few times with the strat and see what you're doing.

[@ibanezmaestro5630]

Just saw Eric live in Reno. It was one of the most inspiring moments of my life and I've been a fan of his for 18 years. He's easily one of the baddest guitarists alive today and one of my biggest influences.

[@rickswain7128]

I discovered one of your videos a great while ago. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen one. I don’t know why. Anyway, I was impressed with you as an instructor and your knowledge. I found this video to be exactly what I was needing to help me along on my path of improving my playing and knowledge of chord usage. Thank you

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Wow... such a great lesson!

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

thanks for this , well done

[@deepakmeher25]

thank you for sharing this. you are kind

[@richb6291]

Superb lesson David ,really love those chords ,what an excellent lesson. Thanks for this .

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching too! : )

[@plexibreath]

Thanks!

[@swoopdog54]

Really enjoy the laid back style of teaching good music for guitar players. A thinking man's (or woman's) instructor. Excellent player as well. Well worth ones time!

[@michaelanthony9068]

Great lesson brother. By the end I was thinking “Holy moly, he really IS teaching EJ !”

[@johnester8421]

A few years back I was at an "Experience Hendrix" show, and I was out by the buses and two dudes walked up to me from the buses. I had no clue who they were, I shook their hands, chatted with them for about 5 minutes, then they went into the venue. IT WAS FRIKIN ERIC JOHNSON AND CHRIS LAYTON!!!! I had listened to EJ but never saw his face except from the cover of Live From Austin album cover! I was so mad at myself

[@LateNightLessons]

Oh man, that sucks! A bass player I used to jam with told me about when he saw Pink Floyd in the late '80s, that he went around and found which hotel they were staying in and loitered the lobby and elevator to meet them. He said it was getting close to time for the show, so he gave up and rode the elevator back to the lobby and an old guy got on from another floor as it went down. He told the "old guy" he was going to see Pink Floyd that night and the "old guy" said "that's nice." The rest of the story goes like this, he went to the show and when Pink Floyd came out he spotted the "old guy" onstage. It was David Gilmour and he had no idea it was him. He admitted that the only photos of Pink Floyd he'd seen were from the '70s, so he was looking for "young Gilmour" instead of "old Gilmour." Hahaha! : ) Rock on man!

[@josephanderson9951]

Hey love this vid!! We want more! Thanks!

[@CaffeineInjected]

Great video! Thank you for this.

[@deanosaur777]

Man, you are unbelievable.. I dig your vibe, shows, how you communicate n share your knowledge.. little own your playing... Id like to here your original tunes! Btw your fluidness of your finger playing is awesome too bro

[@godbyone]

Yes. A couple more of Eric. Thznjx

[@mitchdoud9727]

Thank you yes more Eric J.

[@WilliamGM3rd]

EJ is awesome. i need to go practice

[@Blaze-ing]

This is a GREAT video definitely will subscribe. More EJ please!!

[@mjj3tube]

Really love your lessons ! looking forward to much more.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much! : ) I'm just getting started with things here, so stay tuned, there's more on the way, and thanks again!

[@mjj3tube]

@@LateNightLessons I am waiting

[@uramawa]

Great video man! Subscribed!

[@MartinMignogna]

I definitely need more chord ideas in your repertoire. Thank you

[@mattcates8325]

Very cool. I’ve watched at least 10 times

[@fernandoflores4907]

Awesome 🔥🔥🔥🎸

[@tpap6827]

Best Eric Johnson see explanation of h it s use of wide intervals with respect to open voiced harmonized triads with a western scale whether Ionian or whatever mode he hao on end to play in. I purchased the early 90s by hot licks video in it en as Total Electric Guitar when it cc and our nearly 35 years ago. It took me a few years to play the examples as I was novice player when I purchased a video that was way beyond my level of theoretical understanding at the time. Then after another 15 years., I finally realized his use of wide interval harmonized triads for the purpose of cresting beautiful melodies. Today you gave me my 3rd necessary revelation regarding his seemingly complex but actually quite simple approach to building beautiful chords which as far as I can tell is his most impressive attribute. Obviously, his use of cascading 5 and 6 note pentatonic sequences with the occasional use of diatonic notes to create that rolling, snowball effect of notes is what impresses guitar players from a technical perspective, that sort of playing is really just a matter of really spending time with the guitar and drilling sequences pushing the metronome to slightly faster settings over many months as you hone your alternate picking chops while synchronizing your right hand, left hand and really polishing your string dampening skills. That's guitar acrobatics which is cool when you look at how he does them without relying on 3 note per string semi symmetrical patterns that repeat in each we string octave the way most shredders showcase their alternate picking chops using all even note patterns that enables the use of a consistent pick slanting technique that ultimately turns certain blazing diatonic runs into a parlor trick that always works over simple power chord vamps. What Eric Johnson does is not only far more interesting from a technical perspective but also had far more harmonic content as he is always aware of the relationship between the underlying melodic possibilities resulting from the chords that function as a much more detailed sonic background that gives his songs much more structural integrity. Well done. You have taken what most people make even more complicated and revealed the beauty of it's simplicity. I believe the underlying simplicity makes it so beautiful and accessible from a listening perspective yet few people are able to articulate it so well. Too notch video. Keep up the great work. I will definitely be checking out more of your stuff

[@trevormckay3939]

Good stuff 👍

[@RobertJSedky]

Excellent presentation and tutorial. Subbed 🙌

[@johnlyle2916]

Man, this was a cool lesson. Very accessible.

[@eduardorajabally28]

thank you very much for so many fresh ideas! they might be kind of simple, but they make you think different and that's tricky...

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks! Sometimes simple ideas yield the best results, and the best reminder I can give anyone is - music doesn't have to be hard to play for it to be great (and memorable). : ) ROCK ON!

[@skipthornton5413]

I had the the privilege of growing up in Houston, and seeing Eric w/ the Electro Magnets, and countless bars, some for free, and some for a $1 cover ((in those early days)and i thought, this guy is going some where one of these days....he was groove approved long before he was famous!

[@peterl2820]

Seen Eric a couple times, 1st time was ages ago in SF. One of the best, reminds a bit of Steve Morse, Steve Howe. But he has his own musical style. Amazing player.

[@ronaldbacha7818]

Hey Dave, very cool chords of E.J. the chords sound like Eric,,,, thanks for the inspiring input. - RJ.

[@matzac97]

Great lesson 💪👍👌🤘🎼🎶🎵

[@ronfrey6639]

Eric told me to get the mickey baker books and ted green books for chords known him since 78 first chord he taught me was the angel chord .. Great player..

[@michaeleaster1815]

When asked by a non-musician friend about Eric J (before a concert), I told her to "watch the thumb movement on his left hand". It was the most succinct, non-technical way I could explain his style and harmonic choices (e.g. in the opening to Manhattan). It's really something to behold... great vid!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you and I agree - I love watching him play. His movements and fingerings are so precise and delicate and every little thing he does, mutes, or hits creates something different with a variety of tonal colors too. Such a brilliant guitarist and musician. Thanks for watching! : )

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

Micheal i saw Eric several times in the 80s and 90s..The first time 1981 was at a small club in Dallas, maybe 75-100 people.. He changed my mind about what you could do with guitar and as a musician with his fusion of styles and complexity... I remember jonesing for five years waiting for Tones to be released..Lol One other note, i have tried all my life since that time to introduce people to him with varying success.. That is how great of an artist he is...It takes musicians and music appreciation knowledge to understand his skill...

[@takeawaybenji]

Interesting lesson. I am a pretty big fan, and I always go back to Tones as my reference point. This classic sound seems to be based off of chords derived from the pentatinuc scale (sus4, sus2, major 6, 6/9, etc.).

[@mastermachetier5594]

I'be watched this video so many times ! Pease more eric johnson stuff

[@dnhrage1]

Genius !

[@montysloungetv]

Love them

[@josebermudez3465]

Yes

[@monkface]

I first heard cliffs from the guitar player flexi disc and it blew my mind! I could not figure out what was going on in the intro. Then in 1990 I was at Tower records and they were playing ah Via musicom and I asked them what it was and bought it right then. Then I saw him open for Joe Satriani at an outdoor amphitheater and his tone was insane! The full rig- 2 fenders, 2 marshall stacks, just like in his instructional videos. A fan ever since. Just saw him twice with the Experience Hendrix shows. He played beautifully!

[@bradleybeebee]

Your lessons are killer

[@calvindandy6430]

Another amazing lesson and insight into another guitar great..your video's and lessons are truly opening doors into theory and expression I'd only dreamt of..Thanks David keep doing what your doing..it's incredible..so wish I could get one to one tuition with you..can't you move to the UK lol?

[@barrysmith7710]

And that intro from Cliffs... It's from another planet

[@MichaelWilson-ri9pn]

More Eric Johnson would be fine with us. Sorry if you've answered before but can you go over your gear you use for these videos. Love that guitar

[@jakeryanshepard]

hey man just learned some good shit ! thanks for the lesson

[@henrys.6864]

At the 7:00 kinda reminded me of the Doobie Brothers "Southside Midnight Lady" climb at the end of the song. Not the same chords but similar.

[@robertcoggin3366]

Very cool lesson. Many of these shapes sound restless when they are moved around & away from the point of origin

[@densondirosa4497]

I forgot to mention the other day in the ilk of dream like & melodic sounds, which you know I like, the piece titled ‘ Trail of tears’ I thought you might enjoy that piece.use a lot of the sounds you covered in this lesson.

[@Bamagolfandguitar]

Years ago I went on a huge EJ kick, and I forget what show it was, but I was on KZbin studying one of his solos. KZbin allows you to slow down videos which is very important with a player like EJ, but I digress. There was a line he played and it was obvious that he missed a note in it. Yes, I know, I was shocked that he misses notes from time to time, too, but what blew my mind was that he visibly changed the rest of the line to make the wrong note “work.” It was a lick I had heard him play multiple times on that particular tune, otherwise I would say it was what he meant to do. However, he got the look on his face we all get when we’re burning through a phrase and miss something... that kind of “hanging on” facial expression, if you will. Anyway, that was the day I realized just how much of an alien he really is. A lot of players that play lines at those speeds are just mindlessly playing them because their fingers are used to falling on those notes over and over. With EJ, though, the fact that he was able to turn the mistake into a completely different lick off the cuff without missing a lick, proved to me that he is really thinking about every note, even at those insane tempos. I know people know who he is, and I know he’s had multiple cover stories done in guitar mags, but I still think he’s underrated. The technical prowess he has developed in conjunction with the originality in his composition is just so far above the level most players can even comprehend, makes it almost impossible for him to be appreciated enough. Definitely in my Top 5 players ever. Rock on, cats 😎

[@montysloungetv]

Oh the major nines

[@tnleverett]

Hey David! I stumbled upon this awesome lesson, while searching for some live EJ vids. Thank you for posting! Subscribed! 😎🎸🎶 Would it be too much to ask for some lessons on specific EJ songs such as Friends, Trademark, Desert Rose, Brilliant Room, the intro to Cliffs Of Dover at the House Of Blues, Etc... in relation to the chords he uses? I would love to learn some of these! Thanks! 🎸🎶😎

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks for watching and subscribing - that rocks! I'll definitely feature some more of Eric's ideas and music. Thanks for the suggestion and request! Stay tuned and rock on\m/

[@jfrockon]

Hey man, very nice lesson. Got quite a bit from it. BTW, former Indiana native too. Remember the days of The Faith Band and Roadmaster? Thanks again.

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Great video with usable noodling ideas. Have you thought about writing a "Chordplay" textbook?

[@MarkSmith-dk4fd]

The chord shape at(6:17) is a common chord shape as a Fmaj.6 chord with the 3rd. (A) in the base note ...I realize a chord shape can be called many different names 😃 ✌🎶🎶🎶🎶🎸

[@thomaspearson5460]

GOOD JOB WITH THESE THEY HAVE HELPED ME A BIT ,, REQUEST FOR A CHORD PLAY ON BOB WEIR ,, HE HAS A MASTERY OF CAGED THEORY MANY HAVE OVERLOOKED IN MY OPINION

[@MarkSmith-dk4fd]

I believe the notes a ,c , e , and the f note would be the sharp 5 th not the flat 5 ...the chord would be called A minor 11 # 5 ✌🎶🎶🎶🎸 p.s. great video 👍

[@AstorSkywalker]

BTW EJ has this incredible album with Mike Stern - Eclectic, do check it out if you haven't

[@kschott425]

I wish I had music theory in my life!!

[@adeep_jain]

Kristian Schott watch Rick Beato... I have levelled up thanks to his material