Eric Johnson Interview - Guitars Amp Effects On Up Close Album - part 3 of 3

Interview with guitarist Eric Johnson at Saucer Studios in Austin, Texas. In part 3, Eric shows us some of the guitars, amps and effects he used for the recording of his new album "Up Close" including his Fender '57 Strat with DiMarzio HS2 bridge pickup, Fender Eric Johnson Signature Strat, Rosewood Eric Johnson Strat with Super V Tremolo, Gibson 335 and SG, Fender Twin Reverb Amps, Stereo TC Electronic Chorus, Boss Digital Delay DD2, EXH Deluxe Memory Man, Barracuda Toadworks Flanger, Danelectro Fuzz Face, Echoplex Tube Driver, 50-100W Marshall, and the secret ingredient: a "tilted" Vox amp.

[@knutegn]

I have to come here every so often.

[@richardmg5927]

Knut Andreas Tegnander i thought i was the only one

[@ryanberry5594]

We all do brother

[@seansrecords]

Church of tone

[@fonikopiperi2507]

its our home

[@Zeppelin180]

Still here

[@jokiboy9153]

His tone in Austin City Limits '88 is still unmatched by anyone, even himself...

[@roblawsonmusic]

joki boy 🙌 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2S6hHaCbbmmoJY

[@zaccyo]

Dude, great playing. Your tone on the slow version with the second guitar was outstanding!! I am going to start learning that starting today!! Great vid mate.

[@armanchoobineh7482]

@@trevorclark7985 Dumble

[@UrbanGuitarLegend]

Agreed!

[@trevorclark7985]

how about the tone on my channel?

[@stevesheroan4131]

Man, I was really OVER the whole "Eric Johnson thing" until that bit at the end. I was laughing so hard I almost cried. Never knew he had a sense of humor like that. Whole new appreciation for the guy. Just goes to show I was probably writing him off as a tone snob when I was probably just jealous of his skills. Crow eaten, Mr. Johnson, Rock On!

[@liamanderson4456]

"See the tilt, it adds to the effect"

[@nickdilettik9162]

Eric, a... tone's knob??

[@ericjohnsonsdover]

He’s the funniest

[@smallbuj7605]

Best tone on the planet!

[@leandroacosta5731]

absolutamente

[@mrkite89]

Actually, I find his drive tone so muffled...

[@pks171]

Right up there with Dave Gilmour

[@gerberbernstein7360]

Even better than Mick Mars ?

[@andrewbevan4662]

After Malmsteen

[@jeffgomez88]

That sound and those chords at the beginning are insane! Classic Eric Johnson.

[@galistanfrizky]

that tone 03:08 - 03:30 just melt ears and hearts

[@VortexGuitarBr]

Then @ 3:52 snaps u on the face with class!

[@jazzram_]

the whole video melted me

[@jazzram_]

the whole video cleaned my guitar

[@benjaminmorgan6208]

All the riffs sound like Cliffs of Dover lol... EJ you are a trip. Great tone!

[@YetAnotherBeginner]

to jpAlbertHoward9: you got it right, it is a great musician that doubles as great human being. i had the chance to meet him after a concert (got a picture of me and eric - the classic "my buddy" pic) and i talked to him a few minutes. he asked me about my guitar and my playing!! it was unreal ... i think if we had half an hour who have handed me his guitar and told me "wanna play something?" .. it is always heart-warming to meet such incredible artists that are so kind and down-to-earth. eric is fantastic.

[@monkeyxx]

that joke at the end was so good

[@MrJhoeffner]

Eric is simply a very mellow guy who is dedicated to his craft. You will not meet a nicer, more humble man.

[@twoys440]

ok stupid. ill introduce you keanu reeves

[@dino6888]

What a great guy. The end was perfect... i think Eric covered many myths in one sentence lol

[@MusicAnirban]

clean tones from heaven. I come back to this video every now and then just to hear his clean tones and feel rejuvenated !

[@JemMusic.]

My strat doesn't sound like that. I'm sending it back.

[@amritjanardhanan]

You'll just need a split marshall 4 x 12 with EVs, a vintage stereo chorus, and two vintage blackface twin reverbs, a vintage strat, a delay, and Ridiculous skills. 20 grand and 50 years of practice and you're there!

[@DanielBrophyMusic]

@@amritjanardhanan Can I get that on 48 mo financing?

[@jazzram_]

lol

[@villager5647]

send to me, please! u can contact my number

[@deathbastardable]

A true musical genius here. His playing style and chord choices are sublime!

[@moralyson]

Wow I never heard Eric Johnson actually play guitar before today and i have to say I'm blown away. Great tone, playing and not afraid to step outside the box.

[@gateways06]

One legendary player. I am very inspired by Eric Johnson's style.

[@johnmanion6463]

I saw Eric play recently at The Tupelo in Derry, NH. Before the show started my brother-in-law and I literally could walk in front of the stage in awe looking at Eric’s rig. We checked out his setup. So much of it we couldn’t understand nor figure out but the bits and pieces we could, were revealing! Eric Johnson is such an amazing guitarist. He’s pure genius when it comes to mastery of the guitar. I’m so fortunate that it was a small venue in light of promoting his new album. Thanks Eric! Keep on rocking!

[@roblawsonmusic]

John Manion 🤘 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2S6hHaCbbmmoJY

[@officialnicklez7659]

0:01 - 1:04 is when jazz goes into rock. i adore ej's jazzy chords and so clean and liric guitar sound. and his dist solos are like someone plays the violin.

[@dannyelam1631]

I love EJ's sense of humor at the end with the mini Vox amp. I'm sure he can even make that thing sound incredible the way that he plays.

[@beeps123]

Eric Johnson is my favourite guitarist. I mean leaving the playing aside... The guy is just uber cool, the way he speaks. Then there's his cool and relatively simple, but very old effect pedals and not to mention his super old looking Amplifiers. The tone he gets is simply the best.. Clean (leads) and Dreamy (chord works) and Fluid (picking styles). I like the '57 strat too plus the les Paul's. Just your overall standup cool talking southerner.

[@m3mikec]

Amazing artist and really cool guy. His gear is awesome, but his knowledge and touch is what makes him great! Thanks for sharing - SWEET!!!!

[@gymover]

I met you in 1990-91? at the Quality Inn in Austin, Tx. while attending Christine Albert's gig, you came over and shared table with myself and Patty Ehrlich, I thought you were just another one of Patty's many friends till you introduced yourself, you are so laid back, and and a nice person, no ego poisoning at all, I love your music and play your recordings while driving in the mountains here in Colorado. Thank you for being such a good egg, the world is a better place with you in it!

[@danyeo]

When he kicks in that tone at 1:29! AGHHHHHHH, One of my favorite sounds in the Universe.

[@petarsutaric6909]

yeah that tone is the biggest Eric's invention

[@KeeperOfPoops]

nothin better than a Fender Stratocaster played through a Marshall JTM with his signature Fuzz Face and the BK Butler Tube Driver you want to sound like eric johnson? you have to BE eric johnson

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

@@KeeperOfPoops was that tone a fuzz face or tube driver

[@graxjpg]

Levi Jesse the tube driver, if you look at the knobs in other videos is used as a slight preamp for the cranked plexi. He is also using the preamp from his echoplex in series with it all. The fuzz gives it a very distinct sound but without it it still has his amazing sound.

[@evalex71]

I just can't believe his tone. Been listening to him for 30 years, still can't believe it

[@aliensporebomb]

Batteries from Jamaica - someones new band name.

[@fishypaw]

That's just the support act. The headliners are .. "Tilted Vox"

[@ltdslide]

Great guitarist is when you hear two notes and you immediately recognize the player. That's so true with Eric Johnson ! His incredible skills and sounds is making me loving strats...

[@DiegoVT91]

This guy just brings out the most beautiful sounds out of a guitar. Beats me how he can come up with such melodies, God bless him.

[@jakeandlori23]

He has the most amazing tone. And sounds even better live !

[@IdoDavid]

What a great guitarist and wonderful human being

[@dhldt1021]

Crazy good tone and chord phrasings. Brilliant.

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

Hints of both Dover and Forty Mile Town. What a true virtuoso. One of my favoritest faves. :)

[@GammaSwagg]

pnutbutrncrackers is that what he's playing at the beginning?

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

I wouldn't say he's exactly "playing it" (Forty Mile Town), but that the sound is very reminiscent.

[@virgoptrex]

Tilted VOX dc amplifier...LOL . Loves how he says it casually. ;)

[@65Superhawk]

Humble man = great man. Love the way he has always talked without a chip on his shoulder that although deserved, he does not seem to carry.

[@rotaku4946]

I wish I could be Eric Johnson levels of relaxed one day.

[@roblawsonmusic]

Rotaku me too lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2S6hHaCbbmmoJY

[@21whitman]

guy is sick. he takes some sounds and assorted tones that no one else could make sound good and make them sound gorgeous with his interesting note groupings. Just Crazy good. Its just all in his fingers. Cool guy too. Very down to earth and not cocky.

[@yga]

Wow! That walk Of amps is unbelievable! Very very cool :)

[@blake100blake]

love the clean tone at the intro

[@patrickhale424]

Such a fantastic tone master !!!

[@mickeysigrist]

Look at that clean tone, holy hell!

[@richardmg5927]

Eric johnson is my favorite guitarist not only that he can play at super speed but his "Tone" his "feeling" and the way he uses chords from all over the neck makes him To me the Best guitarist

[@iluvs2sk8]

this guys playing style and tone is so unique

[@MrOrangefanta11]

Before I die I want all Eric's gear. The vintage Marshall, the echo plex, the a tube driver! genius! His tone gives me chills. :D

[@marknorris3769]

what beautiful technique , inspirational to see , monster talent

[@philsackett7341]

I'm headed out to the garage now to get the "secret sauce" mentioned at the end of this video. I need to do an A-B test on my rig!. Thanks for the tip Eric. Now I too can sound like you!!

[@samhyans5403]

The more I use effect pedals and experiment with different amps and guitars, the more I respect just how incredible he makes the guitar sound.

[@newbigwillmusicuniverse4843]

Sounds Really Great, Majestic & Awesome Here!! That's Eric Johnson Guitar Playing For You!! :)

[@14thSgtStedanko]

You can always tell a good guitarist when you hear a couple chords and you know who it is. Eric's style is one of a kind. \

[@kerrykurschinsky2451]

We all love Eric's honesty,.... he's got a lot of stuff,... but sometime's the simplest thing's work......

[@Blueduckgorrilla3]

Now you know someone, after watching this, is out there trying to angle their 5 watt Vox at the same exact angle with the armor-all in the same spot while frantically searching for the 2 devices the amp is sitting on top of & where to buy them

[@officialmikethompson]

ha!

[@tnleverett]

+Blueduckgorrilla3 LOL You got that right!

[@JasonMcFly]

yeah, me!

[@Carlosgtrsnk]

Every time Eric improvises it sounds like a song.

[@racingandmusicmylife]

3:16 - 3:29 sounds so good with both delays, so dreamy

[@Timliu92]

My favorite rock guitar tone ever. :)

[@Boefkick]

when it comes to clean tone, no one beats almighty Eric Johnson!

[@anasslahjaily353]

The master of tone !

[@slados1]

EJ's like the mad scientist of guitar.... I love this guy!

[@xxxBabsxxx12]

the last part was hilarious!! :D he isn't only a great guitarist, but also a great person!

[@TOEMAS777]

I went to austin a couple years agao to see Tommy Emmanuel for the second time and had the privilege to see Eric the night before at a little club called Daves Back Poarch, it was an outside gig under the stars, sounded awesome as usual. But the iceing on the cake was that the sound man told me Eric was doing a surprise visit on stage with Tommy....he was sitting to the left of me in the audience when Tommy called him up...they had never even met or played together.....tommy is erics hero..

[@elenasmithsalazar9804]

Eric Johnson - nobody plays like Eric. I used to be a Steve Howe fan, his Yes stuff up to 1978 is masterful, but it must have gone to his head. Just listen to anything he's done since...he said he doesn't need to practise (???????) . Sounds like he doesn't care, there's no soul in his playing. Eric plays just one note and he's talking to you. Unique, inspirational, totally committed to his art...and don't forget, folk, art is what makes life worth living.

[@klauswhitedreamer]

sweet guitar tones for fine ears ...

[@amberstreetfilms]

Nice!! I just bought a used Johnson guitar 🎸 I LOVE it.

[@mijit.859]

Wow ! Beautifully played !!! Best guitarist ever !! 😨 🙏

[@megajames3000]

out of all the artist series stuff, i'd say eric puts out the best. his strat with the rosewood fretboard and binding is just great!

[@Antony-oh]

"I use Gibsons a little bit , I use 335 and Sg"..........plays les paul ....

[@pulpero666]

Live

[@pstrokeslibsarctic]

I was gonna write something like this lol

[@ramirointrocaso3578]

HAHAHAHA

[@Michaelhokk]

@@pulpero666 yh

[@StianLerstadJohansen]

Laughed so hard of that😂

[@boxtrap21]

those are some awesome strats

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

What he said about the SuperVee bridge is so right on. Best bridge ever made for a Strat. It is light years ahead of the six bolt vintage hunk of crap that will not stay in tune. It is such a great upgrade.

[@6410daniel]

he is the best... love his tone..

[@buddyrevell4329]

I've got one of those little VOX DA5 amps! Works awesome!

[@slapbassforthewin]

his tone is very relaxing

[@TroyDawes43]

ERIC JOHNSON. AS I LIVE AND BREATH. THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND, HOW SWEET IT IS THAT TONE..."SOMEBODY, PLEASE GET THIS MAN AH GUITAR...

[@sarinapaparone]

Great stuff.

[@anthonybymallia7067]

VERY NICE AWSOME GUITAR AND SOUND

[@Hypnus9]

Such an inspiration!

[@ArntPetterAndersen]

Cool! Eric also has the Super-Vee trem/lock system on one of his strats... So do I :) It is great! Love it!

[@alexkazhdan]

Gotta love the ending! :)

[@deathwiater]

I like what the camera man did , the video looks so natural and really beautiful!

[@davetighe]

Beautiful tone dude, just sends me.....

[@Manolian]

Beautiful sound & playing .

[@RisingPheonix89]

Thank ya sir. Never really knew what he was doing there.

[@rogerthehat]

the most impeccable tone

[@PaulGrahamGuitarst]

Great stuff!

[@lungfixer]

The flame maple finish on that neck is jizz-worthy...and probably worth more than my whole guitar. Me likey!!

[@AudiophileTubes]

Technicality meets feeling!

[@spartacus2296]

1:05! Freakin amazing!!!!! Love that tone.

[@duane9415]

SUPERB MUSICIAN, THAT ERIC JOHNSON 💜💜💜

[@mexistratman1]

No problem, glad I could help :)

[@amihol]

Great Master!!

[@alyrio]

Up close is one of his best albuns ever!!!!

[@jorgealva100]

que bien que tocas es como una caricia y tus melodias son cremosas y suaves te admiro esa manera suave de hacer hablar la guitarra

[@itsberto7334]

That calm demeanor makes me wonder if he likes other things from jamaica.

[@davidsnow6171]

Rob Hill lol, have u ever seen his rig rundown on premier guitar, hes fuckin wasted lol

[@matthewschad6689]

It's Berto he doesn't drink or do drugs

[@itsberto7334]

Matthew Schad source?

[@ChristianVegh]

I went to see him live at amphitheater, I always wondered if his tone would translate well in a live mix and it absolutely did. He is the only guitar player who truly mastered his tone and how it affects his playing.

[@xSnoweyexp]

OMG !!!! i laughed my ass off , what a relaxed guy !! he truelly is a peacefull musician. one of my biggest influences for sure

[@Kushalien51_nv]

I noticed that my 90s tele sound as good as a vintage or better I mean I show the whole Facebook community groups & they all were amazed by alot wish I can show it off to pro guitarists in British green 😢 ❤

[@MrSunshineMegatron]

Nice analogy!

[@juantailor]

Hey I’ve got one of those 5 watt Voxes. Love that thing!

[@Carlos-ce2rv]

ES UN TODO PLACER ESCUCHAR A ESTE GENIO DE LA GUITARRA.

[@BryanDenham]

cool video thanks for sharing

[@Salvo100]

Eric, you're too good, beyond planetary explanation!

[@theEsman360]

such a beautiful soun of the guitar unlike the easy stuff.

[@gpah58]

his clean tone is unreal

[@jazzram_]

its so real that it cleaned my guitar

[@MichelCernev]

good as gold