Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Johnny Marr

[@julianpratt9616]

Legend. As Noel Gallagher said "Not even Johnny Marr can play like Johnny Marr"

[@guntherachterhof4876]

Hahahahahahahahahaha this is a great saying 😂👏

[@TheSpectacularSpiderPunk]

Such wisdom

[@wolfreyet]

I was about to post this quote 🙏

[@sage1682]

I think that saying got to Johnny a bit bc in some recent thing I watched of him, he whipped out Charming Man and executed flawlessly lol like he had practiced it more

[@Yourweakminds]

Wonna lend a tenner!

[@philisaacs224]

Johnny Marr definitely has a definitive style

[@rexrobards7407]

Yeah, he's like the British version of Billy Corgan.

[@jbri1]

Well done

[@revolutionday1]

@@rexrobards7407 *groan* @ this.....

[@DudeWhoSkates69]

Rex Robards More like the British version of Peter Buck in my opinion.

[@sratus]

@@DudeWhoSkates69 A much better comparison

[@adri005u2]

I could listen to him just playing for hours...

[@nmacog]

I do !

[@ustheserfs]

Think they used to call them concert performances in the day

[@lynchmaleideal]

Play and talk, the dude makes me excited to just simply own a guitar - let alone play it!

[@Malto_Dextrin]

Johnny Marr is a bona fide genius! Songs played (times approximate): 00:00 What Difference Does It Make? - the Smiths 1:00 That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore - the Smiths 2:00 There Is a Light That Never Goes Out - the Smiths 3:23 Hi Hello - Johnny Marr/Call the Comet 5:00 How Soon Is Now - the Smiths 6:50 Walk Into the Sea - Johnny Marr/Call the Comet 8:40 Headmaster Ritual - the Smiths 10:09 Accept Yourself - the Smiths 10:58 Bug - Johnny Marr/Call the Comet 13:13 Still Ill - the Smiths 14:15 That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore - the Smiths

[@RikiNewtonMusicianSongwriter]

I love how selfless ppl like your good self - take time to put the songs played and time stamped - for our benefit and reference. Thank you 🙏 so much for this and bless your heart ❤️. Cheers 🥂

[@meungawa]

Thank you!!! I really appreciate it!

[@takemebacktothen]

Thanks a bunch! I never listened to his stuff out of The Smiths, I'll check his other songs now.

[@slumber44]

It's very rare that I'm interested about an artist beyond their professional career but Johnny is one of them. Great on the guitar/songwriting, of course but his endeavor & his way of conducting himself amazed me. Huge respect, one of a kind.

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Have you seen this? the respect grows... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmqxYpqrobyUnKc

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Same

[@djtomoy]

Yeah he is very humble and interesting at the same time

[@yorkie2789]

What a fantastic bloke, so humble. Just starting out on my guitar journey in my 60's, he's a real inspiration.

[@eoinbyrne9068]

Are you still playing today? How has your journey come along

[@Johnsonjackson2022]

He wrote most of the riffs when he was in his late teens, very early 20’s... absolute genius

[@takemebacktothen]

Many, not most. He was born in '63

[@richardmeftah2569]

He always comes across as such a nice guy. He's just so down to earth and just really loves his music which he's really rather good at!

[@basti_marr]

"it's not about being famous, never was" Ladies and gentlemen, Johnny Marr

[@glennoc8585]

Haha c'mon they all say that but ALL pop players crave adoration and success and fame and money is part of that.

[@morgancoady4943]

glenny oc you would too. But that’s not why Johnny does what he does.

[@glennoc8585]

Morgan Coady hmmm..he owns expensive things posh house etc and he openly states he wanted an escape from the estate life and pop music was that ticket. I can't blame him he's a smart guy aspiring to the middle class. People often say they what i do for love but i dont buy that. People avoid shovelling poop because Its dirty, hard, unglamorous but pays nothing ultimately. Now If i had rare poop worth its weight in gold and could pay £1000 a week for poop shovelling id be fighting off all sort of applicants. Imaging £5000 a week you'd have professional musis begging. Any artist that claims theyd starve for their art is a liar.

[@morgancoady4943]

glenny oc I would t say any. But who are we to know, we probably won’t ever be that successful. You’re right though, some artists are liars but Johnny has always seemed very humble and loved what he does. Cheers!

[@jerbear97]

@@glennoc8585 but he didn't say anything about starving for his art

[@mvsr990]

Every interview I see or hear with Marr, he comes off as just the nicest possible guy to be as famous and important as he is.

[@marvinshenk]

The Smiths are one of my favorite bands ever. I play guitar and Johnny Marr's parts are so unique that I never even try to learn them. They are made up of so many chords and rhythms that they are just hard to play but so enjoyable to listen to.

[@RadicalR0nnie]

not that hard, just takes a little practice lol

[@jamesrobert4106]

​After reading the comment I was waiting for the inevitable reply from someone saying they aren't difficult. SHOW US YOUR VERSIONS. Talking counts for FUCK ALL.

[@BeatPoet67]

Yes, he's tricky, but they're mostly just different chord voicings using triads on the four highest strings. Plus shit loads of arpeggios and slides in between. Lol.

[@michaelnewham6958]

You only get better by playing with a better player. Just think of the enjoyment you will have when you piece each song together. Some more easy than others. I hope you change your mind. I was once the same as you with Elliot Smith. I now play 15 or so songs with my eyes closed and sing em. The chase is everything man ❤

[@gilguajardo7808]

Such an amazing guitarist. These songs. These riffs. I *WILL* learn how to play Headmaster Ritual one of these days! ❤️ PS, do yourselves a favor and catch Johnny’s current tour. He’s a true frontman now. Killer show.

[@morgancoady4943]

Tune to open e! That’s how he plays it, it’s super fun to play. I have a few videos on my channel of smiths riffs

[@moscowhou]

Yeah man honestly, once you see that it's in open e then it becomes really easy!!!! Check out some tutorials

[@gilguajardo7808]

You guys must be way better guitarists than I am. I have indeed watched tutorials on playing Headmaster Ritual. STILL gonna take some work for me! Haha. There’s a female guitarist in a Smiths tribute band (in LA?) that posted a great tutorial. I think her name is Allison. ❤️

[@flux1968]

Allison Bennett: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqScoGt8jNFjrKM

[@flux1968]

You can tune your guitar to E, but it might be less stress on the guitar to tune it to D, put a capo on the 2nd fret and move your finger positions up 2 frets

[@lefthandluke8923]

Johny Marr... mastered turning rhythm into lead and lead into rhythm. A true pioneer, humble all the way and so passionate about guitar. Dude is my hero. A rare talent and a total class act.

[@stevencastro3110]

Johnny Marr is absolutely mesmerizing in so many ways. He is the reason why I picked up the guitar and learned to play it.

[@dbob3405]

Great guitarist and amazing songwriter plus his Johnny Marr Jaguar is one of the best signature guitars out there-his changes to the original design are well thought out and make the instrument much better

[@vampeiyre]

Indeed, and his input and changes trickled-down to modern Jazzmasters too. The American Professional Jaguars and Jazzmasters wouldn't be what they are if it wasn't for him, and I for one am extremely grateful for it.

[@Duzz14]

dbob I’ve said it’s the most necessary signature guitar in history. He fixed everything. He’s made a perfect

[@ngronlund]

I went thru college listening to his playing. His playing inspired me to learn guitar. Hearing all those great riffs strung together literally gives me chills and goosebumps. Genius.

[@JM-bg2ts]

I see Johnny Marr I click!

[@TheAcousticBandits]

Johnny is one of the most important and iconic guitarists in the history of music.

[@davidgreenburg2165]

This is the single greatest youtube video ever. Johnny is a true legend.

[@beegeewhy]

Made my day.

[@s3cr3td00rindar00m]

I love that everyone is recognising him as a name

[@jerbear97]

johnny marr is one of those musicians that you don't look up to because of their skill or talent, but rather because of who they are and what they have managed to accomplish

[@danielmcdermott138]

Whilst watching the interview, I was struck by the clips of him playing those Smiths chords. Honestly, just so wonderful. Truly emotive.

[@instantrameng0d36]

I've watched this video so many times, Johnny Marr is my hero I look up to him so much, and he's so cool. He always keeps up with the modern times with his music. I remember seeing him the first time at a Killers concert, at first, I thought "Who the hell is this guy? let's start the show already" but the moment he strummed the chords to "Getting Away with it" I fell in love, Then soon after he filled the venue with "How soon is now" my ears have never been the same, since then I got into T-rex, bowie, oasis, Led Zepplin, The Church, The police, Springsteen, Benard Summer's work. TFF, Keith Richards, the Pretenders and so many more just can't thank him enough

[@freshelfpie]

Never been a Smiths fan, but I am a guitar geek, and really enjoyed this. Johnny seems refreshingly free of the piss and vinegar arrogance that a lot of musicians from that movement had. I may just have to check out his solo stuff.

[@nunyobusiness7676]

Don't think you'll be disappointed. I'd start with "New Town Velocity" and his Live rendition of "Getting Away With It" from his "Adrenalin Baby" album. I also personally like "Hi Hello" from his latest LP. Hope you enjoy, mate. Cheers.

[@wartimemodels]

It took me a long time for the Smiths to click. But, once it did (and it just happens spontaneously) their genius blossoms. They really had it all- the guitar work, composition, iconography, Moz's voice and peerless lyrical ability, capturing the feeling of the age.... but, you gotta have the right entry point...

[@Violetcas97]

Check out his stuff with “The The”, he only recorded two albums with them (Mind bomb and Dusk) but you can really hear his influence on the groups sound. Nobody quite sounds like Johnny Marr.

[@jamesrobert4106]

​@@nunyobusiness7676Excellent material. Spirit power and soul is outstanding.

[@xyzxyz997]

I could listen to him all day. So humble and honest. An out and out living legend

[@MarkOwen-ej5gy]

I am a year older than Johnny Marr in age, And when you think about all those famous people that lived over the hundreds of years of history, I feel very Fortunato that our time on this earth has been the same. A real living legend

[@shadygroves8252]

what a legend, and a humble guy too. such a real artist, what an incredible writer - his riffs are amazing, old & new, this dude can do no wrong. Thank you for the inspiration Johnny. great video.

[@brianlefler4582]

His music told me I belonged somewhere, other people had experienced what I had. The Smiths were my voice. His guitar riffs helped get the emotions out of me. His songs helped me survive and became joy later.

[@danielstoddart]

Johnny Marr, and his work with The Smiths, is the primary reason I wanted to play electric guitar as a teenager. To me he's the OG. The diamond geezer.

[@jamasters62]

These are the kind of thoughts I most love to hear from my musically heroes. How did they first "get the bug" to play the guitar, saxophone, whatever. And I am so glad he threw some love for Suzy Quatro in there! Johnny Marr's tone and textures are all his own. Any Johnny Marr's fan will relish all his personal insights he talks of in this video.

[@richalderson6069]

I love how he kicks it off with What Difference Does It Make?, one of my favourite riffs of his.

[@wartimemodels]

Oh man, the legendary green tele....

[@Duder187]

Sometimes I think that I'm not a horrible guitar player, then I watch something like this and it puts me in my place.

[@Burny_Mack]

You know he’s a great when you almost ignore the interview and just listen to the guitar. The how soon is now chorus sings. The subtle adding of the vocal harmony is a touch of brilliance that makes the track come alive even more in most important textured areas

[@GuzzWeber]

You can do nuthin but love Johnny, for everything he's done and for what he is, damn it. I love that guy, he can put some feeling when talking about the guitar, I love it.

[@vedder10]

I bought a bunch of these Power Slinky's just because of how great this video is. I have two Signature Marr guitars and they sound and feel great on these guitars.

[@kevinw.9385]

"Back to the Old House" from Hatfull of Hollow is my personal favorite. Hauntingly beautiful.

[@vampeiyre]

You can tell that's where Jeff Buckley got the idea for his unique arrangement of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" that everyone covers now.

[@lucifer-ic9th]

​@@vampeiyrewow well spotted

[@davidcrystal8886]

This is perfect in every way. Not even a fan of Johnny Marr, but his passion for the instrument and his ability to express that was just beautiful. Ernie Ball, keep making these types of segments, they make me remember why I love the guitar.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

One of the most original guitarists there's been, I reckon.

[@wanmorgan]

Johnny Marr.. My inspiration for becoming a professional Guitarist. When all of the kids were trying to be Steve Vai, I knew I was on the right path listening to Johnny.. : - }

[@clever163]

God damn I didnt want this video to end

[@kevindietz6470]

These String Theory videos are great. I love hearing musicians speak so passionately about their craft and how they came up, it’s so inspiring.

[@beegeewhy]

Wow Johnny....You just told a big part of my story. Except for "makin' it" and being famous and all. THAT WAS GREAT.

[@bubbaluvv]

The humbleness in johnny marr is legit. I never really got into the smiths but i could listen to him all day. Great 🎥, i play 10-56 skinny bottom heavy top mix

[@vkrmkrshnn]

Walk into the sea is such a beautiful progression, I am hooked to the song now.

[@GerryBlue]

EB, you should make your artist page on your website clickable, to learn about particular artists strings

[@ernieballinc]

Great minds think alike! Ernie Ball actually used to have this on our website years back. It's something our Marketing Team definitely wants to start implementing again and with even more dynamic ways to expand on our artist page. Thank you for the suggestion, we always love to hear feedback!

[@RobertoMarraChannel]

@@ernieballinc your strings are difficult to play, 'cause they're heavy to bend and they deteriorated after two concerts. You have to take a look of what other major brand like DOGAL or ELIXIR do.... seriously....

[@NoahMG66]

@@RobertoMarraChannel nah bro ernies are ernies they are the best, other string brands are a myth by the government to test your sanity!!! Looks like you failed

[@colt.thrower]

His songs have touched many hearts across many generations

[@alejandrohualdez5550]

I've just bought the lake placid blue Johnny Marr Jaguar....it was worth every penny!!!

[@ryanboshell6124]

Jason Olds hope you got some Ernie Ball strings to go with ;). Enjoy boss.

[@graemebruce9933]

Had one for a wee while.... fuckin awesome guitars!

[@NorthSeaWisdom]

Truly gifted player..under appreciated imo

[@sethwallace5964]

I loved this interview! I picked up a bass guitar 11 years ago and the Smith's inspired me along the way as a band

[@edmundblackaddercoc8522]

I remember him saying 'I want to play everything, guitar, bass,,drums' amazing musician

[@33cattt49]

Best string theory so far ..... this was so inspirational.Thank you Ernie Ball , Thank you Mr Johnny Marr.

[@wrongthink3885]

A man truly in love with his art form. It was a joy to listen to.

[@johnmaguire1212]

Johnny is amazing a true genius and pioneer. One of the greatest guitarists this country has ever produced. In fact one of the best ever and also such a great story teller and likeable character. Awesome 👌

[@natalieplumridge6291]

Love you Johnny! Loved the video , always insightful. Something special happened in Manchester something really special. Loved my time over there , love from oz

[@nickolasecker9596]

Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine and Johnny Marr are my two biggest inspirations. Complete opposite ends of the spectrum, one driven by distortion and unconventional playing, where the other is more focused on clean tones with a hair of modulation. Both are such humble, admirable, down to earth people that truly love what they do and inspired me to pick up an instrument and figure this stuff out.

[@christianbelanger621]

Kudos to Ernie Ball for this serie.

[@matthewmaurysmith2486]

I love that Johnny is still with Ernie Ball strings. I switched to them years and years ago because his name is on the back! Although, I only use elixirs anymore cuz I'm too lazy to change strings every month LOL

[@marcelbuschelk1734]

For me, Johnny Marr is definitely a guitar god

[@JM-5150]

Cancelled show in Atlanta, sucks. Johnny Marr absolutely fantastic in every way possible. Please reschedule..

[@musicsaves97]

One of the coolest guitarist / musicians, EVER. Love Johnny Marr!

[@TimothySteffes]

Mesmerized by watching his hands. This video is amazing.

[@rickyguerreiro]

Best Johnny Marr doc ever!

[@wartimemodels]

"Accept Yourself" is such a cool tune. Has so much punch live. Morrissey's lyrics are perfect for it.

[@greglesondak]

Some of the coolest sounding guitar I’ve ever heard

[@christaylor5668]

Nice to see Johnny giving guitar lessons on line, great viewing, insight into how he wrote them, love to see back to the old house, or big mouth in full.....👍👍👍👍

[@WhatDemocracy]

Such beautiful sounds.... He's an absolute musical genius

[@rustyfuzz470]

The sound he achieves with the Fender Jaguar in particular absolutely sends me…

[@wansuyud]

Jonny the most nicest artist that I inspire me a lot.very polite humble n the words come out just honestly beautiful!

[@gary_payton]

What great video. Thank you Johhny for the riffs and Earnie Ball for producing this series.

[@vedder10]

I love regular slinky's in the green packaging. They feel so right.

[@michaelgraham9774]

Johnny has so many top shelf riffs and songs to his name

[@vanseventy]

This era of music and how it formed with very little producer influence made this the best music in my opinion.

[@anibalbianchi8925]

Se ve una persona apasionada, adorable, inspirador en su sensibilidad, altamente creativo y honesto. Johnny Marr gracias por existir. Una musica sublime. Gracias.

[@fartzerelli1385]

JM's tones and notes are like rays of sunshine.

[@richardcrook6672]

legend i must say as a fellow manc i think people from manchester who become famous through music sports etc are the most down to earth celebs youll ever find in the world

[@Rustyjamesman]

Johnny Marr is a guitar god

[@plfdjack]

love it.

[@stuartpowell255]

Johnny Marr is the reason I picked up a guitar. 30 odd years later I still can’t play like him.Genius!!!!

[@JbfMusicGuitar]

Just started getting these videos suggested, really enjoying them so far!

[@ianblackmore-allen163]

What a lovely little video. Thank you so much 🙏

[@sweetntenderhooligans1649]

Never lose that hunger, Johnny! You're one of a rare breed of artists who've always stayed true to themselves and forthrightly so, to their art. Keep on keeping on, brother! Much love from Switzerland!

[@Duzz14]

Never would have guessed in a million years Johnny Marr uses 11s. That’s awesome I’ve been playing power slinky’s for longer than I can remember

[@taur6115]

Everything he said in the first 30 seconds. One of the greats.

[@BabarKhan-oh6zq]

How great is Johnny Marr!

[@bassplyr13]

4:58 JIZZZZZZZZZZ

[@filipearaujorodrigues8302]

How soon it's Now...amazing Song!

[@garythomas4431]

I love Johnny Marr. His style is so him.

[@acalderaTube]

Got to love a super talented anti-hero - I study and try to play his music every possible day, is so inspiring!

[@brianlefler4582]

I love you Johnny you changed my life for the better

[@alexandervoneich9422]

Greatest guitarist eva who still fascinates the youth ♡

[@jayhamilton5727]

such an inspiration for so many guitarists out there me included

[@haonyoass9556]

These videos are awesome, hope you continue making them!

[@RikiNewtonMusicianSongwriter]

This video was definitely shot at Moolah Studios at Hallam Mill. I should know I’ve recorded and rehearsed there countless times. Nice 👍 atmos ! Friendly guys who run it too. Nice to see it’s still up & running ! Cheers 🥂

[@claytonorchard300]

Johnny’s like fine wine

[@MariaEduardaSilva-oh4dq]

i love this series! would love to have one of these with Joff from Wolf Alice!

[@naayfiysh72]

Beautiful words and playing Johnny 💜

[@ryanboshell6124]

Thank you Ernie Ball.

[@themaelstromnotebook]

I busk, and 'fix' strings all the time. You keep the ball end of the string, and thread the ball itself round the bridge end of your broken string (most string breaks happen at the bridge). Now knot the end of the string behind the ball, and thread the bottom of the string with the knots and the ball back into your guitar... stretch them while tuning up again, BUT go slow when stretching them! They'll sometimes buckle inside the acoustic if any knots don't hold. Make sure - when you're putting new strings on your guitar - that you (or anyone in a guitar shop) don't trim your strings at the tuners, and leave plenty of length looped up so you have more length to play with if you do need to fix a broken string later on. You can probably re-use a string a couple of time this way (Ds, Gs, and Bs being the easiest... bass strings are too thick to knot and go back into the guitar, and a top E is sometimes too slim to stay knotted effectively). I guess Johnny is talking about re-using strings on an electric guitar since you can't use safety pins on acoustic guitars usually (?!) Although now I know about this I'll try it for the electric guitar I DO use for busking occasionally hehe. Which is all to say: I break a lot of strings, particularly in humid weather.

[@jakeusurungus]

Love the String Theory series. The cinematography for Johnny Marr's seems particularly good; that hall shot was great!

[@ledhendrix5054]

Fantastic story