The Guitars of John Mayer: A Short History

[@maxhocks2006]

I’m old. I remember back when John Mayer first came out and everyone thought he was a generic pop act. Hahah how wrong we were. The man can play! Slow dancing in a burning room blew my mind when I first heard it. Mayer is perhaps the most influential player making records today. So many people 30 and under are obsessed with him the way people are obsessed with Clapton, slash, and Hendrix.

[@greymatters14]

Amen. I’m 54. He flew under my radar when he first hit the scene, then I saw him in concert and heard continuum. Game over. He’s a real one.

[@bencarpenter3785]

Tokai guitar???!!

[@RickBeato]

Really great Hypes!🔥🔥🔥

[@guilherme.delgado]

The John Mayer Interview: bring it on, Rick

[@Job.Well.Done_01]

Yes. That would be incredible, dude!

[@joshuagibson2520]

Why do you always call him Hypes?

[@tanayasharma7776]

rick interview john please

[@chazanthony6319]

Would be nice if Rick could pull off an interview. Mr. Beato. The proverbial ball is in your court. ; ^ )

[@farwoodfarm9296]

I went to a No Doubt Concert in Charlotte NC. I went with 3 Girlfriends and they were there to see the opening act...Mr. Mayer. They were into his Pop songs which I cared little for. John came out and said "We are going to do something a little different tonight, I grew up on the blues........" He proceeded to play nothing but his Blue's stuff for a good 30+ minute opening act.....It was awesome!!!! The girls were not so impressed but I got really close to one of them and we've been married for 13 years ;) Great memories

[@Zoso7227]

One of my favorite quotes is when John gets the SRV model and plays it and says “It sounds like a strat”. Idk why, but it’s comical to me.

[@joseynovember6503]

John Mayer's music has been the soundtrack to my life since his first record. We're so blessed thst he continues to make great music.

[@doughipp6415]

Clapton called JM a master guitar player. That says it all.

[@ThumpingThromnambular]

Clapton said a lot of things.

[@iwillnevergetone5]

@@ThumpingThromnambular ha, people aren't still aren't ready to accept that part of clapton. they pretend it never happened (over and over)

[@x3a3x3]

Clapton said a lot of things he shouldn’t have…

[@shanewalton8888]

Well, Clapton himself is overrated, so I dunno.

[@aaronludwig8150]

@@shanewalton8888 exactly. He’s a good guitarist but his songs are so samey

[@andertons]

These are great videos! We’ll informed & easy to watch 👍👍👍

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks guys!

[@conordyer2307]

Videos are usually easy to watch...unless your blind, then it's impossible.

[@baileyl9702]

The only guitar that was truly missed here is John's pink Jackson 30th Anniversary Soloist. He absolutely broke the internet when he played that Soloist on the Late Late Show with Ed Sheeran in 2015, not long after his separation from Fender. Excellent video Keith! I was hoping you'd do a "Short History" on John's collection someday. The man's arsenal is certainly mystifying, and it's great to see it put together in your video format.

[@mikerayco]

I remember that pink Jackson guitar, it just feels really weird to see him play with a non Fender guitar.

[@fernank017]

Jackson guitars is owned by FMIC

[@paradise_valley]

@@fernank017 yeah so is his custom Charvel, another non-prs strat from Fender. He left over differences over his signature guitar concept and the quality control of the custom shop. So I don’t see your point. He still “plays” Fender instruments.

[@michaelsisto9898]

I smiled ear to ear watching him play that. Reaffirming pink as being cool hahaha

[@donthaveaname1086]

He played a pink Jackson well before that as well

[@MR-wp5dz]

The fact that the price of a pedal will double or quadruple after it's been spotted on John Mayer's pedalboard in itself suggests that despite the vocal minority of haters, JM is indeed considered a contemporary guitar hero.

[@michaelshearer3559]

That clip of Guthrie playing the '62 custom shop is beautiful. That man never ceases to amaze. Great video, and there were quite a few guitars and bits of info I was not aware of. Thank you!

[@gravyblue]

Where?

[@fivewattworld]

But it’s a vintage 61 I think.

[@titobattaglia7932]

Guthrie will make a crate with six fishing lines on it sound like a million dollar. Of course, the beautiful strat doesn't hurt ;D

[@logopneumatika]

The Duesenberg Mike Campbell Sig Starplayer that John played with Keith Urban on CMT Crossroads is always memorable to me. I’d never seen a guitar look that much like a sports car and it introduced me to the Duesenberg line.

[@jeffreycash3662]

The Mayer/Urban show is simply awesome. A must watch.

[@darksl1de]

I don’t know alot about John Mayer, but i know you forgot to mention his Charvel and Jackson guitars. Probably the most interesting guitars i’ve seen him with, when in put in the context of him as a musician. Also his custom blue charvel with the VCJ graphic (or his “skate guitar” as he calls it) is probably one of my favorite guitars of all time, and arguably even cooler in the hands of a guy like John, seeing him with that guitar would be like seeing Kerry King in a spice girls shirt, totally awesome.

[@defecito]

I love when he uses the Charvel, what an amazing guitar

[@tonypillstrom3657]

Yeah, the Charvel is my favorite. …but my main guitar is an ‘86 Kramer Baretta that I got in ‘89 when I was 14. It has been heavily modified over the years. …on it’s fourth neck, routed for a second humbucker, etc. I love those types of guitars.

[@elevenAD]

when he pulls that Charvel out its on! he abuses that guitar!

[@darkenthedoor]

Yes!! Thanks for mentioning.

[@paradise_valley]

Ahh yes the assassin guitar

[@TheOrchardParkBand]

Aewsome! Wow he went through the guitars. He is such a talent. We need a sequel with his Martins. My favorite is the Silver Sky! His timing is incredible especially when he does solo.

[@ebay9302]

My boyfriend has sat with John a few times and he stated John is a vintage guitar player/ collector. Makes sense with his great playing.

[@mikepfeifer3687]

Greetings from Nashville North, Louisville Kentucky. Keith, the “short history” series you do is simply the best program on KZbin. Thanks for your hard work.

[@law6044]

Been waiting for this. Never thought this episode would ever be made! I’m from the UK and I am fortunate enough to see him in Manchester UK and Madison Square Garden where he played Continuum all the way through. His Hendrix covers were something to behold

[@ncd1967]

Mayer is a killer guitarist. He’s always been slightly out of the periphery of my playing and listening but when he was on the Chappell Show that cemented him in my book as an awesome dude.

[@jaybreen1010]

I second the Chappelle appearance as being clutch! That segment is gold. He looks so young watching it now, boy! "Hey, yo! Shut the fuck up!" - the look on his face, priceless!

[@jmc1186]

Ive always wanted that gold leaf "Vultures" strat. Im not even much of a Strat player myself, but damn that guitar sounds amazing. I think I might be on a quest for my own strat. Thanks for the video!

[@bradleybaldwin1339]

One of my best friends and I used to ask people “have you ever saw the John Mayer Show?” Referring to the one episode shown on MTV and VH1. If they said yes, we instantly had a closer bond.

[@kevinolson1710]

John’s melodic guitar playing and passion and dedication to his craft is undeniable. He has definitely honed his signature sound in guitar history. I believe he had great guidance through his guitar journey with his guitar sensai Tomo Fujita at Berkeley. John Mayer is definitely a great pick for this segment. Thank you again for your great work.

[@CharLessMajor7Music]

John is my guitar hero and the one that completely changed my playing style. His skills and his tones really is amazing and just hits different.

[@matthewf1979]

John’s “Where the Light is” has been in continuous rotation by me since its release. That album is perfection. With all of the work Fender and John had done together, it’s a shame they couldn’t continue that relationship and work out the differences.

[@ron980]

Keith! Thank you so much for what you do! As a big Mayer fan, I'd just like to correct one incredibly minor thing from your video @7:35. Although the Black1 neck was modeled after the Custom Shop SRV Masterbuilt guitar (distinct from the mass produced SRV Signature), the fretboard does not actually have a 9.5". The specs for the guitar, like many CS signature guitars, are ambiguous. I've had a Custom Shop SRV Masterbuilt measured, and the fretboard radius actually was 10", different from the SRV Signature (which is 12"). Also, the Masterbuilt Black1 (as far as I understand), does not have 6105 frets, but rather Fender "medium jumbo" frets. Fender's medium jumbo frets are similar, but not the same as 6105s.

[@stephenevans8004]

I know of JM, but have never listened to anything he has done. However a core Silver Sky resides at my place. I bought it because it spoke to me, truly the best S style guitar I have ever come across, including hey day Fender’s. Whatever collaboration occurred between JM and PRS resulted in some serious magic.

[@dakistle]

I'm not even into John Mayer, but I love hearing about strats and the like from a detailed guitar aficionado. Five watt world is always fascinating.

[@obican]

I'm disappointed that you've ignored that glorious Jackson Soloist '84 Reissue he once played live on TV.

[@brianbarnes5096]

I'm not crazy into John mayer but can definitely appreciate his talent. I recently got a PRS silver sky se and love it.

[@JMK571]

Keith-how about a Short History of Epiphone? They’re an interesting brand with an equally interesting history. With the way you dive deep into topics, I’d love to see you make a video on one of my favorite brands and see what great tidbits you can dig up!

[@contrabandjoe7974]

I place Mayer in the same categorical "type" as Eric Clapton.. Great songwriter, singer, guitar player and entertainer. I think he's fantastic

[@davidchase-lopes8413]

Keith, once again, you make weekends just right!!!!

[@MadDrummer100000]

Keith, would love to see you do "A Short History" on the Seymour Duncan JB, or perhaps on the brand itself, talking about its history and main staples. Love the channel. Unbelievable production value. Cheers, my friend. Best regards.

[@scottdunn2178]

The JB (Jazz Blues not Jeff Beck) is my favorite. Have a TB4 "J" wound by Maricela Juarez that's amazing 👍

[@strumbum6011]

Opened up my KZbin this morning and see this gem... can't wait to watch. Thank you for the amazing videos!

[@mcdonnec1]

Another great addition to the 5w Fam of guitar history. I’m excited to see a part II about his acoustic guitars!

[@theyoungamptech320]

Seen John twice with D&C last year, terrapin station at the Charlotte show had me in tears.

[@adamjolin]

I was so excited to see this pop up in my feed! Keith doing God's work for us gear nerds!

[@RalphMercuroMusic]

Being an active member of TGP I've never understood the backlash of John Mayer. His name is a huge trigger over there! I love the guy! Amazing musician and songwriter. I've seen him about a dozen times including the tour Try was recorded on. I was glad to see the Dead Head community embrace John for continuing TGD's music. Very unlike TGP!!! BTW, Why no mention of his superstrats?

[@budgetguitarist]

He was a pop artist and not a "rock" artist. He says a few big-headed things in some interviews and people were ready to string him up... the guys in Led Zep used to burn groupies with cigarettes for fun, but no one talks about that. It's just a big double standard. I think he's great.

[@joshoptical]

can you spell J E A L O U S Y?

[@joshoptical]

@Tong Zou seriously- imagine if all our 70s guitar heroes’ dating lives had been inspected with a microscope… yikes!

[@BasilHayden]

he is great, an amazing player, but to me, I wouldn't buy anything he does because it doesn't interest me. Also, he's derivative of SRV and I don't hear him as being a 3 note signature player...meaning distinctive players are usually very recognizable by their approach

[@RalphMercuroMusic]

@@BasilHayden It sounds like you haven't listened to him much... He absolutely has his own identity. He just makes no bones about who his influences were.

[@readysetmoses]

No matter what anyone says, John Mayer is a player! Saw him live in San Antonio and the number of absolutely killer improv solos he pulled out were astonishing. You don't have to like his music to respect his talent.

[@sky.crusher]

In Mayer's beginnings, it was apparent he had chops. Tomo's influence at Berkelee I suspect, got him boosted along. Some terrific nuggets on his electric guitar evolution. I missed any reference to his acoustic gear. Perhaps for another day. Thoroughly enjoyed the expose.

[@CzarOfMars]

I'd love to see an episode about the basses of Geddy Lee! He's one of my favourite players and there would be quite a lot to unpack between the iconic Rics and J's, the double necks, and the weirder stuff that came later on.

[@KleyDeJong]

Really nice video. It was cool to think back on John's evolution as a guitar player.

[@nevillecragg9066]

I’m so happy John tried so many Strats before making perfection that is the Silver Sky with PRS. ❤

[@strat2tele]

Keith you absolutely rock. Been a fan of the channel for years now and it's been a treat watching the channel grow. And you still interact with comments which has to take a ton of time on top of the research, writing, recording and editing of these episodes. We appreciate you so much!

[@chinohormann]

I wasn't ever really a fan of his early records when they came out, or really any of his solo stuff if I'm honest, but I love that John Mayer Trio "Try" album so damn much that I can't help but just respect the hell out of his guitar playing and pay more attention to whatever he's doing.

[@TJJJJJJJJJJJ]

@13:55 good luck for anyone trying to play and sing this tune “edge of desire” at the same time ! It might sound simple but it’s a real bastard

[@nabilcharbel4136]

Thx always for your wonderful work Mr. Williams

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Because I've been a curmudgeon since childhood, it took Mayer's trio work to open my eyes to his power as a player. Now I've gone back to his early pop stuff and I'm really enjoying most of it.

[@markuyehara7880]

Your Body is a Wonderland is enough to bias anyone to an artist's work. XD

[@jaybreen1010]

I identify with this!! Someone mentioned too how he is advancing guitar culture, and I can't agree more. More than a few times I've been on one or another social media platform to get a notification he's doing a livestream, tune in, and he is just giving away what he knows, how he thinks, what he does when following an idea through, etc and it's absolutely invaluable. The opposite of what so many mistake him to be like.

[@ericwarrington6650]

Excellent as always my friend..🤘😁🎸🎶

[@ChrsGuit]

Very good. The one that confounded me though was that Mayer claiming Clapton's birthday was his first time playing a PRS... I've heard other channels mentioning this too... but that can't be. Mayer wrote the song "Wheel" on a PRS McCarty and even documented it on his "making of Heavier Things" video put out by Three On A Tree Productions (I think it was done for MTV). I definitely saw Mayer play one live in August of 2008 in Charlotte, Nc. He was on his 2008 Summer Tour with Paramore opening for him... He played "Wheel" on either that same PRS guitar, or an identical one... He stayed on that guitar for a cover of "Mercy" by Duffy that was popular at the time.

[@jaelee6563]

Born And Raised is my favorite JM album. Underappreciated. Live in LA and Born And Raised made me see John Mayer in a new light (pun intended)

[@ziggylayneable]

I switched and put p94s in a whole bunch of the dozen or so Squires I own, guitar neck and bridge P94 pickups I'm loving it!!!

[@donaldgardner5182]

I really love your impassioned and analytic dives into your subjects! Always inspiring, Thank you.

[@johnny.musician]

Another good episode, Keith. I never really ‘got’ Mayer until Continuum and I don’t enjoy his voice so much, but he’s a stellar player and songwriter. Cheers and thanks!

[@JonManProductions]

I feel like I need to sit down and listen to his blues work because I'm still stuck on the image of him from when I was a kid and both of my older sisters were fangirling for him in his pop days.

[@mikepj1025]

Another Gem sir!!! John Mayer is a master guitarist and his music is very inspirational. To me he will always be a Strat player. Fender Strat that is.

[@angusorvid8840]

While I must admit I am not a fan of John Mayer's music, I am a big fan of his guitar playing and I think he's one of the best guitar players to come along in a generation. His influence is making for a better guitar culture and I admire and applaud him for this. I also enjoy his tone. It's excellent.

[@ChrisSkinner1]

I'm a huge John Mayer fan, he's a guitar and songwriting hero in my book. I'd love to see you do a video on his acoustics! They're a big part of his music. How about a "guitars of Eagles" next???

[@cassius2703]

thanks so much Keith, beautifully done! I think like many others, I was hesitant to get on board with John given his pop music stardom… However, one cannot help but get on board and be a massive fan when you have that kind diversity and talent and quite frankly amazing music! You throw all that together on top of being an outstanding guitarist without being a gymnast to distract from his beautiful music, he’s one of a kind that we’re so fortunate to have at this time and place in history! Thanks again for making this history lesson for us!!!

[@andrewjeffries5651]

I love these videos! I wanted to mention he can be seen playing a PRS in the collaboration he did with Herbie Hancock for "stitched up" way before he played with Dead and Company

[@nicolamontoro]

The level of detail in your research is astonishing. Another great video Keith!

[@Hrithik23]

would love a similar video on his amps!

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

Thanks, Keith. Excellent as always. I did not know about John Mayer's time using Gibsons and I found that part very interesting. Thanks for bringing such great content to us!

[@mikec3454]

Mayer is one of the most under appreciated guitar players touring today, largely because people get clouded by his “pop” image. His work with Dead & Co is exceptional and he has one of the best ears in the business when it comes to identifying subtle tone differences.

[@dragonlordskater5028]

I've heard of Mayer's adventures with coustom guitars and Fender and then PRS. Never knew the extent of them, whoa. Thanks for the video!

[@preopticfear]

Loved the video!

[@bartboop]

I have a few of the first and second year strats. The shoreline gold with the burgundy racing strips are my favorite. Somewhere around 450 made. Great story as you really hit on some of the lesser known.

[@thumperpaul]

The first time I heard “ Who did you think I was?”, I thought it was an unreleased SRV song. That boy can sing and play some kickass blues.

[@alexblankenship2486]

The only guitar that I think was missed was his pink Jackson SL1 Soloist. Great video as always!

[@rorymcclellan3740]

Absolutely fantastic content as always! This was a wonderful unexpected surprise! I would very much agree that John Mayer could be considered one of the last guitar heroes.

[@dpault]

Little surprised the pink Jackson didn’t get a mention but overall this was a really fun video.

[@blockingthesunmusic]

I’ve been waiting for this! So excited

[@josephmaggard752]

This is a phenomenal and thorough breakdown. Thank you!

[@shanewalton8888]

Good work Keith, it is nice seeing you get past the 60s and 70s into something more modern. There are plenty of guitar heroes these days as well you can cover. We still need Yngwie, Abasi, Nita Strauss and many others. Oh! You have to do John 5 and his massive Telecaster collection.

[@timtomlinson6173]

Fantastic video, as always. Unbelievable detail. Congratulations on 200k!

[@glennmattison3180]

I have seen John 5 times with Dead & Company. I wasn't really into his music, but he won me over pretty fast. Last summers Fri night show at Wrigley is probably the best concert I have seen.

[@mcosu1]

I can think of about 200 guitarists that I would have hoped to show up before you got to JM. Honestly, I think I'm just resentful he, of all people, is filling Jerry's shoes

[@fivewattworld]

Opinions vary

[@zazoomatt]

Wow Such a Documentary you have Here. Thank you for giving this in completion of this era. Priceless Recap.

[@gdkopinionator4356]

Mayer and I had the same guitar teacher back in Fairfield, CT. I'm pretty sure that was where his fingerstyle came from.

[@TVsBen]

I only recently (in the last year or so) really got into John Mayer. I had assumed that all of his stuff was like "Your Body is a Wonderland" but I was so incredibly wrong. I'm still repenting of that position. Thanks for doing this video, Keith!

[@monday6524]

I agree it is interesting to see modern day artists. I have enjoyed John Mayer for a number of years. Your point about a singer/guitar player is a good one. I don't know that I ever thought of him as a guitar hero. However, you gave me something great to think about! Well done!

[@thegoldguitarist]

I was working at guitar Center this summer that Clapton 335 came out. I’m pretty sure the first one sold was to John Mayer at the LA location.

[@scott.demarco]

Great video! In your research did you dive into his live albums? I highly suggest "Where the light is" and "Any given Thursday" as part of your homework. Those two really show how good his guitar playing really is. Both are over 15 years old as well.

[@Dogz579]

16:50 there are many videos of him playing PRS in the late 2000´s.

[@kurtisr2339]

Keith: I was not, myself, in a Jazz Coma. I was in full-tilt twentysomething-guitarist-hatred of Mayer when "Wonderland" hit. Seething. Ah, youth. Cut to 2011-ish? My mom -- always an ardent supporter of my work -- said she recorded something on CMT that I just had to see. Mayer and Urban. What. The. Actual. Thus began the slow road to admitting (to myself) that I might actually be a John Mayer fan. September of last year I ordered a Silver Sky that should land any day now, to embellish an otherwise Five-Watt-worthy minimalist guitarsenal. Thanks for all you do, man, and keep on keeping on.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

14:23 that is a fantastic looking guitar

[@mcadamsrandy]

Wonderful Keith I'm a fan of you and John!

[@jasperhaze8309]

As always Keith, love the series. Keep on jazzing! ;-)

[@titanicsinclair]

John was nice enough to let me play the 1964 Strat at a friend’s house once. It is without a doubt the most comfortable instrument I’ve ever played. The man has taste.

[@cdagyekybcrpaa]

Dear 5WW, Can your next short history video be about the Orange Amps brand? Those are some of the finest amps out there that deserve a video.

[@kevinmorris7722]

Love this series you do Keith. It's fun to hear all the gaps I just don't know. Just an idea, and it's only a couple of guitars, but Trigger has quite a story. I know, I know, it's country. But, it's Guitar and significant.

[@jjdillon2007]

Keith, on the Jeff Beck Stratocaster that you pictured at 15:02, the roller nut is an LSR, not a Wilkinson.

[@TheSupart91]

Just went to his acoustic in Atlanta in oct that man can play an acoustic like his electric and it was crazy amazing glad i went

[@guitrr]

Great job, my friend; I enjoyed this video very much. It will not surprise you I own several Silver Sky models, from three different years, and I can vouch for the comment you made that Paul Reed Smith is always striving to improve his company’s guitars. All of mine are indeed different, and while they’re all fabulous, the most recent one is a truly exceptional instrument.

[@gregmize01]

Great episode Keith!🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@anexiole]

That mayer tone - beautiful

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic short history have a good weekend

[@JohnWaldenDDM]

Love John Mayer’s work - as a guitarist and, more broadly, as a musical artist - and, while I’m lucky enough to own a nice old Strat, the guitar I tend to reach for most often is a Silver Sky. It’s a beautifully designed and made instrument with a real vibe of it’s own….. Anyway, as ever, great video…. Keep doing what you are doing; you do it with grace, dignity and a genuine love for your subject matter….. It’s always appreciated….. :-)

[@harrypalmer3481]

John designed a Fender Stratocaster with a PRS headstock, with details such as a Strat contoured body with rolled steel string saddles, spring counter balanced vibrato mechanism, 3 pickups, volume knob, 2 tone knobs. Plastic scratch plate, wooden neck, with frets, standard tuning heads & with strings on. And a jack socket on the body. And with strap buttons, and painted.

[@AskZac]

Always great, Keith!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Zac

[@clos87]

Nice video. Missing the silver 594, three pickup 594, pink Jackson, skate Charvel, acoustics.