How to Play Guitar Like John Mayer - 9 Must Know Tips from His Former Teacher

Let's talk tone, influence, style, techniques, and qualities that make John Mayer's playing so amazing. Here are some tips to help you match his sound!
PRS Silver Sky Satin Mock Sand finish
Gazzi Steel String Singer
▼▼Join today "Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom"
tomovhxtv.vhx.tv
Join subscribers from 98 countries
▼▼Tomo’s Store
tomofujitamusi...
▼▼Guitar World / Tomo Fujita Article
www.guitarworl...
▼▼ Don’t worry
Don’t compare
Don’t expect too fast
Be kind to yourself (Wisdom Picks & Wisdom T-shirt)
www.osiamo.com/...
▼ Follow my Instagram / tomojustfunky
▼ Follow my Twitter / tomojustfunky
▼ Follow my FaceBook / tomofujitaofficialfanpage
▼ Mailing list for upcoming event tomojustfunky.com
▼ Facebook - / tomofujitaguitar
▼ www.tomofujita.com (Japanese)
(286-23)

[@Moyjgc101]

Tomo I just want to thank you for all your guitar wisdom (pun intended) I started taking your course a few months ago and because of it can confidently play in a group which I’ve always wanted to do. Wouldn’t be here without you. We’ll be performing this weekend and I’ve got a solo wish me luck! 🤘🏽

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're very welcome! Thank you so much! So awesome!

[@mokshyadanandamahanta9908]

@@TomoFujitaMusic which course and how to check it out?

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@mokshyadanandamahanta9908 My website tomojustfunky.com Join today "Guitar Wisdom" tomovhxtv.vhx.tv

[@TeleTonemonkey]

❤

[@dallasrich4081]

One of the best things I've heard is not to study the person you admire, but to study the people who they admired and learned from, thanks for showing us how John learned!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks for sharing! Easy to just imitate somebody but as a musician, need to make own tone & style so it's hard to do! Thank you so much!

[@joshderouin12]

I love the rawness of your vids, none of the fast cut editing to the next sequence or talking point. Just playing and talking guitar, just came across your channel and I’m glad I did❤️

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

So happy to hear that! Just like my private lessons. Most important thing is communication. No editing on my KZbin videos. Thank you!

[@aspect8476]

as a 13 year old trying to learn guitar and scales and theories and playing like john mayer it is very hard to do especially we need to focus on studies in school but because of your videos you mace it much easier thank you sir tomo!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Please avoid internet too much! 50/50! Free stuff is so dangerous that you gain so much bad habits etc. Please don't waste your time! Thank you so much!

[@aspect8476]

@@TomoFujitaMusic guitar or music teachers here in our country is a bit expensive thats why im only limited to videos online and when i found your channel it helped me so much thank you sir!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Yes. You can join my Guitar Wisdom for more proper detail lessons! You're very welcome! I use my channel as supplemental for my TFGW subscribers!

[@robertopalazuelos4964]

Loved the 9:22 when Tomo remembered Cliffs of Dover from Eric Johnson, bravo!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!

[@JakeFields92]

So amazing watching your videos. It's like being in a room and hanging out with you. I'll even leave your videos on even while I am not playing. When I hear a particular segment that I really like, I just stop what I'm doing and pick up the guitar. Thank you for your lessons man.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much! I feel... just like in person lesson!

[@evankanemusic]

that intro solo progressed so smoothly. beautiful work man as always

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad you like it! Thank you so much!

[@radjet]

I also hear early Allman Bros (esp. Duane and Dicky in "Soul Shine") mixed with BB King and SRV in John's playing! Great work, love the traids!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing! Awesome!

[@sonrogumer4705]

I admire John so much, and now I admire you as much. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I'm going to marathon your videos now

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're very welcome! Thank you so much!

[@GazziAmplification]

You are always so kind. Thank you for the kind words Tomo! I'm so happy when I hear you enjoying SSS#002. Great lesson!!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@devin2151]

I can’t believe you taught him that’s an honor I would love for you to teach me it’s my life goal more than anything if I could play like you id live broke and with nothing but my guitar forever thank you 🙏🏻

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing! You're very welcome! Thank you so much!

[@emmanuelbenitez9628]

Tomo, i just want to tell you thank you for your lessons. Truly watching laughing when you play wrong notes, makes me feel encouraged to feel easy with my guitar, and you remind me why i play guitar in the first place: to have fun, and to bring some joy to my days, and not to try to be perfect, just better. thank you for your wisdom, and your kindness! :)

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're very welcome! my pleasure! Thank you so much for sharing! We are humans! I only do one take on any videos here.

[@AlonzoWhite]

I loved this video, particularly using "softness" as a creative expression. Thanks again, Tomo!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@DaveTriesToPlayGuitar]

I'm inside a "Mayer" space right now where i'm just so into learning the fundamentals of not just really sounding like him, but to learn more of the background of how he comes up with the things that he does and this is just so helpful. I've been playing since I was 10 and now im 24 and not had a single proper guitar lesson. Most of my knowledge is just self thought and im just happy that content like this is available. Coming from learning how to play like Slash really opened me up on learning more blues licks and the whole foundation of it and your videos are so helpful. It may take me a couple of weeks or months to fully implement it on my playing but having your guides and lessons on my fingertips is just incredible.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing! You should join my Guitar Wisdom you can lear more details and you can improve more and more!

[@tomastamar2717]

Tomo. Thank you so much sharing all that stuf!!! You are are blessed man and we are blessed by you ❤

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

My pleasure!! So happy to hear that. Thank you!

[@slawsonscot]

So much gold in this video, amazing tips for us to work on. Thank you for sharing!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@Frenchmelodymaker]

Next lesson : how to play like Tomo Fujita !!! Cheers from France

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@nonemlinus]

Thank you maestro Tomo!! Playing inside the reverb, I had never thought of this, thank you. Also simple phrasing, and volume. All so subtle, I will practice it.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad it was helpful! This way, reverb effect has anther effect! Great way to control your dynamics! Thank you so much!

[@andystagger2906]

Thank you for your wisdom brother! I love to hear you play … ❤

[@octobersveryown15]

Great lesson! thanks you tomo 🎸appreciate the ideas nice way to look at the guitar then just scales and patterns, more with feeling!!! ❤️😎

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much! Guitar is so much fun!

[@darioswatchclub8]

Thank you TOMO!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

My pleasure! Thank you!

[@user-jn2fo5ke4g]

どんなギターを弾かれても素晴らしいトーンですね。トモ先生、ありがとうございます！

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

お言葉ありがとうございます！これからも頑張ります！

[@toaster_gaming]

LEGO City Tow Truck (set no. 7638)

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks for sharing. How about 60056?

[@toaster_gaming]

@@TomoFujitaMusic that’s a banger, slightly more contemporary but still a classic

[@stevekarsch4162]

I just saw John with Dead & Co last week and he is amazing. I mean, I knew he was (I saw him 2 years ago with D&Co as well) but he proves it again and again. His solos, even though they're (seemingly) improvised, have structure and a plan. He will call back to musical themes and ideas that he introduced earlier in the same solo. He doesn't just *play* musically, he *thinks* musically.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks for sharing! I am going to see him tomorrow at Fenway Boston. Having a solid foundation like John does.. can improve forever musically! His preparation ethic impeccable! Hard worker in general. Yes! His listening, thinking skills are so good!

[@Buddhabellie]

😊😊😊😊😊...When you watch a Tomo video and understand every guitar move he made.......and can almost duplicate many😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 yes! Thank you. You've helped me develop as a guitar player

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're very welcome! Thank you! Good job!

[@moreaujg6480]

Hello Tomo, thank you for your video. John Mayer is a great guitar player, I know a lot of song an I try to play.. Many years ago John is your student... Thank you so much, see you soon... A bientôt from France.. 😊

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're very welcome! Thank you so much!

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Pumped to make time for this! And your Lessons so I can be one Day Soon on those Stages, Serving the Universe and the People with THA BLUES!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@andystagger2906]

Thank you for your wisdom and advice.. loved your solo on Paul David’s channel.. ❤ love to listen to you play!❤

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

My pleasure! Thank you so much!

[@dsharpe9557]

Thank you, Tomo! ✌️❤️🎸🎶🙂

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

you're very welcome!

[@lylesamson3828]

Wow I'm second! lol. Thank you Tomo for another fantastic lesson, much respect from a fan in South Africa

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're very welcome! Please enjoy it!

[@denzilparrenoII]

Nice 1 Tomo

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!

[@MrGibsn1960]

We had a chance to record with John Alagia and I have a massive amount of respect for Mayer. John told us that the record company didn't want Mayer playing like SRV so they limited the amount of electric he would add to the album. After Room for Squares, he woodshedded for a year and completely developed his own voice and owned it from that point on. Keep in mind, some details of this are fuzzy after learning this nearly 20 years ago, but the premise is there.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks for sharing! John is always so clever! Yes, he was preparing, practicing told blues to his own style while recording, performing with his acoustic guitar! Great planning, preparation! Even when he is performing with Dead & Company.. he is writing his original music in his hotel & bus.

[@aazz0099503]

I noticed the nod to cliffs of Dover haha. Great lesson.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@havardgomo9294]

This G-D-Am chord progresjon reminds me of Eric Clapton’s version of Knockin on heavens door in Lethal Weapon movie..

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks for sharing. So many great songs got same or similar chord progressions. So nice!

[@jonathanjohns1235]

I hope you get a chance to see him at Fenway this weekend. I hope the weather cooperates.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Yes! I will see him tomorrow the 24th!

[@zgmacd]

thanks for the video tomo!!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@ranman58635]

After 30 year's, I finally have my style developing. It's not like anyone cause I never studied anyone's business but if I'm like anyone it's like me. I love adapting styles though. Everything comes hard to me but it's happening finally and the stuff I learned earlier makes more sense now. I'm so close to doing amazing soles.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Awesome! Learn from others (not just coping, just intense listening stage) blending others essences. So much fun! Learning foundation (scales, chords, triads, inversions) makes easier on this process. Like John and I did 15-16 weeks of private lessons so he can improve forever!

[@ranman58635]

@@TomoFujitaMusic , thanks for saying that. It definitely takes a special type of dedication of listening too. 🎶 I woke up 3 year's ago and could hear. Strange happening there.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@ranman58635 You're welcome! A huge commitment & a lot of dedication!

[@einerreklov4304]

Great lesson! Like the T-shirt. When will you have a guitar named after you? Seriously.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much! Someday...

[@einerreklov4304]

@@TomoFujitaMusic Someday soon, hopefully.

[@p-Claud73]

As soon as I watched this, I knew that JM sent him those Silver Sky’s hanging on the wall free of charge to his former mentor. A class act!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

I am so grateful

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend also stay safe

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@greigclement9081]

A wonderful video. Thank You :)

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@grantbob]

@9:20 - "cliffs of Dover" 🙂

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Triads!!

[@CHRlST101]

I caught that too 👍

[@knowl1969]

Great video!!!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!

[@christophergallagher531]

'Be your self, ever one else is taken' that's an Osker Wild. It is wonder full you have the learned ability to see in to other's innate styles. Thank You for the insights. That amp sounds much like the '62 white twin , with factory JBLs. Naturally you are doing the work. I do not have the natural facility (being learning disabled) do divide and distillate music the way you proceed. I will never get on top of this. But you are helping! It occured to me, that I rather *uck, than be mediocre. Therefore I suc*. Thing is this axium , gives me licence to be my self. Thanks for the insights, and 'get a hair cut!'. Chris

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks for sharing. Guitar is so amazing! So much potential to improve guitar skills. You're very welcome! Thank you so much!

[@Havanorange]

Interesting, Thank you!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Please watch the full video!

[@Havanorange]

@@TomoFujitaMusicYes, I did watch & listen to the entire video the first time. I'll also replay it again later. So many interesting things to think about and practice in this video. Thank you again.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@Havanorange Thank you so much! Awesome! Great to hear that. You're very welcome!

[@nitishsingh993]

That's a fat hot clean sound :O

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Yes!

[@katsunori.bb.kawai.6633]

Thank you Mr.Fujita. Good advice for singing guitar. (Vibration,dynamics,soft sounds…) ps)Question. By the way,chords form play each 3 strings ➡︎triad playing, but many player don't play like this.??.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Singing guitar! You're very welcome! Triads are very important!

[@anexiole]

Addig this to my playlist. Domo arigato, tomo! #jmRocks

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

You're welcome! Thank you!

[@quijahn8369]

Did you buy all those JM signature models, or did he give them to you?! That’s impressive either way. I know you have the OMJM too.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

The Silver Sky & Roxy Pick were personally gifted by John Mayer. Thank you!

[@J0HN01DATA]

I like this learning technique and that magic number 9 😁

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@Parker-iz7vw]

I’m seeing Johnny tomorrow night! LFG!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Awesome! I will see John tomorrow!

[@darioswatchclub8]

Tomo ma friend. I was practicing a John Mayer Song - his Version of like a Rolling Stone. I changed my Guitar Strings this Week form 9ers to 10s. I have a hard time Bending the Solo licks. This leads me to the Question: "What type of guitar Strings does John use for this Song?" Which leads me to the Question: What Type of Guitar STrings should I use. I'am sure there is no right and wrong. But I have a hard time bending these STrings the way I used to. 10! Everybody told me! Put 10s on your STRAT!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing! You can practice bending technique! 10-46.

[@darioswatchclub8]

@@TomoFujitaMusic I will. I am sure you have a Video on String Gauge and Bending! Thanks my Friend!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@darioswatchclub8 Yes I have. The Art Of Bending - Must Know 3 Levels kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYKcoJl-j7yIhck

[@darioswatchclub8]

@@TomoFujitaMusic stay happy and healthy my friend.

[@gromousse]

Very cool vidéo !! What frequencies would you enhance or get low with an EQ to approach the sound of Steel String Singer amp ? And what do you think about pedals which emulate that sound ?

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much! This amp is insanely good! Best EQ!

[@p1xelshooter287]

what is the name of the first song he plays

[@ntm112294]

10. Jerry licks!!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

If added more than 9... then more things! Fun!

[@JitenShende]

Beautiful session.... so informative .... thanks Tomo..... got some lovely tips for my next practice...... cheers🎉! PS - i dont particularly enjoy johns playing with the dead & co. though .... seems too out of his original character n boots of jerry garcia too big to fill !!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much! You're very welcome!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Oh man! I had a great time watching John with Dead & Company. John's playing & band tightness all together so great! (at Boston Fenway) Specially listen them close range. So amazing! You can not experience this without real LIVE MUSIC!

[@corruptedhashbringer]

Tomo, what is the pedal you are using? The 1 of 300. Thank you!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Vemuram Jan Ray for TF

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!

[@danielmahathir8102]

Hi tomo would like to know you amp setting! 😊

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Very simple. More treble, less bass & Middle is middle. Thank you!

[@danielmahathir8102]

@@TomoFujitaMusic Thank you tomo! Have a good day❤️

[@dustinarnold79]

Any tabs tomo for licks at 16:15

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

No need any tabs if you hear intervals & understand triads!!

[@fordhammie]

great intro tomo; whats the name of the song?

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Simply chords that many songs .... Thank you!

[@fordhammie]

@@TomoFujitaMusic Ha ... Kinda sounds like "Knock Knockin on..." 😊

[@Aaron_French]

4 silver skies. Damn.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!

[@markgerber6587]

Hi folks, When Tomo is doing the triad run on the top three strings, has anyone took the time to write down the tabs for this.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you! No tabs! You can learn those triads! Only 3 types! Learn TRIAD Inversions in 3 Ways (Vertical & Horizontal & Same inversion) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqPCfX-hpN99bbs

[@Jack.Waters]

Slow is Smooth - Smooth is Fast. Be One with the Groove. Don't play the Guitar. (watch their faces).. Be the guitar. ~❤🕯✌~🎸❤🎼🎶🎶💐

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much! I enjoy super slow preparation part.

[@sxayin567]

former teacher... what a title

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@kylemoran4343]

I think like yourself, John is a musician before being a guitarist. What I mean by that is, not the technical side of music, which is important, but the fact that we "ALL" hear music in some form, from birth to the grave. Some people internalize sounds and music into their being, and some hear music and it goes no farther then the listening experience. I've heard music all my life as well, and feel that if I was given most any instrument, within a few hours I think I could make a nice melody and maybe some harmony to sound like me. Neither of my parents played instruments. My mom "heard" music and that was it. No humming, singing or other wise. Dad "listen" to music and tapped his feet if he liked it. He enjoyed it but that was about it. Me when I heard music, I "felt" it ! I NEEDED a set of drums ! My uncle had a piano I messed with, not knowing anything. Then guitar. Super expressive instrument ! I play something everyday. Mostly guitar, because it soooo enjoyable. I say play every instrument you can get your hands on. I have a bunch now .

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing! Listening, having a good solid foundation to use a proper song analysis with listening. Listen is easy but with more elements. Guitar is so amazing! So deep!

[@jakejudy5455]

Was the intro knocking on heavens door?

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing!

[@erikanderson4605]

I heard that Cliffs of Dover reference

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Triads! Thank you!

[@nathanielvargas3863]

I also taught John Mayer.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Awesome!

[@jamesotto7884]

You’re like me, can’t decide which color silver sky to buy 🤣

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Indeed! Both..so good!

[@botrta339]

Imagine your teacher is making turorial video of how to play like you..!!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing!

[@roberto3262]

Gotta have that "stank face" too 😉👍🏻

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Yes! Thank you!

[@jfar3340]

Amazing lesson! But it sounds like Tomo, not like John Mayer! Love your lessons!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@kristopherk5454]

Got the guitar, got the pedal, got the amp…but none of the feel.

[@jfar3340]

@@kristopherk5454 100%

[@flintdavis2]

Don’t compare! No John Mayer!😊

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Awesome!

[@matguerra333]

JOhn Mayer genuinely seems like a nice dude. It's obviously easier to be nice when you have everything but alot of ppl don't bother bc THEY HAVE EVERYTHING. Maybe he is a serial killer. Either way, i have nothing to add on this guy's teaching.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing! I am so thankful!

[@drDBH]

W

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

W

[@ricfaust21]

How to play like Fujita senses…

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!

[@simpsimpson5175]

Thanks but i like to play the guitar like ME! I am sure you understand

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Yes sir!

[@Vern859]

Amazing! Thank you. Tomo By the way i started a utube channel. Maybe?? 🙋‍♂️

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks so much! Awesome!

[@Buddhabellie]

Do you like John's signature guitar or your signature guitar more? Be honest.....😊

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Great question. My Kanji TF Signature is truly amazing as one off, hand made guitar. Absolutely amazing guitar. John Mayer's PRS Sliver Sky is mass production guitars & kept that much quality tone inside. I was so impressed by that. Plus the Silver Sky is not S guitar! The Sliver Sky is the Sliver Sky. The neck design, pickups, bridge...original design & intonation is so good! So I am so fortunate that I can enjoy both!

[@Buddhabellie]

@@TomoFujitaMusic you have earned both signatures.....plus so many more......

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

@@Buddhabellie Thank you so much!

[@Matt-xx8mt]

I'm always distracted by how much I hate that terrible silver sky guitar. It's freaking hideous.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing! Just don't pay attention! Save your energy!

[@gregkokus6016]

Taylor swift and John M ---will never comprehend the worship of them --I can dig anything but their music has zero passion - it all science fair material-- and that’s it not hating - yeah they are cute but -$$$$ keep loving in amazement of them folks--it what they told u to like §§§§§ as Thomas Dolby once said SCIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you for sharing!

[@superiorjamtracks2189]

Good teacher. Not a great player, but a nice guy.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thank you!

[@nathaninostroza7655]

How is Tomo Fujita, the inventor of a great track as Just Funky, not a great guitar player? Tomo s playing is really great, and has a tone of his own with just his fingers. It's pretty rude from You not doing your homework.

[@toddkreuzburg4162]

@@nathaninostroza7655 I saw him play on stage with Eric Gales and Matt Schofield. Tomo did not belong with those players. He is a great teacher. But his playing is not on the level of Eric, Matt, or any of the high level players.

[@nathaninostroza7655]

@@toddkreuzburg4162 you're interesting! One question i got, and it's serious, with all due respect, what are the atributes You saw on those players that gig, wich made You realize Tomo isnt at that height? I know Eric Gales playing, his tone is different from any of those bluesier kinda players, due to his picking technique, but overall his exhuberant style screams lots of hardwork. He s an outstanding player. But i can spot differences in playing style between him and Tomo. Im not familiar with Matt s music at all, so i can't put him into the equation. Eric s such a freak of nature of a bluesman, but Tomo is a pretty knowledgable and capable player, i can picture him holding his own at a jam with anyone. Take care.