John Mayer Interview at Winter NAMM 2019

[@sweetwater]

Check out more videos from #WinterNAMM2019 👉kzbin.info/aero/PLlczpwSXEOyawsj3kxrIoeczcTvRyDFM5

[@KillenEMsoftly]

john mayer is the best at explaining things in the weirdest ways possible

[@mitchellloy4861]

He does have a gift for metaphors

[@TySharron]

This is the best explanation of John Mayer's ability to explain.

[@Qbot2113]

We as guitar players are lucky that we have a John Mayer in this day and age. He is so open about talking about the guitar and always tries to inspire creativity. Ive watched numerous instagram live lessons hes done and its never about “learn the lick and play it to death” its always some broader conversation about making the music that you feel and trusting the instinct. And for a guy that can play a million notes and shred pentatonic licks and all that he really makes a point to always be musical.

[@leoeriksson5729]

That was the Perfect explanation of John👌🏼

[@AngelHernandez-sj4nk]

John Mayer is cool & he has skill but his last cd was not what i was expecting. I always think he might bring out an album with cool blues licks & grooves & funky stuff, i know he has it. Thats the album im hoping for!

[@Qbot2113]

Angel Hernandez i loved the new album but I kinda like certain pop music. I kinda really like singer songwriters in general as long as the music is genuine. The first time I heard moving on and getting over I was groovin though. Also rosie almost reminds me of a steely dan type thing. I do think if he did a straight blues album itd be dope. But theres many different styles worth putting into the mix its all good stuff to me.

[@johng2880]

@@AngelHernandez-sj4nk I hope he has a few more in him like Paradise Valley and Born and Raised. Those are Great guitar records.

[@Pursuitofbalance]

His albums are like, a percent of all that is John Mayer, him Live?? they're just great backing tracks for a live setting ;)

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

Great interveiw. Kudos to Mitch for staying out of the way and letting John talk.

[@loganbattin7404]

Like he had a choice?!?

[@alexkoontz1704]

@@joebryant8500 I think Lee always does a great job of interviewing. Hoping he can pull himself together and not mention #gayformayer haha.

[@celesterosenrooney4669]

John you’re fantastic! I understand the comment about scary! Musicians that are advancing in wisdom... I won’t say aging, but me as well, sometimes have a tendency to over explain only because we’re trying to help. Pearls John! Pearls I tell you! And for some it’s a turn off. How to navigate this dilemma I’d like to know too in my practice.

[@guitarstalkandtech9085]

Mitch is best at what he does.

[@ronaldmckee7542]

I have friends like John, their brain is going a million different places at a million mph all the time. And he has the ability to make those sparks into very articulate and creative sentences quickly and next thing you know they've been talking for 4 minutes straight with a pause. My friends, about 30% of the time its spoken garbage haha.

[@imnotfishing]

John continues to impress and inspire. Working about 250 nights a year, I look long and hard at guitar choices and recently went with the Silver Sky. Currently using it 5 nights a week here in Naples, FL at The Continental. Such a great playable, gigable axe. Thank you to John and Paul for the guitar and Mitch for the great interview. And thanks also to the great Delvin Wolf ! Sweetwater rules.

[@joeyjooones]

Wow, finally another working musician in the comment section of KZbin. 250 nights is a crazy amount of gigs, keep up the good work and enjoy your new axe ;)

[@marcushogan6613]

@Oliver_B It feels pretty stratty, medium slim, the 7.25 inch radius is nice and comfortable and it doesn't fret out. I've noodled on a few fresh out of the box and they were all factory set up to perfection (typical PRS). I'd still prefer a custom shop strat myself just because I'm old fashioned but the Silver Sky really does look, sound a feel fabulous

[@imnotfishing]

It's like my '65 strat that I sold in the 80's . Everything on this guitar just works. No issues.@Oliver_B

[@kimberlykairo]

John Mayer guitar interviews are simply the best. So knowledgeable and colorful. I love it. I love him

[@vedder10]

This and the interview with Carlos Santana is so much fun to watch. Some of the best interviews to come out of the NAMM show.

[@blok31092]

Such an awesome interview to watch as a guitar player. It's rare to get to hear JM just talk about the guitar and his approach to music as a whole. I've been a fan for a long time, but watching this, I just can't understand how anybody could dislike John. He really is a one of a kind artist and I just hope there will continue to be artists like him in the future

[@evanherb5900]

I can't think of many people who have changed my opinions about them as much as John Mayer. From seeing him as just another vapid pop star, to seeing some of his actual musicianship and appreciation of other musicians and surrounding himself with them (Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan in his trio, Derek Trucks and BB King, etc.), to what he's doing now with D&C, he has really just utterly proved me wrong about what I initially thought of him. And I'm so damn happy about that.

[@samir.raj.satyal]

I feel the same!

[@ragazza1401]

I love your comment so much and I am glad JM has had the guts and the humility to endure his self inflicted drama while working his ass off refining his brilliance for ppl to see.

[@guyfromthatthing1017]

Evan Herb Me as well. I thought he was just another popped collared tool and recall him saying SRV were among his influences, and recall barking to friends who does this Body is a Wonderland a-hole think he is? ...And his early pop music aside, once he stepped back from that a bit, displayed his mettle, showed up at Crossroads, gave seasoned players slack-jaw-wearing his double popped collar and all, Mayer had finally arrived. Been so delighted to watch him play ever since. His accessibility is something special-online, his videos attract fans and tons of other ‘outside’ people interested in what he has to say not necessarily primarily a fan (two metal heads in a music store talking about ideas from a Mayer video-that is special!). Being down to earth, sincere and not without a sense of humor-def a huge plus, but make no mistake he knows he’s an accomplished guitar player! And I’ve got no issue with that. There are droves of accomplished guitar players lingering around (and musicians) stuck in the ‘80s and ‘90s even who are utter jerks-because back then it was okay to be, everyone wanted to play guitar. Today that doesn’t fly, and those guys are toxic in this day and age and keep people away. Talented musicians w personalities like Mayer show people what’s attractive about making music-that’s unique, creating an inviting platform for the next gen of musicians is survival of the art!

[@jackh895]

John just gave me an awakening with the whole humming thing so that you break out of the 'box' or 'rules' of guitar. I never really thought of that but now i realise its definitely a big constraint for guitarists and myself.

[@mbnjdevils]

JM is a genius mind! I love his philosophies about playing....I'm a future buyer of the SSky...

[@redfaust8189]

"What's the note? Hum me something." I loved that line. That's great perspective. This spoke to me.

[@bakstabbath]

Me too. Very simple and effective philosophy. Guitarists tend to overthink things.

[@alejandrocisneros7442]

Speaks to you cause you are mediocre. I get what he was saying but people like Mayer like to honey suckle the lazy guitarists that don't wanna learn a bit a theory besides the pentatonic. I wish he would tell the truth and just say learn your shit and forget it. Instead of perpetuating this bro chodes guitarists.

[@seancurtin6572]

Alejandro Cisneros John Mayer knows more theory than you think... watch his blues guitar lessons on KZbin... you might be impressed.

[@redfaust8189]

@@alejandrocisneros7442 I'm totally with you on the music theory part. Learn it, and I'm working my ass off to deepen my knowledge of it. But theory isn't music. Music is an experiential thing, and theory just tries to describe and keep up with it. Learn the scales. Sure. But if the music isn't in you already, it's gonna be a longer, more painful road then for those that can intuitively do this stuff. That's why 4 years olds at NAMM can kill it on drums without having the analytical abilities to understand music theory.

[@lespaulguitarman24]

I love how much John has grown as an individual. Love to hear him talk about music and life in general

[@EricVera539]

One of the coolest dudes ever! John Mayer. (:

[@ahall3823]

I think it will take 10 years for most people to realise just how good the silver sky is. The feel is very vintage and it’s extremely well put together.

[@joelewisband879]

Great interview!! My bass player met him a few years back at a guitar show in Another town...said he and John spoke for a while..the John he described is the John in this interview...a totally down to earth guy intelligent and approachable Very cool...

[@observinghumanity3034]

I remember the time when my skill level on the guitar reached a point of no longer having to think about playing, and I could just play the music from my heart and mind and wow was that an awesome revelation. I get exactly what John is saying in playing music or playing guitar. It’s so freakin liberating. The guitar almost melts into you and becomes an extension to express that inner voice that just gets caught up in the groove and off you go for a wonderful ride.

[@alejandrocisneros7442]

What he's saying is true. But people that aren't at that level hear Mayer saying you can be mediocre and don't bother with theory. And perpetuates the laziness. What he's saying is leanrn the theory but forget about it and don't let it be the end of it. Use it as a vehicle to compliment your art not the other way around.

[@ctegman]

Mitch is incredible at interviewing! Really good at deciphering what the artist is saying and leading the conversation on the fly. Also has a perfect balance of input while letting the artist express themselves. Great job Mitch!

[@markd4768]

How can you question John’s knowledge of the guitar? I can listen to him talk all day about the guitar and his music! How come I don’t have friends like him!! Gotta love em!!🎸🇨🇦

[@rdmkeytohwy]

John is very articulate musically as well as in conversation. The guy is talented, smart, and makes great records. I think it is awesome that he got together with Paul to make the Silver Sky and the other guitar he plays with the Dead. That guitar was a spinoff of what Paul was already doing. The Silver Sky sounds to me like one of the best strats you have ever heard. And PRS has cracked the code on how to make them one after the other and play great and sound great, every time. For John the sky is the limit. Thank you for moving it forward (guitars and music) and for sharing your gifts with us.

[@XLBiker13]

To say that the Silver Sky was a spinoff of what Paul was already doing is nothing short of ridiculous. PRS had NOTHING like the Silver Sky previously and in order to create it they forensically dissected every measurement and detail of JM's favorite vintage Strats. This is PRS leveraging one of the most popular and best selling electric guitars in history to gain marketshare. They didn't make it look like a Strat for nothing.

[@nop220]

XLBiker13 think they meant the guitar he plays with the dead was along the lines of what PRS was doing - not the silver sky.

[@deeveeuhs]

XLBiker13 Umm, the DC3 was pretty close.

[@XLBiker13]

@@deeveeuhs Umm, the DC3 was a failed PRS model that never sold well and was discontinued long ago. So the Silver Sky was not a spinoff of what Paul was already doing. Creating a replica guitar was something brand new for PRS.

[@deeveeuhs]

XLBiker13 I disagree. Bolt on neck, SSS configuration, Strat style trem... It wasn’t a replica but it was a step in that direction.

[@cbeserra]

Very cool to see that John buys stuff on his own, knows the candy, and legitimately has the same experience we do purchasing some bits of gear.

[@rmp5s]

"...bring down the margin of magic..." That's actually a very cool, insightful way to put it.

[@acooke]

This guys just loves music and making music. He is a testament to what being an Artist stands for.

[@MrHeliosoul]

I really like listening to John Mayer talk about everything guitar and music related.

[@landon.cunningham]

Loved this interview. John smiling and seemed very natural - I can tell he feels very comfortable with you guys.

[@johnr8820]

John had some very well thought and well put points here. Glad I took a listen.

[@dippdobb]

Mitch did an amazing job with this interview. Major props.

[@rowegardner9673]

The man, the myth, the legend. One of the greats.

[@1man2manynotes]

His interviews are always great. He is more than just a guitarist. And he really tries to capture creativity with words. Not all people with talent can describe it. And not all people who can teach/describe it have the talent. Some how he has both.

[@CristobalBragagnolo]

Great work Mitch. Respect for Jhon Mayer and his work delivering great instrument, not only an “artist signature”.

[@leohernandezcolonful]

Great interview! Helped me respect John as a musician more than just a guitar player.

[@marknorris3769]

nice to hear somebody spout some sense , it seems like john truly enjoys his collaboration with prs , sounds like john and paul are enjoying a well earned bromance

[@DeidraDianeWallace]

I don't even play guitar or really know what he is saying but I love John.

[@michaelwood8132]

I hope John knows just how much guitar players love him

[@TySharron]

YO, I TOTALLY get what he means about the "taughtness/slack" of the string. I've always struggled to describe it, but that is hands down one of the biggest factors in whether or not I bond with a guitar.

[@jeffhowson428]

What a solid interview

[@KCostelloe]

Amazing interview...thanks! I am a huge PRS and Sweetwater fan. I was fortunate enough to be one of the first 500 score a Silver Sky, so I’m a huge fan of them as well! BTW...LOVE the new colors!!

[@mrlozano]

Get an SE lefty model of the Silver Sky line as a Sweetwater exclusive! Pls make it happen guys! Paul will do it for Sweetwater! Because Sweetwater is the BEST in the business! Woooooooooooooo! CANT WAIT!

[@ph0kused]

I love the fact JM uses the mpc. Hes a hiphop soul beat boom bap chopper deep in his soul.

[@basi-vega35]

I cant wait to buy the Silver Sky in Olive Green!!

[@abramtreadwell722]

I usually hate green on a guitar but I'm really digging that one too!

[@KrisBarocsi]

Very good interview Mitch! Thank you!

[@zackeriah87]

Mitch is the best! ...love these NAMM interviews.

[@williamtomlinson6137]

Great interview, Mitch. I'm not a guitar player but I always enjoy the interviews you do. Your style is very classy.

[@BradColemanisHere]

This is a really good explanation of what John wanted out of a guitar, and also why Paul Reed Smith the person, and the company, was the right place to go.

[@IPushHard]

I approve of this message.

[@minus9us677]

goddam this interview puts the MAJOR questions in focus. holyhell its all there

[@bradburggraf9624]

I thought it was a horrible idea for the dead to being in John Mayer, but I was wrong. He has done an amazing job!

[@adrianmichaelmusic]

“You guys should just open up a candy shop and give away free guitars.” 😂

[@mikasihite5346]

I like how he mentions about the candies.

[@richyriff]

Nice job, Mitch! Loved hearing John's thoughts on guitars and musicians!

[@johnnytruck2009]

That was fun to watch!

[@abradfordajb]

EXcellent interview. John's simply a wonderful dude, and a thoroughly enjoyable and fun personality. Oh, and btw, he's a MUSICIAN too :-) He "almost" convinces me that i should (need to .... ??) purchase a Silver Sky. Oh lord, someone HELP me .... i still have a couple of spaces in my guitar rack......

[@Spidouz]

I hate that I like John Mayer. Sometimes he could be so annoying... but he’s often right and that what makes him likable!

[@joesatchton212]

Yep. You hit it right on the head for me too - he successfully walks that fine line between douch-baggery and really likeable bright dude.

[@XLBiker13]

@@joesatchton212 He's a great player so I always want to like him but he always lands much more on the douchebag side of the fence for me. I find him so disingenuous. But that boy can play guitar.

[@joerobinson6199]

yep. Great guitarist annoying human. Still has that ego. He can’t help it. He’s trying though.

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

Honestly he’s humbled out a bit which is allowing people to really pay attention to his skill instead his mouth. He’s an amazing talent thank God he mellowed out a bit.

[@nostalgiajunkie]

Joe Robinson not an annoying human whatsoever. watching some of his interviews now and the closest thing to arrogance I’ve seen is just extreme self awareness. He’s mentioned having a therapist and things that show signs of a human that is trying to figure out what makes him tick. he’s never said anything wrong about his accomplishments or talents lmao just a cool dude that can play, he’s just not fake

[@eb7912]

Great questions, and great answers

[@jimmyowenmusic]

Love John. Mitch is a total Legend! Big Love dude

[@bowiemusic]

Loved the conversation, "There's playing the guitar and then there's making music with the guitar . . ." So, the concept is to get beyond the technique and be able to express yourself musically/emotionally. And I think the great musicians are able to transcend the technical aspects. Then, there's a direct connection from inside (concept/musical idea/emotion) out into the air through your musical voice whether you're a vocalist, guitarist, horn player, or whatever. Therein lies one definition of the word "swing," irrespective of musical genre; you don't have to think about how to do it, you're able to just make music in the moment. I have to use Miles as an example. You could listen to his solos over a period of years and then one day, you get it. I don't think he was ever concerned about technique or how to play the trumpet when he soloed. There was something primal about his solos, like a mocking bird or some other animal (don't let's be so presumptuous as to think that human beings invented music). And you also hear what sound like little imperfections in his playing, a burred note or something. Did he do that on purpose, or was it a mistake? And then I arrived at the epiphany: it doesn't matter! It's what happened in that moment. And it was beautiful. Yes, practice technique, 10,000 hours and all the rest. But I love what Mayer was saying. You want to get to that point when you're just making music.

[@BenJBrandt]

he hit it right on with the feel of a guitar.

[@HiiNate]

I would just like to say, i really enjoyed the interviewer!

[@jasong546]

Good question Mitch, to ask John about his comment about playing vs making music, to ask that instead of more crap about the validity of the silver sky. John is great because he plays so well, but he is interested in thinking about what is happening in his music and how it relates to life. Good job Mitch

[@alexandreanonimous7056]

Great analogy playing guitar is a flawless artistic job and require: passion, inspiration, patience as a virtue, emotive... And it's true you can sometimes loose yourself into scales all over the fretboard with the most variable chords... The final result should be music for everyone ✌️

[@stratmad]

John’s brain is so strange yet compelling when you watch him workshop live the answer of why someone should play music on guitar. The tension of the string thing is so true also.

[@jasonlee8497]

John....i don't care what everybody else says about you.....you're alright by me.....

[@PrathamBhatia]

Great interview by Mitch

[@DeifyDan]

John Mayer looks so chill in comparison to its usual fast talking and mind going x100

[@adamfstewart81]

07:00 Nobody knows what an MPC is, but props to Sweetwater for still sweetening the deal with actual candy... :)

[@yestoES355]

I personally don’t like John Mayer at all and don’t understand the craze behind him. BUT. I really respect him and enjoy hearing his take on guitars and music in general. He’s an amazing player and you can tell he loves guitars and gear with a passion when he talks. That’s something these modern artists really lack. Glad to see John understands the beauty that is guitars and gear.

[@bjmyjm8]

Mitch is such a good interviewer.

[@AgavePiper]

Great interview SW!

[@AdrianGarzaDFW]

Let’s play a game: Take a shot every time Mitch says “Right.”

[@comment.highlighted]

Yes! The Sweetwater candy 😆 Edit: Mayer dropped so much great music knowledge in this interview. Very inspiring for musicians.

[@kitano0]

Great comment about the "feel" of guitars. He seems to like very consistent necks...I can dig that, but the difference is string feel on different guitars can lead to playing different passages, and discovering new approaches...IMHO

[@CarstenGoeke]

Great Interview. Like the comparison to cameras at 4:36 Thanks and greetz

[@jorgeleonel6663]

Fantastic interview!

[@olympiabats4512]

John, I started playing clarinet and Greek baglama. that expanded the harmonic initiatives!

[@bowriverblues8445]

I am in no way into prs... but I think John Mayer just sold me one.

[@yayo2211]

Would love to see John and Greg Koch jam. Make it happen Sweetwater 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@botermijn9598]

I. LOVE. HIM

[@hideawayblues]

I'm surprised that PRS didn't introduce a lefty model Silver Sky yet. I'm not a lefty and my Silver Sky is an amazing instrument. (Thanks Paul and John) PRS seems like a company that understands their consumers better than others. I understand that there are fewer leftys out there but I think this model would grow even further into general musician discovery/acceptance if a left handed model was introduced. Maybe offer it in colors that are unique and not available to the right handed model? Would have to survey the leftys out there I would suppose. Great job Mitch and thank you John.

[@hamburgerdan101]

This guys intelligent is thru the roof

[@fubitz6496]

Great interview!

[@olympiabats4512]

yes John!! 100% agree You would have loved talking to Nick Curran! You and him have the same ideas!

[@kmatax9237]

After watching videos and hearing how it sounds, I think I'd like to own one but the price will most likely always keep me away from getting one, used or new. Now, since they are coming up with a Paul's guitar SE model and he signed off on it, I'm hoping those two(P & J) will give us a SE version of the silver sky....hopefully sooner than later!

[@robbwolf3309]

JM is perfect fit for Dead and Company. He gets it!

[@gibderfenson7242]

John's career is going to have a resurgence like never seen before. Just wait and see ;)

[@moonkef]

He's right, a strat with strings that are too tight is dog shit. But what he's talking about isn't down to the string gauge. I dont know the secret but I'm happy to share his sense of when some strats feel 'nice' it's mostly because they feel kinda loose to play. You could still put thicker strings on and it will still feel quite slinky. I would like a silver sky now please. Great interview Mitch thanks Sweetwater and John Mayer :) And PRS :) Rock On Namm 2019

[@JRP3music]

The secret to Sweetwater is the candy in the package!

[@calex901]

Excellent interviewer. Good stuff

[@AldeanLeger]

I love the candy 🍬 🍬 🍬 especially the Tootsie Rolls and the Laffy Taffy!!!

[@michaelsteven1090]

He's out there, gotta say.

[@erniecf]

Great interview

[@EmilioCole]

I had the chance to meet him at NAMM but of course, missed the same day he went :(

[@gabrielcunneen2863]

“I’m buying for the candy”🤣

[@ay909485]

*Three single coil guitar*

Mitch is the best.

[@TheArtofBlues]

I like how he is sitting there with what the interviewers makes in a year on his wrist. #mustbenice

[@itchyvinyl]

I like the way his brain works. I’ve never heard any music from him that’s “for me”. That makes me a little sad.

[@bobbob24able]

itchyvinyl try a couple songs from each album. They’ve all got a little something different. Room For Squares is more pop/jazzy. Heavier things is quite jazzy. Continuum is a masterpiece of blues and R&B with a couple amazing pop tunes sprinkled in, being one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 21st century. Battle Studies is a “California in the 70s” album. Lots of Eagles inspired tunes, his best recorded solo (on Assassin), and kind of a mish mash of blues and 70s music. Born and Raised is mostly country, with a singer-songwriter twist. Some really great introspective material on there. Paradise Valley is an anomaly, made in three months after having surgery on his vocal cords. Classic 60s and 70s country almost the whole way through. And finally, The Search For Everything is basically taking every genre he’s ever done and making one album out of it. Really great. Moving On and Getting Over, Still Feel Like Your Man, and Rosie are all incredible tracks off of it. Best of luck.

[@itchyvinyl]

Nick Thanks for the tips. I wanna like the guy because I like the way he thinks, and I know he can play. But I’ve been turned off by the mom-rock that has passively made it to my ears. I’ll do some investigating with your recommendations.

[@tookamooka]

I'm in the same boat. I don't like his music ( I think it's mostly his singing ) but he has some interesting ideas. That string tension talk really hit home.

[@kitano0]

@@bobbob24able Great reply, with a glaring omission...the live "Try" album with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino is essential....

[@jarg8]

@@itchyvinyl You should also check out his live performances. Lots of good stuff on KZbin and Archive.org. Also, his work with Dead and Company is essential, I believe, to really appreciate his way of playing. A clean sweep of his discography is highly recommended and I think his last 3 albums might help you understand and appreciate his prior work a lot. He's a master guitarist disguised as a pop star, bringing complex instrumentals and strong songwriting to audiences who usually like the simple things.

[@kellystorm6760]

More mary janes please and thank you 🍓😘I love 🍬 candy too yummy, how cool is it that the intention for the creation of the silver sky was to design a fabulous luxury guitar affordable and available to have and to hold for the wishers and dreamers.

[@gusbus442]

6:37 Gave me Chills

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Inspirador!

[@jamesonnewhouse1298]

But is there gonna be an SE range of the silver sky?

[@Yamil97]

Like a cheap unicorn?

[@jamesonnewhouse1298]

@@Yamil97 yeah exactly

[@mbnjdevils]

Lets hope not

[@ianbarcelos]

Probably within 3 or 4 years from now. Save up =)

[@bakstabbath]

An SE version would be $1000 with probably none of the hardware or pickups that makes the SS the SS. Just spend the extra grand and get the USA version.