John Mayer - Neon (acoustic)

John Mayer playing a solo acoustic version of Neon, at the Soundstage concert on July 14th, 2005.
AMAZING solo in the middle of the song!

[@christianpaulmusica]

I heard he wrote this song when he was 19. pure genius.

[@aghawkeye4829]

Ooo.. I found a ten year old comment.

[@elevate4eva]

AG Hawk Eye crazy.

[@anthonysuarez7905]

AG Hawk Eye lol dude who posted this pinned this comment and this was made 14 years ago

[@DragonKidPlaysMC]

Woaah

[@JosePerez-vd6nl]

@@aghawkeye4829 12 years now

[@PaulJonker]

John made a deal with the devil. No one knows what john got, but the devil got guitar lessons

[@Bruno-pr4tu]

Fame, money, hot girls.

[@spinningbackkick6021]

Look at all that vagina in the front row.. They're going back to tour bus.

[@willritter4076]

I'd greatly appreciate it if some old-school JM fans would check out my acoustic piano & vocal covers of CLARITY and LOVE SOON on my channel. Real live acoustic. Thanks and peace out.

[@hotman718]

Mind you this video was over 10 years ago. He's probably even better now at guitar.

[@niceguysfly]

saw him live earlier this year and can confirm.

[@TheKrypticSpeed1]

This is so impressive. People don’t realize how hard this actually is.

[@icescroatman]

Yep, if I was a girl I don't know how id be able to withstand not flashing my tits for the entire song

[@Fatality2k6]

preach jajaj

[@kikkofranz]

@@icescroatman HAHAHAAHAHAHAHA

[@samitavamondal7432]

@@icescroatman lmao

[@TheVikingquest]

Impossible guitar playing, i just wonder to what point... the lyrics r bad, really... there is so many disconnects betwwen over the top guitarplayning with that singing, out of sync, weird no rhytm song - with lyrics beeing naive, none poetic. If this is his best song, i cant believe why u listen to this mess.

[@dulla8469]

honestly though.. the way people talk about elvis jimi hendrix BB king and other greats, John Mayer is gonna be the best of this era, and its already happened but just wait like 20 years or 30 years people will be studying him and his techniques in any conservatory or music school or guitar course or even in music theory, this guy is a legend already

[@fresh_vertices]

@Ray Rocks At the time they were alive they weren't the legends they are after their deaths. They were just like you're implying John is today to you. You put Jimi Hendrix and John in the same room, give them a guitar and you tell me if there's any difference in their guitar and singing/song writing skills. So stop being a disrespectful little punk and admit John is the best we have today.

[@InappropriateShorts]

Glad that I’ve been a fan since room for squares. I bought the CD at FYE on release day. Magic

[@seanortencio6174]

4:05 that's how a real artist do when they messed up during their performance. Mayer is the best!

[@unnotigeswissen9018]

Sean Ortencio what did he do wrong tho?

[@haziqshalo2]

he played the wrong chord thats why he immediately stopped playing and added "I told you i would mess it up" and jumped back in with the right chords haha

[@braedenbrown2300]

As he messed it up, again, after that. XD

[@raybolanos3161]

It is strange, but that is my favorite part of this performance xd

[@MrOnurAkgul]

his singing has come a long way.

[@adamgavz]

Just shows practice

[@zrouth]

"I don't like soloing on the acoustic" -John mayer

[@minhquannguyen1930]

=)))

[@johnbelsermusic140]

I used to think John Mayer was all textbook but I started diving into his vids and figured out he is most definitely one of the greats

[@clearasil11]

People often comment on his guitar playing but I have to say he has some of the most genius lyrics of this century. Like this one, Another kind of green, Assassin and so on. I'm a guitarist and a big fan but I listen to his music for the lyrics mostly, they're amazing.

[@faisal1582]

So then I am not the only one, to me, lyrics first, playing second.... Especially belief....

[@ChiefRager]

Ridiculous. He's a guitarist at heart. That's foremost.

[@devakiareta2703]

Couldn't agree more

[@ShadyRealRap96]

thats ridiculous xD this is pop music for teenage girls....all respect to john but you dont know shit about good lyrics lol

[@timbabyok5229]

That is truly ridiculous... I mean not that his lyrics are bad perse they are serviceable but to compare his lyricism to his guitar playing is just absurd..

[@johncrossing]

You can actually SEE that ultimate laser-focus @ 3:08. Crazy. The dude is passionate.

[@skateplanbboard]

lets just all agree that no one watching this video would ever come up with a song with the technique and style as good as this. lets be grateful John Mayer did.

[@MartynDunnMusic]

And that's what makes him a musical genius! Not only that he's ABLE to play this, but that he's able to make up stuff like this.

[@toeslaughter]

His voice improved tremendously. Comparing it to Where The Light Is. His guitar skills are just simply phenomenal as always.

[@coltonrudd]

What's so great about this performance is that when he messes up his own song, he doesn't get all upset and make a huge deal about it. He plays it off comically and the crowd digs it. That's true musicianship. Even the best musicians make mistakes, and it's those that can keep their composure that gain respect. John Mayer has had my respect for years.

[@chrssl7511]

“I told you I would mess it up” Me: Makes it even better

[@diabeticmonkey]

Ugh this is harder than the live in LA version. He’s doing the full arpeggios for the last two chords. What an insanely talented dude

[@nathanllanes4105]

Wha the hell is the picking pattern on those chords for the chorus especially the C minor?

[@lacisum3096]

@@nathanllanes4105 there’s a TikTok of him explaining how to do it

[@mankydave67]

All whilst singing at the same time. Just incredible!!

[@baxatakbaxatak2014]

That glissando is SICK.

[@louisabbey2370]

The row of Becky’s from about 3 generations just clapping nearly to the beat, bless them

[@Shoz3344]

Their clapping at least during the solo was pretty good. Seen much worse clapper...

[@amyleeluvr]

This is THE BEST John Mayer song because he plays the guitar like VERY FEW artists these days can and he has a unique sound to his voice in this song too. WELL DONE JOHN MAYER!!

[@tekstephens]

My new favorite version of Neon. Took me a while to find a version I loved more than the one he played live in L.A... but this is something else

[@mexicanprizefighter]

the soft dropping sounds, along with the clapping, at the end of the performance are all the thongs in the front throw hitting the floor...

[@abrahampeter0.0]

Imagine, "Anyway, here's wonderwall"

[@CronoXpono]

Lol for fucks sake

[@reasonablecheff7876]

I like how plays 3:30-4 perfectly and then messes up the easy part right after it

[@yunero2266]

this is mayer's madness of playing and singing simultaneously. what a brain he's got

[@jz8179]

That boy (John Mayor) can make that acoustic sing...Damn!He's always been an inspiration to me since I picked up his his album with "Neon"I think it's Room for Squares

[@davemakesnoises]

why can't more artists today be this talented? It's so damn...refreshing

[@proshooters1]

God this comment was made when i was 1 years old 😮

[@davemakesnoises]

@@proshooters1 i was like 18 at the time. pleased to say that since this comment dropped pop music has recovered and become very musical, with lots of brilliant musicians all over the map of music in every genre, it was looking real cookie cutter there for a while in the 2000s

[@LudgerBeats]

Damn, I was 5 at the time you wrote this, probably chilling in Kindergarten or something lol

[@davemakesnoises]

@@LudgerBeats you dodged an era of absolute trash music, count yourself lucky, there were some icons but music discovery wasn't nearly as democratized as it is now. labels used to pull all the strings but their vice grip has loosened significantly

[@LudgerBeats]

@@davemakesnoises Thats probably thanks to the internet if you think about it

[@campb423]

this song is so hard to play, its brilliant. he plays it off all the time like its easy and it amazes me. he wrote this when he was like 19, he is a masked genius

[@ARon10787]

His music is just so fluid.

[@ElDuderino502]

I love that he sang "I told you I would mess it up".

[@harranjo]

it is unbelievable that he can play and sing this at the same time

[@jadestone1893]

THAT RIGHT HAND TECHNIQUE

[@starboard94]

i can do that. prctis a lot, then you have it.

[@Cody111079]

Gard Langseth Yeees, sure.

[@p0pHartmanN]

Cody111079 He's right, took me like 4-5 months to get it down. (I've only been playing guitar for 2 years, still worked out for me)

[@cocaswa]

Frederik Hartmann How did you develop it? He can basically do it wherever he wants to whenever he wants to, even when improvising.

[@p0pHartmanN]

cocaswa Slowly started out with just one chord. Went up and down trying to get it, so frustrating. Putting the guitar away a couple times, picking it back up again to try some more. Kept doing this, and suddenly you can use the technique - takes dedication and willpower, cause it's a hard technique - but most of all it takes time. You can do it.

[@jessesawyer4370]

Some people asked about the strumming pattern. It's a slap/bounce technique. Slap low e string then pluck up with index finger on d string then slap down on d or g string (it alternates) then pluck up again with index on the b string. It's kinda tricky but it's easy once you find the rhythm and get it down. You can modify it however but that's how john plays it. He only uses his thumb and index finger. Hope this helps.

[@chrislopez44]

It's fucking tough

[@cchng]

I wish I know this comment sooner. Took me 1 month to figure it out myself and then a dude commented this 3 years ago 😂😂

[@happymadison1978]

How does this comment not have more likes? Excellent breakdown/advice. Thanks!

[@hunger3870]

honestly thank you so much lol. i just decided to learn this song and i couldn’t get the strumming but thanks!!!

[@jansenhonberger8347]

I think the thumb actually goes all the way down to the b string. Sounds crazy, but I am pretty sure that is what he is doing.

[@MadsHolt]

I've been circling around this video for about 5 years now!:)

[@LittleGreen88]

After you've played it as many times as he undoubtedly has, it get easier. He is really an amazing guitarist.

[@faisal1582]

Oh such a good, good feeling to come back to this...

[@ChuckTaylor1993]

Has anyone ever wondered how he does the percussion thing while he's playing? Simply amazing...

[@BigLou-sb4mi]

This people in the crowd will never comprehend the level of guitar and singing displayed for them.

[@thedeegan]

pop rock maybe...or just pop....jazz.. a bit of everything i guess...hehe... i would call it amazing...hehehehe

[@vortexgaming8761]

12 years later lmao

[@JustinDomanais]

I want to find the one 14 years ago

[@tobias5930]

@@JustinDomanais the oldest one is 12 years ago. I checked

[@jetaimeKendall]

JM is a genius. It's amazing how he plays guitar that well, while singing at the same time. This is one of my favorite songs by him to. The emotion.. :). But does anyone know why he always has a carpet? In every concert I've seen, he's standing on some sort of rug.

[@actionstudio]

poucos conseguem fazer um show ao vivo com tanta qualidade! Parabéns! conheço John Mayer a tão pouco tempo, pois nem toca no Brasil mas adimiro sua qualidade musical. Venha fazer um show no Brasil Abs.

[@MrTwain00]

wow! simply amazing. I drawn a smile on face after his solo adlib.. WOW!

[@rangedqure]

just lovely he has the same picking style as mark knopfler

[@mik8y]

i love how he plays his style is awesome as hell

[@IronFudge]

I remember when everyone wore polos with white undershirts and flip flops lul

[@Gabe55ish]

As a former classical guitarist, Chicago Conservatory trained, I must say ...THIS guy is a beast!

[@owenhu9465]

what the fuck? how does he sing while playing that riff?

[@jxstr]

Owen Hu because he is a guitar god haha

[@faichaimond]

Heaps of practice?

[@owenhu9465]

Desmond Liew yea i know, no shit haha. He spent all his high school years practicing in his room. It was more of a exclamation than a question.

[@Octavio12341000]

Hunter Hayes is also really good. Storm warning

[@prayagpatelll]

cause he's fucking John Mayer

[@jabes416]

probably my favorite guitar arrangement ever...it blows my mind how he could make this brilliant riff

[@th3jt]

4:07 "I told you I would mess it up" yer still absolutly brilliant :D

[@MTSAc00k1e]

its amazing how he can write this stuff and play it and sing at the same time

[@ThePeace0815]

dude that audience makes me angry

[@182mehmetkoc]

The solo he improvises at 04:49 is one of the best acoustic guitar solos I've ever heard to this day and the fuckup/cleanup at the end makes it even better.

[@chalidimaduddin411]

Would love to see him jamming with Tommy Emmanuel

[@justinwright3326]

totally different styles

[@derekbravo7811]

Justin Wright that’s why

[@fresh_vertices]

There's no room big enough to hold in that much talent.

[@kevin2fla]

Amazing guitarist. John Mayer can play with any guitarist in the world right now.

[@grahamrobertson6120]

any guys in that audience?

[@changofFoolzz]

His technique and style really comes out in this performance. I love this song!

[@buckfan17]

This guitar is lacking the signature crisp sound of his custom Martin

[@jcschwartz59]

J40

[@kimberlykairo]

Infamous or 'famous,' Neon is ccc: cool, core, classic John Mayer! This song has been given everything by its creator. In return, its reward is its popularity and longevity, which has its place. This tune more than fits its bill! I love this song and its creator. Even in his wonder years John was A Creative Genius, A Master, The Man and THE KING ❣💡🌟💎👑🎄

[@FranciscoGarcia-xx7tn]

nothin like the sound of fresh ass strings

[@d112cons]

nearly 20 years on, people are starting to realize how good this "kid" was. 20 years more, he'll be a legend folks are rediscovering.

[@johnnys8691]

2006, i feel old now

[@shodaboy54]

Thank god there is still a real musician caring about music out there in times of music recession!!

[@DallasGreen123]

I bet half of the women in the audience were equally impressed if he just played wonderwall...

[@relativelybasic]

Check out Shun Ng and Sezairi Wonderwall. You'll be blown away

[@davidarbelaez4395]

What guitar skills? Haha.

[@Canalbiruta]

I bet he would make wonderwall a difficult song if he did lol

[@Sarah-jy9uj]

Ignorance is not gender specific, as is also clear from your comment.

[@priyaranjanmishra9874]

Even if he just strums, girls would go crazy. 😁

[@psvth3b3st]

16 years and the only one of my friends who really listen to him. I think i'm blessed with a good taste of music!

[@williskrn]

i wish i can play and sing like that XD

[@sharka8028]

I've probably watched this video 20 times. I love it.

[@ezequiel.p22]

John mayer talento obtenido de Dios.

[@coffeyvideos]

LOVE that solo in the middle

[@mrnopa3181]

Imagine singing while playing neon...

[@MTSAc00k1e]

its amazing how he can write this stuff then play it and sing at the same time

[@kaiserbach1231]

is a very hard song. but just practice.

[@smokeschill9858]

While singing is insane

[@jekfloyd9490]

Gotta love this vibe 2000s era❤

[@Valferreira146]

perfect

[@CodcastIt]

I Agree: Awesome!

[@bluehearts4u]

First time listening to John Mayer, this song is definitely really hard to play on the guitar so I think I've found my favorite guitarist. Better get started to listen to some more JM songs.

[@Shananigan11]

Most artists COME AND GO But John plays LIKE NO ONE CAN

[@Ela1337]

So good. Remember this perfomance from way back. Miss this mayer.

[@charliejonesaucb]

Fucking hell that's music

[@JFri4321]

Anyone saying there are better guitarist out there: stop, comparing guitarist is RIDICULOUS. It's about emotion and groove, Mayer has mastered both aspects. Not to mention I've never heard a song quite like this one, lyrics and guitar are both very unique.

[@fvaz89]

I tried playing this song, my guitar exploded... also typing with my toes

[@blok31092]

as a guitar player, the fact that he can play this song so damn flawlessly without a single mistake is ridiculous!!!!

[@romuloferreira8437]

wish i can play this song

[@MonitaCanta]

absolutely in love with mr. john mayer... awesome.

[@JonnyZye]

@bjhMus1C From a musicians standpoint it was a slip-up, and regardless to whether the crowd noticed the mess up, John did and acknowledged it in a clever manner. I'm guessing you're a guitarist?

[@shashwatregmi5415]

its totaly awesome ! Fantastic

[@elvxxx]

I think that concert hall's cleaning service had a rough time mopping the floor. Sticky floor.

[@chicago913]

I love John Mayer's music. A lot!!

[@TacticalHyena]

that right hand technique looks alot like evan brewers hybrid finger/thumb technique on bass

[@jtcconquer9532]

Thomas McAteer lol probably watching this video knows who Evan Brewer is, but I am with you brother... they also look like they could be kin

[@supersingerevan]

his fret hand abilites are astounding. then again, his struming/picking hand is astounding. he is astounding.

[@davefan16]

problyurlookinrrmamaran play in a while enjoying every tactile sensation urrhhrmmm

[@MattVoran]

dude, YOU are underestimating this guy. He is a GOD on guitar. Apparently YOU have not heard him play the blues....... "Mayer knows what he's doing. He's pretty good, technique wise" UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE CENTURY

[@hildesophie6947]

What? He play that sound along with singing?

[@plywss]

i am so sick of all the crap and papparazi over john. his musicianship is incredible and he'll b considered a guitar god mayb even legend (mayb) in the long run ahead. one of the few true musicians left in our pop culture 2day.

[@silvi2627]

I don't like it. I love it!

[@gbluez]

the bridge solo in this one owns. that's why

[@marksman1717]

224 dislikes ? Must be Bieber fans

[@TheStrat72]

he definatly one of the best guitarist and song writers

[@sandipkunwar5062]

I barely see any male in the audience..lol🤣

[@こりどらす-t1n]

My acquaintance is a big fan, and I became your fan too! I can't help but hear the sound of Akogi.

[@23metalmaniac]

i like his constipated face that he makes when he's singing.

[@jxstr]

Years later and this is still one of my favorite live songs of his. Kudos to JM for busting through the pop scene before venturing into blues, folk, etc. funny how the majority of audience members are teenage girls and their moms in love with him, haha.

[@kamerongard8769]

This is honestly the sloppiest Iv ever heard him play

[@kamerongard8769]

" I told you I would mess it up " I love john. But he said it not me lol

[@WindHowlerDoesStuff]

yeah but like that's saying something. The sloppiest way i've ever seen this guy play is still fucking unreal technically and in how it sounds

[@willyp3036]

probably took a few sniffs of coke beforehand...and realised he ain't ozzy

[@truthserum2000]

John is a excellent guitar player, good stuff, thanks for posting this.