Justin Johnson Plays the Diddley Bow

[@briantaylor340]

Justin is one of the most prolific blues guitarists to come along in a long long time. I could listen to him jam for hours and try to steal as many of his licks as I can. He's amazing!

[@MichaelThompson-rv9ox]

Rare talent. Skateboards, shovels, boxes, he can even play a guitar! And always kills it.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Michael,There's a reason he's called the Wizard and that's it. Told me once, get me a box with a string and I'll get some music from it. Cheers Steve

[@biagiodiruocco]

Music is into musician's mind and hands. Thank you for your lesson.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks. Cheers Steve

[@caratcranker5874]

Excellent Aussie , Yankee Interaction. Justin, you are a shining light in original blood.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I'll pass it on the Justin. Thanks for the feedback. He has a new album out "If Walls Could Talk" It is on repeat in my workshop most of the time. check it out here www.justinjohnsonlive.com/music.html Cheers Steve

[@gtbwi]

like I said before I just discovered Justin... and I'm so grateful that he's doing what he's doing it's just freaking awesome

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

No Arguments there. Cheers Steve

[@robinr6919]

That’s awesome. Keep doing you and preserve this beautiful instrument.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Rob, Isn't simple the best way. Cheers Steve

[@68froggirl]

I am beyond impressed with this young man! AMAZING artist.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He is and a true gentleman as well. Cheers Steve

[@rossmcgarry8055]

I'm from Brisbane (The Gap) and this guy is just amazing. Great stuff.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Well that almost makes us neighbours. I have to agree he certainly is. Justin just sent me a copy of his new album. "Drivin' It Down" which as with he last Album "If Walls Could Talk". Was recorded in Johnny Cash's Recording studio with Johnny Carter Cash operating the recording equipment. Cool Stuff. Cheers Steve

[@bkmeahan]

Diddley Bow, Cigar Box, Even a shovel with strings and JJ can make it sound amazing.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He surely can. Heck of a nice guy too. Cheers Steve

[@martinulstein9087]

Wow. What a cool instrument. Thank you for sharing. Really nice.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

+Martin Ulstein Thanks, It was a fun shoot. Justin's a really great fella. Cheers Steve

[@bloodgout]

Justin Johnson is an incredible musician

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

That he is . Cheers Steve

[@donbranson2931]

Sometimes it's amazing what gets downvoted. I'm sure there's someone who would downvote immortality and free beer.

[@jmedin]

Damm LMAO!

[@mchagnon7]

If your reason for disliking the video is too stupid to be put in the comments, you better believe that's a downvote.

[@WhoGitDaBiscuit]

Lmao!

[@portaadonai]

Maybe they had too much free beer and misclicked trying to like the video

[@karkitty202]

Hell yeah bud

[@miropribanic5581]

the real, genuine, true guitarist....btw I also like those models in the back leaning against the wall.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I was delight to have him on the show and the guitars leaning up against the wall were build by a friend of mine as well. Thanks for your comment . Cheers Steve

[@Zedoutdoors]

Brilliant, absolutely loved this. Many thanks for sharing ~Peace~

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

If you think he is brilliant here you should check out his new album " If Wall Could Talk" here. www.justinjohnsonlive.com/music.html NOW that is brilliant. Cheers Steve

[@4rnorthwest]

Fantastic! I've been listening to Justin the last couple days and he definitely has THAT sound and I love it! Cant wait to finish my Custom made box and make it into a CBG!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Way to go. Hope you enjoy playing it a much and you enjoyed making it. If you ever see Justin live I'm sure he would be happy to crank out a tune on it for you. Cheers Steve

[@kevinmkraft]

Love the diddley bow. wish I had one. I'm an avid diddley bowist myself. In fact, Justin and I are friends!

[@Daring2Win]

Nice post. Grief, he is long! i made one of these about 17 years ago (gee, time flies), when i was researching early Black American musical genres & the banjo. Fun to play & easy to make. I've had a few concepts I've been rehearsing. i might have to give it a crack or find a luthier.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Dare, All good fun have another go at it. Cheers Steve

[@mchagnon7]

Looks easy enough to learn! Nice woodworking also.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Marcel, I'm with you. One string how hard could it be???? He makes it look easy. Great fun to noodle though. Cheers Steve

[@douglaskirbyl4684]

Justin is an excellent musician.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

No arguments from me on that score. Cheers Steve

[@butch5643]

Just found this guy my God he is good

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He Certainly is. Thanks for the feedback. Cheers Steve

[@mattbod]

I want one of these!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Matt, Easy enough to make get a stick, and old box piece of wire and a couple of screws. Cheers Steve

[@ezrid3r13]

Very cool video, keep it up guys.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks, appreciate your feedback. Cheers Steve

[@rraztthole820]

I've been watching his videos, and he is bad ass

[@RobMacKendrick]

That's amazing. Very high-tech sound from a very primitive instrument.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I think the man behind the fingers has a lot to do with it. Cheers Steve

[@RobMacKendrick]

As trumpeters say, music is 10% metal and 90% meat.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I think he may be right. Cheers Steve

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I think he is on to something there. Cheers Steve

[@joerivera6334]

I wouldn't have guessed you could pack soul into one string, but there ya go. Well done!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

If it comes form the heart how can it be wrong? Cheers Steve

[@Masterbateoo7]

Kool , grandfather was from NYNGAN NSW , WELL DRILLER 1800 .

[@MrGrxxx123]

J.J. is a musical phenon!

[@MrGrxxx123]

him and H111 should get together.

[@MrGrxxx123]

JJ & Samantha Fish... would be incredib;le

[@markharris5771]

I’m sure there’s already a blues album called "Smoke and Mirrors", I can’t help but think it has something to do with the great late SRV. He is right about the homemade instruments, the base line was often a tea chest with a pole and a piece of string. A very talented young man keeping a great tradition alive.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

It was a pleasure to have him on the show. Cheers Steve

[@bigbearphil]

Am gonna be opening a shop unit within the next month in Liverpool UK making and selling cbg's and other various instruments..will be watching for few ideas.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

+mad dogg Hope it goes well for you. Cheers Steve

[@phillipnewton8910]

Come to St. Petersburg, Florida!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I've passed your request on to Justin, we'll see. Cheers Steve

[@k.w.j6604]

Come to St. Petersburg, Russia)

[@gomogo2000]

Phillip Newton I saw Justin at Columbia restaurant in Sarasota today, so he did come to the area! Did you get to go see him?

[@imortaldeadead]

There’s a gem I missed 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi ya Duck. As they say an Oldie but a Goodie. Cheers Steve

[@andrewlockwood493]

One more reason I love Aussies!!!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

You mean there's more......Cheers Steve

[@challism]

Instrument actually comes from America. But both start with an A, so close! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diddley_bow

[@rossgraveley]

That was pretty sweet playing

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Ross, He's good, I have most of his albums now. Cheers Steve

[@itsthecodygoodnight]

Blues djent stick

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He is good. Cheers Steve

[@nickowens3085]

Lmao

[@brandonwhite6050]

Tennessee from the Country Bears plays one of these

[@carolinefarrell9259]

Super Cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

A pleasure Caroline, pleased you enjoyed it. Cheers Steve

[@Anguilla2001]

Amazing talent. I never heard of a single string guitar so I tried to follow his lead playing a single key piano. It did not work out so well.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Funny about that, I wonder why? lol,. Cheers Steve

[@IsaacKuo]

A single key piano could work wonders if you stop its string with a slide. Or even a fingernail.

[@titvitequelcriss]

love his SLASH hat

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Jonathan, That's his Wizzard Hat. Cheers Steve

[@titvitequelcriss]

even better :-)

[@henrygibson1530]

Justin can play anything .

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Henry, He sure can. Cheers Steve

[@danievdw]

Some sweet sounds resonating from that can

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He could make spaghetti sing Danie. lol Cheers Steve

[@joypaul995]

Jj how do you do this? You are a musical genius 🎸🙌🌹

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Absolutely Joy, he must have music pumping through his veins 24/7. Cheers Steve

[@sjerkins]

That reminds me of the cigar box fiddle my Grandfather made me when I was a kid.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Yes they seem to have had a resurgence. Hope it eveoked some wonderful childhood memories. Cheers Steve

[@nokmuay1970]

omg I want one LOL I cant play guitar, but i still wanna give that a go

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

It never goes out of tune! Cheers Steve

[@blueonblackpowerstroke513]

Anybody else want a hat like that?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Only if you can play that well. :) Cheers Steve

[@mattb5207]

Justin Johnson is amazing.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Yes he is Matt. Cheers Steve

[@cjbcjbcjbcjbcjb6083]

Making one soon!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Great to hear, hope you enjoying playing it. Thanks for the comments. Cheers Steve

[@cjbcjbcjbcjbcjb6083]

+Woodworking Masterclass thanks!

[@cjbcjbcjbcjbcjb6083]

+Woodworking Masterclass by the way, how long was the stick and what where the dimensions of the box?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I have no idea. That's the beauty of the Diddle Bow. There are no set dimensions. Not even for the string, but they do last longer if you use a heavier gauge. For the length of stick pick one between 23" and 32". The longer it is the deeper the sound. Cheers Steve

[@cjbcjbcjbcjbcjb6083]

+Woodworking Masterclass ok, I'm gonna make it tonight!

[@icespeckledhens]

Sounds good, just goes to show how you make music out of the simplest of equipment. No doubt where a lot of American blues came from. thanks

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I'm sure that is the case. Thanks for your comment. Cheers Steve

[@davidgaleski5303]

HE GOT ME TO MAKE ONE THANK YOU

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Enjoy it. Thanks for the comment. Cheers Steve

[@B33Ys]

holy shit this is so cool i gotta make one

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Pretty simple but it works. Cheers Steve

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Still enough wood left so go make one. lol Cheers Steve

[@karkitty202]

Man I don't know if it's the lighting or perspective or what but why's the lantern and amp look added on in post?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Maybe because they were all green screened. Good pick-up. But it takes nothing away from Justin's music. Cheers Steve

[@karkitty202]

@@Woodworkingmasterclass not at all, he sounds awesome

[@sturmbok]

Sweet. 1 string and this kid can make music...

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He certainly can and as I mentioned below he has a new album just released. " If Walls Could Talk" It's available from his website www.rootsmusicschool.com/store.html Cheers Steve

[@tednugent5058]

Good Ol' Aussie Ingenuity 🇭🇲

[@nicelady2064]

I think I love him💗💗💗

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Best check with his Wife Nikki first. lol Cheers Steve

[@LordQueezle]

Do you have a pattern I could follow to make a Diddley Bow like this one here? I sorta have a fantasy about playing slide guitar. But I don't really want to put in all the time and money in. I think this would be a fun instrument to just mess around with.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

No Sorry. Cheers Steve

[@LordQueezle]

Thank's all the same. I'll look around and see if I can find something on the inter-webs. :)

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

No design needed really, as all it is is a box. From memory it was a 30" neck. Here's an even rougher one made by Seasick Steve. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIGyfox-gLx6iqc Cheers Steve

[@LordQueezle]

I went and did some searching and I have decided to go for the three stringed cigar box guitar. There are a few tutorials out there and it does look really simple. One more question. I don't intend to put an electric amplifier on my guitar, but most of the ones I have seen have them. Can I get away with just keeping it acoustic?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

The first couple I made was acoustic. They worked fine. The other way is to put in a piezo pickup they cost around $1.00. Cheers Steve

[@snoopytheace4487]

What are the dimensions of the box you used?

[@stanschnier206]

Great stuff!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He's good. Just released a new album here's one of the tracks that's a favorite of mine. Cheers Steve kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4KbaKSDgLyohrM

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I love Justin Johnson. If you like this you might also like Seasick Steve. He does a lot of cigar box stuff too.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi, Paul thanks for the heads up. Yep Love Seasick Steve too.

[@misterroberts4240]

you can also do like one string brushy, just put one string on your guitar and go from there, with frets included

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

True. Cheers Steve

[@johnsabey474]

Could someone out there help me find tutorials for the 4 string CIG. Seems like everything is for the 3 string. Help!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Justin has several tutorials on 4 strings. Check out this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6rRpGaYqJppZ6M Cheers Steve

[@jeffbarnaby2626]

Do you know the name of this song is he playing?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Just improvisation, on the spot. Cheers Steve

[@georgiapatriot13097]

Sounds Amazing!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

That it does. Cheers Steve

[@coltonbush9951]

Can they still play acoustically

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Yes, but obviously they are not as loud. Cheers Steve

[@ms2k7Gaming]

Is that a real background ?

[@margili3542]

I made one but I had to use a tin can for the resonator and a bottle neck for a slide.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Cool. Cheers Steve

[@Hheretic14]

Love from Russia.

[@ratliff79409]

All that's left is for this dude is to play a washtub bass...

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I'm sure he could. Cheers Steve

[@ratliff79409]

I have no doubt... I've seen some of his other vids and I loved the shovel slide show!

[@grim.0321]

That guy playing is very talented, but he looks like Slash and Michael cera had a kid and I can’t get that comparison out of my head now. 😂

[@crazyb1095]

His music is lit🔥

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Sure is. Cheers Steve

[@ajciccar3]

this so cool... love it

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

+ajciccar3 So simple, yet so effective. Thanks for the comment. Cheers Steve

[@deannaturnbaugh9549]

I like it alot

[@damianojeda7017]

awesome dude

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

That he is. Cheers Steve

[@damianojeda7017]

the bow is what's awesome

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

We thanks for that. The pieces were in my rubbish bin the night before and I must admit I was blown away when he got a tune out of it. Cheers Steve

[@damianojeda7017]

bice. I'm working on a 13' redwood bar slab as I write this. Cheers mate.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Bet the smell of the timber is wonderful. Lucky Lad. Cheers Steve

[@snoopytheace4487]

What kind of wood and string did you use to build it?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Just a piece I had lying around the shed and the string was a piece of thick-ish wire. Any timber will do and any guitar string will do or wire. Cheers Steve

[@snoopytheace4487]

Woodworking Masterclass ok thank you. I planned on building them for family who plays them.

[@AndyMuellerez2b]

Loved this! Inspiring! :)

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He has a new album out called "If Walls could Talk" It really is fantastic. Get a sample here www.rootsmusicschool.com/if-walls-could-talk.html Cheers Steve

[@artistwintersong7343]

wonderful

[@mariedurand6935]

Justin vous lui donnez 2 morceaux de bois il en fait un bijou 👍👍👍😃😎🎸🗼

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Très vrai, il est bon. Merci Steve

[@bigbearphil]

Thanks Steve..

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

+mad dogg Keep up the good work. Cheers Steve

[@davidgaleski5303]

YOU SHOW HIM I LIKE IT

[@sn00pyize]

awesome, I want one

[@Deac0n_Blues]

I bet this guy could make a shovel sound good

[@loganpuckett751]

Is it just me or does that amp look extremely photoshopped??

[@MILK311-95]

everything to do with the set is photo shopped in, its a little better then just sitting on a stool with a color back ground.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

It's EXTREMELY Photoshoped, we filmed it on a green screen on a TV Sound Set. It's done well though. Cheers Steve

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I agree the green screen was boring. But my co-producer, Tony Speed, did an excellent job on the PS. Cheers Steve

[@RobMacKendrick]

Way to leverage the technology!

[@GidgetGacey]

Logan Puckett yeah it does

[@kevinbladada1791]

Now this I can make. Thnx

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

...and PLAY. Cheers Steve

[@heyhocodyo97]

where can you buy this hat?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Ask Justin www.justinjohnsonlive.com/ Cheers Steve

[@danielsmith-ze3wy]

Impressive 🤘

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

In a word daniel. YES. Cheers Steve

[@HigherWaysWoman]

incredible.....!!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He's a very talented guy that's for sure. Cheers Steve

[@gregdolecki8530]

Justin could make music with a spoon and dental floss.

[@stepheniacovone7326]

where can you bye a slide

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

+bo2gamer bo3 Music shops sell them, or are you after the one that Justin was using? Which is his signature ceramic slide? Cheers Steve

[@lsuboi1165]

I never would've noticed the photoshop had the shadows matched

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Good job though it was a green screen behind him. Cheers Steve

[@mariamclaughlin5970]

LSU BOI One I'm impressed! I usually catch things like that and I didnt. 👍✌

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Justin's just finishing off a new Album called "If Wall Could Talk" Really nice guy to be around. Cheers Steve

[@jonahdelainch2848]

Its similarly tu Indian Punjabi iktara means single string #tumbi or # tumba

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Shaikh, I never knew that. Good to know. Cheers Steve

[@juandgiron5422]

what string is preferred for a diddley bow?

[@BlueCollarFishing]

Christopher Jackson in the American south it is traditionally the wire from a screen door or bailing wire. the wire at the bottom of a store bought straw broom was sought after as well lol. but just buy a pack of guitar strings see which you prefer the tone of.

[@chrisgoodrich46]

Juan D Giron I would guess the thicker the better, at least for this

[@BartSimpson-jd2vs]

Juan D Giron , horse hair

[@J.Lao.91882]

I debraided and used brake line from an old bike. Made a 1 and 3 stringer. And a size 17 craftsmen socket for MY slider. Worked great, but Idk how to play a GET-TAR for nothin...

[@joynthis]

Oh. I've been tuning my stick wrong.

[@carlosloco2938]

how much for my wedding

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Why not ask him? www.justinjohnsonlive.com/ Cheers Steve

[@triplesevensix291]

Love the accent mate. Nice one yer little ripper! ;)

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

No worries cobber. Cheers Steve

[@Fabio-hh6hg]

Fantastico

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

He is. :) Cheers Steve

[@bluesharp59]

Nice Video, Thumbs Up Liked !

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks. Cheers Steve

[@bluesharp59]

Welcome Steve

[@chrisrosario3311]

There some thing out there with no strings u can play waving your hand.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Yes Chris called a "theremin" and the person that plays it is called a "thereminist". Cheers Steve

[@johnfarill1923]

Slash: Bow to the Master!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Oh Yeah!

[@63phillip]

His fingers were made for music look how long they are.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Phillip[, I'm sure it runs through his veins as well. Cheers Steve

[@shihankev]

Box, a stick 1 string, an fx pedal and a guitar amp.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

:) Cheers Steve

[@m0nicac0ll33n]

It's whistling!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Never hear that before :) Cheers Steve