If DEEP PURPLE was DELTA BLUES... "Smoke on the Water" Slide Guitar Cover

🎸 Elevate your guitar skills with exclusive guitar lessons & tips at JustinJohnsonGu... Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to master advanced techniques, I'll share with you everything I've learned in my guitar journey 🎸
I've been really diggin' mixing the intricacy of chord/melody fingerstyle techniques with the swagger & grease of delta blues slide guitar styles. The slide allows you to hit vocal inflections in a way that fretted playing just can't replicate.
DOWNLOADABLE TABS FOR THIS SONG: www.musicnotes...
TUNING: Open G: D-G-D-G-B-D
GEAR:
• ‪@justinjohnsonlive‬ Signature Ceramic Guitar Slide
• ‪@gretschguitars‬ Honeydipper Resonator Guitar
• ‪@LEWITT-audio‬ LCT 640 TS Condenser Microphone
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#deeppurple #justinjohnson #guitar #fingerstyle #slideguitar

[@justinjohnsonlive]

🎸🎸DOWNLOADABLE TABS FOR THIS SONG: www.musicnotes.com/l/dHdMW

[@alexandredebs9191]

Thanks mate! Much appreciated.

[@johnkren7675]

I was just gonna ask about tabs lol. This deserves Ritchie Blackmore's seal of approval!

[@noreborn7798]

cool

[@joachimguderian4048]

Would REALLY like to see you do a version of Roy Clark’s Malagueña

[@Translator-zj2fq]

LINDO!! Beautiful!!!

[@Gunnnnuttt]

Justin could tie an unraveled kite string to a rotten tree branch & make it sound awesome. Unbelievable talent.

[@sheldoniusRex]

This music is so good the album comes with half a pack of Marlboros and a summary judgement for alimony.

[@themightybrew3979]

Best comment in a looong time. Well done.

[@roscojenkins7451]

How does this comment not have a thousand thumbs up after a year? Internet failed you, good sir

[@Crippled69]

Oh shit that's funny 😁

[@Sim-one6988]

😂😂😂

[@yeojohn]

Brilliant comment!

[@tcrip100]

The running bass line coupled with the percussive slap adds great undertones to the melody. Then you add the slide, it makes an incredible composition. Killer take on a great song. Well Done.

[@johndodd6994]

Talk about blowing smoke up someone's arsenal.. you killed it dude

[@tcrip100]

@@johndodd6994 I am sorry that sending positive feedback to an artist triggers you. Normal people would just scroll past something they don’t agree with, but you, apparently, are so filled with hate that you can’t accept any sort of positivity. I am sorry that you are such a hate-filled person. Have a great day

[@Zzus321]

Playing Rithem N Lead like Jimmy ❤️❤️❤️

[@ricekrispy3933]

Nerd

[@jacquesstrapp3219]

@@ricekrispy3933 Your comment shows that you're not a musician.

[@garygruber1452]

This kind of talent is extremely rare. At 73, I've seen a lot and heard a lot of great music. This guy is the real deal.

[@giuseppecandiano5528]

Justin Johnson is a rare gem in the world of guitarists, an artist whose mastery of the instrument transcends genres and expectations. Known for his unique approach to blues, roots, and Americana, Johnson’s playing is a seamless blend of technical prowess and raw emotion, with an ability to make even the simplest melodies resonate deeply with his audience. One of the most remarkable aspects of Justin Johnson’s artistry is his profound connection to the history of the guitar. His repertoire spans a variety of instruments, from the traditional six-string to cigar box guitars, resonators, lap steels, and even shovel guitars. Each of these instruments, in Johnson’s hands, becomes a vehicle for storytelling, evoking the rich heritage of American roots music. His dedication to preserving this heritage is not just about playing notes-it’s about channeling the spirit of the past into the present, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh. Johnson's technical ability is astounding. Whether fingerpicking intricate blues patterns or playing slide guitar with soul-stirring precision, he navigates the fretboard with an ease that speaks of countless hours of dedication. His playing is clean, yet full of character, never losing the emotional depth that makes blues music so captivating. He manages to combine complex techniques with a deep groove, creating music that is both intellectually stimulating and rhythmically compelling. However, what truly sets Justin Johnson apart is his ability to evoke emotion. Listening to his music feels like an intimate conversation, one where every note carries meaning. His phrasing is impeccable-sometimes delicate and subtle, other times bold and fiery, always perfectly suited to the mood of the piece. His performances aren’t just about showing off technical skill; they are about creating an emotional experience for the listener. Whether he's playing a haunting Delta blues melody or an upbeat country-inspired tune, Johnson’s passion is palpable. His versatility is another defining feature. While Johnson is often categorized as a blues guitarist, his music is a fusion of various genres, including rock, folk, jazz, and even classical influences. This genre-blending allows him to create a sound that feels familiar yet innovative, drawing in listeners from all musical backgrounds. His ability to move effortlessly between different styles is a testament to his deep understanding of music and his fearless approach to composition. Beyond his impressive musicianship, Justin Johnson is also a passionate educator. Through his online tutorials and workshops, he shares his knowledge and techniques with a global audience, making his style accessible to players of all levels. His teaching is characterized by the same generosity and warmth that defines his performances, making him not only a gifted player but also a mentor to aspiring musicians. Justin Johnson is a guitarist whose talent, versatility, and deep connection to the roots of American music make him one of the most compelling musicians of his generation. His ability to blend tradition with innovation, coupled with his emotional expressiveness, ensures that his music resonates with a wide audience. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, Johnson consistently delivers performances that are as technically impressive as they are soulfully moving. He is not just a master of the guitar; he is a true artist, capable of transforming simple strings and wood into a medium for profound expression. www.candiano.com

[@brianfalls5894]

I never get tired of listening to Justin Johnson play. The man has some killer talent and it shows every time he picks up a stringed instrument. The very first time I heard him play anything was on a video where he played a 3 string shovel. That's right, a shovel! A for real shovel!!!!!! I've been a fan ever since.

[@midwest7176]

Me too!

[@cyndygough4107]

And me too!!

[@mytenthdimension]

Me too! And ever since I’ve felt wholly inadequate holding a shovel.

[@cyndygough4107]

@@mytenthdimension Bwahahahahahaha

[@patrickhermay4949]

moi pareil !!

[@jimsherlock6015]

Another example of why Justin is the best at what he does... laying down some righteous blues!!!

[@gregbowles6654]

Been playing for 50 years....and THAT was plain and simple Genius! Bravo......

[@christinabittner4424]

That moment when someone makes you realize while there may be snow upon the mountain there is still plenty of fire under the hill. Fantastic job Mr JJ!

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

And when you think about it, "Smoke on the Water" would be a great Delta Blues song title. Great interpretation Justin!

[@SantomPh]

Knowing the Mississippi the smoke would be under the water🚣‍♂️

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

Actually, the whole story behind the song sounds like some dumb shit that could happen in Tunica, Mississippi today.

[@ERen-tj6jg]

Smoke on the water... Muddy Waters... Swampers.. It's all good 😎👍🇺🇸

[@TheEleatic]

When the Levee breaks there’ll be smoke on the water and fire in the sky.

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

@@TheEleatic And Crawdads and gumbo in the pot, Smoooke on the water, fire in the sky, catfish on the table, that's ah what we got! 😁😎

[@randallparker8477]

WELL DONE! Back in '73 a Navy buddy of mine from Mississippi did the same thing with this song and several others, it was fantastic also. Thanks for the memories!

[@horatiohornbie7395]

I've been playing for 35 years.... started playing slide 10 years ago, you are a massive influence on my playing. I steal all your licks.... just letting you know.

[@autk]

They aren't his, they are a product of a hundred years of blues and slide

[@jjb653]

This is just amazing beyond words. The forbidden song to play in guitar stores but they will lay the red carpet out for this 👑

[@LeoTheLion66]

I assume the guitar police will keep their mouth shut when you play this in the store

[@harrymiram6621]

Thought the "Forbidden Song" was Stairway to Heaven, not Smoke on the Water? Or did they add to that list?!

[@larrypower8659]

@ Harry Miram ~ Smoke On TheWater is the ORIGINAL forbidden song!

[@Morten_Nielsen1979]

Wonderwall is a close contender.

[@yourhandlehere1]

I prefer to jam on some lamb. As in the little one, Mary had.

[@jydymyyyr9630]

This is one of those songs that's been overplayed to the point I only want to hear it once every 5 years... up until now! Love this version!!!!!

[@luluwinke6581]

I feel the same and will continue to remember, freedom and good health is all I can ask for how music could ever be banned (i.e., Afganistan) is difficult to ever try it.

[@Janetsfear]

I attribute that to this song being the closing act on the greatest era of popular music in history. My wife graduated in 73 with Smoke on the Water and me in 74 with "Bennie and The Jets" for crying out loud. So we hung on to this last great rock song of the rock domination of popular music, and played it to death.

[@tombuchanan379]

I agree. But if you want to like it again in the original I suggest a listen to Made in Japan.

[@jydymyyyr9630]

@@tombuchanan379 I'm a big DP fan and really like their mk2 and mk3 lineup albums... have just grown tired of Smoke on the Water.

[@tombuchanan379]

Completely understandable. The cool thing about Ritchie is that when you get burned out on one era you have 50 years of completely different stuff to go to. 👍

[@joelgraham3]

63 years old - closest I came to this kind of music (your style) was with the Winters brothers and that crew around them - I'm from the northeast. But we always respected it and liked the hits that made it up in our direction - it's really nice to hear you play - you're in that zone and bring back a lot of memories for me for some reason - you could have sat in with any of them - thanks - great playing

[@horusfalcon]

The mark of a true musician is that they can make any tune sound good while playing their instrument. This is so very enjoyable. Good work, man!

[@codinghusky5196]

yeees, but this is a strange example to leave this comment on. I mean, this is one of the BEST fucking tunes ever developed by humans as a species - this dude is fucking genius, but it really doesn't TAKE one to make THIS sound f'ken awesome.

[@jereuter01]

@@codinghusky5196 The riff is great but the original song is mediocre. And this interpretation should have been done in 2-5 - 3.0 minutes.

[@Saltwater-Beagles]

Love how you make it sound like an entire band is playing with ya and how you carry a base line the whole way through. Absolute master!!!

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Brother, I couldn't stop smiling as you just killed that. Brilliant reinterpretation!

[@bobnixon7123]

Same as ¡!!

[@MOzarkMike]

How bless am I to live in a time when I can poke a button on a little device and hear this incredible musician play?

[@euisdedeh8540]

Wow..Smoke on the water❤🎸🎶

[@svenklingen4849]

"I smell whiskey, i smell smoke, i dont know when it started, i guess it was when the guitar strings were bent, far beyond everything they ever been made for. and as that man started to play, a familiar tune yet so unknown, so pure, so true, a phrase or two echoed through my mind, memento mori, carpe noctem, until the very end of time...." thanks Justin - you are awesome and very inspiring.

[@GustavoBecker05]

De fato um belo comentário

[@svenklingen4849]

@@GustavoBecker05 obrigado.

[@andrewmantle7627]

I don't think I have him figured yet; whether he has a crack in his ego wide enough for the soul of blues and rock to slop through, or if he has the pure heart of a child who can hear Robert Johnson crying from the grave. At any road, he plays and interprets beautifully. Damn!

[@svenklingen4849]

@@andrewmantle7627 It might help to stop analyzing and start enjoying.

[@mikeyoungblood1706]

@@andrewmantle7627 I'm pretty sure Justin has visited the same crossroads as Robert Johnson did.

[@westondecker68]

I’ve been to the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival several times (I grew up about twenty miles from it) and you’ve captured its essence in a few short minutes. Bravo, and Hoo Rah!

[@L.SPARROW58]

Now, THAT ....... is how to play slide guitar! PERIOD!

[@finieclimber]

i dig the way you took a song we are all familiar with and show how that looks with a different voice but there is no mistaking its roots. good stuff

[@christophmarx5638]

I am a huge Deep Purple fan. Well done. I am also a fan of yours Justin. Seeing you playing smoke an putting your spin on it is so cool

[@huseynguitar4676]

This is one of my favorite songs. It's good that you are singing this song in its entirety.

[@izbr661]

This being my first bands song we covered, but jazz style. It's so satisfying to see

[@boataxe4605]

It would probably translate into any genre.

[@kv9568]

Nothing quite like watching master at work. Beautiful!

[@maulmusix]

LOVE TO JAM WITH HIM

[@jeepfvr]

Can't go wrong with Deep Purple. Great choice for the single.

[@bonsummers2657]

The first 30 seconds were stereotypical delsta-blues-waste-playing.

[@alphagt62]

“That was so dang blue, it was purple”

[@RickBeall]

Very satisfying. I love hearing some of that soft bass work in the back ground.

[@thehouseofronin9209]

I've always loved this song, I've never imagined that it could sound this sweet! JJ brings new life and magic to this classic

[@CUNNINGBRAD]

Bass lines, percussive playing with the melody and sick runs with slide - holy crap this is one slick performance. Proper.

[@tomashcraft]

I just found my favorite variant of the "Smoke on the Water"!

[@davidharvey4059]

Fantastic. So glad he included the most important part - the bass line behind

[@russ3022]

Outstanding! You've taken one of the most overplayed songs of all time and made it desirable to listen to again. Thanks!!

[@ericwilliams2317]

I'm honestly lost for words. That's a wicked take on a rock classic - fantastic!

[@Sludge_Factory-]

Help been listening on repeat for hours! This is so hypnotizing. Justin is extremely talented and plays absolutely phenomenal! A usual metal girl absolutely loving the blues!

[@adnanabdillahghifari720]

Perfect mix of delta blues and classic rock

[@randywollin5732]

Damn this guy plays the guitar well. When I was very young I loved slide guitar but I kind of lost interest in it as I got older, but this guy brought me back. I guess old people go back to their early years when we get old.

[@piotrbalmusic]

This is EPIC 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@robertwolbert5922]

This guy is absolutely something else. and I am glad I stumbled across his stuff. I want it all.

[@msills255347]

Thanks!

[@justinjohnsonlive]

Thanks so much!

[@peterjons3954]

Just love it when a talented person does an arrangement of a rock tune acoustically. Takes some thought to rearrange it for one instrument. Nicely done and thanks.

[@jamesrichardthompson]

I am a middle aged guy (almost 55). I have listened to a variety of genre's since I was a kid. A few months ago I ran across Justin's work on Spotify, and it is now rare that I go though a day without listening. Justin, I really like those tribute tunes you folks put together, such as "Johnny B Goode"... you folks absolutely "kill it". Keep up the awesome work! I am sure you are inspiring a whole new generation of guitarists.

[@caminosdeExitoyProsperidad]

I’m having a glass of wine with my wife on our back deck, and this is the perfect sound for our night. Thank you.

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

This is so cool! I love that bass you do at the same time! That guitar is beautiful as well! 🤘🎸

[@davidharvey4059]

This is brilliant, and the reason I like it so much is that it accentuates THE best bit of this song, which is the bass line. Too many versions forget about that.

[@andrewjameshenderson1389]

What a great version of a fine song! Takes me away...❤

[@RickBeall]

Great weaving of elements and styles together.

[@сашокгоршок-и9л]

Атмосфера и картинка просто супер! Про игру на гитаре вообще молчу~виртуоз! 👍👏🤘

[@tambovrodina5719]

Согласен. Он и на лопате играет так , как никто . 👍

[@ЮРРИИЙЮРРООВ]

Риф примитивный Выручает то Что музыкант суперактивный

[@patchevansbrokencountry2583]

So musical, and yet you make it look simple. A wizard a true star.

[@a_certain_phil]

Now i want to hear space truckin done like this!

[@davedecker1725]

Lazy!;

[@CosminPanaete]

Thanks!

[@justinjohnsonlive]

Thanks so much Ron

[@Mondostrummer]

Got a hint of Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress in there too.

[@mikedench]

BRILLIANT! my favorite guitar sound and my favorite band

[@roberthickerty390]

I started watching these videos because he was making guitars out of shovels and such and then playing them. Incredible! Now I watch because he is such agreat guitarist. Truly gifted.

[@thecowboy9698]

I went to go see Deep Purple 7 or 8 years ago with a now deceased friend of mine, and when they played Smoke on the Water, the whole place erupted. So hearing this brought back some nice memories, and to the creator of this video: "Thank You."

[@lancehaley9417]

Love your music and your steel-slide guitar, Justin. I used to drive around in my 550 hp 1969 396 Camaro SS/RS with my buddies listening to Machine Head on 8-track tape in 1972. Yes, 550 hp. That is not a typo. That engine was built to the hilt and you could hear it coming blocks away. Barely street legal. My younger brother called it "The Beast". We loved listening to Smoke on the Water while cruising down the road on warm summer nights. Every time I hear this song it takes me back to the Summer of '72.

[@godwor848]

Justin can be declared Art!

[@gregjohnston3504]

Brought back great memories of my high school garage band! We played the heck out of Smoke on the Water (and many others), but don’t think we ever sounded as good as this rendition!

[@robertjohn9281]

Thx Justin, you inspire me to practice more everyday ! 67 yrs old and just pick up a guitar!

[@kholbrook203]

Bravo!!!! I love it Justin❤️ That was one of many favorites when I was younger, but you make that song exceptional!!!!! Thank you for bringing your talent and music to us🙏🏻💖🥰

[@Teodor1Oline]

To play this all at once, no edits or overlapping sounds.. i would not have believed it if I didnt see it myself! Well friggin played!!!!

[@sapelesteve]

Fantastic version of that classic tune JJ! As usual, you nailed it big time & I am pretty certain the Deep Purple would approve. 👏👏🎸🎸👍👍

[@brunopierre2599]

A real pleasure !

[@wendy_says_so]

Justin - thank you for being the inspiration for me getting into the luthier craft. Saw you cranking on 3 strings and started building cigar box 3 strings, then a 4 string bass. I'm now about 9 instruments in, and any time I start flagging, I watch you cranking on a shovel.

[@daddiospatio]

The man is amazing and inspiring!

[@ПавелЛевый-я8д]

Браво! Слежу за Вашим творчеством.

[@rogermurphey7444]

I love that tone.....

[@pawnwrestler1]

This guy has such a great musicality to his playing. Seeing a future legend in break time

[@mohanperformance.enginerd.1308]

Wow! That was amazing!!! So smooth. What a sole that dude has.

[@archief1783]

This is amazing, it sounds like two people are playing, the finger style is incredible

[@LarrySenechal]

That song was never done better. Fantastic!

[@mercedesvan-doors34]

Now I'm gonna have to sit on the porch, drink white Bourbon and contemplate stuff as the sun sets over the deep south, Deptford that is.. Oh, reminder to self, build porch.

[@XXX-tw6zm]

I have a feeling white bourbon is really moonshine by another name haha😅😅😅

[@skepticat2595]

Well done, Mr. Johnson. Well done indeed.

[@magistersteveperkins]

Well, this is just the best thing ever. I LOVE Deep Purple and I LOVE blues. Could never have imagined this combination happening, but now that I hear it, I know it could only have by done by the one and only Justin Johnson.

[@jenniferbaucom9769]

will never get tired of listening to your talent, Justin! Just go on with your bad self! You are one with no competition at all, no one comes close.

[@jed1166]

Great cover! In 2015, I rode the train around the south shore of Lake Geneva, from Geneva to the Rhone Valley. We passed right through Montreaux … this song jumped into my mind and stayed there for a week! It was like a time machine back 40 years!

[@loriabrams3048]

I do get earworms of the song often.

[@stefanaxelsson6397]

I normally hate musicians who try to improve a song or try to reinvent the "wheel" so to speak. But Justin rocks. I can listen day and night to what ever he plays! Its so brilliant! 🤩

[@brandonzawaski]

Every time I hear this song, I think it's only fair to tell the story again: "The British rock band Deep Purple, shown here in 1971, wrote the hit song "Smoke on the Water," after watching the casino in Montreux, Switzerland, go up in flames later that year. The casino caught fire during a Frank Zappa concert." Burning down the string Justin. Thanks for all you do!

[@heatmizer-jim6762]

Favorite cover of this classic song!

[@Joel_Powell]

So well done - what a combination of genres. Super creative!

[@shashimenon1000]

Fantastic. Justin just blew my mind...nothing left there...but smoke on the water❤❤❤

[@rjshier9188]

Couldn't help but sing along in my head. Great job as usual.

[@checkpointchecky9665]

Yeah me 2 was trying remember all the lyrics 😂🤣🤫

[@bas717]

This gave me goosebumps! Amazing! Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@sciexp]

¡Bravo! ¡Bien hecho! ¡Well done!

[@gerrycohen4703]

This is so much fun I have to share it far and wide! AWESOME job man.

[@celticfury7328]

Modern day Richey Blackmore, with his near total aversion to electric music, would most definitely see the beauty in this Delta country blues rendition! ❤️

[@misottovoce]

OMG GOOSEBUMPS....just love this...so exciting!

[@skiendhiu]

People the world over are grooving on this right now, very cool, thanks Justin from Vancouver Island, and keep on pickin and we will keep on grinning...

[@МарияШвецова-ц2б]

Just mesmerizing! More Deep Purple, pleeease!

[@zZWolfyZz]

I've said it before and I'm saying it again this is the best music/artist to listen to while I'm fixing up my old hotrods and motorcycles thanks Justin for keeping me sane these last 2 years and for an amazing experience before that.

[@thedogzoo]

Your strings to my heart strings. Beautiful.

[@jimwilson1889]

One of my favorite songs!

[@VangeliRock]

It is one of the coolest songs ever written. And this man may have just made it even cooler.

[@anitarasmussen5048]

This is without a doubt, the most bad ass thing my 62 year old ears have ever heard. RESPECT. If I could do this I'd never leave the house.

[@Stephen-zq2wf]

Delta Purple Sounds Mighty Good

[@derekhodge2289]

This is perfection.

[@robertashton8069]

A 1-man band with no gimmicks, other than the perfect reverb! Outstanding!