OLD SCHOOL Acoustic Blues - Travis-Picking on a Martin Guitar

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When I was arranging this song, "9-Pound Hammer," I wanted to blend a few of my favorite versions together. I always loved the original Merle Travis version, which is intricate, articulate, and upbeat. But I also love the swanky, laid-back vibe of Mississippi John Hurt's version. Aside from the tempo and swing, Merle used a thumb pick, and John Hurt used the flesh of his thumb. The slinky strings on John Hurt's version also helps give more of a funky, drunk feel to it. So I tuned this Martin SC-13e down a half step, ditched the thumb pick, kept the up-tempo feel, and alternated between the Travis picking ragtime feel, and the boogie feel.
DOWNLOADABLE TABS FOR THIS SONG: www.musicnotes...
TUNING: Standard Tuning Down a Half Step
GEAR:
• ‪@martinguitar‬ SC-13E Acoustic Electric Guitar
• ‪@Fishman_Music‬ Pickup System
• CEntrance R4R Mixerface Mobile Recorder
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#blues #guitar #acoustic

[@justinjohnsonlive]

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

[@jcdelacruz6040]

Bruhhh if you heart this youll get the holy grail guitar

[@Kolodiaznyj-Sania]

Спасибо большое за виртуозные ноты, это твоя душа.

[@scottdejong2406]

Music is medicine how it can put you in a better mood.

[@CatsPajamas23]

🙂

[@TonyHawkTuah]

Play your guitar 10 hours a day, Keeps the Doctor away.

[@CFMRocks]

Can’t agree more

[@marciorosal7528]

Sei não! Mas é bom pra caralho.

[@shannonbarger9682]

Absolutely fantastic Travis picking! Couldn't stop my toe from tapping along the whole time, brought back memories of my childhood, listening to the great pickers around here, trying to learn from them and failing miserably, lol. Great stuff, Justin!

[@maidenrulz73]

My uncle drank a gallon of varnish…he had a horrible death but a lovely finish … ….that being said, I believe Justin to be among the greatest players in the world

[@terryallen9546]

Oh, I am using that!

[@1lobster]

I’ve started making cigar box guitars. Is there any way for me to send you one to put in a video?

[@paulpavilions]

Your Best One yet, ok PO Box 68215 Nashville, TN 37206

[@1lobster]

@@paulpavilions okay.

[@alexjay6626]

@@1lobster pretty sure thats a random trying to get a freebie 😆

[@1lobster]

@@alexjay6626 maybe.

[@murphyebass7837]

How about stop trying to make a living off someone else’s work! Hate that lazy shit

[@pennakm]

I was just fine being all blah today & then there you go playing this! gotta move with the spirit! thank you! thank you for casting that magic!

[@colthayhurst4199]

Thank you always for the beautiful playing my brother..

[@avalondreaming1433]

It's impossible for JJ to play any other way.

[@oldmanfred8676]

Justin is our Hero! One of the Blues Gods! I started with him on the tube when he only had a few thousand Subbies! I spread his Videos far and wide! Cooler than the other side of the pillow!

[@sapelesteve]

That was terrific JJ! I am certain that both MT & JH would have approved of that version! 👍👍🎸🎸😉😉

[@jimferry6539]

I have practiced guitar everyday of my life for the best part of half a century five hours a day, Seven days a week and i still don’t know how to play a single tune.

[@floridasoldat]

False lol

[@FlatlandMando]

Must be some satisfaction in there somewhere, to keep going that is

[@jimferry6539]

FlatlandMando I think that’s because I was born with the sole purpose to play the guitar. However i refuse to pay for a teacher. I had a teacher once, my brother and we haven’t spoke since that day, that was 55 years ago.

[@briannorth5675]

Yeah, sadly, I'm in the same boat. When people ask me "do you play guitar"? I just say "no, I make sounds".

[@jst-gi4n784]

Ur not practsing as u say...srry bit this Is the sadly truth

[@pinusniron8935]

Wow so cool Great👍👍👍👍👍

[@spricy3374]

This is just damn good, man. I appreciate your comments in the description. Sharing music inspiration with others is something special.

[@l.a.wagner9958]

Great as always Justin! Keep your work up man! I certainly can say, after only listening to 10 seconds of it by now, it will be awesome. Maybe someday you could make a Song "Vlad and the Alligators"😂 Keep playin' the good ol' blues!🤘🎸 I'm tryin' out the Travis Picking Style and have to say it's more difficult than most of the modern day shredding. Hope I can become as good as you someday!

[@stephenbeltzner7736]

Lovely work. Martin is one of my favourite instruments

[@annesandlian1342]

Great Sunday sipping song 🥃🎵🥃🎶 ! Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@FlatlandMando]

Sunday sipping? I think I'm going to make it a tradition to get through the upcoming winter. Listening to good music & sipping (maybe vinyl even)

[@Sollustri]

Love the music you put out! Thank you for your vids!

[@n7565j]

Guess my favorite was picked by Tony Rice. Grew up with his little brother and we always looked forward to Tony coming home and picking with the family!! (this was back in the late 70's) RIP Tony, you're missed... But I must say Mr Johnson, your version is AMAZING!!!! Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your music :-)

[@m.c.master4622]

I thought of Tony too when this started. I will always miss him sorely. A huge musical hero. J.J. is a wonderful picker too, of course. We need all we can get!!

[@dht4321]

9 pounder. Same as John Henry swung. One with the left and one with the right. Steel driving into granite making shafts to poke tight with dynamite. Back in the days before Elon Musk's Boring Company tunnels were made with 9 pound hammers and dynamite. Glorious arrangement.

[@garyleesjukejoint9510]

Mighty fine Justin. Sounding great.

[@gazroyalesrhodes2331]

So awesome! Just got to love everything this guy touches!!! Amazing feeling and magic evrytime! Wow!!!

[@shubhamparmar9632]

💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@АндрейНевоград]

Класс !

[@iMajinationTribe]

JJ... I fuckin love you, bro.

[@TheWindGinProject]

Bravo

[@SR-fr7fw]

Oh man, can’t find the right words to express how much I love watching and hearing you play! 👍🥰

[@samuelhatman8995]

Justin, I will admit, I save listening to you for when I really need the spirit, soul and yes I share a simple version of these styles, so indeed, artistry you bring to your music. It's medicine, the very best! Sam, blessed with music in my very bones from birth. 😊

[@BenDover-wm7wf]

Where did you beam down from? In my 65 years on this rock I’ve not seen this playing ability. And you look so chill doing it. Stay in our world for a while my friend: tour, make albums, teach-leave your imprint in our world. Peace.

[@hanhanguitarworld]

Woooow Successfully attracted my attention, the music visual shockwave, haha, yeah✌

[@fiddlerfinch]

just brilliant.

[@markbundy1694]

It’s crazy shit that I throughly enjoy watching another mans fingers!!!👋🤘🏼

[@billygugen8104]

Theres a joke in there somewhere...

[@michaelancell6606]

Love the way you play Justin. When's the CD going to be available? I want mine signed...lol

[@Saltwater-Beagles]

I love Martin Guitars!!! Genus playing as always..

[@lebe220]

Yeah, my thoughts: Martin sounds best for blues. I love Ovation for my music. Gibson is best for Cat Stevens. Anf Furch fits Susan Vega.

[@chrisj1612]

@@lebe220 A friend of mine had a Martin D-18 and recently played Gibson j-45 I think. He said that he enjoyed Gibson more and he is predominantly a blues player. But maybe it is just a personal preference.

[@CarolAnnHenderson]

Really nice mellow Sunday afternoon pickin' . Thank you Justin. 👍✌🤟

[@marksingo2177]

Great pickin' as always, Mr. Johnson!

[@CannibleWrench13]

This is nice

[@augustofernandez1589]

Brutal !

[@lilibethweinstein1448]

Fantastic

[@razbory_pesen_Vysotsky]

👍👍👍

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

Awesome!

[@huseynguitar4676]

Super

[@shaehyatt6539]

Love Merle Travis! Always appreciate more content like this. I feel travis picking is a bit of a forgotten art these days. I'm in highschool and have a deep passion for this style of playing, keep it up man!🤘🤘

[@terryallen9546]

Talk about being in the groove!!!

[@BubsAholic]

Hey Justin! Love watching you play! Do you have any videos or books about learning how to play guitar for beginners by you?

[@Welinwms]

Uauuuu 😮

[@nickrosas8889]

You have always been an amazing guitarists since I first watched a video of yours years ago. More so a pleasant person rich with talent, hard earned.

[@sun4nicolya]

🔥🤟🔥🤟

[@throwmeabone6697]

I just broke my acoustic in two.Now I am getting some gas and I am gonna make a fire. I'm done. I Can't touch this. 😁 JUST KIDDIN THANKS!

[@mate-g]

@Justin Johnson this is a wonderful song. Now how about my... Vlad's guitar? 😂🎸 Is the draw over?

[@darrylricker1208]

You are Super talented bud. I've been picking for 40 plus years and not even close to your level. Think I'll throw my guitars down through the hay field. Lol

[@michaelbradshaw8278]

I have the same Martin guitar and it can't play that. Wait...maybe, because I'm not the great Justin Johnson!!! Brilliant presentation!

[@AndyPWolf]

This may sound simple but it is ... ridiculous ... I'm talking about the blend of styles, not 'bout my comment, of course. 😁

[@Oliver0200]

1,000 likes, no surprise... but one dislike? Someone must've hit the wrong button by mistake.

[@WobblingHobGoblin]

JJ you are awesome. You play on such nice guitars. COuld you make some vidoes of you playing on some low end guitars? Peace

[@davorgolik7873]

Extraordinary talent! How much work behind I can only emagin. And result is something best I have ever heard on guitar! Rock on man!

[@robertoruiz9049]

Just came across this in the morning 🌞 great 👌 piece of work brotha 💯 awesome I am now Subscribed! Greetings from Texas

[@hanhanguitarworld]

Haha, lock you, be a target, I want to learn your music.

[@PoutinePete]

I love that hanging multi light fixture. Where did you get it (I'm an electrician)?

[@StEvE1961able]

Thanks for keeping it real Justin. (Any chance you could Tab your version of Walking Blues?)

[@randallrun]

I cannot even tap my finger or foot as good as he plays! Unbelievable, really.

[@spankylosaurus9364]

You're a wizard, Justin. But seriously, you're a guitaromancer.

[@PanosKasnis]

Ιδιόρρυθμη. Μουσική. Έκφραση. Συγχαρητήρια.

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

How skilled are you when you can easily play a style named after a legendary picker?? And I’m not referring to Mike Wolf and Frank Fritz 😝

[@briantaulbee6452]

That's more than 9 pounds, more like 15. Excellent picking

[@Jomama02]

With all the political upheaval in our country going on, it's really nice just to lose yourself in this music, even if it's just for a little while..........

[@authenticchristianityminis4109]

Awesome Playing!

[@emjacks1]

Shit, bra!! I know I always say the same thing but gottdammit boy!!!! You is one bad dude with that guitar!!!!

[@Cmoore718]

Man, I’m absolutely stunned at how smooth and clean your picking is. Phenomenal piece of music all around

[@100chords]

You should do a little how to video on this tune. !!! Thanks for teaching me finger picking. !!!

[@alexander.1616]

Дядька, играю-играю, получаю КАЙФ! Пришли мне гитарку, буду благодарен по жизни✌️😎

[@Fishman_Music]

Awesome Justin!

[@daveblevins3322]

Excellent Pickin' JJ 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸💥 Thank you 👍

[@stefanfrisk9598]

Justin, you´re awesome, no doubt, but was it worth it? We all know what you did down at those crossroads... and we thank you for it. ;)

[@dannyingram6182]

I think you sold your soul to the devil😅 you are amazing love your music. Big fan .

[@susiefairfield7218]

Niiiice love how ya bring a warm sweet honey smooth sound outta that wonderful guitar TY

[@limpethead]

Got my headphones on,I actually let out a " yay!" . Other half was just looking at me.

[@JulienMARY]

If you had decided that today you should practice, don't watch this video, or you are good to spend 2 hours listening to Justin. It's a trap.

[@jonhart-dj7fn]

Watching Justin , can't imagine anyone topping this version Travis

[@howardklein9834]

Nice! Love hearing you play Justin, it's like a shrink without the couch and bill.

[@6thwatergateplumber]

I'm hearing a bit of ol' Doc Watson in there too! Sweetest little diddy I've heard in a while. Yay!

[@aidenmohrmann1850]

First month of college, I'm pretty much running on very little sleep and Justin Johnson at this point

[@ashleytaylor6770]

Are you kidnnnnnnnnn me goodgrashesssssss you kill it I’m startnnnnnn proper finger picknnnnnnn. NOW

[@laughingbuddha1709]

Somewhere, Flatt & Scruggs just stood and applauded.

[@Dolenin]

Теперь я знаю, что будет звучать на мох вечерних посиделках с друзьями!))) Восхитительная игра!

[@stephenportlock2606]

Great stuff Justin Food for the soul brother. Deep river blues any time soon ?? Please

[@e.b.4872]

Justin in his element ! Claping in rythm with the video playing 👏

[@1rimu]

he looks like he's clocked the guitar found all the eastern eggs and is now playing because he's bored

[@thehouseofronin9209]

This song is so smooth! Never a dull moment with JJ around!

[@user-ot5mk1lb8b]

Justin, I look forward to learning what I do not know about blues music.

[@oneconsc3333]

Would love to see Justin Johnson pay a visit to the store and perhaps do a video.... 🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@TheDuroko]

If you hadn't said that was a Martin, I would have guessed Taylor at first look.

[@godchickla7295]

Brilliant! ❤️

[@drjcwardjr]

Loved it! 😎👍

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

This is incredible! That guitar is gorgeous! 🤘🎸

[@waltertav]

I want to downvote out of pure jealousy at the skill on display. But I will upvote as deserved!

[@anthonyclegg1511]

Justin makes me sick, that's the 5th guitar I've thrown in the skip.

[@billcavin3554]

I think my Martin is messed up....it can't do any of that......

[@filipce3201]

Can someone explain What the box right to the marshall cabinet does? Is it a reverb?

[@YouTubular1234]

You need to do a cover of Dear Mr. Fantasy by Traffic! Would love it!

[@kurtrightmyer]

Is Justin a major star yet? He should be.

[@shazam6274]

Great! Excellent playing, arrangement, tonality and recording. I think Merle and his kid Thom would approve.