Chordplay - 'The Chords of Eric Johnson'

[@bodine1231]

Randy Rhoads and EVH makes me want to learn and play,Eric Johnson makes me want to quit. That Live from Austin album is the most impressive guitar playing I've ever seen.

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

No kidding Bodine, i saw him at the Caboose in Dallas in 1981 and thought the same thing!! Lol

[@arnyarny77]

i agree, that footage is the holy grail for me

[@Scottocaster6668]

Lmao 🤣👍 You speak the truth brother.

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

yeah, he is a genious i love eddie and all those guys but eric just floors me

[@chrisellenback3884]

I have that one! Ur right though, EJ is great, but follow ur heart and play ur own thing!!

[@nathancloud6344]

EJ is a different breed. A real student of this art we all love. Clearly on top.

[@Varth_Dader.Twitch]

I do think his use of the pentatonic scales loses effect after a bit, but his melodies are beautiful.

[@1992YR]

Eric's best performance and tone is on Live in Austin, TX '88 CD/DVD release. His 2nd best work is the Alien Love Child CD. I have been fortune to have seen him in concert several times and also to have met him.

[@tkdunn]

My big regret was missing Eric’s shows when I was in college around 1983. I went to Texas Tech in Lubbock and I would see his name on marques at small clubs in town fairly often as he toured Texas, but had no idea who he was. It wasn’t until I heard one of his tunes on Dallas radio around ‘86 that I was an instant fan - I was amazed. Saw him in concert in Philly on the first G3 tour around ‘97 and he was flawless. Satriani and Vai were great, but Eric kind of stole the show in terms of a musical religious experience. He is one of a kind with a voice all his own... Thanks for this great video - very helpful 🤓

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

Tkdunn, the first time I saw Eric was 1981 in Dallas at the Caboose in Medallion center..Maybe 75 -100 people there.. Changed my mind about what you could do with guitar, and where you could go...I waited for five years for Tones to come out to relive that show.. I understand completely!

[@zackeriah87]

That AmAdd11b5 blessed my soul... Thank you kind Sir for the lesson!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and you're quite welcome! Stay tuned... : )

[@alecdawson1668]

Great lesson. Thought I’d add a beautiful chord I like to play in conjunction with Am9: X 0 9 5 8 10

[@eddieweldon5739]

Thanks man ! , can't wait to try it out !

[@dwightburns6699]

It's almost impossible to reach up and grab that C note on the 5th fret the g-string

[@michaeleaster1815]

When asked by a non-musician friend about Eric J (before a concert), I told her to "watch the thumb movement on his left hand". It was the most succinct, non-technical way I could explain his style and harmonic choices (e.g. in the opening to Manhattan). It's really something to behold... great vid!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you and I agree - I love watching him play. His movements and fingerings are so precise and delicate and every little thing he does, mutes, or hits creates something different with a variety of tonal colors too. Such a brilliant guitarist and musician. Thanks for watching! : )

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

Micheal i saw Eric several times in the 80s and 90s..The first time 1981 was at a small club in Dallas, maybe 75-100 people.. He changed my mind about what you could do with guitar and as a musician with his fusion of styles and complexity... I remember jonesing for five years waiting for Tones to be released..Lol One other note, i have tried all my life since that time to introduce people to him with varying success.. That is how great of an artist he is...It takes musicians and music appreciation knowledge to understand his skill...

[@eal9698]

Just saw him in Buffalo about a month ago - totally blown away, I think my brain is still processing that night. Band was top notch too. He started with all acoustic, then did an electric set, with some piano thrown in. I think when I was younger I was totally into Eric's speed and his soloing, but 30 years later and having played guitar for a while, I see the genius in his phrasing and chord voicings. Fun just to watch his left hand do these bizarre moves all over the neck, but somehow resulting in amazing lyrical phrasing. Good lesson, I'll go through it a few times with the strat and see what you're doing.

[@bcampbell185]

Great video ! Players like Eric Johnson only come along every few decades IMO. He is the very definition of a virtuoso IMO; and like this video--inspiring for me to practice ! Thx for posting this !

[@derrickvella5912]

I can tell you loved making this one, great stuff!

[@jteichma]

Yes please! 2-3 more chord plays on Eric Johnson. This was great!

[@starskystar]

Thanks so much for the tutorial! The way you describe the concepts in your teaching is done in such a tangible way. You're a very good instructor. Play on!

[@alessiograziani6355]

You play and explain very well!!! Many thanks for your videos

[@barrysmith7710]

Eric is a constant inspiration to me, and so many others. Nobody does what he does. So musical, inventive and from the heart

[@eight7777777]

This is a fantastic video and actually sheds some light on EJ’s playing. The last few minutes really tie it all together. Would be great to see more! Thank you for making this!

[@DannyWJaco]

I’m only halfway through and so excited about these new chord options. These sound minor with a hint of hope. Great instruction as well. Thanks!

[@moo.7643]

thank you so much for the time you dedicated into debunking these chords, making and editing the video and uploading it. this really really helps. god bless

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching these videos and the content! I see you were watching Eric Johnson - Eric is a MONSTER! Thanks again and rock on\m/

[@italiatourismus547]

Maaan...! What a great lesson. Very inspiring. Thank you Dave

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and that's great to hear! Take care and stick around for more lessons and content! : )

[@krisk1515]

Well done...I have been around Eric many times luckily because of my uncle, Van Wilks...been in studio with him, many shows and souvenirs...keep up the great work...

[@bartlebob]

Great material man. Love those voicings, Eric is a genius.

[@michaelmendillo4614]

Eric Johnson is on an entirely different level than most of us ,,,, almost impossible to sound like him,, much like Jeff Beck,,,

[@AstorSkywalker]

I think it's his great ability playing piano that helps him think outside the box so to speak

[@michaelanthony9068]

Great lesson brother. By the end I was thinking “Holy moly, he really IS teaching EJ !”

[@densondirosa4497]

By far Eric Johnson is one of, if not my favorite guitarist & where my love of melodic guitar work came from

[@ibanezmaestro5630]

Just saw Eric live in Reno. It was one of the most inspiring moments of my life and I've been a fan of his for 18 years. He's easily one of the baddest guitarists alive today and one of my biggest influences.

[@robm3569]

Always appreciate any insights into EJ's playing. Some of the chords Eric Johnson uses here remind me of the chords that Ralph Towner gravitates toward in his compositions and playing.

[@swoopdog54]

Really enjoy the laid back style of teaching good music for guitar players. A thinking man's (or woman's) instructor. Excellent player as well. Well worth ones time!

[@skipneumann1]

Great video! This is 2022 and I am studying EJ again! There is so much to learn from him

[@SifuAlanMencke]

Nice one pal. Never get tired of EJ stuff

[@tpap6827]

Best Eric Johnson see explanation of h it s use of wide intervals with respect to open voiced harmonized triads with a western scale whether Ionian or whatever mode he hao on end to play in. I purchased the early 90s by hot licks video in it en as Total Electric Guitar when it cc and our nearly 35 years ago. It took me a few years to play the examples as I was novice player when I purchased a video that was way beyond my level of theoretical understanding at the time. Then after another 15 years., I finally realized his use of wide interval harmonized triads for the purpose of cresting beautiful melodies. Today you gave me my 3rd necessary revelation regarding his seemingly complex but actually quite simple approach to building beautiful chords which as far as I can tell is his most impressive attribute. Obviously, his use of cascading 5 and 6 note pentatonic sequences with the occasional use of diatonic notes to create that rolling, snowball effect of notes is what impresses guitar players from a technical perspective, that sort of playing is really just a matter of really spending time with the guitar and drilling sequences pushing the metronome to slightly faster settings over many months as you hone your alternate picking chops while synchronizing your right hand, left hand and really polishing your string dampening skills. That's guitar acrobatics which is cool when you look at how he does them without relying on 3 note per string semi symmetrical patterns that repeat in each we string octave the way most shredders showcase their alternate picking chops using all even note patterns that enables the use of a consistent pick slanting technique that ultimately turns certain blazing diatonic runs into a parlor trick that always works over simple power chord vamps. What Eric Johnson does is not only far more interesting from a technical perspective but also had far more harmonic content as he is always aware of the relationship between the underlying melodic possibilities resulting from the chords that function as a much more detailed sonic background that gives his songs much more structural integrity. Well done. You have taken what most people make even more complicated and revealed the beauty of it's simplicity. I believe the underlying simplicity makes it so beautiful and accessible from a listening perspective yet few people are able to articulate it so well. Too notch video. Keep up the great work. I will definitely be checking out more of your stuff

[@patconnelify]

Love those tones open string voicings and depth so good. Thank you.

[@richb6291]

Superb lesson David ,really love those chords ,what an excellent lesson. Thanks for this .

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching too! : )

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

Outstanding insight into a player ive been following since the early 80s..Thank you sir!

[@guitarkis4969]

I always loves those ascending licks but never knew what the heck was going on. THANK YOU for shedding light and explaining how to get that EJ sound. Those are some of my favorite licks, they just sound so damn cool!

[@ronfrey6639]

Eric told me to get the mickey baker books and ted green books for chords known him since 78 first chord he taught me was the angel chord .. Great player..

[@chateautemp]

That A- add11b5 was an aug 5! Great playing and very inspiring. With thanks..

[@skipthornton5413]

I had the the privilege of growing up in Houston, and seeing Eric w/ the Electro Magnets, and countless bars, some for free, and some for a $1 cover ((in those early days)and i thought, this guy is going some where one of these days....he was groove approved long before he was famous!

[@ronaldbacha7818]

Hey Dave, very cool chords of E.J. the chords sound like Eric,,,, thanks for the inspiring input. - RJ.

[@midiman5045]

I have watched quite a few of your videos, They are great I appreciate the info and the in detail explanation you give. Happy New Year!!

[@rickswain7128]

I discovered one of your videos a great while ago. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen one. I don’t know why. Anyway, I was impressed with you as an instructor and your knowledge. I found this video to be exactly what I was needing to help me along on my path of improving my playing and knowledge of chord usage. Thank you

[@deanosaur777]

Man, you are unbelievable.. I dig your vibe, shows, how you communicate n share your knowledge.. little own your playing... Id like to here your original tunes! Btw your fluidness of your finger playing is awesome too bro

[@larrysixstring6790]

Excellent as usual

[@peterlefrancois5558]

I just discovered these videos and thank you! Best lessons on youtube!

[@chriswritt729]

You really know how to put it into perspective Dave, well done!

[@johnester8421]

A few years back I was at an "Experience Hendrix" show, and I was out by the buses and two dudes walked up to me from the buses. I had no clue who they were, I shook their hands, chatted with them for about 5 minutes, then they went into the venue. IT WAS FRIKIN ERIC JOHNSON AND CHRIS LAYTON!!!! I had listened to EJ but never saw his face except from the cover of Live From Austin album cover! I was so mad at myself

[@LateNightLessons]

Oh man, that sucks! A bass player I used to jam with told me about when he saw Pink Floyd in the late '80s, that he went around and found which hotel they were staying in and loitered the lobby and elevator to meet them. He said it was getting close to time for the show, so he gave up and rode the elevator back to the lobby and an old guy got on from another floor as it went down. He told the "old guy" he was going to see Pink Floyd that night and the "old guy" said "that's nice." The rest of the story goes like this, he went to the show and when Pink Floyd came out he spotted the "old guy" onstage. It was David Gilmour and he had no idea it was him. He admitted that the only photos of Pink Floyd he'd seen were from the '70s, so he was looking for "young Gilmour" instead of "old Gilmour." Hahaha! : ) Rock on man!

[@Blaze-ing]

This is a GREAT video definitely will subscribe. More EJ please!!

[@WilliamGM3rd]

EJ is awesome. i need to go practice

[@jukup1]

Thank you so much for this excellent lesson! Seriously unlocked my playing with those open arpeggios!

[@eduardorajabally28]

thank you very much for so many fresh ideas! they might be kind of simple, but they make you think different and that's tricky...

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks! Sometimes simple ideas yield the best results, and the best reminder I can give anyone is - music doesn't have to be hard to play for it to be great (and memorable). : ) ROCK ON!

[@manimusicka2]

Love to watch your videos! Thanks for sharing such cool stuff

[@mattcates8325]

Very cool. I’ve watched at least 10 times

[@josephanderson9951]

Hey love this vid!! We want more! Thanks!

[@MichaelWilson-ri9pn]

More Eric Johnson would be fine with us. Sorry if you've answered before but can you go over your gear you use for these videos. Love that guitar

[@philipherlambang2742]

Thanks for sharing, appreciate it.

[@MartinMignogna]

I definitely need more chord ideas in your repertoire. Thank you

[@mjj3tube]

Really love your lessons ! looking forward to much more.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much! : ) I'm just getting started with things here, so stay tuned, there's more on the way, and thanks again!

[@mjj3tube]

@@LateNightLessons I am waiting

[@Heccy1961]

Thankyou so much for a great lesson!

[@fabghassem]

Great work.✨🎸✨

[@GatesMcCrary]

Appreciate the video and lesson

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Another awesome lesson!

[@RobertJSedky]

Excellent presentation and tutorial. Subbed 🙌

[@superjam1446]

Thank you!

[@zr24X4ROCKS]

thanks for this , well done

[@deepakmeher25]

thank you for sharing this. you are kind

[@dexblue]

Well done ...

[@godbyone]

Wow. Great great work

[@godbyone]

Yes. A couple more of Eric. Thznjx

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Wow... such a great lesson!

[@DanielDavis730]

Great chords. Help me out heaps

[@henrys.6864]

At the 7:00 kinda reminded me of the Doobie Brothers "Southside Midnight Lady" climb at the end of the song. Not the same chords but similar.

[@uramawa]

Great video man! Subscribed!

[@peterl2820]

Seen Eric a couple times, 1st time was ages ago in SF. One of the best, reminds a bit of Steve Morse, Steve Howe. But he has his own musical style. Amazing player.

[@mitchdoud9727]

Thank you yes more Eric J.

[@CourneliusX]

Man, this was a cool lesson. Very accessible.

[@trevormckay3939]

Good stuff 👍

[@AP-ui7oi]

Great insight

[@takeawaybenji]

Interesting lesson. I am a pretty big fan, and I always go back to Tones as my reference point. This classic sound seems to be based off of chords derived from the pentatinuc scale (sus4, sus2, major 6, 6/9, etc.).

[@matzac97]

Great lesson 💪👍👌🤘🎼🎶🎵

[@mastermachetier5594]

I'be watched this video so many times ! Pease more eric johnson stuff

[@fernandoflores4907]

Awesome 🔥🔥🔥🎸

[@plexibreath]

Thanks!

[@Scratch_Monsters_Golf]

Years ago I went on a huge EJ kick, and I forget what show it was, but I was on KZbin studying one of his solos. KZbin allows you to slow down videos which is very important with a player like EJ, but I digress. There was a line he played and it was obvious that he missed a note in it. Yes, I know, I was shocked that he misses notes from time to time, too, but what blew my mind was that he visibly changed the rest of the line to make the wrong note “work.” It was a lick I had heard him play multiple times on that particular tune, otherwise I would say it was what he meant to do. However, he got the look on his face we all get when we’re burning through a phrase and miss something... that kind of “hanging on” facial expression, if you will. Anyway, that was the day I realized just how much of an alien he really is. A lot of players that play lines at those speeds are just mindlessly playing them because their fingers are used to falling on those notes over and over. With EJ, though, the fact that he was able to turn the mistake into a completely different lick off the cuff without missing a lick, proved to me that he is really thinking about every note, even at those insane tempos. I know people know who he is, and I know he’s had multiple cover stories done in guitar mags, but I still think he’s underrated. The technical prowess he has developed in conjunction with the originality in his composition is just so far above the level most players can even comprehend, makes it almost impossible for him to be appreciated enough. Definitely in my Top 5 players ever. Rock on, cats 😎

[@monkface]

I first heard cliffs from the guitar player flexi disc and it blew my mind! I could not figure out what was going on in the intro. Then in 1990 I was at Tower records and they were playing ah Via musicom and I asked them what it was and bought it right then. Then I saw him open for Joe Satriani at an outdoor amphitheater and his tone was insane! The full rig- 2 fenders, 2 marshall stacks, just like in his instructional videos. A fan ever since. Just saw him twice with the Experience Hendrix shows. He played beautifully!

[@DutchNewbJr]

Note to self. 3:25 4:00 7:35

[@calvindandy6430]

Another amazing lesson and insight into another guitar great..your video's and lessons are truly opening doors into theory and expression I'd only dreamt of..Thanks David keep doing what your doing..it's incredible..so wish I could get one to one tuition with you..can't you move to the UK lol?

[@MarkSmith-dk4fd]

The chord shape at(6:17) is a common chord shape as a Fmaj.6 chord with the 3rd. (A) in the base note ...I realize a chord shape can be called many different names 😃 ✌🎶🎶🎶🎶🎸

[@barrysmith7710]

And that intro from Cliffs... It's from another planet

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Great video with usable noodling ideas. Have you thought about writing a "Chordplay" textbook?

[@josebermudez3465]

Yes

[@Dan-zq5wt]

David; I learn so much from your lessons. They’re so rewarding. Need to keep rewatching your library.

[@bradleybeebee]

Your lessons are killer

[@robertcoggin3366]

Very cool lesson. Many of these shapes sound restless when they are moved around & away from the point of origin

[@tnleverett]

Hey David! I stumbled upon this awesome lesson, while searching for some live EJ vids. Thank you for posting! Subscribed! 😎🎸🎶 Would it be too much to ask for some lessons on specific EJ songs such as Friends, Trademark, Desert Rose, Brilliant Room, the intro to Cliffs Of Dover at the House Of Blues, Etc... in relation to the chords he uses? I would love to learn some of these! Thanks! 🎸🎶😎

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks for watching and subscribing - that rocks! I'll definitely feature some more of Eric's ideas and music. Thanks for the suggestion and request! Stay tuned and rock on\m/

[@jfrockon]

Hey man, very nice lesson. Got quite a bit from it. BTW, former Indiana native too. Remember the days of The Faith Band and Roadmaster? Thanks again.

[@jakeryanshepard]

hey man just learned some good shit ! thanks for the lesson

[@dnhrage1]

Genius !

[@bewinson]

Really good bro. May be your subscribers and views are low. But don't loose heart. It'll definitely go up bcos ur content is good. Christ be with you.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you and I've only been doing this channel for three months and it's growing every day, so stay tuned and hopefully, things will continue to grow and move forward! Thanks again and rock on! : )

[@bewinson]

@@LateNightLessons actually Im from Tamilnadu-India. Just like that I was surfing you tube for Eric Johnson's chords and I saw ur stuff. It was really helpful to me. Also I'm a guitar/Keyboard teacher and have a channel boanerges guitar crew in KZbin (but only in Tamil language). I'll subscribe you from my channel too.

[@LateNightLessons]

That's awesome and great to hear! Thank you!!! : )

[@densondirosa4497]

I forgot to mention the other day in the ilk of dream like & melodic sounds, which you know I like, the piece titled ‘ Trail of tears’ I thought you might enjoy that piece.use a lot of the sounds you covered in this lesson.

[@garyroggenkamp1994]

Just curious .. Where is the flat5 at 6:17?

[@montysloungetv]

Love them

[@MarkSmith-dk4fd]

I believe the notes a ,c , e , and the f note would be the sharp 5 th not the flat 5 ...the chord would be called A minor 11 # 5 ✌🎶🎶🎶🎸 p.s. great video 👍