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

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

🙂

[@AlfredHugecokk]

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

[@CFMRocks]

Can’t agree more

[@marciorosal7528]

Sei não! Mas é bom pra caralho.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@rejeanbeauchamp6126]

Tout simplement fabuleux ! Tu as du swing dans les doigts et dans le corps! Le blues et toi, ne font qu'un 😁👍!!

[@e.b.4872]

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

[@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)

[@PanosKasnis]

Ιδιόρρυθμη. Μουσική. Έκφραση. Συγχαρητήρια.

[@colthayhurst4199]

Thank you always for the beautiful playing my brother..

[@avalondreaming1433]

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

[@skyward4922]

I can truthfully say, I don’t recall ever being so moved by one person’s music. Right now I am listening to chill blues guitar and honestly I can play this all day long and never tire of it.

[@terryallen9546]

Talk about being in the groove!!!

[@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!

[@bigsarge2085]

Yes, please!

[@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.

[@drjcwardjr]

Loved it! 😎👍

[@JoostArchives]

Such incredible smoothness, versatility, feel and pronouncation. Inspiring!

[@Sollustri]

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

[@godchickla7295]

Brilliant! ❤️

[@InAtlasAtLast]

Gosh I love the tone of a Martin

[@thehouseofronin9209]

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

[@happyhippie8339]

This fella here has it going for him. I’ve watched him many times and he keeps my feet tapping each and every time. He’s my favorite best there is.

[@Dolenin]

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

[@catherine5526]

I love listening to your arrangements and covers!

[@stephenbeltzner7736]

Lovely work. Martin is one of my favourite instruments

[@stanbrill5077]

Once again , outstanding ! Thanks Justin

[@demetriusdenning2645]

Smooth and beautiful.

[@claudettejones8516]

Your music 🎶 can brighten any day ! Thank you 🙏🏻😀💕

[@LandYall]

It was hard loving Merle Travis as a 15 year old in 1989 with all the amazing guitarists of the time … but I’ve always come back to this style as one of the pinnacles that can be done on the instrument. Well done 👍🏼

[@samanders2676]

Peace to my soul, everytime. You’re a blessing JJ. 🎸

[@wimac]

Outstanding!

[@sowelu9247]

Such a treat to watch you work that magic you make when you play. Thank you posting this.

[@jackyvanhal9514]

Marvelous! Thank you Justin

[@BertfromBelgium]

this just made my day a whole lot better...

[@honeysickle]

Thank you for another wonderful upload. Your music has so much soul and character and it always gets me inspirated.

[@garyleesjukejoint9510]

Mighty fine Justin. Sounding great.

[@candisjackson3917]

Thank you for being here and helping so many people feel joy!

[@filipstipic5964]

Thank you, you just made my day much more beautiful ..great playing, as always👍

[@derapospatz5164]

Man that‘s beautiful!!!

[@es52]

Love that SC13E!!! Amazing work up and down the neck. Sounds so good unplugged too!

[@gazroyalesrhodes2331]

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

[@fretted]

Wow, making that SC-13E sing!

[@robhaskell4043]

Justin, as always - stellar! Great rhythm and the Martin sounds so good!

[@rh4music]

Great playing! A wonderful touch and amazing time. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@seanpatrick2052]

Downright Splendid!

[@kevinl6111]

Awesome, luv it Justin!

[@spricy3374]

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

[@fiddlerfinch]

just brilliant.

[@sarahcaitmusic]

Wow!! You are so incredibly talented! I love watching and listening to you play on here!

[@Handyandy747]

The touch the feel the tone!

[@martin4689]

Monday morning, a coffee and this Blues! A wonderful start in this day, Thanks Justin 🤘

[@habsom1406]

This is musical interpretation at its finest, what an amazing talent Mr. Johnson has, he is truly blessed. And I feel blessed to have heard this masterpiece! It's difficult to believe there is only one man playing in the room when it sounds like a full on orchestra on song.

[@randybicker907]

This gentleman has become one of my favorite all-time guitarists.

[@johnbrown8388]

Every thing about this sounds good.

[@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. 😊

[@revolver330]

Genius guitar playing.

[@johnnydingo8680]

Such a nice sound.

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

This is incredible! That guitar is gorgeous! 🤘🎸

[@texas4974]

Very very good version it's great. Thank You

[@howardklein9834]

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

[@suffolkgardenstudios4600]

Love it !

[@duanegoffinet2544]

that sounds real good. love that martin sound. the man playing it can make it talk, good job thanks Justin.

[@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.

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

Love it! 😎🎸✅

[@shazam6274]

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

[@gianfrancosantoro1400]

Thanks for sharing! Awesome

[@Nobikedave]

That’s the stuff right there. Love it! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@rickoliver2059]

Oh , boots to the floor , tappin` time , snapping fingers and generally feeling full of zest , thank you Maestro , thank you from NZ .

[@Cmoore718]

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

[@marksingo2177]

Great pickin' as always, Mr. Johnson!

[@onetuliptree]

I love the acoustic sound, thank you

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

Awesome!

[@6thwatergateplumber]

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

[@maor323]

U my lovely guitarist

[@jamesmorrison2063]

I've had one of those SC-13Es for a while now. The more I play it, the better I like it. Especially the plugged in sound. Keep the inspiring videos coming!

[@jeremycolston8383]

Justin, you are absolutely amazing.

[@murphyebass7837]

Silky smooth

[@gb57hevy3]

I'm looping the video and will learn the song. Well, I'll use the song for inspiration as Justin's abilities are beyond mine. I am always impressed with him, always.

[@MrGeroth]

Just awesome

[@ermagerd101]

Loved this! Thanks Justin.🥇🏆

[@lilibethweinstein1448]

Fantastic

[@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!🤘🤘

[@jeffreywoolley9674]

My God, I dont play or watch any other musicians, but I am constantly amazed by your talent. Hard work paying off

[@CarolAnnHenderson]

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

[@sapelesteve]

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

[@giannibiancocircus]

Thank you. So good it makes me Happy. Blues the healer.

[@rebeccadavis1785]

Awesome Justin 🤩😍

[@markbundy1694]

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

[@billygugen8104]

Theres a joke in there somewhere...

[@susiefairfield7218]

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

[@debbivaughn1313]

That's my kind of blues! Fabulous!👍👍😁

[@samimakesmusic]

a living legend

[@scottdejong2406]

Love that flying V

[@SR-fr7fw]

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

[@peterhutchinson3424]

Awesome Justin 🔥🎸😎🥃🥃

[@sooraj.delampady2748]

I started watching your videos from shovel guitar. Still impressed with how you play and still in awe after learning to play guitar. Great works all of them.

[@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!

[@nealegordon]

Great Job JJ!

[@graxav]

Thank you. Stirling stuff!!

[@kingrobert1st]

You played my hangover away! Awesome!