OLD SCHOOL BLUES Like You’ve Never Heard | Claw-Hammer Hill-Country Fingerstyle Acoustic Slap Guitar

🎸Printable Guitar Tabs for this Song ("Willie Brown's Train"): justinjohnsonstore.com/collec...
I've always had this sound in my head that starts with the Boogie & Hill Country feel of blues masters like John Lee Hooker and R.L. Burnside... then mixes in a combination of claw-hammer banjo and slap bass techniques to get a percussive back-beat vibe... uses classical and fingerstyle techniques to run lead lines... and draws from the Jimi Hendrix / Stevie Ray Vaughan school of riffage. It's gotta have that old-school train rhythm chuggin' through the song to keep the feet tappin' and to create that whole-band feel that early delta blues guitarists where known for.
TUNING: Standard Tuning Down a Half Step: Eb - G# - C# - F# - Bb - Eb
GEAR:
• ‪@matonguitars‬ EA80C "Australian" Acoustic / Electric Guitar
• ‪@LEWITT-audio‬ LCT 640 TS Microphone
• ‪@centrance‬ R4R Mixerface Mobile Recorder
🔥 SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/JustinJohnsonSubscribe
📀 STORE: justinjohnsonstore.com/
🎸 LESSONS: justinjohnsonstore.com/collec...
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#BLUES #GUITAR #ACOUSTIC

[@justinjohnsonlive]

🎸🎸 Guitar Tabs for this Song Available HERE: justinjohnsonstore.com/collections/guitar-tablature

[@Pound_Shift]

I don’t think even Eric Clapton would try this one ☝️

[@Sultan782]

Fantastic coordination love your style thanks !

[@tybell1994]

@@Pound_Shift Um.... yeah,... I don`t think tabs would help me much.

[@robgibson8226]

Wow 👏 u got skills Brother

[@JEANSDEMARCO]

tabs! TABS!!! Surely you josh!!😄😅😳😜

[@ripsaltydog1750]

No backing track, no band, just 1 man 1 guitar. Music at it's purest form! big thumbs up. I could listen to this all day.

[@johnmcho]

Every once in a while you listen to someone play and it'll make you want to practice 20 years to try and catch up.

[@stephenkendall6108]

Makes me want to run to catch up! I'd love to sit down and throw down like this. I'd get lost in myself hahahaha and jam all day long

[@dominikmarkov7052]

Yeah guys I am at the stage where I do get lost and jam for very very long hours every couple of days

[@geoffreyhattersley9186]

Oh Yes Oh Yes!

[@rgtinkess]

I relate

[@paulpiercy4380]

Urab

[@iicjguitar0416]

I swear, Justin Johnson is like the modern day Stevie Ray Vaughan. I'm really sad that SRV didn't get to live to see this man's talent to be honest. R.I.P.

[@johnnyrocker7495]

Similar dress sense, different style of playing.

[@iicjguitar0416]

@@johnnyrocker7495 True.

[@JaysonT1]

I was thinking the same.

[@levismith3252]

what are you talking about both God and Jesus are rocking out with SRV plus he's up in heaven playing to JJ thats playing for all of us that truly love real music

[@vasylhryhoriev1880]

Yo zero talent, all practice

[@justincase2281]

This long haired white kid is bringing the blues to life!! Just goes to show we ALL got SOUL!! 👍🙏

[@williamt.holmes6138]

Its not the 5 minutes and 24 seconds that we are listening to its the pure talent, years of practice and obvious joy you have for the strings!

[@toolguyslayer1]

How do you know it took years of practice it could have been a week or two I learned how to play music off the radio it was only power cords but I was there with it even for electronics it took me 10 minutes to learn a 60 minute course past 100% as well as my other mentees years after being taught the thing that makes this guy and people like us look like geniuses we are not just for the record is that we are normal it is everyone else that has issues being oppressed not being taught the right things at the right time by the right people just witness in general it keeps you from creating when you are in the right place one may easily settle into the zone I get semi-defensive about this because even though I know how to do certain things certain people will not allow me to use their instrument or their machine because they think that I am like them on their level and with an attitude like that I probably would be but that is so not realistic

[@tamasvarga9862]

@@toolguyslayer1 hhahahahah thanks for the laugh

[@mikez1328]

​@toolguyslayer1 Did you learn grammar through the radio too? : P

[@anthonyz7000]

Man, those runs are as smooth as a cascading waterfall

[@JohnSmith-tc2gu]

“Drums . . . ? We Don’ need no steenkin’ drums . . . ‘“

[@aknightwhosaysni2475]

That comment was as smooth as those runs man 😎

[@christianbrobst3486]

Smoother

[@mcfcguvnors]

even cooler - grab that guitar from behind the chair & you can replicate this with practice in simple E,A & B

[@DrPhilGoode]

Now you got me thinking bout the damn waterfall. 😂

[@habsom1406]

Lordy, Lordy, that geetar sounds mighty rich, praise the Lord for Mr Johnson and his fine talent, Amen!

[@patrickherb4670]

Get your hands on one soon because my country will not exist much longer

[@hungrychowhound11612]

Amen brother! Amen. Pure talent with a beautiful soul.

[@78tag]

Everyone has already given every compliment I could possibly think of. All that is left is - THANK YOU !!!!! I really needed this today.

[@bluewaterpines2santarosabe398]

Justin time.

[@benenmax1]

Justin,hou are for me one of the greatist

[@davidpiper7142]

@@bluewaterpines2santarosabe398Mixin Strings. 👍😆🧙‍♂️

[@pawadventures5544]

Hear hear!👍🏻🤠

[@user-wz5ke9rn8v]

なんてこった〜！！ここにも天才が〜 Thank You　So Match

[@JasonLumbatis]

I am at work today, been digging to China since 9:30... catching my breath. This is just what I needed...To hell with Roy Harper, HATS OFF TO THE WIZARD!!!

[@saxonsteve]

The man has magic in his fingers and soulfulness in his heart, mind and soul! Great brilliant playing as always, Justin!!!

[@brianfalls5894]

Man oh man I never get tired of hearing Justin play!!!! He is a true professional and he can sure make that guitar do what he wants it to do. Always a joy!!!!

[@plrndl]

I've heard a lot of guitarists with awesome technique, trying to "play the blues" and failing miserably. This is the real deal, and I love it. Only trouble is, I'm now going to have to find time to learn some of those licks.

[@wolfil8019]

I know this is too long for a song title, but I'm tempted to call this the "If You Aint' Dancin', You Must Be Dead" Blues. Marvelous playing, as always.

[@juanpabloporraslara5318]

Im agree! That should be the name of the song!

[@gordonbradbury8996]

"Even the Dead Can Dance!"

[@niledunn4641]

Now that is a good name for this song, fits it perfectly 👍

[@juanpabloporraslara5318]

@@gordonbradbury8996 Is good too! But i like more "If You Aint' Dancin', You Must Be Dead" en español sería " Sino estás bailando, es porque estarás muerto!"

[@jayflores7439]

Definitely not too long, and a great name for sure!

[@gracebcct]

I don't know if this man believes in God or not but this is a Gift from the Lord. Simply unbelievable.

[@WindingDreams]

There's so many incredibly talented people on this platform but this dude is definitaly the coolest of them.

[@celticfury7328]

I came ready to be schooled on just how clawhammer should sound...little did I know, Justin was prepped to throw everything including the kitchen sink into this masterwork! Man, that was smoother than a 20 year old single malt served up neat!!! ❤️

[@paulleberre7658]

ahaa

[@LibertyNotLicense]

My father was Tennessee State Champion Old Time banjo picker one year. He also preserved much of the American folk music during the 60's and 70's. The first music he'd play with a guitar (and me!) on his lap was Son House and Mississippi John Hurt--still my favorite music and one of my favorite photos is of this. It's on my wall today. Thank you so much for the gift to me that this video is, Justin! ❤

[@jackalister1662]

Reason to really proud. I’ve got the actual same name as one of the most famous musicians in the world, but named a couple of years before they became famous, family heritage thing that the eldest son of each generation was given what I consider that God awful name. Ended with me, no one else uses it in any part now, knowing the jokes I’ve suffered over the years.

[@TwoBitTony]

I close my eyes and daydream its me playing for people in my my family. I wish with tears in my eyes I had a gift like yours. You're blessed my man, and I'm blessed to have heard something so amazing!

[@stephenkendall6108]

So smooth makes you feel cool for just listening to it over and over and over and....

[@peterhale1349]

Rolls along so gently in it’s own pervasive way. Such a persuasive sweet sound.👍

[@jameswlane6147]

I’ve played for 62 years & my damn fingers never could and likely now never will make the kind of moves Justin makes so damn effortlessly. I enjoy every move the man makes, but he sure makes my playin’ seem awful ordinary and stiff!

[@seanpendragon1269]

Justin your unbelievable. Iv been playing blues for 30+years and listening to your work is inspiring .. go bro

[@freddiesandoval5047]

No words to express how much I love this.. beautiful music 🎵🎶 to my ears

[@michaelsvea7969]

A musical god is born, truely a gifted man here.

[@nikkmorse]

Just them first notes are enough for me to like....anything that Justin puts out is amazing....love your content JJ 🤘🏼😈🤘🏼

[@branmar]

Like many others, I was immediately impressed by the amazing technique and perfect polish of his playing. But just as important is his concept, which manages to incorporate a bass line, strumming chords, a melody line and rhythmic accompaniment. A full orchestration on one single instrument played by one exceptional human being.

[@mikefietek5554]

Darn. Good. Guitar. Picker. For sure. Like. To. Try. To. Play some. Bass. To. Some. Of. I'd. Stuff

[@mikefietek5554]

His

[@robertmac8477]

It's hard to put into words, other than to say his playing is absolutely amazing.

[@garylam6233]

Most talented guitar player I’ve ever heard and I’m almost 70 years old And I’ve always appreciated the guitar players input on songs and instrumentals in general . WOW is all I can say Thanks Justin Awesome

[@sneauxman3673]

Obviously you have never listened to SRV

[@garylam6233]

@@sneauxman3673 I have listened to Steve Ray ,Jimmy Hendrix ,Doc Watson ,and Billy . But Justin is different he is a one man show ! And face it you might think chevrolets are the best and I might like European Or Vice versa . No two people have to agree on anything that’s what’s great about America .

[@aleksandrsbaranovs2861]

Отлично! Просто праздник какой-то👍👍👍

[@stevefrickey9409]

You can almost hear the Cuban heeled cowboy boots all slamming onto the whiskey stained bar floorboards in unison, keeping in time with the metronomic rhythms as the sounds of everyone's joy echoes across the plains. Thank you Justin for sharing your musical genius with us all, just one masterpiece after another. Best wishes from Steve in England.

[@terryallen9546]

Had to look up Cuban heels. Pretty cool that The Beatles proudly sported Cuban heels in solidarity with the revolution.

[@marjorieandrzejewski7996]

Hi 👋 @Steve Frickey, did you know that Justin Johnson is now on Patreon where we enjoy Justin's Patreon-only Livestream Concerts and many more perks like song 🎵 requests and so much more including Master Classes and Mp3 downloads just for us. We are proud to be part of the JJ ARMY on Patreon, come join us here's the link and I hope to see you there soon www.patreon.com/justinjohnsonlive

[@stuartdubbs9605]

Might I reccomend writing? Your grammar and descriptions are clever enough to be in a novel.

[@stevefrickey9409]

@@stuartdubbs9605 Thank you for your kind words Stuart. I hope you and your family are all well during the current health crisis. Stay safe my friend. Best wishes, Steve.

[@stevefrickey9409]

@@marjorieandrzejewski7996 Hi Marjorie, thank you for your message. I have recently been thinking about joining the JJ army on Patreon, I only delayed my joining as I am between phones and I would want all downloads to go straight to the new one. I am not very tech savvy so what to avoid transferring all downloads to a new phone. I love the styles and skill of Justin and have all 11 of his released CD's (2 signed), and his 6 tutorial DVD's. I look forward to joining his Patreon army and to make more friends along the way. I hope you and your family are all well during the current health crisis. Stay safe my friend. Steve from England xxx. By the way, I like your pic, you are very beautiful.

[@CarolAnnHenderson]

I love how you take full advantage of this string by improvising with it as a percussion instrument as well. Most enjoyable. Makes for good clogging music too. Thank you!

[@northcountry76]

It all starts with maintaining the groove! Where it goes from there is pure gold!

[@elizabethreed2090]

MAKES MY PANTS WANNA GET UP N DANCE ✌🧡🙏

[@shopwookie]

HA! Awesome comment

[@AgTigress]

That's the title of an old Dr. Hook song from the 1970s - but yes, it's a great title anyway!

[@SkunkPunch73]

Ohh hell yes!! Slap that depression right out of my brain Dr Johnson!! You absolutely beautiful piece humanity!!! Stay safe and healthy brother much love from the darkness of this deeply depressed mind to that beautiful light you shine out so bright 👏🏼👏🏼😘👍🏼

[@jerrylanglois7892]

Been watching fingerstylist for 60 yrs. -- Best right hand finger rolls I've ever seen !

[@thehouseofronin9209]

Now thats a lively tune! You always make the most incredible music JJ!

[@theravenisblack53]

And that is passion....recently discovered you, Justin - I love what you do & listening to/watching you play feeds my soul.

[@LEWITT-audio]

Every time we return here to listen to a new song you're giving us goosebumps! Justin, you rock! Keep the great music coming!

[@greglavine4035]

What a dazzling Star...has his own niche .own agenda and market..what a joy to listen too...in the moment of the moment styling style...this is a set apart Artist

[@hurryhomehoney]

This guy's got rythm! Insane! I'd love to be able to play like that. Chapeau

[@sue-n-bobbybates5120]

Baby steps will get ya there.

[@ConwayBob]

Whoa, Justin, you make that Aussie guitar sing! This is one of your best videos to date. Thanks for sharing.

[@waylingtons]

Can’t get enough of your work man. It’s my go to listen while I’m working. Respect from the U.K.

[@HenriqueCSJ]

All my life I have this love for the blues and of course I have seen my fair share of great guitarists. But you, Justin, is the most talented in my book. Not only a guitar virtuoso but also extremely creative.

[@sylviepoudrette3683]

Thank you Justin Johnson for your genius and motivating me to keep practising fingerpicking every day!

[@88bitcube50]

"OLD SCHOOL BLUES Like You’ve Never Heard", he didn't lie once. Sir you killed the intro. 0:00 You are awesome man

[@donaldanderson8216]

good sothin blues

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I went ahead and liked it before I hit play. I knew he would bring the magic….🐝❤️🤗

[@frankyule4592]

Every time I think of modern blues is all electric guitar boring hype , I listen to Justin and faith is restored to how modern blues should be played How modern blues can be played I thank you from my soul and heart ..........

[@cloisterene]

We appreciate so much, you keeping this music alive.

[@jewelrybag4557]

i'm legit too scared to ask for tabs... WTFFFFF

[@10000Rachel]

Wow! I'm impressed with this style of play. Freaking AWESOME!!!

[@brianfurry9542]

This song makes me happy!!! Ya can't help to stomp your feet to it. Once again Justin never ceases to amaze!! Thanks for sharing

[@piraterc1213]

Flows like water out your fingers. I was along for the ride not care in the world about your destination. What a ride👍

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

I love this to pieces! You really can make any guitar sing! 🤘🎸

[@lauramcdaniel5844]

Sitting here enjoying the Texas Hill Country morning and this just tops it off beautifully

[@jonascahonas4323]

Thank god we still have people like you being created!

[@fireinsoul8904]

WOW incredible!! Only Justin Johnson could play such a masterpiece🎸

[@curb_cortain]

Justin "jesus of blues" Johnson, you were that one person that got me totally into blues and fingerstyle. 👍👍

[@WobblingHobGoblin]

Beautiful as always. I would call this song "Bacon and scrambled eggs", because its delicious!

[@simonbattle0001]

And he did it without a net. Great job Justin Johnson and thanks.

[@3-2-1-.]

I can feel the train rolling on down the tracks. Awesome!

[@pho-kingsoup8126]

I threw my pick away about 4 years ago. I'm about 1% there after watching this.

[@sbw1794]

Head bopping, toe tapping smiling as I go!!!!! Thank you again for great vibes Justin!!!!!! 😎🍻🤘

[@MsWhitestriper]

Could listen to this forever!!

[@RagtimeAnnie]

Love your music - From this here, to the shovel slide, to all the rest - rooted in the "old style", but NOT "bound" to it ... Excellent.

[@rickoliver2059]

Belissimo El Maestro ! " Ode to the Masters " and delivered by yours truly , as only befitting by you only . Cheers from NZ mate .

[@simonfromquebec2320]

Listening a lot your stuff , especially in my truck, and I love this one a lot! Thanks man for all the miles under the hood!✌

[@karlokomusanac8912]

Who would actually give this a thumbs down ! the man plays from the soul 🙌🍻

[@brianthomas6005]

Unmatched genius for a specific talent & skill displayed by Justin.

[@melbslaying5355]

The intro😍😍😍😍

[@AussieLis3]

Phenomenal! Oooof! 😍👍 Love the rhythm 🤎

[@christophermartineau9700]

Always makes me smile. Getting all sides from the mean one.

[@harveyhensley875]

Gooood Gawd! So many of us need this in these times.

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

I’d call it .”Tryin’ to hop a Train” … because it feels like when I used to hop freight trains.. had to be fast on your feet.. missed a lot.. timing was everything.. and whether you caught it or not, that rhythm just kept going..

[@jo-anner4497]

Keep On

[@jackerickson2184]

Holy cow man. I used to hop too. West Georgia just outside of Atlanta

[@Dolenin]

Спасибо за отличную музыку! У меня душа отдыхает при звучании гитары в руках этого человека.

[@user-tk8ef1uw5n]

У меня тоже !!!

[@blakmajk3512]

You’re the man, JJ! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Slash1066]

Unlike anything else I have heard, utterly amazing!

[@bigmike9558]

Man this guy has some chops! I love how everything he plays just grooves

[@SpaceLord1965]

Justin, knowing your affinity for whiskey and the feel of the tune, I'd call it, "Revenuer Blues"!

[@jo-anner4497]

Keep On

[@greglogan7706]

Awesome! What a gift to be able to see this

[@Lestowash]

Well-lubed slick. Comfort and ease in doing whatever the moment calls for. Proof sonic that you do NOT need wheels to roll down that road...

[@codoguitar]

Awesome!!! I see a lot of people on KZbin playing guitar and for me, you are the best one, congratulations!!!!

[@robertocatenuto6020]

SUPERB BLUES!

[@argirisaimar]

I said too myself that I will go to sleep when I hear something out of this man that I don't like. Haven't slept since. It's been years. Have mercy Justin. I need sleep!

[@okiedokie99]

Dang man, you're hands down my favorite blues guitarist. This piece combines things from all my faves...SRV speed, rl Burnside style, jj cale smoothness and still completely your own sound. Fu king amazing! 👏

[@Danzaxe69]

Love me some RL Burnside!

[@jimsherlock6015]

Crazy fingerstyle.... and that Maton is stunning in both looks and sound!!!

[@pano-rific8838]

Justin, Keep'n the Blues alive - Your a National Treasure. I just can't say it enough. Thank you. ~ your neighbor.

[@rzambory2938]

What a great gift 🎁 TY !!

[@dude4454]

Tennessee Train Sounds amazing dude loving the work you put out. Been looking for this style for a long time.

[@Ans12237]

Damn yes Tabs please. That's gotta be the coolest song I've heard in a while!

[@peterking1270]

Not just the exquisite playing but always color coded with either the guitar or the background .

[@wanderingon2wheels177]

Keeping the music alive through love. Well done!

[@donaldinnewmexico]

Thanks, Justin. I like your Buffalo Nickel ring. I'm as big a Buffalo Nickel fan as I am a Justin Johnson fan. I'm a coin collector and the Buffalo Nickel is my all-time fav design. I admire your artistry.

[@valentinamoraes7980]

Sensacionallll!!!!😍🎼🎵🎶

[@angelsdemons4113]

Holy Jesus. There arent enough positive words in the english language to properly praise this level of skill.

[@vehdynam]

Rolls right along , and pulls into the station masterfully. thank you

[@misterflibble6601]

I take it all Justin's guitars are fireproof

[@willcresson8776]

Being from the Appalachian foothills I was expecting something a little different when I saw claw hammer, but this is an awesome and interesting hybridization of techniques!

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Yeah back before earl put the index finger into the banjo roll.

[@cleanslate2004]

He's right up there with Tommie Emmanuel . Love the Claw Hammer Hammer Blues.

[@unore2896]

Dear Justin, you got a gift. Bless you...

[@darrylteneti9596]

Awesome playing mate so glad you're playing a Maton and making it sound so effortlessly good ,a musician and his tools working in harmony...well wishes from Queensland, Australia

[@Bill_Jones.]

I’d love to watch Justin and Tommy Emmanuel sit down and jam together.