Play Like: John Mayer | Slapping thumb technique

[@mathewwade4619]

I've been a classical guitarist for about 15 years and recently started playing fingerstyle as well for something more fun and chill than the sometimes rigid technicality of classical music. I heard this technique (and many others I hadn't tried before) and was really confused for the last week trying to figure out how to do this. Then I watched this video and got it down first try with your style! Thanks so much! You have a great ability to teach all levels my friend!

[@jrodri.121]

Thank you so much! I'm a 13 year old and have only been playing guitar for about eight months and I can now finally play Stop This Train after practicing this technique vigorously.

[@RamdanRandom]

niceee

[@raymondwilliams4346]

Well done! Keep up the good work!

[@arnav5680]

Amazing brother now you must be able to play neon

[@jackcattaneo3285]

no shot this is so hard man

[@eilonbengil6010]

Update?

[@BenK.]

2:38 There you go. Thats the most important thing. Practice it slowly and again and again and again. When I learned this it was so hard me. It´s really not easy to slap and flick simultaneously in the beginning but eventually your fingers get the hang of it. The notes of these songs are not essentially that difficult but the technique really makes it interesting and driven. Learn it and have fun!

[@ritikfutela6853]

You should start to teach fingerstyle arrangements, you seems to be an amazing teacher. BTW amazing video. A big thumbs up.

[@bryansnichole3979]

I agree dude he is the epic teacher i've never seen before

[@kwakut8365]

Pardon the pun 😉😂

[@andyvillaveces477]

I guess you could say that this video slaps!

[@farithrosh]

E

[@leandrobauch1187]

Buy his guitar course. It’s really good. I got much better during the pandemic with it.

[@mohnarooprajkumar2267]

Watching this lying on the bed , hoping that I'll be able to play after watching the video

[@yungbape7194]

lol it’s shit like this that’s too accurate that gets me to questioning my existence

[@AmazeballFacts.]

@@yungbape7194 same

[@Atharva-kd1gf]

Narutòooooooo.

[@Ankit92726]

Exactly 😂😂

[@vincentreyes6154]

Me exactly. Though I already got my own technique based off of John Mayer. I just watch this because I love Paul's tutorials. And with videos like Paul's, you can still learn something new.

[@DevinWasLikeYo]

Every video you upload is amazing.

[@ereskoag]

Paul, прекрасный педагог. Молодец +

[@anthonypolizze4059]

The details in your teaching is absolutely spot on. I have been playing for over 20 years and recently started finger style playing with actual structure which really makes a difference. Seems I was faking it all along, although I have developed my own style along the way. Keep up the great work and your playing is an inspiration! Much appreciated

[@justabeginning3796]

Even you don’t “actually” learning what is being taught but It feel so amazing to hear John Mayer’s riffs somebody teaching you. I solute you Sir John Mayer.

[@ZAUCEi]

I dunno how i got here I don't even have a guitar

[@nehefatou4230]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 just remain here. One day u might have a guitar

[@ericcen2731]

Go and get one, bro. You are gonna love it.

[@soundofbeers]

And, did you already get one?

[@charlesmagno28]

get a cheap guitar and learn "your body is a wonderland" i believe thats the easiest JM, in my experience the rest are challenging, lol

[@markus-hermannkoch1740]

Sounds like destiny to me. You've been called, man.

[@sandrashermanjazz]

I am a certified guitar teacher and professional guitarist. This is the best lessons I've seen on KZbin so far regarding this technique!

[@Cristian-ft7pw]

You made me smile with that "Here's my tuning" joke. That's why I like your videos. They are more than music. Thanks :)

[@olep.4156]

I was looking at tabs and live videos trying to figure it out...nope....and you just explained it. Like that. In. Out. 1. 2. One of those moments where you both feel stupid and being given the key to the kingdom. THANK YOU!

[@jfranciskay]

Just started to learn this song and found this. This lesson is so good. Focuses on just what it should...the hard part. And so clear and detailed explanation. Thanks Paul!

[@whatevereyewant]

I love this technique. Took a long time back when I learned it. For the most part, I don't use my ring finger or middle, but after I "flick" with my pointer I almost do a tiny one sting sweep to the next note so I can up stroke it with my pointer. Essentially you use a "claw". I think this is the way John actually plays some of the more basic slap and flick songs like heart of life which is a good starting point for this technique.

[@saadaax7381]

I'm in love with this pattern 😍 No matter what I play... It sounds more beautiful with this pattern.... Thanks to you davids!!!

[@rev2505]

Finally a video that teaches how to slap and strum a string at the same time. Not exactly what I was looking for but I can finally play a certain song I've almost given up on because some parts require a slap and a pluck at the same time! Who would've known it was called John Mayer slapping thumb technique. I just kept googling "how to slap and strum at the same time" and could never find what I was looking for.

[@geokar16]

You sir are a great teacher... Calm, relaxed and providing good examples while executing the technique in many different speeds. You've just earned a new sub!

[@greenodark]

Having tried to learn this technique for a while, and of course tried other tutorials, this one is undoubtedly the most in-depth and precise one. I know how I'm spending my weekend now - thanks!

[@koysensei4424]

Finally mastered this thumb slap thing after 3 weeks.

[@infraredplayer]

Did it really take that long I can never seem to slap that hard always get a buzzing noise when I do it or its barely audible

[@JordyDeLang]

@@infraredplayer I'm having the same problem, I can hit the notes with my index but then I can't slap so hard, when I try to slap harder, I miss with my index because it kinda curls upwards.

[@clayboi7]

Finally someone who explains it in a way I can understand - thank you!

[@serleth]

Just started trying to do this today, hardest part I'm finding is getting the right tension in the index finger during the twist. Too soft and I don't get any follow through on the hook; too hard, and I hit the string below without wanting to. Also struggling getting a good consistent slap sound. Thumb on its own, no problem. Index on its own, no problem. Combining the two: yikes.

[@jeffreyblue627]

I'm with you. Thumb slap is easy and index flick is easy in itself. I'm so used to using my thumb and index finger together like a pick that after hours of frustration I learned to play "Who Says" with the thumb slap only. Once I mastered the thumb slap it was relatively easy to add the index flick.

[@lepanzon]

I am having this same problem. I can do the thumb slap on its own and been doing it for years now, but just recently I've been trying to do what Mayer does because the dynamics sounds amazing, but my gosh it's difficult.

[@tsownah5556]

Same here dudes...hitting a string downwards with the nail of my index finger feels totally wrong. Gonna take time to get a clean and precise note that way. Amazing video though

[@kalyansingh6243]

Is it OK to get this in one go

[@silentgames1642]

I'm so frustrated trying to do this.

[@gziazias]

you are an absolute genius and the way you explain and demonstrate is unreal

[@Browithabow]

So strange, I was literally studying this technique all day on my day off from work and now this video , haha it must be fate , watch out for continuum 2 guys 😁

[@pmross3092]

Excellent lesson. Been trying to learn thumb slap for a while and keep hurting my index finger, had the wrong angle. Slow mo demo helps a lot. Sometimes expert guitarists forget the very basic details of how they learned. Will be back at it today and gonna get this down.

[@TheOfficialMirza]

Can you do a video on harmony? I never attended musical school, I really want to understand the theory so I can play/learn songs by ear more easier.

[@rmcfarland1743]

Mirza U. Yes!!!! Me too

[@BenK.]

If you want to learn songs by ear easier, learn the chords of every key(or the (most popular keys like A,G,C,D,E,B,F) and then you just have to trial and error. Use your ear and you will get better at hearing stuff.

[@upplsuckimcool16]

if you want good info on harmony look up jacob Collier..... however just talking about it or watching a few vids won't get you to understand it in any practical way I don't think.........

[@soundofbeers]

Hi, I hope you've improved regarding figuring out songs. Another thing that always helps me out a ton is watching live performances, so that you know where about the guitarist is playing, or how his hand is positioned.

[@brindaislive]

Mee too!

[@Sloan_Alone]

I've been trying to figure this out forever! All the other videos on it didn't really help me, but this one did! Thanks a ton

[@tadejsusta]

For a very long time I had difficulty to synchonize to do a slap with the thumb and to flick with the index finger at the same time. What helped me to make this technique work is, to first focus only on slapping with the thumb. What I have noticed is, that once the slap was strong and consistent, the flickering with the index finger came along naturally. I still haven't "master" it completely, but it's a progress :)

[@jeffreyblue627]

Exactly👍

[@nehefatou4230]

I wonder whether I can ever make it!!! though!!!!!

[@caymansellers8744]

This video was honestly a revelation to me, been doing percussion slaps wrong all this time

[@pierre9831]

Imma have to practice 40h hours a day ling ling to get that pattern down .. Thanks for the tutorial !

[@jellyfishguitar4163]

TwosetGuitar :0

[@lhugenmickaelquicho7995]

40 hours a day?

[@jellyfishguitar4163]

@@lhugenmickaelquicho7995 ye

[@alexrossi5227]

Just 40h a day? Those are my off-days....

[@manelmij]

I see you know the great Ling Ling 😎

[@tuanphongnguyenphuoc2478]

I've watched Paul for 4 years of my guitar ongoing. With many videos come to many things in the first two years. Then i left this channel for soaring the sky of musi . One year, many wonderful things, so do failed periods of time. Àn now, back to this year, Paul is like a father to music, cozily teach me, again, like a warm-hearted farther piggyback the childish big boy. Love and thanks, appreciate you so much Paul Davis 🤟🌟.

[@triptijaiswal5382]

I didn't knew what this was called so I searched how to beat guitar😂

[@darklordbacon3894]

Lmao it's okay I put "smack guitar"

[@SAZIZMUSIC]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SAZIZMUSIC]

All these techniques are from Great Guitarist 'Kotaro Oshio' and the technique is called 'Nail attack'

[@rrycian]

i searched "how to chuck single guitar string"

[@themodestai9603]

PERCUSSION

[@69kpm]

You must be the most knowledgeable teacher and artist we have on KZbin. I saw John playing like that but I did not even know it had a name till now. Thank you!

[@justinchoijcjc]

guys when you practice it try your slap very hard and force yourself to slap everytime. exaggerate the slap makes the whole technique easier when you practice it.

[@wallonmcwoolworth819]

Thanks for the tip, will try it

[@zotezproductions352]

Same

[@sealy999]

My slap is not noticeable unless I slap on the E string or if I slap really hard but that just sounds messy what can I do?

[@soheilkavandi643]

@@sealy999 same problem here

[@jaym8808]

@@sealy999 I can't tell precisely where he hits it but personally I make my thumb relatively straight except I curve the tip upwards to give me more stability then slap with the bone on the left side of your thumb. Try not to exaggerate the slap too much because it'll cause you to slap the wrong string or hit a string you didn't mean to.

[@gargudon8720]

Paul, this video helped me understand a technique that otherwise seemed impossible in about 2 minutes! I had seen other videos trying to explain it, but they didn't do it that well. Then you explain it like 1, 2, 3, and suddenly I can play using this just like I can play a G chord. Another reason why you're one of the best guitar instructors / players on KZbin; keep it up! 🎸😎

[@HugoStreamLaGuitare]

Very good tutorial !! and since I'm teaching those songs to my students, I'll be very happy to share it with them. ;-) I'm always sharing your vids with my students because they are very accurate and very well explained. Congrats ! Only one little thing I'd like to mention is that I'm pretty sure that John Mayer is only using his thumb + index finger to play that technique. I've been watching so many videos to write the tabs with accuracy that I'm almost certain of it. But it doesn't really matter and I'm always telling my students that you can use two or three fingers to play it, it has to be confortable, it's the priority. ;-) thanks again for your great videos !!

[@PaulDavids]

+Les Cours de Guitare Moderne - Hugo Martin Thank you, seriously appreciate it! I think you may be right about him using only his index finger, but I think this technique is more versatile when also using the middle and even the ring finger at some accessions :) Cheers!

[@HugoStreamLaGuitare]

thanks for replying ! And you're very right, you can pretty much anything you want. ;-)

[@lukerosow7801]

I've been looking for this video for 15 years.

[@joe1057]

QUICK TIP: this literally was the make or break of me getting the technique down - when you hit the string with your pointer finger, make sure that it clears away from the strings (don't follow through with the finger and let it sit on the next string)

[@allanredflame1761]

Wow, that makes it so much easier

[@csabaladanyi2334]

Thank you, helps a lot!

[@CarlJohnson-ff6yb]

what i dont get it ie been struggling with this

[@kokujin3349]

@@csabaladanyi2334 what does he mean by clearing away from the strings?

[@csabaladanyi2334]

@@kokujin3349 Like you shouldn't keep your finger there nor rest it on the next string, but once you've hit it try to move it away from the strings just a bit, so it won't touch the next one

[@sharismad]

You are an amazing teacher. Thanks man! I learnt the technique in 3 days of hardwork.

[@MDGScape]

i wish this came out like a month ago, learned these songs and this technique by trial and error haha. Nice to confirm that I didn't screw it up with this lesson though, so thanks as always my friend, keep the videos coming!

[@katiamitra6379]

I love how you show it slowed down and explain common mistakes. Awesome video!

[@warungna]

I came here recommended by vvxoFingerstyleTab:)

[@kagura5472]

Same here

[@jacedubin8623]

Yup tryna learn AOT opening

[@felipelotas5609]

Amazing technique and MUCH MUCH better lesson about it. Your teaching skills are superb. Thanks from Spain. I went through a little hell with your Travis lesson. It took me months to learn it, and still improving...What I´ve noticed is that after that learning battle this new scenario is hitting much less harder in my synapses. This is going to stay with me forever. Thanks Paul!!!

[@MelwinGeez]

Haha, my gawd...I just got: *Who Says - John Mayer* yesterday as a guitar lesson by my guitar teacher and now, this video suddenly pops up in my *Recommended.* Haha, what are the chances ^^

[@italovidigal1990]

Your phone is aways listening

[@paul9570]

I'd love to ask all the people who give videos like this a thumbs down... Why? He's taking his time to make a video to teach us something great. Are you jealous or something? Can you do better?

[@Laserborn1995]

Another great video! Can you please do one on how to integrate playing Harmonics into songs. E.G. Like in John Mayers "In Your Atmosphere".

[@donaldfisher8556]

Holy cow! I just did it. I have been able to do the thumb slap and roll but my thumb always came off the D string and didn't stay like yours. Today I got the thumb to hold. I know it my seem silly but this is a good win today. Thank you Paul.

[@achillessproles6364]

I do t understand I am having a hard time getting the note to play with my fingernail and slapping at the same time

[@chrisgennett]

I play like this and I have to say that you explain this, and everything, in probably the most easy to understand, clear, and concise way. kudos mate. Love the videos.

[@zaviercadorin6244]

Wow damn that's difficult

[@wadedeeds1738]

That close up slow is the easiest to understand yet. Thanks.

[@stijnvankuilenburg2545]

Paul can you just make a video of you playing john mayer like things for like 30 minutes non stop... and just say nothing... just play

[@woorf]

Lol!! You almost say like he sounds the best when he doesnt say anything..

[@ihsankov]

i feel u bro

[@janefervillarmente1077]

Davie504 Be Like 😂

[@joannerizkallah176]

please do it

[@poiiiiiiiiiii3049]

It will be the most copyrighted video of all copyrighted videos

[@lowerf0_rtyei8ht92]

I like the way you talk, man. It's awesome. Not in a weird way, your accent is just way cool. Great lesson, thank you for this.

[@ziadali6487]

can u make a one for ed sheeran's finger strumming technique.

[@boop1261]

Ziad Ali lol, ed sheeran seriously isn’t complex technique. just use your ear to match his strumming and palm mutes simultaneously for the most part

[@andycarter6948]

Ed Sheeran virtually uses this same technique, thinking out loud, A team

[@Bruno96279627]

Fuck you

[@Ohmagat69420]

brunim rei da já sabe... what’s the matter ?

[@farithrosh]

Lmao wtf is this comment section

[@sharonzapotocky9973]

Your teaching style is very clear! Thanks

[@omarmartinez4636]

I was waiting for the "wasted" 1:58

[@wadedeeds1738]

All teaching should be in this manner. Thanks again!

[@ChrisGarmon]

This has to be the tenth time I'm coming back to this video. I've given up several times but now I'm finally making progress, so thanks a lot Paul! By the way, is there any particular reason why we should use the index finger for the second slap/flick on the B string? To me it comes much more naturally to use my middle finger there, especially since it plucks the same string again right after the slap/flick

[@cebrinpitts]

Literally took me about 5 minutes, after watching the first couple of minutes. Thanks, bro!

[@jazeistoxic528]

i cant get an actual slap sound when i try on any strings except the 6th and sometimes 5th

[@yeserguitar]

You are the man!

[@bartoszgraek3702]

Can you make a whole video about 'Who says' where you are teaching how to play it? :)

[@MFDOOOOM]

He did

[@tonyleo01]

I think I was struggling until you said it doesn't first have to be precise at 4:40. Then I started to really got it! Thanks you! :)

[@7_muhammadmuharromisusmaya196]

if my guitar actually let me slap the string normally, i *might've* been able to play it, *might*

[@roboud1021]

thanx for pointing out the pain points for this technique. It gives me good base to build up from there! I'm practicing hard already here in Holland.

[@camaples]

I will surpass Mayer soon in skill my skill level is over 9000 already

[@thxvilla]

what a chad

[@SaurabhMehta96]

Been searching for such a tutorial for so long! You end my search right here!

[@UnstopFooL]

"Axeactly" -Paul Davids

[@buckkylem]

Thank you Mr. Davids. Excited to start your courses

[@naviodas]

HOW DO YOU TAP A SinGLE STRING WhiLE PLUCKING ONE String???!!

[@himanshujain136]

Thank you so much for explaining. I've been searching for this technique and found your channel. Thank you.

[@violet-im2vv]

I can't be the only one who's crying, right? RIGHT?

[@anshsharma9406]

NO YOU’RE NOT I KEEP STRUMMING TWO STRINGS WITH THE SLAP INSTEAD OF ONE 😭😭😭 . . . Quick update, I learnt it successfully by the next day XD

[@hatdoghatdog1570]

i keep coming back to this vid for the past 2 years and i still don't get it

[@mciro]

as usual, so good so clear. Thanks Paul

[@Joseph-xs2mo]

You’re like Dave504 but..... A guitarist

[@CountDain7]

So SLAP like now!

[@riccardocaniato]

awesome...!!! best and clearest video on technique

[@artyom6230]

You look like olofmeister

[@shredark7192]

I'm so fnatic over your guitar skills😍

[@toofattoskate1]

Very good Paul, you got right to the heart of the issue and made it simple. thank you

[@pichi2491]

Actually, I believe John only uses his middle finger to play the whole thing

[@stevecabs8941]

I’m pretty sure for stop this train he uses thumb and index finger only

[@joshwill7504]

I think he mostly uses his index finger tho...nvr rlly see him use his middle finger

[@anthonynguyen2127]

Finally a video that explains the concept! Godsend!

[@ruubpower]

Mayer only uses his thumb and index finger when he plays like this though

[@adamp6905]

Ruben1805 no he doesn't. Go watch his Live in Nokia Version of the song. Uses index, middle, and ring just like in this video

[@ruubpower]

Adam P in the LA version he plays the D string with his thumb and the B string with his indexfinger. In the chorus he also only uses his thumb to play the E string and his index for the B and high E string. In this video he uses his midde finger but mayer actually doesn't do this.

[@DevoShreds]

You're arguing semantics, there's no real reason why he would use his index on both the B and E string, it was most likely an error in the heat of the session and he adapted quickly to fix his right hand positioning. With perfect technique, you would play it as was demonstrated in this video for the most logical and economic finger positions

[@kleiving]

This might be true, but Mayer still plays with only his thumb and index. Not only on Stop this train, but a lot of other songs aswell. Neon, Queen of California, Shadow Days (live vevo version), Heart of Life and Who says, to name a few.

[@PingPong500012]

Absolutely correct dude ! John uses thumb and index only . It’s not his only technique but songs like who says is done with two fingers only

[@santtanaorem242]

Above the amazing lessons Ur video n audio quality is wonderful

[@gefen314]

Thank you so much first video that actually managed to explain the technique in a simple way Got it after a few tries Great teacher

[@fmarolia]

Thank you. That was brilliantly explained. ❤

[@WashedKingJos]

You're a great guitarist. I'm happy someone is finally giving John some of the recognition he deserves as a great musician.

[@jaboxjr1]

Great video! Giving the detailed technique is invaluable

[@IndiaHeathIRL]

I've seen there's a channel here with an entire series of videos that are all 30+ minutes long dedicated to teaching songs with this thumb slap technique and initially I thought, wow that's amazing, but honestly they're just way too long than they need to be. Going over each individual note can sometimes be useful but only up to a certain point. This video demonstrates the technique and, like what was said, the only way to learn it is it do it over and over. A 30 minute tutorial isn't going to give some magic method. So thanks for the concise and informative video here.

[@mountain_girl]

Thank you for this...I have developed a sort of percussive string hit thing over the years, but this has allowed me to explore reigning that process in and allowing for a new technique where one can hit single notes in a percussive way, sort of like old clawhammer style....which now makes me want to go look up some old clawhammer style guitar songs (or banjo songs to transpose). This kind of thing is pretty life changing, realizing the potential in this exercise...have been practicing that technique now as I run scales....using one entire licks, using on the electric, just super fun and interesting, and rut-breaking stuff. Stuff I need nowadays. Thanks Again from Rhode Island, US.

[@Steinbock1967]

Erg fijn. Prettig om naar je te luisteren. Duidelijk en vooral rustig... Je bent een excellente didact.

[@lundamark]

Great lesson. I've learned by learning songs I wanted to play. Which is fine until I learn a song that is close to what I already know (progressions, patterns etc) then I get lazy and half-learn the song. This tutorial and technique has forced me to learn the way I should have been all along - do it correctly as slowly as needs be, get it right then slowly build up until it's solid. Hardly ground-breaking but it's bumped me out of a plateau so thanks a million.

[@SuperGroat]

thank you very much this technique confused me a lot and after this video i'm starting to get it right at slow tempos

[@otis7778]

hi. you are a very good teacher. also for begimmers. aaand you show us a lot of different style. all of them, well done. great. thanks for this and the time you spend to do this. for poor people like me. who can not pay a teacher. greats and respect from germany

[@berangercassard8829]

Thanks, i've been searching for hours on YT to get finallay an explanation. cheers

[@JanyM7]

I watched your channel for 4 hours today and I can’t stop :-)

[@KnowThyself619]

The best guitar tutorial right here!!

[@husbandfishable]

The best teaching! Thank you!

[@zachneal312]

Wow happy I found this video while looking through your collection. I’ve recently bought a John Mayer song book and was really struggling to thumb slap and “flick” my index as per the song books directions. This video is great!

[@amrmohamed3546]

Hey Paul, i just realized that i've been around ever since that a minor backing track you uploaded 4 years ago. I've been using it since you uploaded. It's my favourite backing track ever and i didn't even realize it was you! Thank you for all the great content!!

[@LemsLocker]

bro thank you so much for explaining it so clearly

[@alwaysoneviewbeautiful123]

Best video I ever found

[@mikaelericsson1786]

Your videos are great, please keep them coming!

[@miamiuke]

Paul. Amazing help to me with this video. Thanks for posting! This is the secret recipe!