The John Mayer Song Nobody Can Play

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0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - The song
2:12 - The John Mayer 'Bounce'
3:48 - Riff breakdown
6:57 - The honest truth
7:40 - Final results

[@JamieHarrisonGuitar]

Thanks for the shoutout bro! Glad you enjoyed the video! And if you ever change your mind, there’s always room for you at the nerds table! 😜

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

Hey guys it’s the KZbin Mayer guitar guru, you’re a legend bro

[@thatmarketingshow]

Jamie, you're freakishly talented and officially the man.

[@minisurfbanana]

Jaime is amazing!!!

[@7uniorpenaloZa222]

Dude your rock hard dude 🤙

[@SatanClaus69]

I actually learnt it from your video, Jamie. Thanks for the great stuff!

[@aniruddhuniyal4551]

After years of practice I can finally play the live version. I can finally do the part where he says good evening.

[@torduc22]

few more years and you'll get the "thank you, and good evening!.....thank you very much" part at the end too.

[@notthatguy-ug6th]

Well done

[@wizardfox5794]

Aniruddh Uniyal stealing a comment, good for you

[@Jflo8803]

Hahahahahahahahahaha

[@josh18230]

You didn't even set up this joke right and idiot still up vote.

[@ziggy4465]

John Mayer is one of those artist that makes difficult look easy…until you try it. His motions are very fluid, but at the same time he’ll pull off a hard stop when needed. Amazing player.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Dude I recently started making youtube "shorts" and have done several of his songs because I've played them for years anyway. So a subscriber asked me if I could play the solo to Slow Dancing In A Burning Room and I told him for sure and it was one of my favorite solos to play actually. So I set down to record it and I have literally played that solo for years and years but when I started trying to capture the "nuances" on my recording I wound up wanting to pull my hair out! LOL!!! I put it up and the subscriber liked it but man I was irritated with the process of feeling like I couldn't "record" it but could easily "play" it.

[@CreekyGuy]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 - Kinda like not liking the recorded sound of your own voice, when most people do like it?

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@CreekyGuy Yeah it honestly really is like that! I just hear every little nuance that I'M sure I can do better at but my channel has grown pretty well and I'm up to like 336 Subs or so in basically a little over a month and have really only gotten probably less than 10 negative comments and the vast majority has been overwhelmingly positive. The funny thing is though that those that are critical would be shocked to learn I'm even more critical of myself than they are! LOL!

[@jj7546]

He’s not that good

[@dav1320]

@@jj7546 I'd understand not liking him as a person, but thinking he's not that good is just bs

[@peterkovic2241]

Insane how John write this song when he was, what, like twenty years old? Dude’s a genius.

[@jj7546]

Only his weird guitar cult likes this song

[@rurichan6455]

Only those who understand the technicalities of Neon appreciates this.... And a ton of girls during the early 2000s..m

[@Kn0s]

Think there was some other dude in the mix for this one if I remember correctly. Someone from Berkeley maybe.

[@hienlethai3979]

@@jj7546 guitar players like this song, regardless they like John or not. And I can tell you have never picked up a guitar

[@matrix88_]

you have never picked up a guitar...@@jj7546

[@Gray_Vox]

Literally how in the name of God did John create this riff at 21 YEARS OLD???

[@Nopski_]

then singing along with it lol

[@sujalgautam9761]

​@@Nopski_ singing along with neon isn't hard at all. Edge of desire and belief is more of a challenge. For neon u gotta get the riff down tho

[@masxn_t2276]

@@sujalgautam9761 edge of desire is easy compared to belief imo

[@Nopski_]

@@sujalgautam9761 would like for you to upload of playing it and singing

[@sujalgautam9761]

@@Nopski_ drop your email or something, ill send my vid to you

[@lobosolo7675]

Every bassist who mastered the double thump technique is probably very happy that they could probably transfer that skill to this song

[@YA.n.AMusic]

Yeah, I'm a bass player, and it took me about 3 days to be able to play Neon in the original tempo with the original technique.

[@jwuonog]

I was gonna say, it seems very much like a bass technique

[@thebostonkid]

This video came at the exact right time. I´m currently trying to learn the intro riff of Periphery´s "Wax Wings" and your sentence "You loosen up when you get comfortable with something, you tighten up when you learn something new" really motivated me to continue practicing.

[@finnvanderbar3935]

Love that riff, just finished learning it slow myself, the speed and the articulation is crazy

[@thebostonkid]

@@finnvanderbar3935 i agree, the speed is deadly. I know Mark Holcomb doesn't play the riff with hybrid picking, but as my alternate picking isn't fast enough, I played the riff with hybrid picking right from the start and I think, it makes the riff a little bit easier (at least for me). Got up to 170 bpm recently.

[@janickbergeron9129]

I'm stuck listening to this album in repeat, I'll prolly tackle Zagreus first :)

[@tosh96]

There is something special about seeing a skilled guitarist open up about a riff they struggle with and cover what they did to work through getting better. Watching countless KZbin videos where all you see are guitarists just shredding it, can be really demoralising for a student. This made me very happy, thank you for sharing. 🤘🏼🎸

[@georget1997]

Tyler : makes video explaining why he has only one acoustic guitar Also Tyler: makes a video with a new acoustic guitar

[@MusicisWin]

“Life, uh, finds a way.” -Dr. Ian Malcolm

[@samharvey1466]

@@MusicisWin I have the same exact GS Mini! Picked it up at the local shoppe and immediately had to buy it. Feels like cheating for these big chords though 😅

[@EwetoobSucks]

​@@MusicisWin It has been 5 years or so since Britteny got the Fender Squire Bullet Telecaster. You said that you would show an update when she was shredding like Steve Vai (heh heh). So, What Happened ?!?

[@TheMobileGuitarist]

I can’t remember the quote exactly but John said something along the lines of “your unique sound comes from trying to emulate your heroes and failing at it”

[@robertforgaci9427]

literally all the greats say this! i've read Carlos Santana and BB King's biographies and they both said exactly what you said! so damn true

[@DWlsh43]

@@robertforgaci9427 One of johns heroes is stevey ray vaughn who got his inspiration from BB king I believe so that's awesome

[@justinesneddongutierrez5243]

Try following after THE Master, The Lord Jesus Christ (read the New Testament to find out how Paul and the disciples did so). The King James Holy Bible are the pure words of God.

[@pabloacuna88]

People focus too much in learning the right notes but what makes this riff great is the groove and the percussive feeling.

[@KryptonixX]

I remmeber learning it and the thumb and slapping technique has to be learned before the song can even be properly attempted

[@thelucidator6439]

Heard John perform this song live in Pittsburgh last weekend and it was stunning, I wont forget the goosebumps it brought.

[@Btn1136]

I remember in 2004 spending about a week straight in my dorm learning how to play neon until I would never forget. Was very rewarding to master.

[@dareelantonio.3056]

Same it’s just second nature at this point plus his thumb technique improved my playing by adding percussion

[@garrusftw7322]

How did you find out what chords/notes were needed?

[@carlyt8music]

Your comment is literally me right now. Currently sitting in my dorm room and trying to master this song

[@BenAck912]

"Songs are like stories and stories are like songs." - John Mayer.

[@saudude2174]

"Jesus is on my cheese sandwich." - Sun Tzu, art of war.

[@JerryLeeHowell2]

Soooo....nothing. Classic John "I'm Deep" Mayer.

[@216trixie]

Walking is like running and running is like walking.

[@xamislimelight8965]

This statement means absolutely nothing, you know that right?

[@profound369]

It's from impractical jokers. Thats the joke, that it means nothing

[@Random_dudebro]

I learnt the neon riff from Jamie’s course after many failed solo attempts and I can now play it as an A- student. I have continued to use johns bounce/slap techniques constantly in my everyday playing and it’s extremely useful for keeping time and for adding a new dimension to your overall musicality. I recommend every guitarist use Jamie’s neon course

[@buddyrye9190]

This channel brings me pure joy. I feel like Music Is Win gets me.

[@DaveSwart]

This song literally almost broke me. Broke my spirit. I thought I was good. Not great. Good. Good enough to learn almost anything with enough time. Then Neon. It took me about a year to confidently say I got it. I just DO NOT have the anatomy to use my thumb for the low-E on the last chord of the riff - I had to come to terms with that. Use my pinky. Yes - exactly as you explain it at 6:20. Now I’m in love with this tune and love messing around with alternate intros. Lot of space to mess around.

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

As great a guitarist you are; you are a superb vlogger! You're a natural actor and you always make life bearable with your engaging videos! God bless you Sir!

[@Telecasterland]

This is so good. The pure love and joy of playing seeps through in joyous love.

[@jimmc2990]

Great video, love your love for the instrument, sense of humor and making trying to learn this actually fun. Thanks!!

[@leonkheric]

I'm learning this riff. My main instrument is the bass, so the bounce was actually pretty intuitive for me. For anyone having a hard time with this song, check out some slap bass exercises, maybe some songs by Flea and practice them on the guitar. This makes the song way easier if you master the tecniques.

[@vwdiver512]

I enjoyed seeing your progress with the riff starting from the beginning, and then working your way towards more perfecting the performance of it. I think, towards the end of the video your performance was a lot more rigid, and really could benefit from relaxing a bit when you play, and being a little bit more behind the beat. This will give you more of that “head bopping” feel that this song definitely needs.

[@djnfernu5284]

Watched your old video about it years ago,took it as a challenge, now I can play and sing it as well. I love you

[@drewb9995]

Yessss. 10 years ago in college I literally just made myself play the bass notes through the progression in time and it was the breakthrough moment for me too

[@ethannavarro943]

that video is what introduced me to john mayer. that video changed my life. not in a hyperbole way. it truly changed my life. thank you tyler. you introduced me to my favorite musician, which brought me closer to my guitar, to music, songwriting, and arguably every relationship i have todsy

[@pickloy8045]

Dude, video was posted 17 minutes ago

[@ethannavarro943]

@@pickloy8045 the first one…

[@ethannavarro943]

@@pickloy8045 but this takes the cake for the funniest response i’ve ever seen

[@RealMikeTyson]

My bro has been practicing neon for 5years or so and plays and sings it fantastically, but says it is THE hardest song he has ever learned.

[@lhdps]

I'm so good i mastered the first and final parts of this riff in seconds after I watched "Live in L.A.". I can now pick up and put down the guitar exactly like he does in the concert😊

[@anc1741]

Brilliant! So enjoyed that. At the end I realised I’d smiled all the way through. 👍🏼

[@justinmassey5692]

This could be a great video series. A player’s “bounce” is unique to them, Eddie had one, Eric Johnson has one, Joe Bonamossa has one, and even Stevie had one. Learning each one could be very beneficial when trying to establish a certain vibe in a song.

[@Aaronius_Maximus]

Stop This Train has a similar bounce as Neon.. I've never understood why more guitarists don't talk about "Edge of Desire". It's such a great finger exercise but also takes time to play and sing together.

[@nitantsawant2706]

Love the video, Love the vibe, Love John and Love You Tyler ❤️❤️❤️

[@LarsNirvanasBest]

i absolutely loved this video, i love your videos so much i always wait for u to post :) love u sm

[@MCPerez]

NEON is hands down one of the top guitar solo that people has been done and added improvements but cant replicate What John did a masterpiece indeed

[@pedrofernandes2551]

You should definitely check “Neon - John Mayer (cover)” from the channel Cifra Club. Pretty accurate interpretation

[@allanharris970]

Very nice. Tough tough riff. I was at the Woodshedguitarexperience where you were a guest of Andy's. Great presentation. And at the jam you didn't hold back with a stage full of insanely great guitarist. I was impressed.

[@drcidd8153]

This bounce you speak of, was something I figured out early on learning some of John Mayer's songs, such as why georgia. You're definitely right about the looseness. But even still I was never able to really get down Neon. It truly is one of the most difficult riffs that doesn't sound that hard.

[@ottoporcer5088]

I just started learning it 1 hour ago and oh boy, after one and a half year of playing guitar I'm not ready at all :)

[@hobknockers111]

A lot of John Mayer songs use similar technique, although Neon is definitely the hardest song to play that uses it. Who Says, Stop This Train, Queen of California (acoustic live) is probably my favorite because the technique is less predicable throughout the song. I started playing guitar with learning these songs and I'm so glad I did, taught me so much with finger picking / hand placement.

[@laurenbrown16]

me as well! one of the first fingerpicking songs i decided to learn was stop this train, i still don't have the chorus down but learning everything until that point in the song has helped me so much in other ways. it's also just so much fun to play

[@omgnetwork5231]

The way Mayer utilizes his left thumb is actually what amazes me the most... and how he hits the notes smoothly and quick.. that in conjunction with "bounce", creates a riff that sounds so suave that it would be easier to replicate it in the piano roll than an actual guitar haha

[@toddsealcomics]

Nice job, buddy! I feel the need for that groove in so much of what I play. Also, this totally sounds like a Kings of Convenience song!

[@gaytanner9581]

Love this type of content. The rhythm guitar and vocals in Battery by Metallica is really weird. Could be an interesting challenge😄

[@joaovicenteteixeiraguerra3474]

Also, there is a brazilian guy, from cifra club, he did really well on covering neon

[@tjg3033]

I question whether I'll ever get to this level on the guitar...but...your videos are amazingly entertaining!...and allow me to keep dreaming...thank you

[@cortney657]

Absolutely great video man!

[@michaelfox1432]

I'm still a C or maybe a D on this riff. What really yanks my yak is that John is singing while he's playing this and he makes it sound so effortless.

[@Hayden_Hockensmith]

I'm a Z

[@WeyounSix]

"My thumb doesn't get there" Don't feel bad, John just has massive hands, similar to hendrix, that actually help with these complex chord shapes, he's not just talented he has a biological advantage.

[@rikumarcelin7004]

No excuses tho.. get to work‼️

[@WeyounSix]

@@rikumarcelin7004 luckily I have large hands and can pull of the thumb work just fine haha

[@rikumarcelin7004]

@@WeyounSix respect🤝

[@gyorjanssen2455]

great improvements!!! what an incredible riff

[@hmat3255]

João Guilherme Castro posted first actually. His flawless tutorial video is almost a year older than Jamie's video. The fact that he was able to figure it out 2 years before John's TikTok video is quite amazing. Plus, the amazing thing is, João's technique is indistinguishably identical to John's. He needs a shoutout too!

[@PavelFomenkov]

I think some players just so unique that in order to copy them completely you basically need to be born with physical attributes like this player has. It's like Marc Martel trying to teach you how to sound like Freddie Mercury - you just do it and thank the genes. Jamie seems to have this physical thing about his playing, like being able to play this riff correctly with the thumb in the left hand. You can have great ear and great technique and never learn it simply because it's impossible.

[@rafaelgarcia5797]

Imagine being a 21 year old and creating one of the most difficult riffs of all time. AS A 21 YEAR OLD!!!

[@thenext9537]

Tosin Abasi - he’s got that thumping down. I had to watch his technique and Johns technique and realized the overlap. Also, when Tosin and John met in person at Naam several years back. John played Abasi’s 8 string. Crazy stuff.

[@JS-nr7te]

I feel proud. I've been playing it right for about 8 years. Some things just come natural I think for different people. I'm learning classical guitar now and it makes everything else seem easy it's so hard.

[@thealmightytigor5308]

I saw the strings and immediately knew it was neon. Btw could you do a video about muse and their interesting style of music and Matt Bellamy's strange sound/technique?

[@xxtush_rxx]

Matt Bellamy in Guitar is Basically Tom morello lite XD. Love muse tho. Matt looks great when he plays guitar.

[@JC-ns5sm]

Came for the strings, left cuz of the false advertising

[@mkv2718]

This is something that always made me nuts learning guitar as a teenager- so many tab books or info online at the On-Line Guitar Archive were just wrong… and I could hear it when I played but wasn’t good enough to figure out the mistakes yet. Usually, and even to this day, it’s subtle mistakes that really get overlooked like the percussive motions here or very slight chord changes in songs. For the latter, people play Wish You Were Here wrong by making the chord at the end of the riff always a Dsus4 when it’s sometimes and Em and sometimes a G. Functionally, this ends up changing the position of one or two fingers, and you can miss it really easily (which is why it gets played wrong so much for being so simple) because your ring and your pinky finger will stay in the same place… and this causes people to just fudge it and go “close enough” Man… remember the OLGA tho? Do people still use that?

[@mmmbetter55]

Just saw John at his solo tour opening night in Cleveland... he captivates even by himself. He's a fantastic performer

[@plotonisradd]

Im that doctor who graduated from the bottom of the class still a great doctor , and i approve of this video .

[@alonamos872]

you'd be suprised, but ed sheeran actually uses this bounce tecnique on a lot of his live performances and it is so groovy it really is a game changer

[@blitzthis10]

I️ honestly believe ed learned it from John mayer since they collab

[@TorrentFiend10]

Love to see the acoustic guitar in the video........PLEASE PLEASE do a lot of Tenacious D focused videos on how to play a lot of their stuff. Over the years I've have personally enjoyed either late picking up on how to play some of their songs just from TV appearances where you can see what cords they are playing during their performance. When they performed at Wonderboy on Conan years ago I learned to play it..... When they performed a very little known song called hornet's nest on last call with Carson Daly I learned how to play it off of a single viewing...... Several others as well over the years. Kyle Gass is a pretty good guitar player, Jack Black more basic but their content is great for beginner and intermediate guitar players. Also it just freaking ROCKS!!!!!! People love the D! Give it to us.

[@frankskaggs3174]

Really enjoy your videos.......bathroom, amazing!!

[@sauloferreira9125]

Hey! this pattern also works great in the acoustic version of Shadow Days!

[@kevinrisley6088]

Do you mean the version from the Born and Raised acoustic sessions where it’s just him his guitar and his cowboy hat? If so the fingerpicking in that version is an absolute masterclass!

[@sauloferreira9125]

​​​@@kevinrisley6088exactly! That whole session sounds wonderful

[@jon12181]

I would say Leo Eymard from Cifra club didn't just played it perfectly, he also sang it great and did IMO the best tutorial of that song on the internet...

[@henry247]

True

[@Officialjoshkeenan]

Going to see John Tonight in Toronto!! Cant wait!!

[@musicman702]

love it you did a video on this riff 4 years ago I think is was about the way you learn it glad you resisted it as I still can't play it haha

[@ColinHarrisGuitar]

I finally mustered the courage to post a Neon cover a few weeks ago, but I’ve always felt severe imposter syndrome knowing Jamie is out there in the wild… kudos to him.

[@eliasryanmusic]

I just watched your neon cover and I thought it was really good! Keep up the good work.

[@dp9324]

3rd place goes to Music is Win! Nice work...thank you

[@freesk8]

Love all the acoustic stuff! :)

[@wallacehardiniii9038]

Cool video. You seem humble and enthusiastic. Keep it up!

[@robw9730]

Love that GS Mini E KOA plus. Love mine.

[@emf2482]

new immediately it was neon:P awesome I think u nailed it, and that brown guitar was a beauty

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

That bounce bit (the percussive part) reminds of an old Paul Gilbert where he explains a lick (with lots of hammerons and pulloffs). He does a shuffle click with his picking hand, saying:" If you can't do this, then forget that other stuff." (Words to that effects, not a verbatim quote.)

[@musicislife9186]

Love the guitar ❤

[@DavidFlores-xd5kx]

so funny that you posted this! I've been working on this riff for the last couple of weeks all to win the girl of my dreams, I gotta do the whole thing and sing it💀 wish me luck

[@ahmki52298]

Ive only been playing for 6momths and you gave me a goal for my finger picking this is such a cool way to play

[@jaredwithers5514]

That Taylor sounds so clean man, love mine, need to get the passion back, it comes and goes

[@leavingtheisland]

One of the things I appreciate about this video is how you’re modeling the time and dedication it requires to become comfortable with something like this.

[@iamthemusicman13]

that is hands down the nicest and sweetest Taka I ever heard hell ya.

[@john-anthonynestico8045]

I saw John Mayer in Toronto on Mar 19. Man, neon live was amazing

[@Zepp2399]

what a crazy finding, you're the g

[@freesk8]

Nicely done! Inspiring! :)

[@Lobsterboy300]

Nice! I learned a lot! Thank you ❤

[@ofearths7430]

beautiful good stuff

[@Fraustyy]

You should review Tim Henson's guide on fingerpicking/thumping as well. Would love to see a reaction or learn the riff vid of that!

[@philipp128]

it took me 1,5 years to learn (not master) it. and im still on it. But it teaches you to freely use percussion on your western... so satifying. and after repeating it 169874265778432 times i can sing while playing it.

[@EB_musik]

This video came out at the exact right time as I just finished learning this riff ( the right way). And seen your video of you half ass learning the riff.

[@DaveMoreman]

Great video. Something I aspire to...one day. Would love to hear your take on Richard Thompson's "52 Vincent Black Lightning"

[@jfperkins3]

Boy are you refreshing. Thanks.

[@sirchadothy1560]

As someone who dabbles in Claypool style bass playing and some guitar playing, they are very similar in the song neon. The “Mayer bounce” is very slap bassy

[@greenardjudah]

Love your vibe broooo❤.... shredding 🤟😂

[@lelov1392]

One of those songs that humbles you! You think you’re really good, then you play it, then you realised you’re not really that good! Maybe it’s just not your style after all, or maybe you’ve fallen to the pit like most guitarists that didn’t pay enough attention to the right hand technique. Anyway, if you want to hear/see more killer acoustic riffery like this, there’s this Japanese guy, Kotario Oshio with this out of this world killer right hand technique. He is also considered to have the best nail attack in the business. Songs like splash, tension is notable.

[@clintnieves]

Intriguing. Will finally give this a try.

[@10xcontent]

Man I learned this song in 2007, went to Berklee (where JM went), dropped out after a year (just like JM), and still top out at a B-. Jamie is the king

[@thehifimaster5618]

Amazing work to get that riff down... but if you want a challenge, try "Never going back again" by Fleetwood Mac - Would love to see you nail that one. I just subscribed, Keep up the good work dude.

[@newtownmitch]

That GS Mini looks stunning !

[@gregglockhart9551]

Thank you! I was entertained!

[@harrisonwhitman3329]

It took me 9 months to perfect this song. I still haven't perfected it. But the title of this video boosts my confidence

[@papablue3015]

Neon one of my all time favorite songs!

[@Elyr...]

Lets go!!!! gonna perform that tomorrow in my school in the 9th grade!!

[@andystagger2906]

I’ve been playing guitar for 30 years… and this song always gives me trouble 😂😂… and I’m no slouch on the acoustic guitar… but Mayer is one in a million… I know many John Mayer songs .. but Neon is freaking ridiculous…and loads of guitar players have trouble with it… then Tim Henson comes out with something that’s harder than trigonometry… and now Nuno Betancourt comes out with a solo that may break someone’s wrist 😂😂😂😂❤️ so there’s that😳😜🫵 rock on play music be well … forget what everyone else is doing and play to your own stuff … you play very well Brother ❤

[@jthib]

Tyler, you are a way better guitarist than I, but I guess the whole thumb slap thing comes more naturally to some people. Neon is the song that inspired me to learn the guitar and I'm proud to say I have come somewhat close to the way John plays it. Kind of hoping someone will challenge me to prove it 😎