Why NOBODY Sounds Like John Mayer

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Awesome video Rhett!!

[@RhettShull]

Thanks so much Tomo!

[@WhatTheFragrance]

@@RhettShull can you do this on tom Delonge or jonnyy buckland

[@J.C...]

Smdh. It takes a check mark to get a reply from Rhett. That's ridiculous.

[@pvictormesquita]

@@WhatTheFragrance tom delonge it would nice

[@leetownsend]

Aside from Mayer's insane guitar playing, his lyrics are utterly brilliant too. Definitely one of the greatest musicians of his generation

[@charleswind8298]

Yea “ last train “ was great 🤑

[@joelposton7258]

ehh

[@alexr9564]

Why u no love meeeeeeeee

[@maxmunzert9725]

Rhett! I think it would be awesome if you turned this into a series about your favorite guitar players and what makes them special and what we can learn from their playing and all that!

[@davidjonkassan]

something on Sadler Vaden would be rad!

[@ArtuV.]

A Clapton video would be awesome. Something like the early "Woman Tone" videos.

[@vikingbluesbreaker729]

Still waiting on that gilmour episode!

[@wpfairbanks]

Why nobody sounds like Peter green

[@maxmunzert9725]

@@wpfairbanks that would be awesome!!

[@sujalgautam9761]

What actually amazes me is, how he crafts his melodies , his song writing is absolutely masterful.

[@WarrenPostma]

Song writing is five stars. Arrangement (tasteful, with space to breathe), and the overall emotional and artistic effect. Also great guitar.

[@israelr6636]

Indeed. What might sound as simple melodies, are effective and emotional phrases. John is very good at crafting things that's good for the song and his own style of playing. Good video Rhett.

[@rhk4680]

I actually find his songwriting boring as hell. He is probably THE most overrated songwriter ever to me.

[@CorbCorbin]

@@rhk4680 I don’t really like his songwriting either. I only really like a few songs, but he’s an excellent performer. Waiting For The World to Change, makes me want to yell, “Just do a (insert artist it sounds like to you), with your guitar over it! This is so derivative, I thought he was covering an obscure Stevie Wonder written song, that was recorded by Curtis Mayfield, just before passing, or something.., 😆

[@J.D....]

"In Repair" is a serverly underrated song (and solo) and is in my opinion some of Mayers best work.

[@3lackwoodmusic]

💯! And written and recorded in a day!

Theres a video of the making of, if you didnt see it yet.

[@kowloonbroadcast]

yeah, it’s a pretty significant one indeed. always had that opinion right since the time I got familiar with Continuum tracklist, but it was always a kind of silent admiration, barely remember discussing it to the same level that other iconic songs from the LP were discussed. I mean I guess it may not be underrated, maybe it’s just the one that mostly everybody loves but was written in that way that makes it a subject for this kind of silent admiration? ‘cause when the album was playing somewhere as a soundtrack for a party or anything of that sort, I can’t remember anyone asking to skip this one neither. if this happen to be true to some degree, that only would be a proof of a huge songwriting genius John happen to represent lol - writing a song that anybody would discuss but at the same time consider it to be personal to them, etc. but of course it’s a subjective conclusion from what I happen to observe through life. but wouldn’t it be cool anyway lool?

[@Sean_Farmer]

@ Great video! I love how that song came together. BTW, his pedal collection back then was insane!

[@willudallmusic]

such an incredible 'room' guitar solo tone. Probably the best on the album, even though everyone talks about 'Belief' :)

[@Sound_Stable]

In the 2010's I traveled around doing security for damn near every big name artist. Working one of his shows in Northern California was probably the most memorable night of work. There was a disabled kid in the front row with a John Mayer shirt who was super excited to see him, but unfortunately fell asleep half-way through the show. Right at the end of the show, John quickly jumped off stage and went straight to this kid and signed his shirt. We had to immediately form a circle around him because dumbasses were trying to mob him. One chick in particular was pretty out of control(I can still see her face in my head). He left me and this kid with a pretty cool story, when most shows I was left with a pretty negative impression of many artists. Good guy in my book.

[@weevilsnitz]

Celebrity culture makes people act really stupid and I hate it.

[@stanphillips7277]

That's a mark of great character, especially when many artists who've achieved even a small percentage of success can let their egos remove any humility they had starting out. You've had some experiences with egos from what I gather so you should understand more than most that going "above and beyond" to do something for your fans is a selfless act but, in doing so it just makes you cooler. I've always thought of John as being pretty cool offstage considering he's been a household name for ages now but, a story like yours confirms it, and by doing so he just became cooler in my book. That's the kind of story that'll stick with me and, I'll enjoy his music even more having heard it. I once heard a DJ talking about meeting Billy Squier when he was new and hot, climbing the charts and the DJ said he was arrogant and cocky. So although I really dig a few of his songs, I _always_ think of that DJs story and, it does have some effect having that in the back of my mind, but where is Squier now. Whether you believe in God or karma or whatever, it makes you wonder if he'd have been more successful had he treated people the way John does. I play but, we're all trying to improve right? It's a journey. So I subscribe to Tomo Fujita Music. If you don't know he is a professor at the Berklee school of music and, John is a former student and, they're friends. John and Paul Reed Smith from PRS guitars bought Tomo a Pink PRS and sent it to him . A beautiful instrument from a couple of beautiful people. If you play Tomo's KZbin channel is worth checking out. He's got footage of he and John jamming that's obviously very cool. I'll see you around Kevin! Thanks for sharing that with us.. ✌️🎸🎶

[@AndrewThacker]

I was at this show! Remember seeing this from a (considerable, lol) distance. Wild.

[@Iyashikei-t4u]

He's exactly the kind of guy to do that. I remember reading an article from around the time he was still together with Katy Perry where they went to a girl who was trying out some guitars. He asked her which one she liked the most, and she picked one she couldn't pay. After taking a selfie with the girl the shop owner suddenly came to her congratulating her with her new guitar. It turned out Mayer and Perry bought the guitar she liked the most for her because they liked her playing.

[@William.Driscoll]

Cheers.

[@drdoom8793]

Mayer is a perfect example of taking influences from your heroes, blending it up, and making something new. John Mayer (and a few others) are truly championing blues music for a modern era

[@ChrsGuit]

I certainly agree to Mayer's awesomeness to a point... I just hate that he seemed to go off the deep end with imitation after Continuum... Case in point, songs like "Heartbreak Warfare"... Playing a Jeff Beck strat and doing a very Jeff Beck solo... Then "Half of my heart" doing a Fleetwood Mac/Lindsey Buckingham thing on a Rick Turner/Lindsay Buckingham guitar... Then it morphed from that to the full on Bob Dylan/Neil Young thing of Born and Raised... Now Sob Rock is blatant "Journeyman" and "Beyond the Sun" Era clapton... Even dressing like Clapton and copping his late 80's hairdo... I mean... it's to a point (I feel) where he has kinda lost that cool vibe that made me love his music in the first place... Stuff like Any Given Thursday, the Trio stuff, and Continuum/Where the light is was his absolute best IMO... You couldn't touch him

[@gtoctane]

@@ChrsGuit Nailed it....unfortunately Rolling Stone wrote that Continuum, Any Given Thursday and the Trio work was him just wanking and being self indulgent. I thought it was some of his best work and him being "him". That Trio album is a regular on my travel and workout playlist and is one that I have spent countless hours as a guitar player playing along to hoping to someday get those same feelzzz

[@ChrsGuit]

@@gtoctane Well, Rolling Stone has a history of being full of shit... Mayer said himself that he was always wanting to do the SRV/Hendrix blues thing. He did the pop thing as a means to an end, and when he was well established, the Trio really let him branch out and do what he wanted to do... What he'd subtly hinted at all along on his other albums. John joking called himself a "reverse sell-out..."

[@gregoryho9307]

Live versions of "Covered In Rain" - I love it because the solo is so long and it's almost as if it's a song on its own with many different phases, he goes full pelt rock initially and then the next moment he's serenading with a ballad. Also it's freaking JM solo-ing for 5 minutes straight! If you only have 10 minutes left to live, you listen to the solo and then you repeat again.

[@stephonwilliams8890]

You hit the nail on the head when you said John has a great sense of time and feel. Often why many guitar players can't imitate him.

[@dylanbyrne01]

Absolutely the number one reason players can’t imitate him. His timing is ridiculously good, probably up there with the best ever in terms of staying in the pocket.

[@RC32Smiths01]

This is just me, but Mayer's success is proof that the guitar is not dead (not that it ever was) in the realm of pop and commercial music. A talented musician that is talked about a lot indeed!

[@bcook6960]

I think the most interesting thing about Mayer is that he is respected by completely different groups of fans. Guitarists and musicians love what he’s doing musically, but his songs also have tremendous pop appeal. There aren’t a lot of people that can claim the same these days

[@_leivo]

It's still dead

[@maxmunzert9725]

i feel like people listening to it from the radio and from a pop perspective don't give a damn about the playing 95% of the time :/

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@bcook6960 agreed!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@maxmunzert9725 I can see that. But the credit still goes to him for such a broad distribution of his playing.

[@cupcake2109]

I'm a sucker for Slow Dancing in a Burning Room. Always been a favorite. My favorite version of his solo on it was when I saw him live in Columbus, OH in April of 2017. Just absolutely the most melodic and elegant thing I've ever witnessed.

[@adammichael5987]

Hi there 👋👋

[@scottking5842]

I agree Kyle, his solo live in la was my favourite.

[@Zappappappappa]

Boooo Columbus boooooo

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Vintage Fender Vibro Champ!

[@cramerfan04]

I think you missed an opportunity to talk about how awesome his dynamics are, especially in the Gravity solo. The way he’s able to dig in and then let off to almost nothing in just a couple of notes is, to me, one of the main things that makes that solo so memorable.

[@jadeclerc]

“I guess I just feel like” solo has become my favorite solo! The tone is absolutely awesome

[@Ally.Luscinia]

I've gotta pick one of his most simple solos Edge of Desire, it just blows me away the amount of emotional power expressed through his vibrato. And the accompanying driven chords just sound so damn good.

[@elihintz5620]

So simple but so good

[@adammichael5987]

Hi there

[@TheGuitarislove]

What’s amazing about that solo is it’s mostly only a few notes. He says so much with solo little

[@MrPhrygianmaniac]

One of John's many amazing musical abilities is blending blues and pop to perfection. He is so good at that he can make you fall in love with those styles if you werent already a fan. I love your videos Rhett, keep up the great work man !

[@jackprice7828]

What I love in that solo is how he is switching between minor and major runs and pulls over a very simple progression.

[@lilybeejones]

Really loved the Adam Neely reference. And your explanations! Diving into guitarist techniques is such a cool idea!

[@ckjjclan]

I saw him live here in Charlotte NC, it was amazing. His live show makes any of his recorded music come alive - he and the band are just SO CONNECTED… his command makes his guitar sound like an extension of his singing, just so good.

[@fivewattworld]

I really (!) enjoyed this. I haven't listened to Mayer as much as I should. Thanks for making this Rhett!

[@RhettShull]

Thanks Keith!!

[@stevenpisano9069]

Rhett! I just saw John Mayer in concert at the Moody Center in Austin, TX four days ago. In listening to his solos during the concert it occurred to me that his genius is that he is a blues player disguised as a pop singer - and I mean that in the best possible way. His simple melodies lure you in, and then you get hit with an amazing piece of playing, and you realize: this guy has studied the greats, and every note or technique has a purpose. This is what you brought out in this video. Strong work. Well done. Sp

[@marcos_98.]

I absolutely love how he sounds on "All I Want Is To Be With You"

[@A_A_ron-Phillips]

I love John Mayer’s playing and guitar sound. It’s a signature. What amazes me is how many people I come across that think he can’t play.

[@pierre-claudemeriot6562]

I can't believe no one is talking about his "Ain't No Sunshine" live cover. I love his tone, phrasing and singing so much.

[@ExperienceJacob]

That video is amazing

[@arthura.8955]

That cover is simply amazing, one of the best covers of all time

[@usrnewxnew5227]

The solo is so fucking good. Like Jesus Christ so tasteful

[@timothyscibor9504]

he has so many just....out of this world insanely quality live performances over the past 20 years. The shit ive seen him do man, only on youtube. Incredible

[@karmasubba3863]

Watch Michael Palmisano’s breakdown of that performance

[@seagers_studio]

His approach to dynamics is great too. How he creates light and shade between hitting hard and hitting ever so lightly. Beautiful. The gravity solo is a good example

[@garyrosenberg13]

100%!

[@kme06d]

That "changing" solo is such a hidden gem. I find the song itself to be a bit monotonous, so I used to skip out after the 2nd verse but I happened to hear that solo one day and I was blown away. I definitely think his melodic touch is what makes him unique. His solos sound like a vocal phrase and that makes them super memorable. Plus he has great feel and tone, he's just an incredible player.

[@dougcrowe1226]

Yesssss

[@SirPatMcLellan]

Every single live performance of the outro solo is equally amazing and pretty different, which shows how insane his improv and feel is.

[@michaelthornburg7746]

One of my favorite examples of this is his cover of Bold as Love. He paid tribute to Jimi very well, but still played and sang in a way that was unmistakably himself.

[@francescotenti193]

Yes, Mayer is a great player and it makes it look so easy. Truly, he's got it! He will be my listening session tonight.

[@KYBandDir]

John Mayer trio live - “come when I call” at the 1:45 mark. Steve Jordan - such musical taste, Pino - so solid and John’s solo and licks - so appropriate to the style. ❤️

[@Nowo78]

Dammit, anything off Where the Light is is absolutely brilliant, but the live solo to Gravity gives me shivers every time, even after listening to it for what must be the 5000 time. There's those little bends behind the nut and the tone when he really digs in is to die for. Same with the Slow Dancing solo from WTLI. The guy's a genius.

[@DizzyBone3030]

Thank you Rhett! Finally someone breaks John’s playing down to give real sense of how he sounds so unique. Love it man 🙌🙏

[@jonathanhohaoguang9157]

Another quite underrated solo can be found in "covered in rain" by John also. One of my favourites.

[@jeremymccullough191]

I always liked his music, but that album (and particularly that solo) really caught my attention. Such a great build up.

[@Miloshe71]

Gotta mention his dynamics in this solo and dreaming with a broken heart, which is even more about playing less to mean more.

[@DanDanTheGuitarMan]

Funny you mention that you can tell right away he is playing when you hear it. My friend recommended Noah Guthrie to me and the first song I heard was High enough. As soon as the solo started I said to myself “is that Rhett shull?” I haven’t watched all your videos and didn’t know you recorded with him but was super cool to pick out your sound right away.

[@andcruz]

The changing solo is just perfect. One of my favorites.

[@jon.wilson]

"Where the light is" is what really got me interested in John's playing after hearing him on the radio for years prior. Then seeing him dive headfirst into the Dead's massive repertoire has been very interesting and he's done a quite admirable job with it.

[@aronfebles]

The touch dynamics on the "Gravity" solo are unreal

[@thedakotahurley]

I'm so glad you picked "I Guess I Just Feel Like" for this. That outro solo is hands down one of my fav solos of all time. One word to sum up John's playing - TASTY. Great vid Rhett! Hey, I heard you might know my audio mentor Bob Hershberger! Small world.

[@michaelthelen7505]

I'm so glad you singled out Changing for this video! That's always been one of my favorite Mayer solos.

[@lynxx1999]

Slow Dancing always stands out as one of the greats, and almost every time I listen to the solo on Bold As Love, I immediately rewind it to hear it again. I know it's not John Mayer's song, but his take on it is fantastic. It really harnesses that live sound and his improvisational skills he is known for in his live shows.

[@jeffroalson1915]

Gravity solo is just perfect.

[@M4NAH1MEK0]

A good singer a good song writer and...a Fantastic guitar player,that's John Mayer in a nutshell, despite many people does not recognize his greatness,👍

[@brentonchattin]

I noticed just how good he was at emphasizing space on the 2019 performance of a particularly bluesy I'm Gonna Find Another You @ Oslo, Norway. Glad to see I'm not the only one

[@FlaggedVideoGuy]

I think another really unique John Myaer solo trait thats hard to master is his dynamics. The gravity solo especially. On those motif repeats just the subtleness and "lightness" of some of those notes in the phrases are just beautiful. EVen in the tricky sliding lick theres just subtle hints of pressure and release. They sound like a singer trailing off in their vocal. Itsl so subtle and so hard to do but just adds to the overall quality.

[@aljared7800]

BACK TO YOU ,, solo for me is the pinnacle of john mayer solo. such few notes, but so right so melodic and hits you hard in the feels. so sweet

[@mauriziopulcini6208]

There are many guitar related channels that I love, but none makes me want to play as much as Rhett’s channel and that’s why I love this one even more!! Amazing work Rhett 🤙🏻

[@jacobgerbarium256]

As a guitar player from CT it's easy to feel like no one has ever come out of my home state John mayer is such a talent, it's awesome!

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

Caught him for my birthday last night in Dallas. Of course like many I've always respected him, dug his tunes and appreciated what he's brought to several industries. But watching him last night, doing his thing so gracefully and with such appreciation to be who he is and where he is. Surrounded by pinnacle musicians who all obviously respected him as much. I sat watching this guy play song after song of so many different beautiful moments. I watched non guitar players, young girls, old girls, guys, senior citizens and even the couple next to me who were foreigners that didn't speak English, just got lost in every song. Say's so much about your work, dedication and talent when you can bridge so many variables together like that. Walked away with a different appreciation for John and I was so glad my wife bought the tickets for us. She DREADS guitar band music and admitted she wasn't looking forward to this one but in the end loved the show. Unfortunately pretty sure she still wont go see Satch or Vai with me.

[@bennank]

I was at the Dallas show on Sunday. Great show for sure. 7th time seeing him and it never disappoints

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

@@bennank Right on, I'd definitely go see him again. From what I understand he only had one last show after Dallas. He seemed genuinely vested and I appreciate that. Usually by the last few shows the performance gets called in.

[@foolishsamurai]

I lost it when Adam Neely slowly faded in 😂😂 Thanks for this Rhett. You actually featured my favorite solo at the very beginning and I was super hooked for the whole video. So thoughtfully put. Great video. Hail King John Mayer.

[@stevemyers2092]

He blew me away on Good morning America when he played Crossroads with Eric - even Eric was impressed with his solo and smiled to his bass player who smiled back - awesome chops.

[@adammichael5987]

Hi there 😄

[@ikben86]

Totally agree. John Mayer has mastered his unique sound. You know straight away that it is him. A lesson for all us humble musicians, to set out our own path and sound??

[@imCurveee]

Really glad you highlighted the solo from "Changing". Its often overlooked, being from one of the deeper cuts off of TSFE, but it is a fantastic solo that just fits in the song so well.

[@ytube777]

On that gravity solo, there is a sofly played note that hits just right to me. His dynamic control is really something to behold.

[@guitardweeb]

Rhett: how to emulate Mayer Also Rhett: hates tube screamers 🤔

[@RhettShull]

I actually used one on this video, someone help.

[@guitardweeb]

@@RhettShull that's how it starts... JHS Bonsai is incoming!

[@paulreddy5452]

I agree with you Rhett, that intro solo is both unique and soulful; one of my few favorites of his. I’m sure you’re already aware of it but his solo break with Leon Russell at the RHOF was another stellar piece of playing that also had wings on it. I think John is an underrated Guitar player myself. Thanks for your videos Sir, they’re always educational and inspiring!

[@cashmoney9256]

Definitely has his own recognizable style. Spotify threw a Khalid song “Outta My Head” at me during a run a couple years ago which I never heard and didn’t see the title and about 4 notes in I had to stop running to check my phone …knew it had to be Mayer. “If I Ever Get Around to Living”from 3:00 on is super smooth and the lick around 3:40 is beautiful.

[@wecameasdonuts]

Reay Great solo (outta my head)

[@joshthomas6219]

What a beautiful deep dive and well articulated. Great job as always!

[@mercurius05]

I'm a huge Mark Knopfler fan and I like all the melodic line and guitar parts on the Dire Straits albums and John Mayer has a same vibe to me, he has that awesome songwriting ability that Mark but let's say in a newer form and that's why I also like John Mayer's stuff! Thanks for the Video Rhett!

[@Case_]

I was just about to comment on how I hear a ton of Knopfler in these. Even the sound, especially on the first solo here.

[@עומרקדרון]

one of my favorite mayer solos is the intro the "another kind of green" from the trio

[@fytakytemusic]

The first solo has SO much Knopfler in it… particularly his work and tone with the Notting Hillbillies- Check out “Feel Like Going Home”…Nonetheless that is a great influence to have 👍

[@BrianKeeganMusic]

Awesome breakdown Rhett. Great song choices that really highlight why Mayer is one of the greatest of all time!

[@fourletterword7920]

Actually, Mayer's solos are straight out of the Blues play book, from Stevie ray Vaughn to Mark knopfler to Eric Clapton,-and "Gilmore 100%"-(yet nobody sounds like him? come on Rhett). He sounds like any really good blues player. What is actually unique is his songwriting. His chord progressions and composition, the choices he makes lyrically and vocally. its this uniqueness in his composition that allows him to play the blues and sound so lyrical. Maybe not so much his new stuff, but for sure his first four to six albums, those are golden.

[@bongakhumalo6141]

the gravity solo feels so good because of that motivic development. chefs kiss

[@1jennifer]

Love this video, I'd love to see more of you reacting to and kinda dissecting solos or even rhythm parts like this! (Also - that Adam Neely bit hahaha)

[@adammichael5987]

Hi there

[@mccloysong]

I toured with JM for 7 years. From right after Continuum through Battle Studies and Paradise Valley. When he soloes, he definitely speaks in sentences that build into paragraphs. It's then that you hear that he's saying something. He did a lot of finger picking solos, like this.

[@seanlee4294]

I loved this. I think his crossroads solo is really representative of how he approaches solos. There’s a video where he says his intention was to put every note in the last place you’d expect. Every note kind of takes you by surprise, but also feels like it’s exactly where it’s supposed to be.

[@macrominutes]

Yeah for sure. The first solo (I guess I just feel like) has a crossroads vibe to me.

[@TVsBen]

I think the thing we can learn from John Mayer is to play LESS and listen MORE. His solos aren't busy and they're built to fill space in the arrangement. You describe it as vocal, and I agree - it's like a vocal fill. Love it. Also loved the Adam Neely easter egg LOL

[@andbenitz]

Great vid, Rhett! That's my favorite thing about his playing! His collab work is amazing also, you can checkout his ability to create great melodies and fills. With Frank Ocean, Leon Bridges, Daniel Caesar, Khalid, Alicia Keys and many more.

[@AyYoSteve]

His solo with Leon Bridges on Inside Friend is amazing

[@andbenitz]

For sure@@AyYoSteve! All the guitar parts he recorded on that song are awesome! "Inside Friend" is a great jam!

[@guitarheart94]

The solo on Changing reminded me that Mayer is a genius. The phrasing and note choice alone are incredible. Mayer is a percussionist with his rhythms and a vocalist with his leads.

[@KateSkorski]

I definitely love everything he does..To play a quarter of how he plays would be lovely..Having not long picked the guitar back up after only playing on and off for 20 years..I decided to start to learn rhythm and lead guitar..Some things come easily..Others not so much..Like learning anything John Mayer plays lol But it’s all about the journey and I love it!

[@adammichael5987]

Hi there

[@horizonishere]

I love this series. I think Mayers touch sensitivity really makes the gravity solo.

[@nzbsgfan]

John’s never felt the need to fill in the spaces. In a world where most modern music rushes to fill spaces with hooks, Mr Mayer gives us all room to breath before sweeping up away with his next piece of guitar mastery. Even Clapton said John doesn’t realise how good he is - and that’s his superpower right there. I just wish he’d do another Trio album.

[@bmoklsc]

I think he had to be intentional about that-he definitely doesn’t let anything breathe in Room For Squares, but then after that he lets some space move into his songs

[@MoveUpMedia]

Mayer’s work on “Helpless” from rhythm to lead is ridiculous. Those parts are so so tight. Up to three guitar parts weaving in and out at certain spots.

[@kassandjohnbolles3522]

My oldest son listened to a lot of music back in the day. When he brought home "Room for Squares" I said, "Now this guy actually has talent." It's been nice to see his career endure.

[@smoleaj]

someone gave me "room for squares" just after it was released.... after listening to it, I was an immediate fan!! I have followed his career ever since. I was blown away at his playing and lyrics. I thought to myself "there is no way this guy is only 21 yrs old!"

[@cutback747]

Incredible! What a great video and coincidence because I feel the exact same way about the “I Guess I Just Feel Like” solo! Probably my favorite as well. I’ve been listening to it over and over. Tremendous phrasing and emotion. I could have sworn the tone was from his Dumble. I get close running my LP guitar through a Wampler Euphoria and a Swart amp. Love your videos!

[@finlay460]

It's the pink guitar for sure

[@bshiabk]

The extended solo in Belief from the Where the Light Is album displays John's masterclass skill of jiving with the entire band!

[@WarrenPostma]

John Mayer sounds to me like Eric Clapton's rig, with a player who has a similar sense of phrasing and "cantabile" lead playing to Mark Knopfler. The pauses mimic a human vocalist who must breathe. The technique of cantabile is about connected ("legato") phrasing with a vocal articulation, the feel of a singing human voice. What sets the track apart isn't the guitar at all, it's the entire arrangement. Those pads man, those pads. What makes a John Mayer track a john mayer track is the way he arranges everything into something that could only come from him. When I hear isolated guitar solos from him, I think, I'm hearing Mark Knopfler, but when I hear an instrumental arrangement of the whole track, the track is clearly Mayer. 3:57 - could easily be on a Dire Straits album.

[@martine.210]

As if he was calling Elvis.

[@fives.]

This is a good assessment of Mayer's style, he definitely shop-lifted* Stevie Ray Vaughan and Knopfler's styles and blended them into his own. There's a straight line of inspiration in the use of space and wet effects between the Strat-into-Synclavier sounds of So Far Away with Mayer's underwatery envelope tones on I Don't Trust Myself *I use this as a positive descriptor in spite of it's negative connotations, just because his influences' influence are strong in his playing i.e. SRV's Albert King-isms and Knopfler's Hank Marvin-isms plus the touch of JJ Cale throughout Dire Straits' work

[@WarrenPostma]

​@@fives. I'm neither "anti" Mayer, nor "extremely in love with" him, but I recognize he's an important and iconic artists that really did inspire a generation to play guitar, and for that, and some really great songs, I'm grateful for his music. If I could bottle one thing it wouldn't be Mayer-tone, it would be Knopfler, but I think a lot of it is his brain and his fingers, not his gear.

[@bdunn315]

reminds me of Neal Schon's "Who's Cryin Now" where you know it from the first notes and he's covering a lot of ground in a few notes.

[@afrenchydownunder]

I see many references to Mark Knopfler in the comments. And rightfully so. Mark is a TREMENDOUS player, a unique style but, to me, his strength lies in all the notes he DOES NOT play. His mastery of silence makes all the intended notes even more powerful. John is one of these players: he can "say" with a handful of carefully selected notes and crafted silences, what other players can't even with and most likely because of a gazillion notes. To a certain extent, it reminds me of the comment George Foreman made after being knocked out by Ali in the Kinshasa fight. In a nutshell, he said that what impressed him the most about Ali, was "the punch he never lent" after being knocked down at the end of the 8th. Look at Ali, 10-15 seconds left, Foreman is down, right hook is armed, but he never let go. Musicians, be like Ali, don't throw that last punch

[@Illiyinmusic]

city love might be my favorite mayer solo. the way the band cuts out for the beginnin and comes right back in is great to me

[@dougc84]

To me, *Clarity* is one of those songs that SCREAMS Berklee's call and response methodology. Yeah, call and response isn't just a Berklee thing, but it's really hammered hard as a concept in their courses. Sure, it's half a decade (or more) removed from his time at Berklee, but you can hear a lot of the same ideas across Continuum, Room for Squares, and Heavier Things. He starts to back off of some of those learned ideas starting with Battle Studies, and, while those albums are all amazing, I feel like you start to hear John Mayer the musician starting with Battle Studies, instead of John Mayer the guitarist. But, for me, *Slow Dancing in a Burning Room* is the most iconic melody. Maybe not the solo, but there's something about how that song is played that speaks volumes.

[@wenglish1968]

For a lot of his career, in his singing and playing much of what I heard was a big SRV fan. I'm glad he grew out of that period, and into his own thing.

[@sugatooth]

How poignant, I just saw him live this past weekend. I've gotta say one of my favorite solos from him is from Belief. It was the second song in his set, I couldn't ~believe~ he was blasting off into such a high energy song so early but it definitely kicked things off really well!

[@macrominutes]

Oh for sure. Belief is such an underrated song in many ways - but the solo is fantastic.

[@jessem53403]

Great video Rhett! You're absolutely right about the unmistakable sound of John Mayer. This is a testament to "its not the guitar, its the guitar player that makes a guitar sound good."

[@realadamnixon]

The solo on I Guess I Just Feel Like is very Knopfler-esque. Tonally, phrasing, and stylistically it sounds like something that could've come off Knopfler's Sailing to Philadelphia album. But to me, as Knopfler is one of the finest tonesmiths I've ever heard and has gorgeous phrasing, to cop that vibe and feel is extraordinary. Well done Mayer. Playing with restraint, clarity and a strong sense of melody is far more impressive to me than playing fast if the melodic sensibilities suffer. Just my opinion.

[@stimpsonjcat67]

Yep...same...I hear Mark in it. Maybe with a bit more pop and less soul.

[@cm9241]

John mayer has been on Mark Knopfler stuff since 2010. Listen to his Crossroads cover.

[@erwanfuret]

To me, the song that seems to be really out of a Knopfler album on that record is Wild Blue, but indeed this one too

[@joakim6537]

@@erwanfuret Wild Blue sound like a Dire Straits song more than a John Mayer song to me. Not that I mind though..

[@leaveitorsinkit242]

John wasn’t always the greatest improviser… but eventually you do it so much that your improvised solos start to sound better than most people’s _arranged_ solos. 😂

[@Monomonmamon]

Don't Let Me Down, Don't Need No Doctor (WTLI version), and Layla Solo on studio albums, I think "I Don't Trust Myself" is the most intimate solo he did, it's so warm

[@Theweeze100]

OK, I really do like John Mayer. Have a lot of his music and recently saw him in Nashville. If there had been another guitarist there next to me I think we would’ve been looking at each other saying he sounds a lot like older Clapton. Don’t get me wrong his tone was different (Actually a lot of it did sound like his 90s Riviera - Lace-sensor pickup era, not that that is a bad tone). One more thing that struck me, was the fact that he changed guitars a lot during the show, and seemed to really pull a different dynamic and sound from each. It wasn’t just for show. IMO a lot of what he was doing melodically at least in his solos, sounded like EC. You could do much worse than to sound a lot like a young Eric Clapton.

[@707king]

He channeled a lot of Clapton in Sob Rock’s soloing, and as of late. It’s because of the era that Sob Rock is supposed to encapsulate. Do you picked that up correctly.. but he’s doing it on purpose at the moment, if that makes sense.

[@erikdmckenzie]

My favourite Mayer song that I think REALLY captures this idea of vocally melodic solos is I Don't Trust Myself off Where the Light Is, there's so many repeating lines and literally follows the vocal line in the verses and choruses.

[@andreferreira-lq2yd]

repetition legitimizes

[@tdh95]

Repetition legitimizes

[@revitup479]

My favorite Mayer licks: 1. Intro to slow dancing in a burning room. 2. The groove on Belief.

[@davidoreilly7328]

Why nobody sounds like John Mayer? Because no one is John Mayer, but John Mayer

[@TheTimSargent]

Can’t have a J-may solo vid without mentioning just about ANY song from continuum. I’ve seen him many times live, he never plays the same song the same way every time live. He’s amazingly talented. He was my main inspiration when I was a teenager and really upped my game to be a better player.

[@liquidSpin]

John has his own style but he does borrow heavily from other well known legends like Gary Moore to Stevie Ray Vaughn. You can tell from his catalogue of original music through out his albums.

[@johnfritzenjr.1240]

Exactly! I hear all his influences!

[@Torquemonster440]

Yes, you definitely hear his influences,.. but it always comes across to my ear as a respectful "tip of the cap" vs just ripping off a lick. Always very tastefully done.

[@goswo]

BB :-)

[@liquidSpin]

@@goswo 100%

[@liquidSpin]

@@Torquemonster440 100% That’s why Mayer is a musicians musician. A legend in the making.

[@WarDimensionOfficial]

10:28 I think he slides to the A note in between the G and D notes right there...

[@windsweptguitars]

Its his hands

[@TerrySmithJ]

Great video Rhett. In this chops heavy world we live in it’s refreshing to hone in on lyricism via guitar solos. The most amazing instrument of all time is the human voice. It’s artists like John who know this and ‘keeps singing’ even after he he backs off the vocal mic. And we haven’t we started talking about his acoustic playing. He’s truly genius. Keep up the excellent work.

[@pritt871]

Clickbait title aside, great video, Rhett. Didn’t realize we were the same age! I was also 13 when Continuum came out. Edit: whoops! I misread the title as “Why nobody LIKES John Mayer.” Clickbait comment retracted! Sorry, Rhett.

[@HeleneLogan]

I took lessons from the same guy John did (quite a few years before him, as I am OLD, haha); Al Farrante (sp?). Al was incredibly inspiring, turning a number of us on to people like Lenny Breau, etc. I hear bits of his teaching in John’s playing, and of course JM was/is obviously 1000 times more talented and studious than I could ever hope to be. 🤘🏻