2009 Kickoff Event | Eric Johnson | Fender 

So true...a great voice, too.

That's how the Stratocaster got it's name!

I do very similar fingerings to Eric (as I have pretty much learnt guitar through watching his instructional tapes lol). As far as I can see, the main benefits of using the ring finger instead of the pinky is that it makes position changes easier... Put your first finger on the 5th fret for example and try placing your ring finger on the same fret a string up from it (at the same time); now try doing the same but with the pinky finger - it's hard isn't it, and it feels really awkward. It's not ideal for when you are going back down the neck and doing position shifts. And can hinder going up the neck position shifts as well. The drawback with the Eric Johnson style grip of the neck is that it offers a lot less range than the 3NPS style grip that a lot of modern "shred" players would use therefore needs a lot of jumping about and position shifts - which is where using the ring finger instead of the pinky most times comes in handy. Additionally it offers more powerful vibrato and other benefits. But to be honest its mostly a preference thing.

I was fortunate to have grown up with him. Our families lived 5 blocks apart. I became his equipment manager when he joined the Mariani Band at 15. ( I was 18) I went to high school with his drummer, Tommy Taylor. I sat next to him while he played piano in his practice room at his parents house. I would tell him , "you should be recording this!" He'd say, "In just fooling around " He writes most of his songs on the piano. He started taking piano lessons at 6. When he turned 11, he decided to play guitar. (Much to his parents' dismay, Lol) He has "Perfect Pitch"; good karma! He took 1 guitar lesson. The teacher told his parents, "Don't waste your money. He doesn't need lessons! I could tell you a thousand stories! When Hendrix died I remember he came to my parents house and woke me up with the news. We cried together 😢. Oh, BTW, I saw Hendrix twice! He always gives my tickets and backstage passes. We went to India together 25 years ago. I saw him play at the Paramount in Austin last month! ❤ Peace Out.

@@jghuntr This is a beautiful story; I'm glad you have someone like Eric in your life

That's Tommy Taylor, he's always made those faces, nothing new.

yup , crazy

That is Tommy Taylor, he is a excellent player. He is very precise and a hard hitter and plays the gap.

+megafone58 he is kinda getting the beau bridges look...

Super humble and nice guy

+TheSlasherGod u should see his rig rundown interview...he is so baked!!!!

He does not do Drugs at all. Very conscious of that.