I just want to add, that to my knowledge (and I have met Eric several times), he does neither drugs nor alcohol. He is simply a soft spoken Texas gentleman.
Eric seems to have achieved a Zen like mind. Tremendous value in his words that can apply to any and every aspect of life. I love the idea of being an eternal student. He also reminds us why we play the guitar. Some people do crosswords, some collect stamps or whatever, we're here because we love the guitar. Like someone once said, "Be water my friend", be guitar my friend.
That you just mentioned Shawn and Eric in a reply is all the proof I need that someone else (and I am not saying that there aren't more of us) truly appreciate and understand the genius of both musicians.
One thing you'll notice about most of the great guitarists is that they are students of music who continue to learn and the humble attitude they have towards giving credit to other musicians. It's a refreshing thing to hear. Also, Mitch Gallagher always knows what questions to ask and gives a solid interview every time, with no "fluff".
I've been a fan of Eric Johnson since 1991. I had the opportunity to see him live a few weeks ago for the first time, and he didn't disappoint! I love his laid back demeanor, such a class act.
I got to meet Eric Johnson this year, at GearFest, he really has a mellow aura about him, very soft spoken but somehow, draws you in . What an amazing player, and a very genuine person. I also got to see Mitch Sing at the show on the first night, I knew the dude could play, but Dang, boys got some pipes too lol. It was my 11th year at GearFest and I've been a customer of Sweetwater for over 20 years. Amazing event, Amazing players, and a World Class Store and Studios, with THE BEST STAFF and SERVICE, in the WORLD.
I guess against my better judgement, I will indulge your ignorance for a moment. First of all, I'm not an "overly intrusive fanboy" I am a professional musician also. Secondly, the whole idea of "GearFest" is to get to MEET and interact with the people who make and play the gear we all love. Thirdly, since I AM a professional musician, I think I understand and appreciate the interaction between people who enjoy what I do and myself. It doesn't matter how "Famous" you get, you should ALWAYS appreciate, relate, and make yourself available to your fans. These guys are pros, but they also understand how lucky and blessed they are to get to do what they love for a living. WE THEIR FANS, make that all possible. They show their appreciation by meeting and greeting their fans. Most of the people I have met at GearFest, greeted me first. Even Eric Johnson, said Hi to me, before I spoke to him. These are REAL PEOPLE, they aren't all aloof and pre-madonna's or unapproachable, like you seem to think.
Fantastic interview, smart and intelligent questions that generated thought provoking insights from a master musician. Well done Mitch, if this whole Sweetwater thing doesn't work you should go for Charlie Rose's job!
I love your voice Eric. I enjoy the sound of your voice even when you are talking. As much as when you sing. I think freedom is what you make me feel every day & not running from it or hiding myself from it. But just being what I feel from you & allowing myself to be seen without sniffling it because people are constantly watching you & consequently me. Never going to let fear or false embarrassment steal any of it.
“Becoming free” ... what a powerful statement by Eric relating to playing music. I’m always impressed how he plays with definition...always clean and clear.
He definitely isn't talked about as much as other players. It might be because instead of focusing on one aspect and exploiting the hell out of it(like Zakk with the pentatonic speed licks and pinch harmonics) he's always reaching for the next thing, and these days people tend to shy away from artists that do more than one or two things.
Eric is quite simply one of the greatest of all time. Met him years ago in Toronto, Canada. Exuded a warm and appreciative vibe. This is a fantastic interview. Thank you very much. Mr Johnson’s music always burrows deep into my heart.
At the risk of harming my longstanding reputation with all fellow uber-masculine lumberjacks, I must say that every time a new Eric Johnson interview surfaces I watch it with giddy delight.
The interview was a lot like the performance on Friday night. Five great guitar players made room for each other and were generous in their playing. Mitch did some wonderful playing and singing, too! Eric Johnson was over the top, though, with amazing tone, but with clear direction in each turn. Great event, and the video just adds more context to understand his great playing. Thanks, Sweetwater!
Matthew Paluch Indeed, it never ceases to amaze me considering the amount of distortion he uses. Eric had opened my ears to the beauty of mild overdrive / fuzz (I've always been a high gain fanatic).
A true indication of humility:: Not thinking less of yourself,but thinking of yourself less. EJ gave it away when he mentioned getting out of your own way. Thank you, Rocky
As much as Sweetwater has helped me out over the years (thanks Josh and Arend) I think I love Sweetwater as a media company as much as anything else. I've learned so much. Thank you!
I have had a huge crush on Eric for years - not just because of his looks, but what his fingers can do. I tried guitar once in high school and just couldn't pick it up. I could watch Eric play for hours. Kudos to any of you who have the gift to play!
Got to see Eric live. It was a concert series that my city does every summer. I arrived in time to see his sound check. He was joking with people, but what really impressed me was when he and the band were going to dinner, Eric stopped and shook the security hand and thanked him. Now this was during the Bloom album LONG before it was cool to do. Just a class act. Oh and the concert was beyond words.
I like what Eric said about getting out of the way. So true and profound. When we can get to a stage in our development as a musician when we can get out of the way and just let it happen; that is key.
I grew up in the Austin area in the 70's and 80's and saw Eric play probably 50 times or more in small clubs in various configurations - with the Electromagnets and his solo act. Good to see that he is still going strong.
This man. Released Ah Via Musicom Live. With all the improvisation and improvements to the songs. And is still saying he needs to practice doing it. What a legend and an inspiration
Very good questions presented to Eric Johnson. An excellent interview conducted by Mitch. This is how an interviewer conducts an interview. Hope others take note.
Man,EJ has this way about making everybody feel better about themselves.Even if he didn't play,I'd listen to what he had to say. His music is a bonus.And,what a bonus....
Eric is one of the greatest living guitarists, yet he is so humble and very cool. "There's always going to be someone better than you..." Yeah... His name is Eric Johnson!
I first saw Eric on ACL wearing that funny jacket lol .. I never heard of him before then a couple years later Ah Via Musicom was released and he's been a major influence on me ever since then (of course i had to hunt down and purchase all his earlier releases i could find as well)
Van Damme had an interesting quote that I thought about when Eric talked about fear and insecurity. And its about the difference between Jealousy and Envy. Jealousy is trying to be Eric Johnson overnight. Envy is doing the work to become a master of your craft lik ehim.
oh man i'm french ...don't understand all of the stuff lol ! but eric johnson is a real musician , shit , a very original style ! i love what he plays since so many years ! man what a tone and technique !
Interesting interview. His left hand's 3rd finger is massive, just like Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai. Watching him play, it's always floating (or is he using it? I can't tell) and his little finger appears to be just dragged along. Perhaps I have got it wrong but his fingers are massive.
Yeah--he's got "Guitar Man" hands! On a more serious note, his fingers are incredibly muscled. There's hardly any fat or gristle in between the knuckles--that's why his knuckles look pretty enlarged, like someone with rheumatoid arthritis.
4:50 guthrie govan said the same thing before regarding many styles of guitar playing. Crazy how these 2 humble and wise guitarist are so far up in the guitar echelon.
