Why Do People Like John Mayer? 

If anybody hasn't listened to Where the Light is, it's one of Mayer's live albums, and it's brilliant. I didn't pay him much attention before, but the guy is a brilliant guitarist.

Still love Continuum. His best. Also wish he'd get the John Mayer Trio back together.

I've been a gigging musician (guitarist/vox mainly) for over 20 years, and when John Mayer first broke out I thought he was really freaking lame. Then I actually listened to the Room For Squares album on a long drive, and I was actually blown away by the sheer musicality. In fact, my playing on a technical level really improved when I sat down to learn the song "Neon". That song challenged me in a new way back then, and man, when I finally nailed it I was so freaking proud of myself. John isn't just some lame pop artist. He's a true talent.

The thing with Mayer is he is probably one of the best examples of a post modern rock guitarist. He grew up during the singer/songwriter age. He grew up hearing the best guitarists that have ever lived and he grew up during the beginning of the MTV age. This gave him the ability to perfect catching poetic songs that are signature pop sounds with a mastery of vocal harmonies and of course blues with world class guitar licks. He’s a triple threat that few can match. Some can do one or two, but few can accomplish all three.

Justin I just love the "child of chaos" approach you have to analysing content, we can see your thoughts tumbling out of your head in real-time interspersed with wit, humour and haphazard musicology. I've been a fan of Mayer for ages, but honestly I've become a big fan of yours over the last year. You have an infectious enthusiasm and raw honesty that I've really grown to admire.

Sob rock is one of the most underrated albums of the last 5 years, new light and last train home are amazing. It feels like Springsteen did Human Touch then have this album to John

Thank you for this! I love hearing other musicians talking about how incredible John is ❤ Sarah

As someone who doesn't play guitar, but loves John Mayer's music, it's so fascinating to hear someone pull apart his musical capabilities. In case I wasn't already a massive fan, I sure am now! Thanks for the pull-apart, Justin!

As usual ...Justin you are a man of exquisite musical taste 👌

John Mayer Trio's cover of 'California Dreamin' is absolutely sublime. If you haven't heard it before, check it out!

Even if you don’t like his solo stuff, it’s pretty hard to deny his immeasurable talent. Saw him recently with Dead and Co. He blew the doors off the place with his guitar work.

Nice to see you covering John. I started in the rock n roll/metal world as a teenager and while I still love the music, I got bored playing it. I put the guitar down for almost a decade. Then I heard John and it sent me down a blues/soul rabbit hole and have been playing almost daily for 7 years since.

Been waiting a long time to hear you talk about John. I gotta say you were a huge reason why I started playing guitar at 14 after hearing I Believe In A Thing Called Love, but when I discovered John at 19, it opened a whole new world for me as far as guitar playing goes. I just couldn’t resist and bought a nice Strat shortly after. He’s so gifted and versatile with his playing, a true master of the instrument.

I was never in to John Mayer mostly I think because he was a huge pop star when I was growing up and I listened to nothing but Led Zeppelin, My wife and I went to his concert in 2019 because we could and they blew us away. Been a fan since.

Neon from where the light is.. is the perfect example of how John is both a master guitarist/songwriter who can also write pop sounding hooks as if it were a Backstreet Boys song.

I'd never heard of him until tonight. Thanks for this video, Justin. I'll keep an ear out for him now - and he's someone my other half might like too, so I'll make sure he's on his radar as well. Hasn't he got a beautiful sound? Real "Late Sunday Night In The Dark Music". I also include Mazzy Star and All About Eve in this classification. For anyone wondering what the heck I'm on about, imagine you're in your front room. You're on your own in the house, you're laying on the settee with a couple of candles on and it's a lovely, warm atmosphere. There's nothing on the telly and you don't want to watch a DVD or anything, so you put this music on and just let it wash over you. You lay with your eyes closed, nice and relaxed but not falling asleep. Try it this weekend and see how it makes you feel. I think you'll like it.

As a guitarist and guitar enthusiast I always want Mayer to take it further with his playing on records BUT my respect for the songwriting and his remarkable ability for keeping an audience wanting more for essentially his entire career is kind of unrivaled. There is something to be said about always keeping that card up your sleeve. Also big props on the musicians he hires, from Zane to Isaiah to David Harris… he never shies from spotlighting and lifting remarkable players who dont have the reach he does. Smart dude and great player

Born and raised is such a great great album. Not so much for the guitar playing, but the songwriting is really strong

There's little microtonal things in his bends that make him recognisable even when he's playing 'typical' blues licks. He's a very good musician, even though I'd never have expected to like him as much as I eventually came to, when I first heard his early stuff.

I became a fan of yours Justin after seeing a Rig Rundown on Premier Guitar. It was so funny I had to check out your music. Then I found your RU-vid channel. Being a musician in Nashville, I really enjoy your insights into music. Yes. Nashville. Which means I normally play Country music. How does a guy like me become a fan of a guy like you…it’s all music. Keep making these great videos brother!

There's a great mini documentary video on RU-vid of him writing and recording the song 'In Repair' in one day. It's incredible.

I never got John Mayer or the buzz around him but a couple of years ago I heard "Edge of Desire" and the solo on that blew my mind. From there I've gone on to fall in love with his entire catalogue. He is the first player that made me realise you don't have to play fast or a hundred notes to communicate feel. On top of that, he just has immortal hair.

Finally. Been waiting for a Mayer video. Please do more. His Americana album is quality. And his drummer Sterloid is the man

He's my favourite artist. Stop this Train is my favourite song. It gave me perspective on life. People don't like him because they think he's cheesy. But he's actually one of the most diverse and clever songwriters out there.....not to mention a phenomenal guitarist.

I too came late to Mayer. I was first aware of him based on You Body Is A Wonderland era and thought him nothing more than a pop singer songwriter. Then I heard some tracks from his Heavier Things album and started to get interested but wasn't knocked out impressed. Then I heard the Trio live album with him and Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan and I was floored! He wasn't a guitar SRV worshiping poseur but a serious studied guitar player! Been a fan since and love how he can take a simple pop song and inject some blues and soul into it.

For half a second, you harmonized with him, and it sounded so good. Call him up

The Darkness and John Mayer are without a doubt my two favourite sources of musical delights. Though very different in what they produce, the musicality, melody and performance standards are in my opinion, some of the best out there! I can’t get enough of either of them! Hearing Justin speak so fondly of John Mayer is also music to my ears…would love to hear John’s thoughts on The Darkness, I’m sure he’d appreciate them too! How amazing would a collaboration be?! Make this happen Justin!!! Lots of love and a Merry Christmas to you sir! X

John's amazing and, as a Deadhead, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that he has admirably filled in shoes that are basically unfillable by taking over Jerry Garcia's lead guitar role for Dead & Company. In addition, his back-to-Americana-Dead-influenced albums in the early 2010s after he had that throat trouble are really great. Glad to see your appreciation for him, Justin!

This was really fun Justin, thanks! I saw John Mayer in 2011 and wanted to hear him do Free Fallin so bad, but it looked like he was going to come out got An encore and we decided to head back to the car and meet the traffic, thinking the encore would be new music. Almost to the last section before the maze of fences to leave and he just appeared, standing in that section (it really looked like he was standing on one of the chairs) with a spotlight and did Free Fallin and it might be my favorite moment from a concert ever. He played an incredible show that night.

I have always been a huge fan of John Mayer. I always return to his live performances of “Neon”, “Free Fallin” and “Message in a Bottle”. His tone is absolutely breathtaking and there’s just such a richness and smoothness to how he plays! Love watching you cover John Mayer and would love to see more!!!!! 😍😍

I'm surprised you didn't mention his role in Dead & Company. Stepping into the shoes of Jerry Garcia and doing it so tastefully... it was an amazing thing to witness

I always thought I loved music, but you make me understand why. That being said, thanks your for the music and Permission to Land got me through some things while studying abroad in Atlanta (yes, in the Americas like Austin). Love the channel, keep on keeping on. Best, Jan from Berlin (p.s. wouldn’t hate seeing The Darkness come back for a gig)

I'm not musician myself, but it's nice to see that "professionals" are learning from others as well. That kind of stuff (show in the video) could make your music even better for sure! This kind of videos bring musicians closer to normal people who got problems in their everyday work also. I love The Darkness! Maybe I'll see you in Finland one day! Have a nice and relaxing Christmas!

Heaven. I get just as lost in his playing as he does. And you analyzing whilst looking so damn dapper is the icing on the cake!

I love your jacket Justin. 😀

Absolutely LOVE John Mayer

I love the guy. Love the song writing. Nice voice not crazy high pitch. He sounds like he actually means what he's saying in the songs and doesn't sound like he put words together just cuz they sound good.

I watched an acoustic set of his recently. His guitar playing is masterful.

Every song drips with 80s adult contemporary sleepiness. No wonder Clapton loves him.

I always let out a laugh of complete joy when I see Justin first pick up the guitar… just how ready and quick he his to jump on board and get stuck in for the break down. Not cocky or trying to show off, just pure coolness if you like. Call me the cheesiest commenter ever but i really don’t give a shit. Awesome stuff. Its the small things sometimes 🍷(clink)

Spot on about the two musical personalities. I'm a huge fan of his blusey rocky stuff and some of his live performances are just on fire. He also tours with the remnants of the Greatful Dead, which is very cool. At the same time, he has a load of sugary pop songs that make me want to just rip my ears off my head.

I started listening to John Mayer 2 years ago and never really was in to it before. But than you really start seeing/feeling his work/sound and it's truly unique.

You forgot to mention his extensive touring (almost every year) with Dead & Co. in the USA. John Mayer is amazing.

wow! when talking about the model of guitar you perfectly summed up what I also love about a guitar - the fight! great video as always, thank you for all that you do Justin!

Early in his career, Mayer did a one-off show called "John Mayer Has a TV Show" that aired briefly on VH1. It is legitimately hilarious. Completely reshaped my opinion of him. It's worth a quick google search.

He is wonderfully talented and gifted. He’s not afraid to branch out into different genres and still stays true to himself. He sounds just as amazing playing a pop tunes as he does playing blues with BB King to creating his own blues to playing with new musicians too. He’s not afraid to try the most off the wall things. And it generally works. He’s a master lyricist. He can put into words the exact emotions and thoughts that so many feel. He never ceases to capture my emotions and articulate them. I realize every one has their own opinions on music, but I feel when people say he’s not talented or he sucks it’s really just envy. You can not be into someone and still recognize talent.

The hawk flies again! 🎤

Wow the take on different types of guitars and what it may mean to play them was beautiful. Completely agree that 'the fight' with an instrument (or any art form for that matter) is, for me, what makes it the most fun.

I took a fellow blues lover and a metal head to claptons 2010 crossroads festival. During John mayers 3 song set (maybe 4 I can’t remember) the metal loving friend yelled into my ear “I thought he only sang p@$sy songs! He’s awesome!” And indeed, John was tearing it up. I laughed so hard watching my friend blown away by John’s chops.

Super interesting analysis of the Strat type guitar v Les Pauls. Strat gal here, just learning to play then I will worry about tone more later maybe. I didn't appreciate John Mayer much until I began playing guitar again and watched many other youtube guitarists praise him. Grateful to you for sharing your insights. You are giving a great gift to us all. Speaking of gifts, this year I am celebrating the one year anniversary of the Cameo you made for me as a gift from my brother last year. I loved it so much. We have a tradition of exchanging gifts related to The Darkness going back over a decade. I bought him the Pinewood Smile CD this year : ) Sending u much love.

What an absolutely beautiful sideboard. Smashing to see.

What the world needs now, is love, sweet love - oh no it doesn't! What it needs is a Justin Hawkins and John Mayer duet! Make it happen! ;)

Very interesting musings about JM's approach and his instrument being a scalpel... He's always talked in length about his touch through his fingertips to the speaker of his guitar cabinets. Really awesome to hear him talk about what he likes about Dumble amps, he is as you allude to, an incredibly 'touch sensitive' guitarist who is able to react and respond to incredibly detailed nuance in his equipment and derive inspiration from a point of precision, as opposed to a dimed LP going into a plexi amp as most of us do!

Not a huge fan of Mayer’s solo work , but his work with Dead and company is top notch! He is a brilliant musician , and his role taking the place of Jerry Garcia has been phenomenal!!!!

Love to see an artist I love who praises my favorite one. Great video, thank you Justin

I’m not a huge fan of his, especially the newer records that sound like compilation albums to me. But I definitely enjoy some of his songs here and there. What I really appreciate about him is that he refuses to stay in a box. He lets his music, his style, even his gear evolve, and it took him all the way from the cheesy acoustic pop rock of Your Body Is A Wonderland to a blues-infused 80s inspired upbeat Last Train Home. Lyrically, he’s quite a creative writer too.

Oh, Justin, that jacket is gorgeous!

Why did I only find out about this channel now?? Justin's great!

I love John's version of Free Fallin'.

Oh this song! Mary Spencer made a video titled "John Mayer Couldn’t Finish This Song, so I did" where she predicted the song based from John's Tiktok teasers before he released it.

Love John Mayer, I think he is an awesome musician and student of music. I love how he will actually teach you how to play his stuff and not only teach, but explain the theory behind it. For me though, I will never ever seen anyone doing a guitar face and not think "I wonder if they are saying Potato?" Brilliant as usual Mr Hawkins!

I love listening to you talk about the subtleties of guitar playing and sonic differences in makes, models and pick ups etc...even though it makes me realise, despite having played guitar for 30 years, I actually know next to NOTHING. Ask me most any question about guitar and you will likely get a blank look or a pattering of waffle. Cheers for your insights Justin.

Mayer is an incredible performer.

12:04 oh my god, now I wanna see you collab with John Mayer. Great harmony!

Love that jacket!

As a person who live and breathes music myself, your absolute passion for it is intoxicating. You really give a lot of respect, while also showing excitement to other artists. Extremely commendable.

Yeah, I think John Mayer is the complete package. Great writer, singer and of course guitarist

John Mayer is a phenomenal statesman for the guitar and all of it's facets! He's completely rehabilitated his ways and is humble and expressive and is a fantastic guy!

He actually has a song on the album this is from where he pays homage to Mark Knopfler and does an amazing solo in his style. The song is called Wild Blue, I'd recommend reacting to one of the many live versions he did.

He’s so underrated by many. He’s a phenomenal player. Can take or leave some of his music, but as a player he’s truly something else.

6:24 I completely agree, everyone that's ever tried playing my strat have told me how painful and difficult it is to play due to the high action, thick strings and high spring tension on the bridge, but I love it. It gives me the feeling of interacting with the instrument in ways that a super smooth-playing guitar just can't. I can never do an intense and cathartic bend when the instrument just let's me get to the note without an effort. Maybe I just like suffering, but I also think it helps me focus on what I'm doing.

I couldn’t love your channel more, JDH! So entertaining AND educational. So cathartic an escape from all the 💩 in the world. You’ve motivated me to resume guitar lessons (after 40 years’ abstinence) and enrol in a music theory course. Love your work! ❤

I really liked hearing Justin talking to us about guitar playing and gear. As a guitar player myself, it just feels so good to connect to Justin on this topic cos he doesn’t talk about it much in other content.

I always say that the secret to John Mayer's success is his near-magical skill of writing some of the world's most incredible songs and then making them sound as boring as possible.

Thank you Justin. As a lead guitarist, I found your analysis of Mayer's playing to be one of the most interesting videos of yours that I have seen to date. Respect to you both!

Finding John's music is the reason I'm still playing guitar. The man is a genius

So...I did not know who tf your were when I came across some of your videos. However, after watching about half a dozen or so of your videos I have to say that I find you to be a really terrific watch, not to mention a super nice and talented cat! Keep up the good work and thanks for all of your insights on guitar and music "stuff" and the whole music experience from a real performer's point of view. Great!! Plus your intro and outro thing is such a great approach.

Worth a nod - keyboard player is the legend himself, Greg Phillinganes. He was MJ’s keys/synth guy (he also MD’d the Bad tour) and co-wrote ‘don’t stop if you get enough’. Oh yeah, and John Mayer is a genius!

If you have heard of CJH’s The Session, you know John is a patron saint of the show. He’s so humble and just genuinely cool!

Wild Blue is top 2 on Sob Rock, and the tour was incredible, he was performing songs he hasn't played in years and said he wouldn't.

Love a guy who can pick stuff up by ear that quick, super entertaining as well! Keep it up sir!

I was amazed at his ability to absorb the entire Grateful Dead Catalog and then be able to improvise within that framework.

I have this PRS and it’s the best guitar I’ve ever had in 25 years

I totally agree about the PRS thing. I just recently sold my Custom 24 and bought a Custom shop 57' Les Paul Jr. single cut, heavy relic. I connect so much more with it and my LP gold top.

Nice! Gotta love a bit of love for John Mayer. G’day from Australia Justin.

He’s a complete and utter genius. If you know you really know.

As a big Knopfler fan as well, you all should check out John's single "Wild blue". It's Dire Straits 2.0 really 😍

Hands down my favourite artist. Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles is definitely worth a watch, it's absolutely spectacular! SO many good songs... SO many good solos. I'd probably say my favourite song is 'I guess I just feel like' and my favourite solo can be found in 'Belief'. What's everyone else's favourite songs and solos?

Loving your content as always Mr Hawkins! Keep it coming ❤

John Mayer is one of the best guitarists and overall musicians of our time. He deserves all the credit and more.

One of my favourite posts from you, awesome 🤘🏻

I was thinking about you this afternoon as I walked through Huddersfield because Christmas Time was being belted out on a PA system.

I’d love to hear your musical view on a song called To The Hellfire by Lornashore, especially the last 60 seconds! Be amazing to hear what you think

I wasn't much of a fan until I saw him with Dead and Company last summer and he definitely made a fan out of me

One of the greatest guitarists of his generation, a musical chameleon and an incredibly talented songwriter.

He’s good with the Grateful Dead, only time I’ve seen him live. I didn’t expect much, but was pleasantly surprised.

I don’t care for his music but he is a talented player. I met Isaiah Sharkey last week during a four night residency with Robert Glasper at work. That guy is ridiculously talented and I can see why Mayer wanted to work with him. Holy smokes what a guitar player and his singing voice is as beautiful as Marvin Gaye.

John is great and so are you Justin! Liked this one.

Great Stuff Justin. Good to see JM getting some love in the UK. He’s the bomb truly.

the title of the video is pretty clever :D and your videos are pretty enjoyable 👌🏻