Why Guitar Players HATE John Mayer
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00:00 Intro
02:21 Perception
04:26 The Continuum Effect
07:13 Antics
07:25 "CopyCat"
08:19 Conclusion
"He’s extremely gifted. His faculties are phenomenal. He’s a master. I don’t think he even knows how good he is." Quote: Eric Clapton
Don't mean to be a killjoy but I believe he said "facility is phenomenal" 😅
Eric Clapton? Clapton should be inducted into the Hall of Fame as The biggest fraud in rock history, 60 yrs in the biz and you can't name 3 songs he's actually written
Said it as a senile old man. Clapton after recording Disraeli Gears would have called Mayer a joke living off being a guitar player with no contemporaries to compete with.
I'm going to be real I do not care for his phrasing it's bland also I'm a guitar player his covers are good live but his own playing overated for sure
Why don't you kiss Kenny Wayne shepherds ass just as good but no one talks about him
Guitar players hate John Mayer because they say “oh he just plays pentatonic scales and a few notes, so simple.” Those same players can’t come close to replicating his sound. He’s an incredible guitar player, super versatile, and a pretty darn good songwriter to boot. His work with the Grateful Dead is amazing.
The fact that he has become the lead guitarist for the Greatful Dead is telling enough that he deserves it.
The Gratef*l Dead are not known to be anyone's idea of strongly musical musicias.@@MatthewLiebrich
He has contributed nothing to guitar whatsoever. He’s a great pop star. That’s it. Guitar god? No.
@@MatthewLiebrich He is not the lead guitarist for the Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia is.
JM never played with the Grateful Dead, and he never even came close to filing in forJerry. JM's biggest fan is JM.
Each album seemed to have that one song that really resonated with me and where I was in life at that moment as well. Slow Dancing off Continuum, Edge of Desire off Battle Studies, Walt Grace off B&R, In the Blood off Search for Everything etc. I listen to Continuum and even though it's still one of my favourite albums of his, I now find some of it lyrically naive; very clearly the thoughts of a younger man/me. It's great to be able to look back at his albums and in many ways be able to chart your own evolution. On a side note: I think JM will agree, no one can be an SRV clone.
I am into Jazz and Classical at this stage of my life. Room for Squares came out when I was in my 50's and I thought this guy has talent! His compositions were not the average pop stuff other "artists" were coming up with. They had progression. And. his lyrics were thoughtful. I could relate although I had to think back when I was much younger. In a way John took me back there in time and I remembered my high school graduation day. I think that any artist that can transport you to another time or place and dust off some of your memories has something special to offer. And John did and still does and is a remarkable musician as I knew from that first listen. Yeah, I used to be in a band back in the day so I listen not just hear, but listen to what's going on in a piece of music, picking it apart and analyze what's going on. Sorry to be long winded but yeah, John is one of the greats.
I am into Jazz and Classical at this stage of my life/ Well I really hope you feel better soon, what a shame it must be to live like that.
That’s what a lot of guitarists and musicians miss today or seem not to notice - that music is a language or way to communicate. Truly great artists and musicians can invoke feelings and bring to mind memories for a large percentage of people, fans or not.
Please my friend, dont apologize. Your comment, ALL of it, is very relatable. I am & have been a Jazz fan throughout my 64+ years. I too "listen not just to hear." Of course, I respect & appreciate the masterful musicianship of the artists who play the song. But I cant resist diving deeper into a song... listening carefully... nearly hypnotized by the complexities of rhythmic patterns, of really tight chords, their structure, their changes & the song's "progression." I too will analyze (& will often ascribe personal meaning to) a song's lyrics. I believe the lyrics are a song's "heart" & that the emotions stirred by a song's lyrics are often the source from which the music itself is inspired & composed. And so my friend, not only is the way we "listen to music" something we have in common... your comment moved me on a journey of my own, down my own "memory lane." For that, I am truly grateful. I genuinely enjoyed your every word. And frankly... I would have enjoyed hearing even more from you.💗
…”any artist that can transport you to another time or place …has something to offers“ Very well said sir! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The first song I heard was Gravity, and I was f*cking hooked. The _restraint_ and nuance from someone who could have absolutely shredded up with virtuosity was electric. I couldn’t get enough of someone with nothing to prove and a story to tell musically. I don’t care what someone’s virtuosity is, I don’t need a dick measuring contest, I need some honesty and a story, and that whole album is a master class in _serving the song_, and that concept transcends genre or player or instrument. Serve the song. Love it. Thanks for making great content! ✌️😌🎸
This is just about the best description of Gravity I've ever read. It's all restraint. Not too many musicians have the confidence to write a song that lives or dies on the story you can tell with a simple vibrato.
meh. nothing special ,most blues players play like that.. also it makes the tune more radio friendly..
Invincible
Always loved Jeff Ross talking about watching John record a solo and noting that he was surprised that every pass had less and less notes like he was further distilling the solo down to its most important parts.
Very well put. Another guitarist that is great at serving the song is John Frusciante.
I really think Mayer’s pop stuff is his most impressive. He distills so much musical talent and complexity into such an accessible format. I prefer his songwriting to his guitar playing easily.
A lot of his early pop stuff has some interesting chords progression. Not many musicians are getting Jazz chords onto MTV
Exactly, for me as a guitar player, his early stuff it's the most challenging stuff to learn
nice profile picture.
@NEP84 dude have you heard covered in rain? Live performance at oak mountain amphitheater
I have tried to like his music many times but I just don't get why he is so successful..I really tried
Love him to pieces. Hands-down, one of the most underrated musical geniuses of all time among people who think they know him. ❤
I think you meant *over*-rated. Have you ever heard of Frank Zappa or Trey Anastasio or Duane Allman? The only reason I even like Mayer a little bit is because of his work of his years in Dead and Co.
Genius where?
Genius ? wow
One of the most overrated guitar players of all time...............................
you mean Eric Clapton?
Guitar players don't hate John Mayer. They love John Mayer. Non-guitar players are the ones who generally hate him. Every legitimate guitar player recognizes John Mayer's amazing talent
He's complete package. He can make music for everyone, from casual music listeners to the experienced musicians.
His guitar playing sounds fine but his singing is unbearable. "Stop this Train" is a great example of that, what a way to ruin a nice rhythmic melody.
@@arvrbolk3456 there's a song called emoji of a wave ,go listen to it or in the blood and tell me he's not a decent singer
I was thinking the other day, when Justin rides again, got me to check out his official Last Train Home live recording. John Mayer, now, would have to be in anyone's Top 10 guitarists of all time list, or even top 5 guitarists of all time. But in that Top 5/10 list, I'd wager money he would be also the best guitarist/singer in your short list.
The experienced musicians I know can't stand him
Not "the complete package."
I am a 74 year old who just took up guitar. I love your videos. I am primarily into singer/songwriters in country & country rock but I also love Buddy Guy, Son House and Jimmy Reed. Keep up the good work young man. Thanks.
I heard “No Such Thing” about a year before he blew up. I was impressed with the rhythms, chord voicings, and clever lyrics. I remember thinking. Got R4S and loved it. I remember thinking, “too bad he’s too talented to ever get famous.” Fast forward a few months, I was at a friends house and his little brother was having a high school party. All the young girls were going, “have you heard of John Mayer?” Mind was blown lol
Saw his solo tour show two nights ago and right before ybiaw, he said he still gets a kick out of looking through the crowd to see people's reactions to hearing it live. The endless awkward staring at the ceiling waiting for the song to end to get back to the ones they came to hear still cracks him up 20 years later.
"Born and Raised" is my favorite JM album. Apart from being a change in genre for him, I think it also has some of his best lyrics and songwriting of his. No shredding, no amazing solos (though some very good ones), and it still is one of his best works in my opinion.
it’s so hard to choose a favorite album though because of how unique each one is. I agree though that Born and Raised has to have the most meaningful lyrics and as a complete packages may be his best
Agree!! Born and raised (the song) has amazing song writing.
@@neildesai5743 it is a tough call. Objectively, Continuum may be his best, but B&R is very special. Also, I think even while going through his vocal cords operation, it has some amazing vocal performances from him. If I Ever Get Around... is a great example.
@@GabrielDrumBoy absolutey agree! Very simple, very subtle, but brilliant. And some lyrics just hit home for me.
....
John has a formula for his albums. He always makes one for the fans and then one for him. The gems in-between is what we know and love.
I just heard Vultures. Its a very great song and solo in it. Im gonna listen to more of his songs. Your intro also was very niceee :)
I Thoroughly enjoyed this video. I am a HUGE JM fan and have been since I heard his 2007 Live in LA album. I was hooked after hearing the range and depth of guitar talent he displayed throughout that album. I play guitar (not very well at all), but can appreciate a skilled player when I hear one. I have heard and enjoyed every Mayer album out there and have had the privilege of hearing him live in Seattle twice in the past year. I did not notice a lot of folks that looked like me at either show, but its pretty cool to see someone that does talking about JM on YT and can actually PLAY WELL (unlike me)! 😂 Keep up the skillful play and videos. You have +1 more subscriber🙌 A Cover of 3x5 would be nice, I will watch your other vids to see if you covered it 😁
I was that guy in the early 2000s. I heard “Your body is a wonderland” and wrote off listening to him. Years later I listened to the “Try” trio stuff and was blown away. As you said, what he has done for pop and blues music as well as the world of guitar playing is iconic.
I started hearing about Mayer so had a listen. I was like....hmmm....pop music, wonder why everyone is so blown away. Some time after that I stumbled onto some live videos, then it hit me, this guy is really good. And I really enjoy that he doesn't stick to one genre or style. Love that he play with Grateful Dead and has learned new things from that experience. That is one of the things that impresses me, Mayer strives to become better and is not afraid to learn from others. I can't remember what Dead song it was but watching him and the keyboard player interact was great, the keyboardist seemed to be a mentor of Mayer's at some level. Thanks for this, great video as always!!
This is a great video. I've always been a fan of John's skill - I try to play it, but it stays in my living room. He really adds a lot of complexity that is often not appreciated by the masses.
The first time I heard John Mayer I was around 15 years old. My friend showed me the acoustic version of Neon because he liked the way John played. I fell in love immediately. At first I didn't like Born and Raised. I don't really care for the folky country style stuff. I avoided that album for a few years. But... I ended up giving it a chance. I found myself loving the entire album and still listen to it regularly. Particularly the songs "Age of Worry" and "Badge and Gun". Everything that Johns' put out since then has just been banger after banger in my opinion.
That's a pleasant video to watch. A simple guy that understands music and can talk about it without being boring . Thank you .
Never hated him. Hearing him live at Crossroads was an instant hit. Only an idiot would hate him. Even if you're not a fan of his singing or style, he's a great guitarist
Crossroads 1 is where I first heard him. The video that is.
he sucks. he KNOWS the instrument, but he doesn't know how to make interesting music. being a very good player is not the same thing of being a good songwriter
agreed
Just saw his solo tour 4 days ago. He’s humble, mature, And a once in a generation talent.
Just got to see his show a few days ago! My first ever concert, he's such a wonderful artist!
Humble is one thing he’s NOT. Listen to some stories lmao
John Mayer is one of my all time favorite players of all time and has been since the early 2000s. But “humble” is not exactly a word I’d use to accurately describe him lol
Meyer is a self proclaimed ego maniac look it up for yourself. Jennifer Annistan's problem with him was he wasnt mature. And as many musicians have said, hes really good, but not great. lmao.
He is possibly one of the least humble and mature musicians to ever exist!
I started listening to JM when nobody knew who he was. They had his first album in a listening station at the record store, I'd never heard of him before so I gave it a listen. I wasn't expecting much, my mind was somewhere else, but gradually I felt myself being sucked in and I ended up buying it. That album ended up establishing him as not only a radio star, but a teenage heartthrob. Which is a hard note to follow for a new artist. Some years later I went to see him play, the people next to me were there to see Counting Crows and dismissed him as a teen idol to the point they were going to leave before he came on. I convinced them to stay and assured them he WAS the real deal. They thanked me afterwards. What many don't realize is he went to music school (Berkeley I believe) and toured as a hired hand with a couple artists to work on his stage presence and polish up already good playing BEFORE they released his first solo record. It's easy to hate him for all the starlets he's been with, but he is the real deal! 👍
Basically, at 57 after playing for over 45 years, I heard "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" and decided to learn to play it. Immediately I developed respect for Mayer as both a guitarist and song writer as it is so beautifully voiced and by no means simple to play even for me as an experienced player (your mileage may vary - not pretending to be the greatest guitarist here). Finally, the entire composition of the song - including the solos and little riff motifs throughout - were all part of what made it a great memorable song. From that moment onwards I was, if not a fan and regular listener, at the very least I had tons of respect for him as a player, performer and songwriter.
Honestly when an artist changes their sound it seems like a sign of musical maturity. Mayer, like many musicians, had a lot of different influences and so he's not gonna sound like one thing all the time. I still enjoy all of his albums for their differences, not for their similarities. Thanks Mike for bringing another great video!
Just saw him at the opening of his Solo tour. Fantastic, captivating and memorable performance. I've loved each of his albums after a few listens
Mike, I love your reviews! Keep your stuff coming.
Sob rock was amazing as well. And I’ve learned to appreciate and enjoy the post battle studies and continuum albums. I think it’s also important to consider the place he was in emotionally while making paradise valley and born and raised. Coming off of vocal surgery and trying to reconfigure his vocals had to be somewhat depressing. He’s even stated he can’t hit the notes he used to (some for the better). I’m most excited to see what he does next. Him leaving Columbia records after so long could mean he is getting to record the music he REALLY wants to record. Back to his roots and it being a blues or another trio album would be amazing.
His voice is really strong on his current tour.
Hey Mike, I didn't like Mayer when I first heard him because I only heard the pop songs. Then I saw him live at Crossroads 2010 with the John Mayer trio with Pino on bass and Steve Jordan on drums. His playing and stage presence was amazing and totally gained my respect for what a fantastic guitar player he is. Love your channel, you're awesome.
I saw his "Room for Squares" tour because I thought the album was awesome back in the day. The wife and I went to see him and it was an ok concert as you would expect from a young new artist. I've seen him probably 10 times over the years and am getting ready to see his solo tour in Nashville. He is one of the best guitarists ever and love almost everything he does... Great channel by the way...
When he was doing his blues trio that was some of the best I've ever heard
First song I ever heard was 83, I was 6 and it blew me away. I’ve been listening to his music for over 20 years how and all his records growing up reached me at different parts of my life. I’ve seen him in concert 4 times and love all his music. I take massive grief from friends and people for being a Mayer fanboy, but the man can play the guitar 🎸
Average guitar player but nice people see it differently and get pleasure from him
I love how versatile he is I love continuum and sop rock but sometimes I’m in a folk mood and I want folk I can listen to the guy for i while and not get bored because he has so much different stuff. I also have a shot attention Span and can only listen to one Genre for so long without having to switch it up and pick a completely different genre
Always liked John Mayer but over the last couple years have really fallen in love with his stuff. Got to see him in Toronto last May and was blown away. I'm actually surprised you didn't touch on Neon and it's difficulty. I've actually really enjoyed the evolution and self discovery of John and I appreciate how he describes himself as a "recovering ego addict". I've really enjoyed the videos of your that I have watched. Any chance you can cover Fleetwood Mac's Never Going Back Again and it's difficulty. I have seen others discuss it but would like to get your perspective. Also (I am Canadian) what are your thoughts on Colin James?
Born and raised is the album that brought me to JM. After that I started listening to his old pop stuff and I started to recognize his genius and fell in love with his abilities and talent and just greatness. I'm like you Mike. Crazy bout John. Thx for what your doing I'll be watching from here on out.
He's one of few that people today know for his guitar playing first. He's ever evolving and really just has a style that connects with people. I will never forget the day i first heard the solo in Magnolia. Literally made my cry. It was that beautiful.
No Such Thing was the first thing I heard, and I was hooked…as an acoustic player in college, that was the sound. But he has has shown how to continuously find yourself in your music, loving the music you are making.
This individual (mike) - honestly thank you for appreciating a song that I think a lot of individuals may not have. I don't know why a lot of individuals say they don't love JM... I have been such a fan every step of the way of JM and you really make me feel justified. Thank you :)
Great video and yup, I'm one of those who couldn't stand the earlier "let me whisper my singing" pop stuff to later material that showcases his amazing gift at expressing emotion thru soloing. Of course it helped when I found out he was a huge Stevie Ray fan as Stevie has been my guitar god since 1990.
I’ve been listening to Mayer since R4S, and honestly his whole body of work has just reflected different times in my life. He’s an amazing artist and I’ll be listening to him as long as he plays and I breathe.
I clicked on this, not because I’m a guitar player, but because I’m a John Mayer fan. I’m 76 years old and I love his music. Of course I have some favourites and I just went to my song list and played a couple of them. Started a new favourites list for my indoor walking tunes, just to stay motivated to complete my steps! Lol. I just finished playing Perfectly Lonely ❤. Thanks everyone! It’s fun reading your comments. And what a good channel to subscribe to!
I’m a guitarist and I grew up listening to Hendrix and SRV along with Skynard and plenty of country music. Personally I believe room for squares to be John Mayers best album. His chord work on the acoustic is stellar and something no one in mainstream music was implementing at the time. He created a unique sound unlike anyone else with that album. No doubt John Mayer is an amazing blues/ rock guitarist, as good as any in his own right. For me room for square was something totally different from what anyone had done at the time. If you think the guitar parts aren’t complicated go learn Neon 😂
Room For Squares is such an amazing album. Every song is phenomenal.
Continuum is my favorite album of the last 30+ years
1000% Room For Square is a master piece. I was instantly a fan after its release. It was totally a different sound and tone from what I have been hearing all the time ranging from 80's to 90's. Brilliant works of art.
Thanks for saying that. I’m crazy about RFS, and it took me a while to appreciate his work that followed.
Exactly. No one in “mainstream” music. Because all the people who are 100 times better than him aren’t playing mainstream music
Beautiful and respectful analysis. You should be proud of YOUR contribution to this topic. Keep livin'. Keep growing and thank you.
"The Dead" version of Mayer is truly phenomenal. A journey of self discovery and shedding of past identity that comes out with such deep passion and joy as he jams with the band. He said in an interview about playing with Dead & Company that "this has changed my life." And that is what great music is all about--to change our souls.
Were you a JM fan before he joined dead co or a GD fan? Just curious. I was shocked at how many people at the dead co show I saw were there thru JM and not familiar with GD music. Seems backwards to me.
@@bluecollar825 I've enjoyed The Dead for a long time and thrilled that Mayer fans have been drawn to them through him.
@@BrentonAlegre so you're saying you liked The GD before you knew JM? That was my question, who you liked first. I have no agenda, just an honest curiosity.✌
@@bluecollar825 Ah... might have misunderstood the question. Yes, I've liked the GD long before ever hearing of Mayer... since the 80s... which might be a bit "late" as a GD fan.
@@BrentonAlegre right on friend. Thanks for the response. Like I said I was curious because of my dead & co experiences. And I agree its great that he turned a new generation on to the GD. I just wonder if the ones who did only listen to dead & co or actual GD music when that's what they want to hear. That was gonna be my follow up question if you were a JM fan first. That is the big mystery for me lol. ✌
This channel is such a vibe. John Mayer wasn't and isn't my favorite but he's a monster and you can't lose respect for the talent. The thing that separates him from others is the song writing. So many great players are terrible at writing good songs. #respect
Amen.
Listened to Neon in 2006 and was instantly hooked..dudes chords are off the charts. Great video keep up the good work
I love this video and I love Body is a Wonderland!:) The layering of the guitar parts in the verse is really fantastic, if you have ever tried to create complimentary parts you know how difficult it can be. And the bridge... well...
Neon was the first song of his that I heard - actually it was a friend who arranged it as an acoustic duet for a recital a few years ago. Loved it instantly.
The one thing that keeps me listening to John is he doesn’t repeat himself, always changing. And he stepped into Jerry’s shoes, and retained both the Garcia part of the music and his own identity as well.
I just stumbled onto your video and love your perspective. John Mayer is one of my favorite musicians. To me, the fact that he can play so many different styles is evidence of his musical genius. He reminds me of another music legend, Bob Dylan, who also took a lot of heat for doing the same thing. As music trends changed, they changed with it. That’s not an easy thing to do and I am continuously awestruck by those who are able to do it. Thanks again for sharing your perspective.
Great video. Glad to have stumbled in.
Great video Mike! I’d love you to make more like it!👍I’m also a huge “symp” or fan of John Mayer! As an aspiring guitar player myself I haven’t found many that have the width and breadth of talent that he has! Many can master a particular style or genre but Jesus Mr Mayer is all over the place in style, genre, whatever, he’s always changing and upping his game! His song writing abilities are astounding. He has exquisite taste when it comes to tone and phrasing. What is there not to love about John Mayer’s guitar playing? Sure you may not like some particular piece of his but talk about someone who has got to have something for everybody! It would have to be him! Thanks again love your UTUBE channel! Keep it coming and I’ll keep coming back for more!❤😊🤗🙏👍✌️✋🎸
When I first properly listened to Mayer, it was with Heartbreak Warfare. I never properly did a deep dive into it so I kinda just hand waved it away as one of those songs by a popular Artist that sound nice. (Plus I wasn't as much a music person at the time compared to now) When I picked up guitar, I quickly checked to see how to play the popular radio hits by guys like Ed Sheeran and the like. I then realized that pretty much every single song by a popular modern artist was just the same few basic chords. (Emphasis on "Pretty Much") I figured I was gonna stagnate quickly if I stuck around there, so I left pretty fast, Didn't bother checking out any Mayer cuz I figured he was just the same. Fast forward about a few months, I was listening to quite a bit of Rock. AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Green Day, RHCP, Aerosmith, and even some Metallica. Still kinda shit at guitar, but I was getting there, and while I was scrolling through reddit, I came across a comment talking about difficult songs. They mentioned a few standard songs, like G.O.A.T, and Cliffs of Dover. And then I saw that they also mentioned Neon by John Mayer alongside them. There was confusion...a hell of a lot of confusion. And then I looked it up on KZhead, and saw *that* video, and that confusion quickly turned into understanding...and then more confusion as I wracked my brain trying to figure out wtf he was doing. Never looked back from there
Honestly continuum is in my top 3 albums of all time. I think it's truly a masterpiece and I thought I was the only one. With that being said, I can't wait to see what he brings in the future, all these different genres and adventures he takes are a part of his journey, and I love his newest thing which is actual fan engagement. His current tour I seen a video where he was taking audience requests
Interesting observations, thanks! I think I dismissed Your Body is a Wonderland as pop, and then got drawn in by Daughters. John is an educated guitarist, and is continually growing. His adventures with the trio, and then Dead and Co are showing his searching. I think he pays really close attention to tone and feeling (thus the Two Rock amps and now the Dumbles) and that should not be overlooked. There are a lot of people who would rather listen to Stan Getz than Coltrane for that reason (personally I like Booker Ervin, but I digress). Anyway, the hate thing is kind of odd. Some years ago, I was in the process of "mourning" the demise of Phil Collins from his Genesis days and a friend reminded me that either of us would likely donate a finger or toe for one of his hits. And maybe that's the gist of it--much as we like to deride "pop" music, it is, well, popular. While there is no accounting for taste, some folks seem to be able to write and play stuff that pleases and inspires lots and lots of people--people who couldn't care less about hearing yet another blues song, or whatever it is we may personally love, and that is an achievement to be recognized. And then--they are good enough to repeat it! To quote one of the pre-eminent philosophers of our time, "oops, I did it again." Good to back off on the hate....
I grew up on John Mayer, according to my mom I actually listened to him in the womb lmao. I've probably heard his entire discography at this point. Room for Squares and Continuum are basically lullabies in my family haha. Matter of fact, when I was really young, I recall running to tell my mom cause I heard Waiting on the World to Change on tv. I respect all of his genre changes, and especially as a budding guitarist I greatly respect his playing skills and how some stuff you really can't play since he's got such big hands lmfao. Just today I was trying to learn Why Georgia (with zero fingerstyle experience) and I was like Damn! This is hard 😅 Even so he'll always hold a special place in my heart, since he was the first musician I ever saw in concert. At that very concert, he did a couple's gender reveal, but everyone was confused since he sang some lines from Daughters, so he ended up having to flat out say "its a boy" lol. Along with everything else I mentioned, I just like knowing that that little baby is probaby 5 years old now, and that they got to listen to John Mayer in the womb too🙏🏾❤
I think you hit the nail on the head around the 6:00 mark. John's ability to go from pop, to soul, to blues, to folk, "yacht rock", whatever the genre is, just shows you how talented and gifted he is musically. Playing all of these different genres of music is something most artists can't, and won't even attempt to do. I think this is another reason why playing in Dead & Co seems to come so natural to him. The Dead has so many different musical influences and he thrives on that.
The video didn’t mention dead and Co. once. Very disappointing. I saw both Citi Field shows this summer and they were the best yet.
You have interesting perspective and eloquence. Plus you riff like a pro! Great channel, man.
Great video. Mayer is so underappreciated. Your style and info may set you apart. I just discovered you, but I liked and subbed. Keep it up.
I wish more artists were as logical and open minded like you. I hate when other musicians just hate. I love all styles and think it's made me the musician I am today. Awesome video 💯 watched it twice and shared 🤘😎🤘
Covered in Rain, specifically the live version in Birmingham in Any Given Tuesday. Still one of my favourite. The long guitar solo is just chef kiss. One track and I'm in totally. His Don't Let Me Down play with Keith Urban on Eric Claption's concert was the nail in the coffin.
I just started learning guitar 4-5 months ago. I’m sure I heard John Mayer before, but looking into modern influences for guitarist, he comes up. I loved his voice before guitar playing. Once I got past the voice, I loved his playing too.
What made me love him was the live show DVD’s he did early on. That was career management genius
Great video! If you want to see the breadth of Mayer's capabilities as a musician just listen to or watch "Where The Light Is". Acoustic, blues/rock, and pop on full display. He's a legit talent that can do it all. I don't like everything he's done, but he in no way deserves to be dismissed out of hand.
Honestly it wasn't until Born & Raised that I got into Mayer. It came out at the right time in my life and allowed me to really get into his music. I enjoy the older stuff just fine but his last two albums (aside from the chorus of that one song) are just excellently written from lyrics to instrumentation. Like you said he doesn't stick with one style for too long and since he tends to switch styles every two albums I'm excited to see where he goes next.
ngl, I really love Why You No Love Me.
Mike, I love your voice tone (soft but bold). Radio-ready voice (!). Also, the way you develop the issue you’re talking about. 👍🏼
Thx Mike ! You’re opening up new doors for me . I enjoy your videos 😮. Keep up the great job. 🎸
Definitely my biggest inspiration, his guitar playing can be just as deep as his lyrics. I love all of Mayer's musical styles, especially with the most recent 80s pop album 'Sob Rock'. His ability to change up his sound completely frees him from the box, his record labels definitely hate him for this, but to be free to do whatever you want rather than being stuck in one style for your whole career takes courage, but once you get there it's bliss. When I first heard 'Why You No Love Me' (which I actually like very much) I thought to myself "this sounds awfully familiar", so I did some research to find what it sounded like but came up empty handed. Then I saw an Apple Music interview with John Mayer where he describes 'Why You No Love Me' in the same way that I thought of it, that being very familiar, but you cannot find anything like it!
I used to watch John Mayer at Eddies Attic and around Atlanta before he became famous. First time I saw him I said, how is he not famous!! Then he released his first album and I was amazed. Then he went blues, and I was impressed with how hard he worked at it. I think he has earned respect.
I too remember when e played regularly at Eddies Attic in Atlanta (Decatur). He has worked hard to get where he is. He is also well spoken and can extrapolate in interviews. Many players who diss him and think he had it easy don't know his background of hard work.
I was caught by your title - I actually have been a fan since Eddie's attic in Atlanta - my personal favorite is the trio - I just love the blues and the way he does that. JM - has said himself he is just doing clapton. but loved your stories about him / his career - thanks Mike.
I love him most for his articulation in voice and playing, not just for his choices of notes and melodies. His range of emotions is HUGE. From being so gentle one moment to the next moment CRUNCH, and then gentle again, everything is so smooth... Nobody can do the same, not Petrucci, not Kotzen, not even Hendrix
I was indifferent ... and maybe even oblivious ... to Mayer until it was announced he was going to be playing with Bob Weir and Dead & Company. Like many others I groused a bit about it, but then I listened and was very impressed with the role he set for himself. And Bob obviously loves him and playing with him, so good for them both. And his involved with D&C has encouraged me to listen to his solo stuff with a more open mind and ear.
First time I happened to hear his name was a musical quiz on KZhead. So I decided to check out who he was. The first JM's song that I heard was that live performance of "Slow dancing in a burning room" at Rock am Rio 2013. Epic final solo, girls were crying. That was really impressive.
It's one of the best versions of that song
I Liked Your Video. The Subject Matter Was What Caught My Attention But Your Break Down Was What Really Made This Video Good. You Clearly Are Well Versed On Your Subject Matter As Well As Playing Guitar. Open Minded And You Pointed Out Both Sides Of The Argument. Great Job!!!
It was neon. It has been an amazing ride seeing him mature and change as an artist and person over the last 20th years.
Among the comments I read songs like "Gravity", "Neon" and so on. They are good songs, but I think a song like "Stop This Train", "St. Patrick's Day" or "If I Ever Get Around To Living" are also super deep, not just musically, but also emotionally and lyrically. I think it's amazing how many different albums he made, but most of them sound great in one way or another. :)
Love “Stop this Train” alike to “In the Blood”. Also another one I have always truly enjoyed was “In Repair” “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”made me want to learn to play guitar… Looks like a new album coming soon.
@@coryanderson5210 There is a documentary of him writing In Repair on youtube (one song, one day), if you haven't seen it Great stuff.
In your atmosphere sends me to another plane of existence
agreed, ive just started listening to born and raised and the way john is able to progress "will i ever get around to living" amazes me. That song makes me feel a certain way, just as countless of his other songs do
@@samxware wherever i go aswell
I honestly think that the man may by most part is still living by the Continuum payback through all these years. • First, this shit is incredible - just revisited the album not so long ago first time in five years, listened from top to bottom with literally a tear or two running down my face. it ages like a fine wine with every time I stumble upon it after a long break. Lyrics, composition, guitar playing - this shit is out of this universe. • Second, imagine that you need to buy a vinyl record as a present for someone who collects them, but u’re not that much of an appreciator or a crate digger yourself. What would be the perfect choice that you can come up with and to hear back a genuine gratitude as you hand the record, not a polite “oh, thank you, that’s so sweet..!..?” You may already know the answer from the context of this paragraph loool. the thing is that it’s so universally and sincerely acclaimed by anyone, that it’ll be appreciated by almost anyone genre-wise. I imagine that you may even be able to get away with a murder with this album as an excuse loool. that’s why I think that he may be largely noticeably living by the income from all-occasions-vinyl sells of Continuum to this very day (i’m exaggerating obviously, but I think it’s still a visible part of his income in a pie chart) i don’t dig most of his stuff outside this LP, though I listen every single release as they roll out - but the fact that this man channeled his creative energy that hard once in a lifetime to produce only one single Continuum for us to have it to comeback through the years, and chose to get back to his acoustic stuff - you know, I can give him that 😆, he gave us truly this timeless collection of music in one longplay - the man is welcome to do whatever fuck he wants after that. I mean man - Gravity, Vultures, Stop that Train, Slow Dancing-Burning, I Don’t Trust Myself…, Waiting on the World to Change - come on, what hate (real hate, not your H.A.T.E.) are we talking about? This man gave us a lot more than most of his colleagues in combined output of their lives, let him chill, he’s paid his artistic dues early loool
continuum is certainly my favorite -- and i was surprised to learn that it wasn't his best selling album and didn't contain any of his top ten most streamed songs on spotify. basically all of his albums have done really well and sold a ton and this dude is just minting money every time he releases something.
The first song that I heard from John Mayer was "Slow Dancing a Burning Room". I was in high school at the time of hearing that song and I continue to listen to that song to this day. That was one song that I swore to myself that, once I get a guitar and learn it, I'm going to provide my own interpretation of it.
I believe the first John Mayer song I ever listened to was In Your Atmosphere live in LA and I've been hooked ever since. I especially love the hidden gem Mayer songs- Lenny/Man on the Side, City Love, Clarity, the list can go on. He is just such a soul touching artist and is also brilliant!
When John first came out I felt like he was my long lost brother. Well, his lyrics. I didn't appreciate his guitar abilities until the second time I saw him in concert (I've now seen him 5 times, and will see him a t 6th time tomorrow) I loved room for squares "my stupid mouth" "why georgia" "no such thing", and his "Inside Wants Out" album record "comfortable" was an old fave. Can't wait to see him Solo :)
I've always been into rock music and played guitar when younger. I had ZERO idea that Mayer could play guitar like he does until I picked up guitar again about a year ago after 10 years. I only ever heard his few popular songs and thought that he was all just soft rock/pop, so I never bothered. Man was I wrong... dude can play
Keep doin what you’re doin man. You’re up an coming bro I’m tellin you just keep up the good work. You got an outstanding analytical skill
If you knew him before those albums came out, he was a blues player. Used to see him at eddies attic in Atlanta and he would just jam 20 min blues jams with David laberrie. Its what actually hooked me originally
For a lot of people, Mayer was the gateway to artists like SRV and BB King etc and even guitar playing in general. He opened me up into a world of music I'd never known about through his covers and performances. That's why I'll always love JM!
Room for squares was amazing people get food by flashy playing and they love to hate pop but you can tell the musicianship and songwriting on that album was great. People also sleep on Heavier Things which is another amazing album. I just think he’s exceptionally gifted and it’s sad that people may overlook that because he did a pop album. Pop music can also be complex and thoughtful as well
Mike…..always enjoy what you have to say……and It would be nice to hear you lay down a jam of something you want to put out there…..looking forward man !!
Just went to see him in Denver: John Mayer Solo. He’s only grown imho, & though I paid a fortune for incredible seats for self/daughter (who remembers him frm age 4!), now 23, HE was AMAZING. The improv; nearly perfect. Voice; post surgery, even more gravitas! I put him in top 3 “modern” concerts I’ve attended-amongst very very many. Hey-I’ve 3 now 20-something kids, I’m a music-fanatic, one of my kids is a guitar player… so yeah, instead of vacations, we chose concerts. Favs: QotSA/Red Rocks 🤯🤯 RHCPs- 9 years ago 🤯 John Mayer-Solo 🤯🤯 I really really appreciate your work & vids! Breathe of clean air!! 👍🏽🫶🏼🔥🎸
As a guitarist, Mayer is simply awesome. He can play just about any style of music either out front or supportive. As an artist, he's made the right choices for himself to enjoy what he does and to stay relevant over a long span of time. That's impressive as a lot of his peers and those who came before simply fade into the past and play the same old songs in concerts. Anyway, as a fan of JM, I appreciate all of his records differently.
The first John Mayor song I learned is neon
Loved the old school Mayer, Continuum was mind blowing, and Born and Raised era I also loved. So far I haven't gotten into Battle Studies or Search for Everything as much, some great songs there still. Seeing him on his acoustic tour soon as well.
That cover riff from the Blues jam that you went to Mike is John Mayers intro for his version of "I Don't Need No Doctor"? Also, I believe that "Born And Raised" is John exploring the Grateful Dead sound and that is what led him to fronting Dead & Company. John has said in not so many words after he formed The John Mayer Trio that he did the pop music stuff so he could eventually do the Blues music like SRV which is what influenced him to play guitar in the first place. John's musical writings area lot of his own feelings as well as an homage to the great guitar players before him that he has studied. Because every kind of music that is being made today, with the exception of classical music, came from the Blues. Keep it real Mike! ✌️
Never gave John Mayer a chance but once I did I appreciated his music and could listen to his interviews all day. Sob Rock album is a fun one and his tone is amazing
Something like Olivia (acoustic version) has some seriously top-tier stuff going on in it, sure there's a lot of Hendrixy stuff going on in it but for me, I love how he uses such tchniques and his inhuman thumbs to come up with really cool and unique sounding shit
Facts on facts that shit is nuclear
I didn't give him a second thought until he joined Dead and Co. Then I decided to look inno some of his albums. I do like Continuem and Sob rock, but Born and Raised, annd Paradise Valley are my faves, and I can't stop watching his 2013 live on Letterman performance! 💜🎶💜🎶
I have totally heard all of these arguments about Mayer, but also as a guitar player and as a listener, the sunsets in his music are great but the sunrises keep me coming back. I kinda got hooked back in the room for squares days with songs like 'St Patrick's day' and 'man on the side' where you could hear the bubbling brew of guitar work about to boil over into the Continuum and Battle Studies albums(not to forget the JM3 work!). And while some people didn't get the Paradise Valley and Born and Raised, those as a songwriter are probably my favs because the emotional depth and honesty are just gutting.(Oddly enough, John said of them that "you might have to go to a place like Montana" to understand these records and both served as the soundtrack for the roadtrip my mom and I took to intern my gram's ashes in rural Montana...AND THEY FIT THE LANDSCAPE PERFECTLY!!!). Anyhow, my point is that the evolution of John as an artist really kinda mirrors a generation growing up and sometimes putting the pedal to the floor and sometimes coasting...but always moving forward.
Mike, you rock! And while we are on the topic of rocking, IMO JM is one of the most thoughtful artists in the game. Yes, he’s got the marketing patina, but it’s impossible to argue against the range, architecture, and beauty of his art.
well said!
If I'm recommended an artist and I dont like them after listening to a few of their songs, I will often come back to that artist in a couple months to a year and re-listen to them. Found many good artists that way. Taste in music evolves and changes through the years so it's always worth going back to take another listen.
Not mentioned in the video is his musical stylings and partnership with The Dead and Co. That particular music is a mashup of so many influences and music types. That he can switch between styles, influences, and eras with such apparent ease proves he deserves his reputation as one of the greats.
Heard him on local radio out of Birmingham. Instant love. Went home to Miami and brought 12 copies of Room for Squares for my friends and family. Got to see him at the now defunct Carefree Theatre in West Palm Beach front row center. I made fans out of a LOT of people. Knew he was going to be huge.