I remember when I was around 15 listening to "Cliffs of Dover" thinking, "what the hell is that dude doing". Just completely amazed. Here I am at 44 still thinking "what the hell is he doing", still amazed lol

@DavidOnTheRoadGuitars

3 жыл бұрын

You and I both, I'm still learning how to play this song. And much of my style and feel comes from his playing style. Cliffs of dover, desert rose, forty mile town, etc, but I only kept my guitar playing as a hobby and fun never took myself seriously 🤗

@Esrom_music

2 жыл бұрын

Same same... Except 11 and 38

@williamsporing1500

2 жыл бұрын

He’s the tone master….and an amazing player

@_Suzuka_Joe

2 жыл бұрын

whatever he did it was with an ES335 for Cliffs of Dover

@WalkenDead

2 жыл бұрын

@@_Suzuka_Joe Really? I did not know that. Thanks for the info

I saw Eric Johnson in a small club in Belgium. Show was fantastic. Afterwards I asked him to sign my Eric Johnson guitar. I didn't know what to expect : I had read in a Satriani interview that "he was difficult to work with"... Guy was charming and gave a lot of attention to make a super clean and nice signature on the headstock!!! THANKS MR Johnson!

If there was ever a trap to be stuck in I say Eric Johnson is a great one to get caught in.

@SebastianMehenka

3 жыл бұрын

Came here to say I’d rather be caught in the EJ trap than any other trap

@guskalogeros9021

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!! Lol

@jazzram_

3 жыл бұрын

Yes lol

@kingofkingsVAR

2 жыл бұрын

Lmao fr

I hope to one day be able to fall into the Eric Johnson trap....

@wesleyalan9179

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

@Stevo_Drums

3 жыл бұрын

Hilarious 😂

@wesleyalan9179

3 жыл бұрын

@@Stevo_Drums haha, yeah! I literally lol'd earlier when I saw that comment

@voronOsphere

3 жыл бұрын

I hear ya! I'm hoping to fall in, fall out, and then fall back in, again!

@wesleyalan9179

3 жыл бұрын

@@voronOsphere haha...that happens a lot, doesn't it?! 😁

I've been in Eric Johnson fan for so long time. I was working at a pawn shop in Austin Texas in the mid-90s at the time that Ah Via Musicon was released. He walked in with the guy that wrote Desert Rose and I was so Starstruck. I practically ran to him so I could wait on him before anybody else got to him. He came in looking for a portable keyboard which he found and I sold to him. I also got his autograph. Yeah, he's Austin's own

In all honesty I always found that his piano style chords were the facet of his playing that I fell in love with, as opposed to his shredding.

@teacuppermike2568

3 жыл бұрын

Seriously! His chord voicings are stellar.

@SebastianMehenka

3 жыл бұрын

The funny part about your comment to me is that the guy didn’t shred; he just actually picked almost every note that fast!

@mikekratochwill4195

3 жыл бұрын

Me too... though his pentatonic pyrotechnics are impressive, his clean sound and chord voicings are wonderful.

What a clever way to get us to fall into the newly expanded and redecorated Eric Johnson trap.

His chord voicings, song structure, melodic sense, and phrasing is otherworldly.

I feel the same way about the SRV trap. I used to be completely obsessed with SRV style playing, but then I noticed that what seemed like every other guitarist out there was also trying to mimic his playing. Then at a certain point, I had to deliberately move away from that style in an effort to not sound like everyone else or another SRV clone. Although I still love his playing and find nothing wrong with borrowing some cool stuff from him or other legends. Cheers!

@allthingsclassicrock

Жыл бұрын

I feel like I wrote this! I had the exact same experience. I have intentionally gone out of my way to not play like SRV. It took about a year to get the licks and tendencies out of my system but I’m a more diverse player for it.

I’m 79 and long retired. But really appreciate when a musician truly knows what he/she is doing and is capable of clearly explaining and teaching whatever the artist is bringing across. This is so very well done. The point about the picking is right on well. Excellent video. Thank you.

I would sit on Eric's lap reading a map searching for the trap so I could finally play Zap because right now it's sounding like crap. Thank you, I'll show myself out now.

This is so me only it's the Lil Wayne guitar solo trap

@joewalsh8217

3 жыл бұрын

Oh then you are golden, I think that’s called shredding

@gloriousforever3451

3 жыл бұрын

Joe Walsh tasteful licks too

@jazzram_

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

I met Eric in a club in 1986. I made fun of him. He got on stage. I left apologetic and ashamed. Sorry again Eric. My bad. GO YANKEES!

@tiki_trash

3 жыл бұрын

What did you say to him?

@gilbertfalling493

3 жыл бұрын

@@tiki_trash I just busted his balls about how small he was and mocked his gear. Great huh? I was 17.

@tiki_trash

3 жыл бұрын

@@gilbertfalling493 LOL!

@nocturnalmadness9517

3 жыл бұрын

@@gilbertfalling493 We all did things at that age that we regret. Look at it this way: you learned from it, and he might have a story that he tells be about a 17 year-old kid in a club. It doesn't matter much. It's how you treat people now that matters.

@gilbertfalling493

3 жыл бұрын

@@nocturnalmadness9517 Oh I learned. Thank you for getting it. Stay kind. GO YANKEES!

I’ve just started nailing this lick at speed and he’s right .... it’s amazingly cool

Man. I just came back to your channel again after a while. I can't believe you are at 330k subs now. I remember back when you had 8k. Thanks for all the years of awesome content!

Great Lesson, Robert! I can't wait to work 'em all in! Thanks!

Great vid! Getting the picking to sound clean has always been difficult but is so crucial. Eric Johnson is a truly a god!

Great lesson. Had a lot of fun today working on this. Thanks 🙏

Good stuff and creative phrasing piggybacking off what you learned from EJ.

This is a great tutorial Rob, really useful.Thanks mate!

What a great teacher! I'm an absolutely terrible player and Robert made this lesson crystal clear.

Love that strat , great video Thanks for the tips and lesson .

Excellent lesson. Thank you.

Love how you changed the licks. Awesome. Will follow you from now on!

Great lesson, always loving your Strat! Best to u and yours

Video saved, in case I ever miraculously fall into the “Eric Johnson Trap.” Not likely, given my age and ability. That said, I think the effects add a lot to the sound of Eric Johnson’s playing. You have definitely got that part nailed, too; I’d describe it was a wet / clean sound. Well done.

"It's a trap!" Admiral Ackbar - 1983

Hey I’m at school watching this. I never miss your uploads dude!

Another great and helpful video!

This is really good and different then the way I learned it- for me it was five notes down, then starting at the next note down in the sequence- instead of just on the next string down. This is MUCH easier and comes out more fluid sounding. Great lesson. I'll drive everyone crazy at my next jam by playing it too much!

Excellent lesson

I never worry about ripping off licks, its how it all works, how we all get inspired, started since way way back

this is really a big help man thank you ao much

Hi Robert. I hope everything is going great with you. Ok , I've been watching some of your Lesson Videos for over a year now. I'm not sure why , but this is the Video that proves that you're a Badass Guitarist. 🎸. Maybe because I've never learned anything by E. C. Maybe it's the way you put this lesson together. Either way , I'm now a life long Subscriber. That might not mean a lot because I'm over 50. LoL. You have great skills and sense of humor. Cheers. 🎸

Great content, man! Thanks!🤟

Great video. Keep them coming :). Thanks

Well I wasn’t in the trap but following your guide of fret n string I already learned a little riff of his I never knew! Thanks! Took me 2 mins. I am a quick learner though.

Great lesson 👍

Great lesson man.

Hey Rob!! love the content. thank you so much for making these videos. they always make me want to pick up my guitar. I finally got a tele ( not my dream tele but at least an American Special with texas special pups ). i wanted to say i really really REALLY love these ideas for the rolling 5s. example 2 is absolutely awesome and is also absolutely Lydian. Its like Steve Vai put his own twist on Eric Johnson's lick. SWEET!!!!

More of this , hope really very soon !

and I really love the switched minor 3rd thanks for that!

Hey you did that Major 3rd thing I’m always pestering u about! Awesome

Great vid thx Robert

Example 2 sounds more like Jeff Beck from the Wired album. Cool.

Crystal-clear explanations, thanks Robert! But ... I also want to learn this insane little lick at 5:24 !!

I would really like to see a video about that orange Danelectro (6 string one)

@voronOsphere

3 жыл бұрын

Same here!

More of these pls !

Learnt the intro tp cliffs of docer up to the main 14-12-14 riff yesterday. As long as you have decent right hand control its not nearly as hard as you may think. Took a couple of hours to commit to memory

I have had an EJ strat for about 3 years, marvelous instrument, and I barely just got around to learning his secreta

80's improvised rock riffs fit into this thinking quiet well

I can't play that fast, but this was fun! Thanks Robert!

Thanks Rob !!! 🤘🔥😬🔥👍

Wonderful, thank you! Good work to do. Acquisition is the real trap; "...while visions of CS 63's dance in their heads." Yarp.

Does anyone else think this sounds like Peter Frampton when slowed down?

Hey Robert ! Great Lesson - next time you watch the movie The Fifth Element you 'll hear your first variation lick used for one of the background themes - your guitar tone even matches the sound of the riff used in the movie ! Pretty cool !

cool! i feel like i always play that first lick too much since i learned it

So good !!

I think getting used to the picking style is the key for this one. Its how he makes it sound seamless and effortless. I'll definitely be referencing this video in slow-mo in the future. Also, you nailed the EJ tone - sounds like a lot of reverb and maybe a rolled back fuzz or some other kind of distortion?

I am so confused. I fell into a trap too but it was a little different, it was after Ah Via Musicom was released and it was the Tone Trap. I decided it was his fingers AND gear. Then his Hot Licks VHS video came out, I still have it ready to go once I get the right sound, anyway, that sent me down a path and needless to say I had to get really serious about things to buy the equipment to go along with that VHS tape. 30 years later, a closet of effects, a room of amps, a collection of Fenders, George L cables of varying lengths and thousands of various 9v batteries pre used in different radios from the 70’s later and I am almost there. I just need one one more effect and I should have it and then I will be ready to learn how to play these guitars, I may even start with this lick! Can’t wait to fire up the Eric Johnson VHS lesson and tune up along side the man himself and get down to playing Cliffs of Dover. On a more serious note, that Tone makes everything sound like Eric Johnson even after you change up those licks. That tone is just so identifiably Eric.

That slight economy picking is what makes it roll. Good stuff. I like this trap though. 🤘Great stuff like always RoBak! You get 10 flames and an all expenses paid vacation. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✈🏖

Epic tutorial

Don't fall into the cliffs of dover trap

@jazzram_

3 жыл бұрын

Im trying to fall in for purpose

Robert, a year ago you posted a video about how just by closing up your picking hand you were able to pick faster. Compared to having your fingers in a more open relaxed position. Apparently you haven't stuck to your lesson. I watch your picking hand every video. You reverted right back to it shortly after that lesson 😂😂😂😂😂. Just busting your balls man. We are all cratures of habit. I was born and raised just outside of Youngstown Ohio. I live in Georgia after leaving the military. I miss the summers in ohio but def not the winter's. Thanks for always making videos worth watching

@Isaiah_McIntosh

3 жыл бұрын

It's mostly whatever is comfortable for the individual once you're not too tense. I mean rick Graham is open and Jason Richardson is closed. Regardless of what one might think of their music the dudes know what works in the technical aspect of guitar.

Thank you. You should also do a video on how to buy a vintage guitar(cranky pots and all)

I love these video's

I wonder if Eric Johnson initially picked up this lick idea from McLaughlin.

@teacuppermike2568

3 жыл бұрын

Eric has mentioned McLaughlin as an influence, so it’s most likely. Inner Mounting Flame is still in rotation in my collection. John is a beast!

Doug rappoport did an excellent break down of this lick,

Great video, thanks. What a nice lick you played in the end. What was that? Please show us more in detail. So cool, best ever

Nice strat Robert....

You could switch it, by playing 5 then 3, then5 then3 to put it in 8ths or 16th.

I'm just finding myself getting back into Eric Johnson after many years listening to other people. I wonder if you've ever done a video on your set up to get the tone that you do? It sounds lovely.

I fell into this trap a couple months ago and a couple of weeks ago kinda got out of it by adding the b5, b9, maj3rd and maj6th as spice notes and also add them to arpeggios a lot of times to make myself sound unique , hopefully that’s a good way to create my own kinda sound! Great video!!

It would be great if you could put the picking strokes (up or down) in the tabs! Thanks, awesome licks!!!

Interesting, Eric makes everyone want to play better or differently. Saw his Rick B. interview, nice humble guy, likes a simple amp and effect tone.

It's a trap!!! The only trap I'd say he has is not knowing anything he's written outside of Cliffs of Dover.

@omniscient420

3 жыл бұрын

SRV is such a fantastic jam.

@jamesslossar3865

3 жыл бұрын

@@omniscient420 so is east wes, trademark, gem, manhattan, soulful terrain.... the list could go on.

@omniscient420

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesslossar3865 Manhattan is definitely up there as well. So many great song.

@ocdchaos5580

3 жыл бұрын

Song for George on acoustic is pretty cool

@brandonhensley4335

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesslossar3865 Aside from Cliffs, Trademark is my absolute favorite. His newer song Strategem is also fantastic.

That tone is wicked. Could you please give me, or do a short video on how to get, that tone.

Feel that way with the EVH trap

I wish I could make it to the trap first, no but seriously that was cool, thanks!

Its midnight here and was about to sleep but i guess one more video!!!

@dankay7982

3 жыл бұрын

I was about to finish up work and go home. Guess I'll stay for 15 minutes longer today...

Seriously ever since I learned that lick I can't stop playing it

Ohh my god this strat. It's my dream strat

Of course, one can get into "a trap" of any given guitarist they get deep enough into! Page, Van Halen, jazz players...you name it. The trick is "making it your own" (so to speak). Which is to say, to the extent one cops/regurgitates their licks verbatim, that's an explicit reference, right? ;) So the real trick is varying those licks in one's own way. RB does a great job here of illustrating how to do this! That said, even a consummate player like Joe Bonamossa can have "trouble" with this--he does a great job of integrating it with his own style--but it still totally grabs my ear when I hear him peal off a very Eric Johnson-type move!

"Mini-sweeps" = Economy picking, no?

@omarcapaso7156

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah

Also sounds like Dann Huff from Giant

@greattunesking1

Жыл бұрын

Robert Bocchino. I agree completely. Do I feel bad for the people here that love E.J. and have not heard one CD by Giant. They started in 1987. David and Dan Huff are master guitar players. If you don't want to buy their albums simply go to KZread and get hooked. They had 5 studio albums. They had one Live album called Live and Acoustic with is an official Bootleg. The first 5 Studio albums from 1989 until 2022 are complete and total masterpieces in my personal opinion.

Nice lesson. Now do all those in ascending.

I love all of these, but that last one is really the kind of out of the box way I'm trying to think now

I've heard fo that style of picking called 'efficiency picking.'

@simonvanderheijden432

3 жыл бұрын

it's called economy picking.

Thank u🇫🇷👍🏼🍒

I feel personally attacked by this video lol. As soon as I could play some EJ licks I fell in the trap

"EJ Lick Trap" probably isn't what i'd title the PDF haha, but I can already tell this is going to be a great lesson just trying it for five minutes. Thanks, I love stuff like this. Very helpful!

This happened to me with the Cinnamon Girl solo

What was that bend you did after you played the trap run? That was wicked!

love that strat -- what model is that?

Sadly my finger is not flexible and can't roll, and I found this out by watching Eric Johnson's lesson videos when I was a kid and I thought DUDE it's physically impossible for me. 😳 But I didn't let it stop me from trying and working around it.

From what I've heard, the "mini sweeps" technique is just basically called economy picking. And to me it makes perfect sense.

So, it's a Marty Friedman 5's lick with the difficult parts left out ;p

What a nice guitar, looks very comfortable. Which guitar is that one?

Hi Robert!

@RobertBakerGuitar

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there :)

That is one of the most beautiful strats I’ve ever seen! I love that dark chocolate rosewood, the mint green guard, and that is the perfect off white. Sounds great too