1:32 hey! That’s me

Every night when the kids go to bed, I wander down to the basement, and flip on my too expensive amplifier and throw my too expensive guitar over my shoulder, and pretend that I went the musician route in my life. This video just encourages the fantasy. John is a truly fantastic player and human. Refreshing to watch how he connects the dots and it lets me know that I might be able to connect a few myself.

"or you could...…." No, John, We can't.

Good job triad(ing) solo!!

17:37 Holy moly! John Mayer just gave us a glimpse of what goes on in his head when he jams! pure gold guitar wisdom! thank you sir

This guys got no inhibitions about his playing. Ive never see a super start give free advice so freely. True musician. Not trying to be a magician... just down to earth explaining

John's guitar face gets me every time!

There is such a magic to playing the guitar. I always have something I can do and build on. I feel like I have the Force

22:02 On modes: Yes, that's a way to describe it ("It's the same scale but starting on a different note") but not the best or most comprehensive way. It's not just that you're starting on a different note. That different note becomes the tonal center of the scale. This is EXTREMELY important to understand. Just because you are starting on a particular note of the scale doesn't necessarily mean you are HEARING the scale as being the mode that starts on that note. D Dorian is only "Dorian" if you have the notes D E F G A B C and D SOUNDS like 1, E SOUNDS like 2, etc. So, D Dorian shares the exact same notes as C Ionian (major) but your tonal center is now D, not C. Which means that instead of the notes sounding like (and remember we're talking about sounds here, not just numbers - the numbers are simply place holders for SOUNDS, aka FEELINGS so you can talk about them and communicate with other musicians and understand where they're at and how to use them on your instrument): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (C D E F G A B) Now they sound like: 1 2 *b3* 4 5 6 *b7* (D E F G A B C) So you've got the same notes but a totally different sound because they are all relating back to D, not C. Now, if you take the notes of C major (again, C D E F G A B) and rearrange them in 5ths (meaning every 5th note going up the musical alphabet), starting from F you get a sequence of 7 modes like this: F G A B C D E (Lydian) C D E F G A B (Ionian or Major) G A B C D E F (Mixolydian) D E F G A B C (Dorian) A B C D E F G (Aeolian or Minor) E F G A B C D (Phrygian) B C D E F G A (Locrian) Now when you look at how the notes in each of these are numbered you start to see a pattern of adding one new flat for each mode: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 (Lydian) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (Ionian or Major) 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 (Mixolydian) 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 (Dorian) 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 (Aeolian or Minor) 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 (Phrygian) 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 (Locrian) Now, if you wanted to see how that plays out using a single note as the key center (we'll take C to keep it simple), it looks like this: C D E F# G A B (C Lydian) C D E F G A B (C Ionian or Major) C D E F G A Bb (C Mixolydian) C D Eb F G A Bb (C Dorian) C D Eb F G Ab Bb (C Aeolian) C Db Eb F G Ab Bb (C Phrygian) C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb (C Locrian) So the order of flats is #4 - 7 - 3 - 6 - 2 - 5 #4 is flatted to 4 to go from Lydian to Ionian 7 is flatted to go from Ionian to Mixolydian 3 is flatted to go from Mixolydian to Dorian 6 is flatted to go from Dorian to Aeolian 2 is flatted to go from Aeolian to Phrygian 5 is flatted to go from Phrygian to Locrian If you can get this pattern and understand it and internalize it, it's like a master key to understanding how pretty much all of music is written and conceptualized in the western world for the past 300+ years. That's why people make such a big deal of learning it.

He’s basically describing playing “guide” tones. This is fundamental jazz practise, as we play lines over chords, rather than static chord/scale progessions. But its essential knowledge for any improviser to land nice, strong chord tones on downbeats.

It's crazy how even though he's been playing for like 25 years he still searches for new ways to do stuff

"Don't really feel like dying on this hill." LOL John's awesome

"It's like a little Ouija board, a little dictionary" is the most accurate analogy for soloing I ever heard

I love it when John talks about Garcia & his playing. There’s always so much reverence and respect. So great to see

That is so cool that he is putting out these lessons. Thanks for doing that Mr. Mayer!

Amen Bob!! And John, thanks for this lesson. It’s amazing for me to watch people noodle around and make such great music. I love how you’re so down to earth. Keep making great music!

The Continuum album was my ultimate wing-man in my early 20's. It got me more "you know what" than you can shake a stick at.

Thank you, John. Always informative, entertaining and musical. Much enjoyed and appreciated for the learning.

Great video cheers John. Pure legend, hope you come back and play in London again!!

Thank you john this is so amazing. you are such a kind hearted person. i look up to you.

Dude 20min in you hit the nail on the head with teaching... I’ve been playing since I was 4 and am now mid 40s and that made it finally stuck in my head

You’re wonderful, John! I’m a metal guy and all your things are giving and adding so much to my playing. Your way of explaining the guitar and music is just so different from everyone else on you tube- it adds the other dimension to usual teachers. Because you’re are seeing things from a wonderful songwriter. It’s such a great way to get the feeling what the whole stuff of playing guitar and music comes down to. Please keep doing that, when ever you’ve got the time!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for making this happen

Thank you for sharing this with your fans, John. As a lapsed guitarist looking for inspiration, I've found it in your music and this video. I hope you'll continue making them. Cheers from Melbourne.

Seeing a John live video in the new year is like "Hello old friend. I haven't seen you since last year. How are you doing? You're looking good. So good to see you." 🎸🐝💕😍🔥🌸

John. Thanks for posting this. I have been impressed with your playing with The Dead.

This is great and so generous of you to say hey, I practise too, make mistakes and build the song from a structured base. We don’t often get to see great artists work and it’s not only refreshing but inspirational as well. You’re at the top of your profession and you take time to show us how ya gotta think & work at it. At some point you were handed the torch, you carry it well and you give back. You’re a good man. Thanks

This is one of the best quick lessons I’ve ever heard and I’ve been playing for 15 years! Aloha J.M.!

The most meaningful video that I needed and identify with in all of my years of playing. Simple, to share what's going on in your head to a lay person who wonders how we feel/think when we plunk on the strings. Thanks John.

It's good to know you plan out these solos like this; I always thought great players have it SO ingrained that, band practice was enough to gave them the opportunity to plan out these things, but i see the REALLY great ones put in the extra time even before band practice

Damn, John Mayer... I like the subtlety in your playing. Keep it up, sir; you're really cool for doing this.

Man when he plays sugaree. That’s some awesome stuff definitely inspirational.

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing. It's a lifetime of learning that never really ends.

Thank you for that beautiful lesson.

John - Jerry was my biggest influence on guitar, been playing for 48 years.. still going strong. I've got to say, you are a great inspiration and everything you've said is right on. Thanks for sharing.

It amazes me every. single. time i heard phenomenal musician like John explaining music theory. It's just the same theory people teach in music school, but in the same time it isn't!

John your music is perfect for any day!!

Thank you John for doing these streams. I thought I was the only one who thought " ok, I'm in B now I'm in E...." It's great to hear a player as good as you goes through the same thing. Thanks

Looking forward to seeing him on Tour This Summer!! 🎶🎸

I need the time to sit around for hours and days and weeks and practice this.It makes perfect sense.

Being a guitar player myself and really being a big fan of John's playing in every Endeavor he's ever set out to do I really enjoy hearing him hit sour notes for some reason LOL I guess it reminds me that he's just like every other guitar player and he's got a bit of humanity in him.

Loved the lesson, John. I'm always trying to soak this stuff up. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

Watching John Mayer on IG live is so great. When I can’t think of something to practice, he gives so many ideas. And ideas that will take time to practice but will make my guitar playing better. I wish he wasn’t such a celebrity and was just a normal guitar teacher 😂

That was more a GD lesson than a blues lesson, and I for one couldn’t be happier!

It was nice to hear you give ups to JG. Enjoying the KZfaq content! 👌

So encouraging and enlightning and humble from the greatest living master of the rock guitar

John Mayer just keeps amazing me time after another.

Great theme of connection and movement. Thank you!

I love this guy. And, one day I'd like to jam with him. He is so humble in his skill, and so honorable to those before him. Clapton is right to say he is "Master Class."

Nice, I've always tried to do exactly what he is describing to infer the chord with single note playing. I appreciate his take on this and honestly have never heard anyone with the ability to play dead tunes without being a mimic and yet still being reminiscent of Jerry. He is complimentary without being a copycat or sounding dry. Thank you John.

Great analogous, warts and all. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for this. Definitely filled in a couple blanks for me.

I love you man, you are my musical inspiration...

These vids are fascinating, love to hear his take on Dead music and how he approaches the songs and music in general. Never was a fan, but I am converted. This also makes me wish Jerry was alive today, I would love to see these kinds of videos from him.

Thanks so much JM I really learn a lot from this... much appreciated

John says show us, that the music begins in the mind and in the head ! He is so right. It's not just technics !

The only artist/musician/guitarist that constantly inspires me. Could be because he is a learning human being himself - willing (and have the courage) to be open and have a mindset of a student. Kind of spiritual teaching (ohh need to be a bit imaginative to see that). He just happens to have a guitar :-)

Great tips. Wonderful playing.

Thanks John!

it’s hard to explain this but i’ve noticed when i play, i can hear/visualize the notes u WANT to play but i don’t have to look at the frets i wanna play. it’s mind blowing how your fretting hand knows where to go on it’s own! as i said it’s hard to explain it’s more of a feeling you have when playing. it’s incredible

thanks, John. really great stuff

I missed this last night, where in the freak was i! Well I am so glad there is Instagram and KZfaq.

Thank you, this was like perfect timing for me

Just got a bit more of an understanding of his musical talents ... pretty amazing

Jerry, I believe ,would be very proud.In my opinion the closest guitarist to capture his style and spirit. I like the way you explain how you think about playing more than showing what notes. I too am a very old dog that can and does learn new tricks. Ah the beauty of me and my guitar knowing each other! Possibilities are truly endless!

Awesome JM! You rock with Dead and company and thanks for the lesson man! I've been getting much more inspired lately to practice!

Monster player. Constantly fighting jealousy when he's onscreen. The rare moments when I can relax and enjoy, appreciate his music are sweet.

Really enjoying what you saying from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Been playing 4 years your videos help me a lot

some folk pay a lot of money to get lessons like this.. thanks a bunch john i really appreciate it.

🙌🏻 thanks for posting this!

“When In doubt hit it harder or hold it down for awhile”

21:02 VOODOO CHILD - love it!!

This is helpful on so many levels. Thanks so much for posting this. I'm always curious about the thought process that's happening when pros play.

Thanks so much for sharing,

You are amazing, can't wait to see you at Saratoga this summer

John Mayer Much Love... It’s so good to see you just keeping it real... You are without a doubt my youngest sons biggest influence... Your concert in Memphis in 2010 was his very first concert at 10 years of age. Last year, July 2018, I took him to see you again in Dallas for his 18th birthday. He is a very talented musician. When he was in 1st grade, they tried to get me to medicate him for Attention Deficit Disorder... so I chose to buy him drums and bought myself an acoustic guitar. I am a vocalist and felt like I needed to learn to play to help me write, but as a massage therapist for 20 years, I couldn’t build up callouses...haha. Brendan started playing my guitar more than I did. Over the next year or two, when he was around 11/12, it was rare to see him without a guitar in his hands... It had indeed become his natural medication and therapy. He was focused like never before and has never taken ADD medication... You have always inspired him and I am so very grateful John... Brendan Shafer is one of your unknown students and biggest fans... He will be 19 in July and he will be a very young new father.... He wants to build guitars and wants to be a musician full time.... He writes some very melodic & stoic songs... I have no doubt that you will know him some day and you will like him... You are both misunderstood, I believe... Heavy with Mood & Melody, Like an unpredictable Ocean Of Pentatonic’s! 🎼🎸🌊🎶😉😎. Tamela )*

Love it John!

Hey you are an incredibly cool dude down to earth and killer guitar player iam learning a lot from you man thank you John !

one of my favorite lp is's how sweet it is

Love thst Sugarree!! Summertour hurrry up!👍✌❤

Almost 2 years later I get a Christmas present from John Mayer!!! Two years ago I wouldn't have understood it. A benefit of the pandemic. Not that I can do it. Ironically the last week I've been playing a little tune of my own. Derivative of course. But it sounds good. I've been trying to figure out why. This is the perfect gift to help me figure it out. Thank you, John.

Your PRS guitar is so fine, wonderful quality and so good looking : ) Thank you for sharing some things with the rest of us John!

Thank you John

The minute that he suggested the cord it sounded like the Dead. That was extremely helpful to me. I've never played like that before.

Such a good way to put it - “constantly recontextualizing the chord”.... oh man.... I never need a excuse to binge on jazz, but now I’ve got a legit reason to. Gonna listen to George Benson and Earl Klugh’s Collab through *that* lens

John you are a freakin’ legend

Thanks John

Thanks, John.

you have great feel bro. so intuitive. heart to note

“You can learn to play the guitar, or you can learn to play music on the guitar” wow.

Just picked up a PRS Custom 24. Now to learn and grow.

Ur bleeding blue John and I love it!!!!🤘

The voodoo chile licks at 16 mins are the most rad shit I’ve ever seen.

I love that reverb. So original. Because he is in that hall.

thank you, good stuff, peace

My guitar hero😍

Your guitar sounds AMAZING!

Sir John Mayer!! A true legend!! Please Teach me Autumn Leaves!! Would love to learn

Playing the horn lines in the spaces can be fun too and add some interesting flavor to R&B stuff. Listen to the Thunderbirds early recording of,"Rich Woman" to hear Jimmie V. do a masterful job of this. Thanks for sharing you great God givin talent. Cheers!

One guy who is amazing at suggesting the chord by using lead lines is Matt Schofield. Worth a listen if you get a chance.