Blog Archives
Fingerpicking Tips To Save Years of Guitar Practice
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the techniques I used to help develop my fingerpicking style over the years. When I was just starting to learn guitar, and through each stage of development, I would often hit walls and feel like my progress was dragging along too slowly. Each time I progressed past one of those frustrating plateaus, it was because I learned a new technique that helped guide me in the right direction. In the following video lesson, I will share some of those plateau-busting techniques that allowed me to develop quicker and more freely.
As you work through the exercises in this video lesson, don’t forget that practice is key. You will only be able to easily master these techniques through repetition. Also, make sure you follow the tips on anchoring and hand position, as they will save you hours of frustration once you incorporate them into your playing style.
Keep Pickin’!
Justin Johnson
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Killer New Guitar Slide Designs!
Guitar Slides come in a multitude of different shapes, textures, materials, weights, and sizes… and all of those factors affect the sound, playability, and versatility of the slide. Just like painters who use a combination of different brushes to create the details and textures of a painting, it’s important to learn about what distinguishes different guitar slides from one another, in order to make and informed decision next time you pick up the guitar.
I worked closely with Jim Dunlop to design and manufacture my Justin Johnson Signature Guitar Slide with an eye towards creating the best combination of tone, sustain, and feel that we could squeeze into one slide… but no single option beats having an arsenal of gear to choose from, so that you can select the perfect fit for each musical context.
I recently received several packages from around the world with some exciting, new, and innovative design concepts… along with some classic and re-imagined designs. Check out the following LIVE STREAM video and hang out with me while we get to know these slides and what makes them special.
Keep Rockin’ the Roots!
Justin Johnson
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Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Barrel Guitar: How It’s Made and What it Sounds Like
Some materials are just dying to be made into musical instruments, and ever since I first saw those whiskey-soaked oak barrels at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, I’ve always wondered what that wood would sound like if it could be plugged in and cranked up! Luckily, I’m not alone, because master guitar builder and instructor, Derek Lenard (better know as Big D Guitars) did exactly that! He took that old used barrel top, paired it with some reclaimed Tennessee barn wood, aged hardware, and some killer pickups.. and created a masterpiece!
Check out the videos below, where you see and hear this baby in action, then watch and listen as Big D walks you through every step of the build process. Don’t forget to subscribe to Big D’s Youtube Channel to check out what he’s building next.
Thanks for keeping the Roots alive! Click “FOLLOW” on the right-hand side of this page to stay up-to-date with new lessons and articles.
~Justin Johnson
VISIT STORE for CDs, DVDs, Books, & More!: www.justinjohnsonlive.com/store.html
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JACK DANIEL’S WHISKEY BARREL | SOLO SLIDE GUITAR SOLO
LIVE UNBOXING OF THE JACK DANIEL’S BARREL GUITAR
HOW TO BUILD A WHISKEY BARREL GUITAR: PART 1
HOW TO BUILD A WHISKEY BARREL GUITAR: PART 2
HOW TO BUILD A WHISKEY BARREL GUITAR: PART 3
HOW TO BUILD A WHISKEY BARREL GUITAR: PART 4
HOW TO BUILD A WHISKEY BARREL GUITAR: PART 5
3-String or 4-String? How to Decide Which is Right for You!
When you are in the market for a Roots Instrument like a 3-string or 4-string guitar, one of the most common questions is, “Which one is right for me?” I get this question on a daily basis, and it all depends on the goals, tastes, and experience level of the player.
Advice for Beginners:
If you are a total beginner, or planning on purchasing a 3- or 4-string guitar for a beginner, you really can’t go wrong. Both 3-string and 4-string are much easier to learn than conventional 6-string guitar… mainly because less strings require less muscle strength in your hands and less multi-tasking. Most 3-string and 4-string guitars are tuned to “open tunings,” meaning that the open strings are tuned to a chord, so it’s easy to play many chord changes with just one finger on your fretting hand, as opposed to learning and practicing complicated chords shapes on the 6-string for hours before playing your first song.
The main difference between the 3-string and 4-string when it comes to beginners is that the 3-string is just plain easier than the 4-string. The 3-string is really the perfect beginner instrument for anyone wanting to learn a stringed instrument, but wants to play music right away. It’s simple, easy to pick up and play, and still teaches you all of the fundamental techniques such as fretting, building muscle memory, strumming, fingerpicking, and more. It’s also perfect for children who have smaller hands with less muscle strength.
If you know that you will want more complex harmonies, tuning options, and a larger range between your lowest and highest notes on the guitar, then the 4-string will be a slightly better and more versatile option, as long as you don’t mind the challenge of an extra string. You can enjoy the best of both worlds by beginning with a 4-string, but only stringing it up with three strings at first.. once you get the hang of it, you can add the extra string and take your playing to the next level.
Advice for Players with Some Experience:
If you are already playing a stringed instrument, the 4-string might be a better option. It has more tuning options, a larger range, and can be tuned to mimic other stringed instruments like the ukulele, tenor guitar, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, etc. It’s also great for players who are already familiar with stringed instruments, but want to add the look, tone, and feel of a roots instrument to their palette.
If you are experienced, and just want a simple instrument that is easy to play, and will inspire you to “do more with less,” the 3-String is a perfectly simple, rugged & rocking’ roots instrument. Just tune it up, crank it up, and have fun!
Check out the Videos Below:
Below are two videos that will give introductions to the 3-string and 4-string guitar.
Thanks for keeping the Roots alive, and don’t forget to click “FOLLOW” on the right-hand side of this page to stay up-to-date with new lessons and articles!
~Justin Johnson
VISIT STORE for CDs, DVDs, Books, & More!: www.JustinJohnsonLive.com/store.html SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: www.YouTube.com/justinjohnsonlive
This Video Features a Guitar by Algoma Acoustics: http://www.AlgomaAcoustics.com
This Video Features a Guitar by Algoma Acoustics: http://www.AlgomaAcoustics.com
