• From: Moved to Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-07-13
  • Posts: 1,961

Topic: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

My new co-worker is getting familiar with my interest in Joe and guitars.  He enthusiastically told me he was totally wow-ed by the playing of John Mayer on “Something Like Olivia”.  I watched and it was very good, and a difficult piece to play, but secretly I thought Pfffttt, are you kidding, Joe has it all over Mayer!

I’d like to find a video of a real good close-up of Joe’s fanciest fretwork to show this guy.  A number of things come immediately to mind but nothing so far shows the playing well enough.

I’m sure you all have your favorites to recommend.  I’m all ears.  Thanks everybody!

"To repeat a good thing is to sit still; to take a chance is to grow." - Joe Bonamassa
I need some Joe...NOW.
Joe = Joy
  • From: Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-05-13
  • Posts: 2,790

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

I have a number of close ups.
This one of Joe's solo during John Henry starting at about 11:28 is quite stellar https://youtu.be/C7xf0ZVG81E

During "Love Ain't a Love Song" at about 4:53 https://youtu.be/B0Q4OxhlK5k

"Oh Beautiful" starting about 7:34 https://youtu.be/oWikFsIfMQI

Another "Love Ain't A Love Song" around 6:12 https://youtu.be/-GnrKsSvB0c

"Ballad of John Henry" with a slide starting about 9:30 https://youtu.be/QleqQNFRayA

  • From: Moved to Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-07-13
  • Posts: 1,961

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

Natasha, you're the best.  Knew I could count on you!

I will review these when I don't have a firewall at work to contend with.

Many thanks!

"To repeat a good thing is to sit still; to take a chance is to grow." - Joe Bonamassa
I need some Joe...NOW.
Joe = Joy
  • jim m
  • jim m
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  • From: Okie City, OK
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
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Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

Rockpalast has nothing but close ups. wink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T8xOoPJyZk You Upset Me Baby has some impressive fingerboard pyrotechnics that the guy might like to see. Also 2009 North Sea Jazz Festival So Many Roads more blues licks   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Jkt9wvG9w Joe's playing in this era was generally more flashy than today. IMHO

jim m's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

jim m wrote:

Rockpalast has nothing but close ups. wink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T8xOoPJyZk You Upset Me Baby has some impressive fingerboard pyrotechnics that the guy might like to see. Also 2009 North Sea Jazz Festival So Many Roads more blues licks   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Jkt9wvG9w Joe's playing in this era was generally more flashy than today. IMHO

yes this is the best

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others

6 Reply by Ian916 (edited by Ian916 2016-04-15 07:13:09)

  • From: Sussex UK
  • Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 1,465

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

oh dear, please don’t let this forum become a who is better than who one..... with debates over shredding speed... wink
edit to add:

John Mayer = brilliant
Joe = brilliant

Both have tone in their fingers, the feeling comes through in their playing, - comparison is meaningless. If however you do want a comparison look up John Mayer playing with ZZ Top, and Slash, “la Grange” if I remember correctly, - John Mayer owns Slash, - he wipes the floor with him, - because Slash can play riffs and well rehearsed solos but John Mayer can jam.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Ian916's Website

  • Registered: 2007-11-22
  • Posts: 358

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

Well nothing will get you a better look at Joe's playing than Natasha's videos.

Having said that it is a completely different thing to see what he's doing and to attempt to figure out and play what he's playing, close ups or not. After working on numerous songs you will sometimes find that what appears to be a straight forward run is anything but. To get as close as possible I have used VLC player to slow down the video to try and actually see what he is doing and how he is picking, then I also go to 'Amazing Slow Downer' to really hear the audio of what he's playing and those tiny little things that make Joe, Joe. Then combine them. Go to the video to loop 5 seconds, then to the slowed down video to see where he is and what he's doing, then to the ASD to really slow it down in higher def audio and try your best to figure it out, then back to the video as you say to yourself "Well that's just not possible for anyone...".

Remember he's been building his style for his entire life. Don't be discouraged if you can just get close at the beginning. The notes he plays are one thing. What will come out in the slower versions is his technique and phrasing. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and if you succeed, some slowed down YouTube videos of your success.

  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

Ian916 wrote:

oh dear, please don’t let this forum become a who is better than who one..... with debates over shredding speed... wink

I totally agree.

Ian916 wrote:

John Mayer owns Slash, - he wipes the floor with him, - because Slash can play riffs and well rehearsed solos but John Mayer can jam.

Wait a minute...

I’m sure you all have your favorites to recommend.  I’m all ears.  Thanks everybody!

Not a video, but Joe's solo on "Meaning of the Blues" is probably my favorite pure 'shreddy' type of solo.  Not my favorite song, but man, that solo is awesome.  His solo on "A New Day Yesterday" is great, too.  If you want more bluesy stuff, this live version of "If Heartaches Were Nickels" is fantastic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev78XZD9Dmg

My music & music blog: https://vincedickinson.home.blog/
New prog/rock album "Atlantis" available everywhere, including:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/atlantis/1411523163
https://open.spotify.com/album/3InrPujiALJCslZqp9V6e2

ZeyerGTR's Website

9 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2016-04-17 12:25:45)

  • RickB
  • RickB
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

If you want close ups of Joe's hands, my channel on youtube has tons. I always zoom in on his hands for you players. There are well over 200 vids of Joe so you can sort through it at your leisure. Link at bottom in my signature line. This should keep you busy for a couple of weeks. smile
Channel name is Elexmage
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

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  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

RickB wrote:

If you want close ups of Joe's hands, my channel on youtube has tons. I always zoom in on his hands for you players. There are well over 200 vids of Joe so you can sort through it at your leisure. Link at bottom in my signature line. This should keep you busy for a couple of weeks. smile
Channel name is Elexmage
Rick

yup I saw these Rick great shots
cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Moved to Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-07-13
  • Posts: 1,961

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

Hey Ian, didn't mean to come across as dissing Mayer, my comment was purely in terms of that one piece.  I know he's a terrific player deserving of great respect.  I am just eager to show my seat-mate that our Joe can grind it out with the best of them, and maybe create a new Bonafan along the way.

Rick, jim m., NickelWound, Ron, and Natasha, I appreciate all the super recommendations.  Thanks a lot.  cool

"To repeat a good thing is to sit still; to take a chance is to grow." - Joe Bonamassa
I need some Joe...NOW.
Joe = Joy
  • From: Sussex UK
  • Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 1,465

Re: Need help with close-ups of Joe's playing

- not a problem Sally

Zeyer the bit about Slash was added when I edited the post.... but he does show Slash up, if you have not seen it: https://youtu.be/RNuAdB5oVrU

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Ian916's Website