How To Play John 5 6 8? Easy Lessons

The iconic “John 5, 6, 8” by John Mayer - a challenging yet rewarding song for guitar enthusiasts. Mastering this piece requires a combination of technical skill, musicality, and practice. Let’s break down the song into manageable sections and provide easy lessons to help you get started.

Understanding the Song Structure “John 5, 6, 8” is an instrumental blues-rock piece that features a mix of single-note lines, chordal work, and tapping techniques. The song is divided into several sections, each with its own unique character and challenges. To tackle this song, we’ll focus on the following sections:

1. Introduction (0:00-0:30)
2. Main Theme (0:30-1:30)
3. Tapping Section (1:30-2:30)
4. Chordal Section (2:30-3:30)
5. Solo (3:30-5:00)

Lesson 1: Introduction (0:00-0:30) The introduction features a simple, yet effective, single-note line played over a static chord progression. To play this section:

• Start with your guitar tuned to standard tuning (EADGBE).
• Use your index finger to play the notes on the 5th and 6th frets of the low E string (thickest string).
• Play the notes with a smooth, even tone, focusing on the transitions between the notes.
• Practice this section slowly, using a metronome to ensure a steady tempo.

Lesson 2: Main Theme (0:30-1:30) The main theme is built around a series of chordal shapes and single-note lines. To play this section:

• Familiarize yourself with the chord shapes used in the song, including the E, A, and D chords.
• Practice switching between these chord shapes, focusing on smooth transitions and minimal string noise.
• Use your index and middle fingers to play the single-note lines, emphasizing the 2nd and 4th fingers for the higher notes.
• Pay attention to your picking hand, using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes to achieve a dynamic, driving rhythm.

Lesson 3: Tapping Section (1:30-2:30) The tapping section is one of the most challenging parts of the song. To play this section:

• Start by practicing the basic tapping technique, using both hands to play notes on the fretboard.
• Focus on developing finger independence and strength, particularly in your pinky and ring fingers.
• Practice the tapping pattern in isolation, using a metronome to ensure accuracy and control.
• Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Lesson 4: Chordal Section (2:30-3:30) The chordal section features a series of complex, jazzy chord shapes. To play this section:

• Study the chord charts and diagrams to understand the fingerings and shapes used.
• Practice each chord shape individually, focusing on clean, clear playing and minimal string noise.
• Work on switching between the chord shapes, using a combination of finger independence and hand positioning to minimize movement.
• Emphasize the importance of tone and dynamics, using your picking hand to control the overall sound and feel.

Lesson 5: Solo (3:30-5:00) The solo section is an opportunity to showcase your technical skill and musicality. To play this section:

• Start by practicing the basic scales and arpeggios used in the solo, focusing on finger independence and strength.
• Work on developing your own melodic ideas, using the chord progression and song structure as a foundation.
• Practice improvising over the chord progression, using a combination of scales, arpeggios, and chord tones to create a cohesive, musical solo.
• Record yourself and listen back, making adjustments to your tone, phrasing, and overall approach as needed.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

• Practice with a metronome to ensure a steady tempo and accurate playing.
• Use a guitar with a low action and a comfortable neck to minimize fatigue and finger strain.
• Experiment with different picking styles and techniques, including fingerstyle and hybrid picking.
• Listen to the original recording and study John Mayer’s playing, paying attention to his tone, phrasing, and overall approach.
• Be patient and persistent, as mastering “John 5, 6, 8” will take time and dedication.

By following these lessons and tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering “John 5, 6, 8” and developing the skills and techniques necessary to become a proficient guitar player. Remember to stay focused, persistent, and patient, and you’ll be playing like John Mayer in no time!