Tag: Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson

In today’s music industry, it’s becoming increasingly rare for an independent artist to achieve mainstream success. However, Justin Johnson is a complete anomaly to this notion. Armed with his signature sound and a desire to connect with fans, Justin has developed a worldwide following of over a million fans, all without the support of any label or industry backing.

After years of touring non-stop, playing in venues ranging from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson found his roots in Nashville, where he quickly became absorbed into the beating heart of Music City. He has become an in-demand session player, frequently collaborating, co-writing, and co-producing albums with country music royalty John Carter Cash, who has named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With the ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin Johnson has shared the stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more. His talent for blurring the lines between traditional and cutting-edge music has earned him a reputation for taking current day music back to its roots while blazing new sonic frontiers.

As a blues guitarist, Justin Johnson’s sound is unique and unmistakable. His fingerpicking style is reminiscent of blues legends like Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt, but his music also features elements of rock, folk, country, and even electronic music. Justin has an undeniable gift for taking the timeless sound of the blues and injecting it with a modern sensibility that makes it accessible to new audiences.

What sets Justin Johnson apart from many other blues guitarists is his willingness to experiment and push boundaries. He’s not content to simply regurgitate the same old blues licks – instead, he’s always looking for new ways to express himself and his music. This willingness to innovate has earned him a devoted following of fans who appreciate his fresh take on the blues and his commitment to creating music that is both authentic and exciting.

In a world where it’s increasingly difficult for independent artists to get noticed, Justin Johnson has proven that talent and dedication can still lead to success. With his unique sound, innovative approach to music-making, and loyal fanbase, he’s one of the most exciting blues guitarists on the scene today.

Some information from youtube video description:

🎸🎸 DOWNLOADABLE TABS FOR THIS SONG: https://www.musicnotes.com/l/H9fSP

This 3-String guitar from Joys Guitars was made out of an old empty Ammo Box, and when I took it out of the box I swear I heard it whisper “let’s play some ‘Gimme Back My Bullets’ ​by @SkynyrdOfficial!” The combo of this guitar and @HughesandKettneramps Black Spirit 200 floor amp made it easy to dial in some deep & dirty swamp rock tone. I added a Wild Dog Stomp foot pedal for a kick drum sound. I love the melodies in Skynyrd songs, and while the guitar riffs are what made me fall in love with their music, writing these fingerstyle arrangements has really made me appreciate how perfectly the melodies flow over the riffs and how catchy and organic they are. If you dig this arrangement, check out the “Four Walls of Raiford” and “Ballad of Curtis Loew” arrangements I recently posted.

TUNING: Open F# (F#-C#-F#)

GEAR:

• Joys Guitars Ammo Box Guitar: https://reverb.com/ca/shop/joys-guitars

• @HughesandKettneramps Black Spirit 200 Floor Amp

• CEntrance R4R Mixerface Mobile Recording Interface

• Wild Dog Stomp Stomp Box

youtube

Thank You!

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Engage your senses: Press play on the video, then stimulate your brain with the article.

Justin Johnson has been hailed by Guitar World as a “must-see act”, dubbed “The Wizard” for his mastery of stringed instruments, and recognized as Slidestock International Slide Guitar Champion.

Most Blues fans have heard of Delta Blues, which originated in the fields of the Delta, along the length of the Mississippi River, but the Northern Hill Country region is home to the rhythmic, trance-like groove of Hill Country Blues. Kick back and take a trip with me through both.

TUNING:
• Hill Country Blues – Standard Tuning Down a Whole Step D-G-C-F-A-D
• Delta Blues – Open G Tuning D-G-D-G-B-D

Justin Johnson

A complete anomaly to the modern music scene, Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase, all as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever.
Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound, Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans.
After touring non-stop for 5 years, playing shows every night of the week, for audiences from 10 to 10,000, and venues from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson sprouted roots in Nashville, TN, and immediately found himself absorbed into the beating heart of Music City, as an in-demand session player, and also frequently collaborating, co-writing songs with, and co-producing albums with country music royalty, John Carter Cash, who has named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With his ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin has shared a stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more.

Always innovating and following his own sound while taking inspiration from the past, Justin Johnson blurs the lines between the traditional and the cutting edge, taking current day music back to it’s roots while blazing new sonic frontiers. (source: www.justinjohnsonlive.com)

Justin Johnson

He is complete anomaly to the modern music scene. Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase. All as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever.
Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound. Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans.
After touring non-stop for 5 years, playing shows every night of the week, for audiences from 10 to 10,000, and venues from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson sprouted roots in Nashville. He immediately found himself absorbed into the beating heart of Music City. Become in-demand session player, and also frequently collaborating, co-writing songs with, and co-producing albums with country music royalty, John Carter Cash. John named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With his ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin has shared a stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more.

Always innovating and following his own sound while taking inspiration from the past, Justin Johnson blurs the lines between the traditional and the cutting edge, taking current day music back to it’s roots while blazing new sonic frontiers. (source: www.justinjohnsonlive.com)

Here is what Justin writes about this song:

The moon is almost full, the leaves are falling, the sky is getting darker, and this old resonator seems to be getting darker with the season. This Dobro Duolian has been staring at me from the corner, so I picked it up, and this song just started flowing out. Sometimes a song puts an image in your head, and this immediately made me think of an abandoned cabin in the mountains, and the ghosts that call it home. What does it put in your head?

TUNING – Open Dm: D-A-D-F-A-D

Dobro Duolian Resonator Guitar

With its crystalline Dueco finish, steel body and aggressive bluesy tone, the National Duolian is one of the most iconic vintage resonator guitar models. Originally built between 1930 and the onset of WWII, the Duolian was favoured by many of the blues players of the day. It was the least expensive guitar made by National upon its introduction and its combination of big volume, robust build, and low price made them attractive to street musicians all over North America. Blind Boy Fuller is likely the most well-known 14 fret Duolian player, and Brownie McGhee, Son House, and Blind Arvella Gray are also associated with this model. (source: www.folkwaymusic.com)

Justin Johnson

A complete anomaly to the modern music scene, Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase, all as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever.
Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound, Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans.

Justin has been declared a “must-see act” by Guitar World, lauded as an “American Master” by John Carter Cash, and a “musical visionary” by Ted Nugent.. He has had his “funk” praised by Bootsy Collins, and his musical approach described as “timeless” by North Mississippi Allstar frontman Luther Dickinson. He has been recognized as Slidestock International Slide Guitar Champion, and his original music has been licensed to Wieden & Kennedy, Dodge Motor Co, Ken Burns, Florentine Films, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, PBS, scores of independent film, and the list keeps growing. When legendary filmmaker David Lynch was recently asked by Pitchfork Magazine what current musical artist he’d most like to work with, he cited Justin Johnson.

After touring non-stop for 5 years, playing shows every night of the week, for audiences from 10 to 10,000, and venues from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson sprouted roots in Nashville, TN, and immediately found himself absorbed into the beating heart of Music City, as an in-demand session player, and also frequently collaborating, co-writing songs with, and co-producing albums with country music royalty, John Carter Cash, who has named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With his ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin has shared a stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more.

Always innovating and following his own sound while taking inspiration from the past, Justin Johnson blurs the lines between the traditional and the cutting edge, taking current day music back to it’s roots while blazing new sonic frontiers. (source:http://www.justinjohnsonlive.com)

Justin Johnson

In today’s music industry, it’s becoming increasingly rare for an independent artist to achieve mainstream success. However, Justin Johnson is a complete anomaly to this notion. Armed with his signature sound and a desire to connect with fans, Justin has developed a worldwide following of over a million fans, all without the support of any label or industry backing.

After years of touring non-stop, playing in venues ranging from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson found his roots in Nashville, where he quickly became absorbed into the beating heart of Music City. He has become an in-demand session player, frequently collaborating, co-writing, and co-producing albums with country music royalty John Carter Cash, who has named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With the ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin Johnson has shared the stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more. His talent for blurring the lines between traditional and cutting-edge music has earned him a reputation for taking current day music back to its roots while blazing new sonic frontiers.

As a blues guitarist, Justin Johnson’s sound is unique and unmistakable. His fingerpicking style is reminiscent of blues legends like Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt, but his music also features elements of rock, folk, country, and even electronic music. Justin has an undeniable gift for taking the timeless sound of the blues and injecting it with a modern sensibility that makes it accessible to new audiences.

What sets Justin Johnson apart from many other blues guitarists is his willingness to experiment and push boundaries. He’s not content to simply regurgitate the same old blues licks – instead, he’s always looking for new ways to express himself and his music. This willingness to innovate has earned him a devoted following of fans who appreciate his fresh take on the blues and his commitment to creating music that is both authentic and exciting.

In a world where it’s increasingly difficult for independent artists to get noticed, Justin Johnson has proven that talent and dedication can still lead to success. With his unique sound, innovative approach to music-making, and loyal fanbase, he’s one of the most exciting blues guitarists on the scene today.

Some information from youtube video description:

🎸🎸 DOWNLOADABLE TABS FOR THIS SONG: https://www.musicnotes.com/l/H9fSP

This 3-String guitar from Joys Guitars was made out of an old empty Ammo Box, and when I took it out of the box I swear I heard it whisper “let’s play some ‘Gimme Back My Bullets’ ​by @SkynyrdOfficial!” The combo of this guitar and @HughesandKettneramps Black Spirit 200 floor amp made it easy to dial in some deep & dirty swamp rock tone. I added a Wild Dog Stomp foot pedal for a kick drum sound. I love the melodies in Skynyrd songs, and while the guitar riffs are what made me fall in love with their music, writing these fingerstyle arrangements has really made me appreciate how perfectly the melodies flow over the riffs and how catchy and organic they are. If you dig this arrangement, check out the “Four Walls of Raiford” and “Ballad of Curtis Loew” arrangements I recently posted.

TUNING: Open F# (F#-C#-F#)

GEAR:

• Joys Guitars Ammo Box Guitar: https://reverb.com/ca/shop/joys-guitars

• @HughesandKettneramps Black Spirit 200 Floor Amp

• CEntrance R4R Mixerface Mobile Recording Interface

• Wild Dog Stomp Stomp Box

youtube

Thank You!

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Justin Johnson

He is complete anomaly to the modern music scene. Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase. All as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever.
Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound. Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans.
After touring non-stop for 5 years, playing shows every night of the week, for audiences from 10 to 10,000, and venues from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson sprouted roots in Nashville. He immediately found himself absorbed into the beating heart of Music City. Become in-demand session player, and also frequently collaborating, co-writing songs with, and co-producing albums with country music royalty, John Carter Cash. John named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With his ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin has shared a stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more.

Always innovating and following his own sound while taking inspiration from the past, Justin Johnson blurs the lines between the traditional and the cutting edge, taking current day music back to it’s roots while blazing new sonic frontiers. (source: www.justinjohnsonlive.com)

Here is what Justin writes about this song:

The moon is almost full, the leaves are falling, the sky is getting darker, and this old resonator seems to be getting darker with the season. This Dobro Duolian has been staring at me from the corner, so I picked it up, and this song just started flowing out. Sometimes a song puts an image in your head, and this immediately made me think of an abandoned cabin in the mountains, and the ghosts that call it home. What does it put in your head?

TUNING – Open Dm: D-A-D-F-A-D

Dobro Duolian Resonator Guitar

With its crystalline Dueco finish, steel body and aggressive bluesy tone, the National Duolian is one of the most iconic vintage resonator guitar models. Originally built between 1930 and the onset of WWII, the Duolian was favoured by many of the blues players of the day. It was the least expensive guitar made by National upon its introduction and its combination of big volume, robust build, and low price made them attractive to street musicians all over North America. Blind Boy Fuller is likely the most well-known 14 fret Duolian player, and Brownie McGhee, Son House, and Blind Arvella Gray are also associated with this model. (source: www.folkwaymusic.com)

Engage your senses: Press play on the video, then stimulate your brain with the article.

Justin Johnson

He is complete anomaly to the modern music scene. Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase. All as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever.
Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound. Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans.
After touring non-stop for 5 years, playing shows every night of the week, for audiences from 10 to 10,000, and venues from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson sprouted roots in Nashville. He immediately found himself absorbed into the beating heart of Music City. Become in-demand session player, and also frequently collaborating, co-writing songs with, and co-producing albums with country music royalty, John Carter Cash. John named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With his ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin has shared a stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more.

Always innovating and following his own sound while taking inspiration from the past, Justin Johnson blurs the lines between the traditional and the cutting edge, taking current day music back to it’s roots while blazing new sonic frontiers. (source: www.justinjohnsonlive.com)

Here is what Justin writes about this song:

There’s something dark and eerie about the tone of this old Dobro Duolian resonator… it always sounds like it was just pulled out of the swamp. I picked it up today, and started a slow rhythm on the bass string, with my foot tapping on a tambourine, and this melody began to snake it’s way out. Most of the time when I am writing new songs, all it takes is grabbing the right guitar for the moment, and listening to it until the song comes out.
When I recorded this, I set one mic up to capture the acoustic sound of the resonator and the tambourine on the floor, and then ran a direct signal from the guitar into my recorder. In Protools, I used the Tonality Howard Benson Plugin Suite from STL Tones to get the reverb, delay, and amp tones that really set the mood off and give the song the final tonal magic it was looking for.

About the song

(Watch the video below)

This track is included on “The Bootleg Series Vol. 1” NOW AVAILABLE at https://justinjohnsonstore.com

Hill country blues is characterized by a strong emphasis on rhythm and percussion, steady guitar riffs, few chord changes, unconventional song structures, and heavy emphasis on the “groove”, which has been characterized as the “hypnotic boogie”.

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson has been hailed by Guitar World as a “must-see act”, dubbed “The Wizard” for his mastery of stringed instruments, and recognized as Slidestock International Slide Guitar Champion.

A complete anomaly to the modern music scene, Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase, all as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever.
Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound, Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans.
After touring non-stop for 5 years, playing shows every night of the week, for audiences from 10 to 10,000, and venues from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson sprouted roots in Nashville, TN, and immediately found himself absorbed into the beating heart of Music City, as an in-demand session player, and also frequently collaborating, co-writing songs with, and co-producing albums with country music royalty, John Carter Cash, who has named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With his ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin has shared a stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more.

Always innovating and following his own sound while taking inspiration from the past, Justin Johnson blurs the lines between the traditional and the cutting edge, taking current day music back to it’s roots while blazing new sonic frontiers. (source: www.justinjohnsonlive.com)

Video

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Justin Johnson has been hailed by Guitar World as a “must-see act”, dubbed “The Wizard” for his mastery of stringed instruments, and recognized as Slidestock International Slide Guitar Champion.

I just picked up this Gretsch “Honey Dipper” resonator.. it’s smooth like butter, but barks like a pit bull. The rhythm & vibe of this tune reminds me of cruisin’ the backwoods down south, kicking up dust, & getting lost, so I’m calling it “Down South Ramble.”
If you dig this type of backporch slide guitar, then check out my album “Bootleg Series Vol. 2: Whiskey Sippin’ Music.” You can get it HERE: https://www.justinjohnsonstore.com

Justin Johnson

A complete anomaly to the modern music scene, Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase, all as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever.
Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound, Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans.
After touring non-stop for 5 years, playing shows every night of the week, for audiences from 10 to 10,000, and venues from rural dive bars to international festival stages, Johnson sprouted roots in Nashville, TN, and immediately found himself absorbed into the beating heart of Music City, as an in-demand session player, and also frequently collaborating, co-writing songs with, and co-producing albums with country music royalty, John Carter Cash, who has named Johnson as one of his favorite current artists.

With his ability to shine in virtually any genre, Justin has shared a stage with a mind-blowing range of musicians, including Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Victor Wooten, Jamey Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Will Lee, and more.

Always innovating and following his own sound while taking inspiration from the past, Justin Johnson blurs the lines between the traditional and the cutting edge, taking current day music back to it’s roots while blazing new sonic frontiers. (source: www.justinjohnsonlive.com)