Eric Johnson: A Guitar Legend Discusses the G3 Reunion & Beyond
Eric Johnson’s place in the guitar world is more than just secure; it’s foundational. His work on G3 Reunion Live, alongside Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, is a perfect encapsulation of what makes him so revered, yet so distinct.
The man’s touch is like no other. Sure, his technical skill is legendary; everyone knows that, but it’s his ability to fuse that with soul and melody that sets him apart.
When Joe and Steve called Eric to join the 2024 G3 reunion, it was like lightning striking again. The trio first played together in ’96, and here they are, decades later, still burning down stages in a way only they can. The live recordings from The Orpheum Theatre in LA capture all the magic. Eric effortlessly pulls you into his world with ‘Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘Desert Rose,’ proving he’s still got that haunting tone and those sweet bends that make you stop in your tracks.
What really makes this album special is the jam session at the end. It’s one thing to hear them each play solo, but when the three legends come together, it’s pure gold. You get to hear them riff on Hendrix and Clapton, but more than just covers—they’re speaking a universal guitar language. This isn’t just virtuosity for the sake of it. It’s three masters having a conversation through their instruments, sharing years of experiences with every note.
It’s an album for guitar fans, sure, but it’s also an album that’s alive with passion. It’s proof that these guys are still here to make their mark and push the boundaries of what the guitar can do. Eric Johnson’s involvement in G3 Reunion Live is a celebration of everything he’s been through as an artist, and as a player, still challenging and inspiring others in a way only he knows how.
“My originality comes from just borrowing and embellishing styles from a number of artists.”
The recent G3 ‘Reunion Live Album,’ features an electrifying collection of performances from you, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai. How does this album vibe with the electrifying energy of the tour? Any standout moments from the recording that made you think, “Wow, this is magic”?
Eric Johnson: It had magic in it just being able to go on the road with Joe and Steve and have moments of improvisation that were unrehearsed.
Can you elaborate on how Jimi Hendrix influenced your guitar playing during your formative years? Can you share what it was like growing up in Austin, Texas, back in the 1960s? There was a lot happening at Vulcan Gas Company and clubs where pioneering psych & folk acts like 13th Floor Elevators, The Golden Dawn, Shiva’s Headband, Powell St. John, and many others played. As you were very young at the time, did you connect with the counterculture happening in your local scene?
Jimi Hendrix was a big influence on me because he was a great musician who wrote great songs, and he also happened to play great guitar. Growing up in Austin was special because, as you mentioned, so many different bands and so many different influences and styles of music. There were a lot of venues to go hear live music in as well.
Your first band, Mariani, showcased your remarkable talent at just 15 years old. Could you share how the band came together, the ideas that drove your music, and some of the clubs where you performed during those early days?
Mariani was the first original band I was in. It was led by Vince Mariani, and we became friends and started playing together when I was 13. We recorded the record when I was 15. We played a couple of clubs around Austin, but we also played a number of pop festivals, opening for different bands.
What stands out to you about the recording of ‘Perpetuum Mobile for Sonobeat’? As a fan of that ’60s underground rock scene, I gotta say that record is something special. When you listen back to your early work now, what thoughts and feelings come up for you?
It was a very special time doing that record because I was new to the whole recording business and even new to just improvising and playing.
Throughout your career, your guitar style has evolved into something truly unique. What are some of the techniques that have shaped your sound? How do you perceive these elements evolving in your contemporary work?
I guess my originality comes from just borrowing and embellishing styles from a number of artists rather than just a couple. It’s not that I’m that original, as much as it’s just an original combination of various players that I admire.
Since the inception of G3 in 1996, how do you believe your individual style has evolved in the context of the tour? In what ways do you feel your contributions have changed over the years?
I guess my contributions are evolving, and as far as G3, you try to play to what your strengths are and appreciate what other guitarists do that is so uniquely special in their repertoire.
Beyond the G3 tour and album, are there any upcoming projects or collaborations on your horizon that excite you? How do you envision your music evolving in the near future?
I’m working on a new record that’s primarily blues rock. I recently recorded a song with Steve Morse, which was a lot of fun. I just want to keep learning more about music and playing.
Could you provide insights into your projects ‘The Book of Making’ and ‘Yesterday Meets Today’?
Those two projects, ‘The Book of Making’ and ‘Yesterday Meets Today,’ started during the pandemic. I gathered together a lot of unfinished songs from my tape vault and worked on finishing them. In the process, I recorded six or seven new tunes to add to the records.
Having recently completed the Experience Hendrix tour, what were some standout moments that you’d like to share?
I very much enjoyed listening to everyone play. Kenny Wayne Shepherd always plays consistently at a very high level. Marcus King sounds great. All the players have something unique and special about them.
How has your approach to live performances evolved over the years? Are there particular aspects of your stage presence or setlist that have changed as you’ve matured as an artist?
I’m interested in trying to let go more and let the flow and muse direct me in a higher way. So I’m working on that aspect of the art.
The G3 tour has seen numerous incredible musicians over the years. If you could choose another guitarist to join the lineup in the future, who would it be and what draws you to their work?
Sonny Landreth. He’s a fantastic player and so original.
“The use of rhythm and lead combined together.”
Are there any new guitar techniques or styles you’ve been exploring recently? How do you see these evolving in your upcoming projects?
The use of rhythm and lead combined together.
Reflecting on your career, who would you say has influenced your guitar playing the most? Have those influences shifted for you over the years?
Eric Clapton, Bill Connors, John McLaughlin, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Wes Montgomery.
To wrap up our conversation, are there any recent albums or artists you’ve discovered that you would recommend to our readers?
Mateo is a very fine guitar player.
Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us. Is there anything else you’d like to add or any final thoughts you’d like to leave with our readers?
I’m happy that we all can share the joy of playing guitar!
Klemen Breznikar
Headline photo: Eric Johnson with 2017 Fender Eric Johnson Signature Stratocaster Thinline.
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