Is Mayer overrated?

Barnezy

I got really in to Mayer about a year ago. He does some good pop songs but the more I listened to him the more I realised he was just ripping off others. Jimmy Hendrix, SRV mostly, I've even heard Pearl Jam in one of his songs.

My point is, can you really be a great if you haven't bought anything new?

Funkfingers

Probably. 

/thread

imalrightjack

Hang on, let me grab the greatnessometer. Hang on, it died when measuring Bonamassa.

Whitecat

Yup. Next question?

ChrisCox1994

He's great, be thankful theres mainstream pop acts keeping proper guitar playing relevant and alive. 

In a sea of baby boomers complaining about modern music lacking everything that their favourites had, Mayer manages to fuse old school guitar playing chops with modern pop appeal.

Not to even get started on the entire generation of young 20 something guitarists hes influenced since he's been on the scene and managing to stay in touch with younger artists into his 40s. 

Big respect. 

LastMantra

The people that like him are obviously wrong. 

soma1975

He's wet as a guppy but is a genuine proper musician and great guitarist. 

Boromedic

No, absolutely not.

newi123

soma1975 said:

He's wet as a guppy but is a genuine proper musician and great guitarist. 

This.

To appreciate how good a player he is go find him with ed Sheeran on YT. headphones on and listen to the timing and arrangement of what he plays, whilst also providing pitch perfect harmonies.

I find his writing and albums hit and miss, but overrated? No.

richardhomer

The guy’s dated Jennifer Aniston and has a signature PRS guitar. He’s obviously done something right....

dindude

He’s done enough genius stuff to mean he’s def not overrated in my book. Aside from Continuum era greatness, was listening to Born and Raised (album) on the way home in the car tonight and it’s a songwriting masterclass. It’s a beautiful record.

His last album though is just a bit too much crap white-boy soul with songs like “still feel like your man” and “love on the weekend” just too lyrically creepy / cringe to actually listen too. Just sounds like he needs a bloody girlfriend and to get out a bit more.

RandallFlagg

Here we go again...

https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/128958/john-mayer-i-dont-get-it/p1

fretmeister

Yes.
But I listen when Pino is on the bass. Because Pino is awesome. 

sticker

Try playing “Neon” , I mean properly , note for note ...then try playing “Neon” whilst singing. 


Not overrated in my book . 

TINMAN82

Overrated as a guitar player? I suspect only by people who don’t play much guitar. Eric Clapton had very kind words to say about him.

earwighoney

Barnezy said:

He does some good pop songs but the more I listened to him the more I realised he was just ripping off others. 

You can say that about most guitarists.  Very few guitarists sound just like themselves, they borrow from their influences - obviously some more than others. 

I have nothing against JM either way, I don't like or dislike his music but the guy can definitely play guitar. 

bacchanalian

I really only know the live album and it is very impressive. Certainly his guitar influences are there to heard but his songwriting elevates him beyond just being a guitar player.

It is like SRV could sing and write catchy tunes.

Barnezy

My question wasn't is he good. We all know he is, but has he done anything for guitar that puts him up there with SRV, Hendrix, Claptop, BB King etc.... which is where so many seem to put him. 

Personally I really like listening to him, possibly because it's so familiar, but I don't understand the legend status he seems to have. 

Ed Sheeran has a signature Martin and was banging a Nicole Scherzinger, doesn't mean he's a guitar legend.... and he's a more sucessful songwritter.

I personally think Mayer lucked out by becoming known before Spotify took over. There are thousands of great bands and guitarists out there but none of them become known because the way people consume music now. If Mayer came out now, he'd just be lost in the mass of singer songwritters, never to be known. 

Lestratcaster

He's good at the bluesy soloing, I like his feel and phrasing, but nothing stands out about him I haven't heard before.

stuartryanmusic

His blues references are obvious but listen to the early acoustic versions of ‘Neon’ then check out the influence Charlie Hunter had on him (which he’s acknowledged) - shows that there is much more to his playing but obviously the bluesy stuff was the sensible commercial route! 

Zoolooter

Barnezy said:

My question wasn't is he good. We all know he is, but has he done anything for guitar that puts him up there with SRV, Hendrix, Claptop, BB King etc.... which is where so many seem to put him. 

Personally I really like listening to him, possibly because it's so familiar, but I don't understand the legend status he seems to have. 

Ed Sheeran has a signature Martin and was banging a Nicole Scherzinger, doesn't mean he's a guitar legend.... and he's a more sucessful songwritter.

I personally think Mayer lucked out by becoming known before Spotify took over. There are thousands of great bands and guitarists out there but none of them become known because the way people consume music now. If Mayer came out now, he'd just be lost in the mass of singer songwritters, never to be known. 

That golden age where a player or band is simply just great has passed. We like snippets from individuals/bands like Mayer. The problem is, that not a single one of these guys or bands can consistently make good music.