The Journey of Johnny's Guitars

TLDRJoin Johnny M as he takes us on a journey through his collection of guitars, sharing stories and memories from his iconic career. From his early days with The Smiths to his solo career and film music, each guitar holds a special place in his heart.

Key insights

🎸Johnny's guitars played a significant role in shaping his unique sound and playing style.

📚Johnny's new book, 'Mars Guitars,' is a labor of love filled with rich stories and stunning photography.

🎵Songs like 'Hand in Glove' and 'This Charming Man' were written on Johnny's beloved Gretsch and Rickenbacker guitars.

🎶The chorus pedal and tapemachine played a crucial role in creating Johnny's signature guitar sound.

🌟Johnny's guitars hold special memories and emotions, transporting him back to specific moments in his career.

Q&A

What inspired Johnny's book 'Mars Guitars'?

Johnny drew inspiration from photographer Pat Grayan's abstract and detailed pictures of instruments.

Which guitar did Johnny use to record 'This Charming Man'?

Johnny used his Gretsch super ax guitar, capturing the iconic sound of the song.

Did Johnny tune his guitars differently?

In the early days, Johnny tuned up a whole step, influencing the sound and style of The Smiths' songs.

How did Johnny achieve his unique guitar sound?

Johnny used a combination of chorus pedals, compression, and overdubbing to create his signature sound.

What significance do Johnny's guitars hold for him?

Each guitar represents a specific period in Johnny's career and evokes memories and emotions associated with his music.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction: Johnny M introduces his collection of guitars and the purpose of the video.

06:08The story behind the Gretsch Super Axe: Johnny talks about how he acquired this guitar and its role in The Smiths' early days.

09:49Writing 'Hand in Glove' with the Gretsch: Johnny plays a snippet of the song and shares how the guitar influenced his playing style.

14:27The Rick and Backer guitar and its unique sound: Johnny discusses how he obtained this guitar and demonstrates its distinct tone.

15:02Creation of 'This Charming Man': Johnny explains how he wrote the song on the Gretsch with a capo.

15:59The importance of doubling: Johnny shares his preference for overdubbing and the creative possibilities it offers.