Belief by John Mayer

John Mayer's "Belief" is a masterclass in expressive, rhythmic, and dynamic guitar playing. This song, featured on his 2006 album Continuum, showcases Mayer’s signature blend of blues, pop, and rock influences. Our note-for-note lesson on "Belief" breaks down every nuance of his playing, allowing you to develop essential guitar skills while mastering this classic track. John Connearn breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

John Mayer's Guitar Style and Influence

John Mayer has carved a unique space in modern guitar playing, blending bluesy phrasing, intricate chord voicings, and expressive soloing with pop sensibilities. His playing in "Belief" reflects the influence of guitar legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, particularly in his rhythmic approach and chord embellishments. Learning this track will not only enhance your technical skills but also deepen your appreciation for Mayer's soulful, percussive rhythm style and articulate lead playing.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Chord Progressions and Rhythmic Grooves

Mayer’s chord voicings in "Belief" use sophisticated arpeggiated chord progressions and syncopated rhythms that give the song its distinctive groove. His approach involves breaking up chords into individual notes, creating movement and texture within the rhythm. Mastering this technique enhances your timing, precision, and ability to play dynamically within a band setting.

String Bending and Bluesy Phrasing

Throughout "Belief," Mayer uses expressive string bending and bluesy bends to inject emotion into his lead lines. These bends allow for vocal-like phrasing and greater expressiveness, essential for soloing in blues, rock, and pop styles. Practicing bends improves intonation, finger strength, and control over vibrato.

Double Stops and Harmonic Layering

Mayer’s rhythm guitar work features double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create fuller, richer tones. These are often combined with hammer-ons and pull-offs to add melodic interest. Double stops are a staple in blues and rock playing, helping you create harmonically rich lead lines.

Hybrid Picking for Articulation

One of Mayer’s signature techniques is hybrid picking, where he combines pick and fingers to achieve greater articulation and dynamic control. This is particularly useful for playing the nuanced chord embellishments in "Belief." Developing hybrid picking improves precision and allows for smoother, more expressive playing.

Slides and Legato Techniques

Mayer frequently employs slides and legato (hammer-ons and pull-offs) in his phrasing, contributing to his fluid, effortless sound. These techniques allow for smoother note transitions and greater expressiveness in both rhythm and lead playing. Focusing on legato helps improve finger strength, coordination, and phrasing fluidity.

Palm Muting for Groove Control

To maintain a tight and percussive groove, Mayer incorporates palm muting in his rhythmic approach. This technique helps control dynamics and adds rhythmic depth to the track. Mastering palm muting enhances rhythmic clarity and prevents excessive string noise.

Octave Melodies for Sonic Depth

A hallmark of Mayer’s style is his use of octave melodies, where the same note is played in two octaves simultaneously. This technique, popularized by Wes Montgomery and later adopted by Hendrix, adds depth and warmth to melodies. Learning octave playing strengthens fretboard knowledge and adds richness to your solos.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Chord Progressions
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Hybrid Picking
• Slides
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Palm Muting
• Octave Melodies

By studying "Belief" with our note-for-note lesson, you'll gain valuable insight into Mayer’s expressive guitar work, rhythmic precision, and melodic phrasing. Whether you're a Mayer fan or looking to refine your blues and pop guitar techniques, this lesson provides the perfect foundation to elevate your playing. Ready to master John Mayer’s signature style? Dive into our LickLibrary lesson today!