Last Train Home by John Mayer - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

John Mayer’s "Last Train Home" is a masterclass in tasteful, melodic guitar playing, combining a range of techniques that every aspiring guitarist should aim to learn. Whether you're looking to dive into Mayer's nuanced chord voicings, or improve your lead playing with smooth bends and phrasing, this lesson will guide you through every note. With a focus on key techniques such as string bending, slides, hybrid picking, and more, you’ll not only be able to play the song note-for-note but also add these tools to your overall guitar vocabulary. Mitch Laddie breaks down this modern classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

John Mayer

John Mayer is the driving force behind the guitar work in "Last Train Home," showcasing his signature mix of bluesy phrasing, pop sensibilities, and tasteful guitar technique. Mayer's guitar playing is often compared to legends like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, yet his ability to blend these influences with modern sounds makes his style uniquely his own. "Last Train Home" is an excellent example of how Mayer fuses smooth pop melodies with blues-inspired lead work, creating an instantly recognisable sound.

Mayer’s influence on the modern guitar world is immense, having inspired countless players with his combination of soulful blues and pop. His ability to transition effortlessly between rhythm and lead guitar parts has made him a prominent figure in guitar music for over two decades. Whether you're a fan of his early blues-influenced work or his more recent ventures into pop and rock, "Last Train Home" provides a snapshot of Mayer’s incredible versatility.

Techniques Covered in the "Last Train Home" Lesson

String Bending

String bending is a critical part of Mayer's playing on "Last Train Home." He uses this technique to create expressive, vocal-like phrasing that adds emotion to his solos. By learning string bending, you'll gain better control over pitch and add expressiveness to your guitar playing, allowing you to make notes "sing."

Slides

Slides between notes help Mayer achieve smooth transitions and fluid movement across the fretboard in "Last Train Home." This technique adds a lyrical quality to the guitar lines, making the solo sections feel seamless and continuous. Practicing slides will improve your fretboard navigation and add a polished sound to your playing.

Hybrid Picking

Mayer’s use of hybrid picking in "Last Train Home" combines the strengths of finger-picking and using a pick, allowing him to articulate complex chords and melodic lines simultaneously. This technique enables a more percussive attack and faster note articulation. Learning hybrid picking will help you blend finger-style and pick techniques, giving you more versatility in your playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used frequently in Mayer’s lead playing to give his notes more life and character. By slightly altering the pitch of a held note, vibrato creates a richer, more dynamic sound. Mastering this technique will help you add depth to your melodies and make your lead playing stand out.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

These legato techniques are essential for achieving Mayer’s fluid sound, particularly in the solo sections of "Last Train Home." Hammer-ons and pull-offs allow for smooth, fast passages with minimal pick attack, contributing to the song's effortless flow. By mastering these, you'll be able to play faster and more fluidly, enhancing your overall lead playing.

Bluesy Bends

Blues-inspired string bending is another hallmark of Mayer's sound, and "Last Train Home" is full of expressive bends that evoke a soulful, bluesy tone. These bends are often combined with vibrato to add extra emotion to the phrases. Learning bluesy bends will not only improve your bending accuracy but also help you develop a stronger sense of musical phrasing.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Throughout the rhythm sections of "Last Train Home," Mayer utilizes arpeggiated chord progressions, playing the notes of each chord separately to create a more dynamic and layered sound. This technique adds a melodic element to chord playing and helps maintain the song's forward motion. Mastering arpeggios will enhance your chord knowledge and give your rhythm playing more texture.

Syncopated Rhythms

Mayer’s rhythm work on "Last Train Home" employs syncopated patterns, giving the track its infectious groove. Syncopation helps create rhythmic interest by placing emphasis on offbeats. Learning syncopated rhythms will improve your timing and allow you to create more complex and engaging rhythmic patterns.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Mastering the techniques used in "Last Train Home" will greatly expand your guitar-playing skills. Not only will you learn how to play the song note-for-note, but you’ll also gain valuable tools for your broader playing style. Techniques like string bending, vibrato, and hybrid picking are essential for building expressive, dynamic lead lines, while learning slides and arpeggiated chord progressions will add sophistication to your rhythm playing. Each technique offers specific benefits that will help you grow as a guitarist, whether you're playing blues, pop, or rock.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Last Train Home"

1. String Bending
2. Slides
3. Hybrid Picking
4. Vibrato
5. Hammer-ons
6. Pull-offs
7. Bluesy Bends
8. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
9. Syncopated Rhythms

By diving into these techniques, you'll be well on your way to mastering John Mayer's "Last Train Home" and elevating your guitar playing to new heights.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Syncopated Rhythms
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides

Embrace this journey through "Last Train Home" and watch as your skills blossom with every note played!