Eric Johnson - Cliffs Of Dover Pt.5 - Outro Chorus & Cadenza - Guitar Lesson

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Eric Johnson - Cliffs Of Dover Pt.5 - Outro Chorus & Cadenza - Guitar Lesson

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Key G major
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Cliffs Of Dover Pt.5 - Outro Chorus & Cadenza


"Cliffs Of Dover Pt.5 - Outro Chorus & Cadenza" is a section of Eric Johnson's celebrated instrumental guitar piece "Cliffs Of Dover," widely regarded as one of the most technically and musically demanding works in rock guitar. The outro chorus and cadenza segment showcases Johnson's signature blend of fluid pentatonic runs, clean tone articulation, and classical phrasing. For electric guitar players, studying this section offers valuable insight into dynamics, phrasing control, and the disciplined technique that defines Johnson's playing style.

  • The cadenza section demands precise pick attack and volume control, hallmarks of Eric Johnson's renowned clean tone approach.
  • Eric Johnson is known for his exceptionally selective gear choices, believing even battery brands affect his guitar tone.
  • The outro chorus features melodic phrasing that draws on both blues and classical influences, making it a rich study piece.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Eric Johnson's primary instrument, with vintage single-coils and a rolled-back tone knob that deliver warm, articulate lead tones and dynamic range. His signature model features a 1-meg volume pot preserving high-end clarity, essential for his layered clean and overdriven tones.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Johnson uses original PAF humbuckers on his 1958/1959 model for heavier, mid-rich lead work, providing thicker sustain and compression on songs like 'Cliffs of Dover' when pushed through his Marshall head.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

While not explicitly mentioned in Johnson's primary setup, this model shares PAF humbucker characteristics that would deliver similar thick, creamy lead tones and compressed sustain for heavier passages.

Gibson ES-335
Guitar

Gibson ES-335

Johnson switches to this semi-hollow body for jazzier passages mid-song, its balanced tone bridging his bright Strat clarity and Les Paul warmth for sophisticated, articulate lead work.

Fender Twin Reverb
Amp

Fender Twin Reverb

Johnson's core clean and light-crunch amp, run at volumes 5-6 for shimmering clarity and natural reverb that blends with his Marshall's grit to create his signature layered tone.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Pedal

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9

Set with low gain and high level as a clean boost, Johnson's TS9 pushes his amps into natural breakup while preserving the dynamic articulation crucial to his playing style.

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