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Eric Johnson - Manhattan - Second A & B Sections - Guitar Lesson

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Eric Johnson - Manhattan - Second A & B Sections guitar lesson video
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Classic Rock

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About Manhattan - Second A & B Sections

The second A and B sections of "Manhattan" are where Eric Johnson's writing gets particularly demanding for the right hand. At 120 BPM in E Standard, the passages sit at a tempo that feels comfortable until you try to keep the picking articulate and even across string changes. Johnson's Progressive Rock sensibility shows up here in the way melodic lines shift underneath you, requiring smooth position shifts on the fretboard without losing tone or timing. The B section especially rewards close attention to how phrasing and dynamics interact, since playing the notes is only half the challenge. Getting the sections up to tempo cleanly is a real test of pick control and left-hand accuracy working together. Use the Practice Toolbar to isolate each section and loop it slowed down until the fingering becomes automatic before bringing the speed back up.

  • At 120 BPM in E Standard tuning, the second A section tests smooth position shifts while keeping melodic lines even and articulate.
  • The B section demands careful attention to picking dynamics, as tone consistency across string changes is easy to lose at full tempo.
  • Looping each section slowed down with the Practice Toolbar is the most effective way to build the left-right hand synchronisation these passages require.

How to Play Manhattan - Second A & B Sections

Tuning: E Standard · Tempo: 120 BPM

Use the section loop to isolate a passage, drop the speed below 100%, and set the metronome to 120 BPM to build it up to tempo.

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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