Eric Johnson: “Why Every Guitarist Needs to Learn Piano”

Eric Johnson is known for his guitar virtuosity, but he’s also a talented pianist, having studied the instrument in his youth. Some readers may recall that he posted a clip of himself playing a ragtime version of his song “Cliffs of Dover” on his Facebook page back in August 2015.

Speaking recently with Total Guitar, Johnson said that learning the basics of piano playing is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded guitarist. In particular, he says, the instrument’s layout can give players a valuable perspective on music.

To that end, he suggests guitarists—for that matter, all musicians—study the instrument.

“I think understanding the piano really helps,” he explains. “And you don't have to become a great pianist, that’s not really important. A lot of people play just enough piano to write a song or figure out chord changes.

“It’s a beautiful instrument for writing and studying music—I would suggest any musicians of any instrument to undertake piano lessons. Not for the intention to become great at the instrument, but rather for perspective.

“When you look at a piano, you can see every note. All 88 keys—the whole spectrum. It’s like laying out a long piece of paper that has all the architectural plans for a building. It’s a great center-point and home base to look at and study music.

“You can then transfer that perspective to any instrument. I don’t think too much about practicing scales any more—I don’t approach things theoretically.

“It’s more like I’ve taught my ear to know the scales and that’s what I go with. If I hear a melody I like, then I’ll work it out.”

You can see Johnson performing his piano rendition of the Jimi Hendrix tune “The Wind Cries Mary” below.