Since we are one of the few national magazines that regularly covers heavy metal, I get a shit-ton of it. Most of it, quite frankly, is frustratingly mediocre — and mediocre is my least favorite music. I actually enjoy hating something better than being bored by it. When I hate an album, at least means I’m feeling something and I’m alive.

This week, I’m shifting gears and talking about some different topics than the past few weeks, which mostly dealt with some of the rock legends I’ve played with and how I got there. When attempting to come up with an interesting and informative topic for other guitarists (young and old), I thought that certain players' influences would be cool to talk about.

Ah, the quest for tone. I imagine that sooner or later, every musician desires to possess a sound that flows with the sweet feeling of inspiration. Eric Johnson is a long-tenured seeker who has certainly reaped the sonic rewards of his efforts. He recently took a moment with me to discuss the gear he is using as he tours in support of his 2010 release, Up Close.