Jayson Johnson - Lead Guitar


Jayson has been playing guitar for 20 years now, he started at the early age of nine, after hearing his dad play along with the Led Zeppelin II record. From then on, he wanted to feel the power that the guitar possessed.

After winning first place in a talent show, and getting straight A's in school, his dad decided that it was time for Jayson to get some lessons, if he really wanted to take guitar seriously. After a string of teachers, countless tablature books, instructional videos Jayson was ready to play in bands. He started playing in bars in the Minneapolis area at the age of 16, playing mostly heavy metal, similar to Metallica and Pantera. After high-school, he returned to his bluesy past and dove head first into learning the styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton.

During high school, Jayson had started taking lessons from Brent Paschke, guitarist for Spymob and N.E.R.D. ( the band fronted by Pharrell Williams, of the Neptunes) Eventually becoming roommates, Brent exposed Jayson to a wide range of music, but mostly funk or RnB. This gave Jayson his experience into John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Brown, Maceo Parker, Prince, Larry Carlton, Sly and the Family Stone and many others.

Jayson credits Brent to being a major influence on his playing, but also on his attitude and professionalism as an artist. "When you lived with one of the best guitarists around, you definitely are caught in the shadows, but you learn a lot for the day that you get to come out and shine on your own." Jayson says.

After playing in all styles of bands from metal, rock, blues, 70s funk or acoustic, Jayson decided to move to Phoenix, AZ in 2002 to increase his level of sunshine intake. After living in the valley for a few months, he was encouraged to check out a Shawn Johnson acoustic show and he immediately saw that there was a connection in their styles. After a few weeks, Jayson was asked to sit in one night with Shawn and the two played a few songs together. Soon after, the two worked on getting others involved and worked to revamp "The Foundation". The band's first gig would be a few weeks later, opening for The Samples. And the rest as they say is "history" or "history in the making".

Jayson's Gear

Guitars
- Martin Electric-acoustic
- Fender Custom Shop American Standand, Champagne Sparkle Strat
- Fender Custom Shop 60s Closet Classic N.O.S. two-tone sunburst Strat
- Gibson Les Paul Standard, Honey Burst

Amp
- Marshall 50 watt Lead JCM 800 Head
- Marshall '76 2X12 Dark Green Cab

FX
- Vox or Cry-baby Wah
- Ts9 Tube screamer
- Turbo Tube screamer
- Ernie Ball Volume Pedal
- Danecho Delay
- MXR Phase 90
- Korg Tuner

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