From Canada’s Prairies to Global Guitar Stardom

Born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, Nick Johnston is a guitarist, composer, and producer renowned for his exceptional technical skill, emotive playing, and unique blend of progressive rock, blues, and jazz influences. Johnston’s music stands out in the modern guitar landscape for its combination of complex, intricate compositions with deeply expressive melodies, earning him a reputation as one of the most innovative and respected guitarists of his generation. His journey from a small town in Canada to becoming a globally recognized musician reflects his dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

A Journey from Self-Taught Beginnings to International Acclaim

Nick Johnston’s musical journey began in his early teens when he picked up the guitar and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Inspired by guitar legends like Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, and Yngwie Malmsteen, Johnston initially focused on developing his technical skills. However, it soon became clear that his approach to guitar playing was unique, blending virtuosic technique with a deep sense of melody and emotion.

Johnston is largely self-taught, honing his craft through countless hours of practice and studying the works of his guitar heroes. His early music reflected his diverse influences, combining elements of progressive rock, blues, jazz, and classical music. Johnston’s ability to weave these genres together into a cohesive sound set him apart from his peers, and he quickly gained a following among guitar enthusiasts for his distinctive style.

In 2011, Johnston released his debut album, Public Display of Infection, which showcased his technical prowess and compositional skills. His subsequent albums, including In a Locked Room on the Moon (2013), Atomic Mind (2014), and Remarkably Human (2016), further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the modern instrumental guitar scene. Johnston’s music is characterized by its cinematic quality, with each track telling a story through intricate melodies, dynamic shifts, and expressive phrasing.

Johnston’s success as a solo artist has also led to collaborations with some of the most respected names in the music industry, including Marco Minnemann, Guthrie Govan, and Paul Gilbert. His work as a session guitarist and his signature model with Schecter Guitars have further expanded his influence, making him a key figure in the world of modern guitar music.

Iconic Tracks: A Blend of Technical Mastery and Emotional Storytelling

Nick Johnston’s music is characterized by its blend of technical mastery and emotional storytelling, highlighted in several key tracks:

1. “Remarkably Human” – The title track from Johnston’s 2016 album, “Remarkably Human” showcases his ability to create complex, yet deeply expressive, compositions. The song’s soaring melodies and dynamic shifts highlight Johnston’s signature blend of technical proficiency and emotional depth.
2. “Atomic Mind” – The title track from his 2014 album, “Atomic Mind” features Johnston’s virtuosic guitar work, with intricate riffs and sweeping arpeggios that demonstrate his command of the instrument. The track’s cinematic feel and dramatic phrasing make it a standout in his discography.
3. “Wide Eyes in the Dark” – A track from Johnston’s 2019 album Wide Eyes in the Dark, this song blends elements of progressive rock and jazz, with a haunting melody and atmospheric textures that create a sense of tension and release.
4. “A Cure for the Common Cosmo” – Another highlight from Remarkably Human, this track features Johnston’s signature melodic style, with a focus on storytelling through music. The song’s intricate guitar lines and dynamic composition make it a perfect example of his ability to blend technicality with emotion.

Gear and Technique: Mastery of Melodic Instrumental Guitar

Nick Johnston is known for his mastery of melodic instrumental guitar, with a focus on creating music that is both technically challenging and emotionally resonant. He often plays his signature Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional guitar, which is designed to meet the demands of his intricate playing style. The guitar features a comfortable neck profile, custom pickups, and a vintage-inspired design that reflects Johnston’s blend of classic and modern influences.

Johnston’s rig typically includes a range of effects pedals, such as overdrive, delay, and reverb, which he uses to create the lush, textured soundscapes that define his music. His playing is characterized by its fluid legato lines, expressive bends, and precise alternate picking, all of which are hallmarks of his technical style. However, Johnston’s true strength lies in his ability to combine these techniques with a deep sense of melody and storytelling, creating music that resonates on an emotional level.

Influence and Impact

Nick Johnston’s influence on the modern guitar world is profound, particularly through his ability to blend technical mastery with emotional depth in his music. His success as an instrumental guitarist has shown that there is still a place for melody-driven, guitar-centric music in the modern music landscape. Johnston’s ability to create music that is both intellectually challenging and deeply moving has inspired countless guitarists to pursue their own unique paths in music.

In addition to his work as a solo artist, Johnston’s collaborations with other musicians and his contributions as a session guitarist have further expanded his influence. His signature guitar model with Schecter has also made his sound and style accessible to a broader audience, helping to inspire the next generation of guitarists.

Conclusion: The Ever-Expanding Legacy of Nick Johnston

Nick Johnston continues to be a powerful force in the world of instrumental guitar music, celebrated for his ability to blend technical virtuosity with emotional storytelling. His work has left an indelible mark on the modern guitar landscape, inspiring countless musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible with the instrument. As he continues to evolve as a musician and explore new creative avenues, Johnston’s influence on the future of guitar music is set to grow, ensuring his place as a key figure in the ongoing story of modern music.

Bonus Track: 10 Facts About Nick Johnston

1. Self-Taught: Nick Johnston is largely self-taught, honing his guitar skills through countless hours of practice and studying the works of his guitar heroes.
2. Diverse Influences: Johnston’s music blends elements of progressive rock, blues, jazz, and classical music, creating a unique sound that sets him apart from his peers.
3. Signature Schecter Model: He has a signature model with Schecter Guitars, the Nick Johnston Traditional, designed to meet the demands of his intricate playing style.
4. Instrumental Focus: Johnston’s music is primarily instrumental, with a focus on creating complex, yet deeply expressive, compositions that tell a story through melody and dynamics.
5. Cinematic Quality: His music is often described as cinematic, with each track creating a sense of tension, release, and storytelling.
6. Collaborations: Johnston has collaborated with some of the most respected names in the music industry, including Marco Minnemann, Guthrie Govan, and Paul Gilbert.
7. Wide Influence: Johnston’s blend of technical proficiency and emotional depth has influenced countless guitarists, inspiring them to pursue their own unique paths in music.
8. Multiple Albums: He has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Public Display of Infection (2011), In a Locked Room on the Moon (2013), Atomic Mind (2014), and Remarkably Human (2016).
9. Session Work: In addition to his solo work, Johnston is a highly sought-after session guitarist, contributing to a wide range of projects across various genres.
10. Ever-Evolving: Johnston continues to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of what is possible with the guitar, ensuring his ongoing influence in the modern music scene.