Crossroads technique - John Mayer (Guitar world magazine)
 

Hi,

I'm trying to figure out the technique that John Mayer is using in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIsl...related&t=3m48s

(time: 3 minutes 48 seconds)

He is making a percussive noise whilst playing the notes (hitting the strings three times). I know what notes he's playing but I can't seem to get my right hand to bounce and create the percussive effect as he is doing it. I can't figure out how he is playing the notes and hitting the strings simultaneously.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

He is thumping on the strings with his thumb. Really cool old delta blues technique.

This is just a matter of developing your internal timing, it comes very naturally after that. Like Angusman60 said he is hitting the strings with his thumb/ nails of fingers 2,3,4.

If you want more specific advice: practice with a metronome. Mute the strings with the left hand and start "drumming" on the muted strings.