John Mayer's slapping technique

[Taylor614]

I posted this on jmtabs.com, and wanted to see what you guys think. Hopefully you guys can help me out here. Thanks in advance.

"I love the technique that John Mayer uses acoustically, and have tried to incorporate it in my own songs. However, when I listen to the songs that I record, the slaps sound like they're in the same places as when John puts them in. (ex: pull up on C chord and slap, and so on). What I'm asking is, is it copying someone's music if you're not using their chords or lyrics, just their technique? Or is it just helping you broaden your own talents? And also, do you guys use this technique in your own music? I really like to stay original as possible, and would hate it if people thought I was stealing off of someone else. Hopefully you guys know what I mean."

[Beauford33]

No matter what you do, Im sure someone can find it as "ripping" someone off. John Mayer certainly didnt make that up himself, nor really anything he does. Yes, he has his own style and sound...but that has to do with the way he incorporates the technique...not just because he uses it. Dont worry about. If you are too worried about ripping people off, you arent going to get very far.

[Taylor614]

Thanks. I usually don't even think twice about that when I write songs. I don't know, probably just overthought the situation. Overthinking things is what I do best.

[bassman462]

ya you're stealing from larry graham.

[Beauford33]

Thanks. I usually don't even think twice about that when I write songs. I don't know, probably just overthought the situation. Overthinking things is what I do best.

I use that slapping technique all the time. But out all the songs I use it in, I dont really think any sound like a John Mayer song. Not at all really. I use the technique, but I apply it differently with different chords and get different sounds. And I really dont care if I do rip someone off....they ripped someone off first