John Mayer Co-Signs Freeman’s Nylon-String ‘If You Know Me’ Riff

Hudson Freeman’s riff “If You Know Me” went viral on social media. John Mayer then played it to show his support for the artist. Freeman has now praised Mayer’s support and its effect on the riff’s reach. The report was published on October 26, 2026.

The viral open-string riff

“If You Know Me” was still a demo when its guitar riff began spreading on TikTok. The clip drew about 1.7 million views, while its mix of country guitar and heavier color earned the description “country Nirvana.” Freeman plays the part in C#, F#, B, E, G#, B tuning. The open sixth string has a prominent role in the riff, so the altered tuning is central to the part rather than a small change around a standard guitar shape. With the sixth string tuned to C#, Freeman can let that open note ring as part of the riff.

Freeman on Mayer’s support

Freeman believes Mayer’s co-sign accelerated the riff’s viral run. He also credited Mayer with supporting younger, unknown artists at a point when public attention from an established musician can bring their work to a wider audience. Freeman described Mayer as “the last seriously palatable guitarist on a mainstream scale,” reflecting his view of Mayer’s unusual place in popular music. His immediate assessment of Mayer playing the riff was more direct: he thought the co-sign was cool. For Freeman, Mayer did more than acknowledge a clip that was already circulating. His support helped push the demo and its open-string riff further into public view.

A Sphere return in 2027

Mayer’s next confirmed step is another Las Vegas engagement. He is set to return to the Sphere in 2027.

(Compiled)