I've learned much along the way and have held on tight to my life dreams.
It's been a rewarding opportunity to see how to make those ideas come to pass- even while overcoming adversity. Today, I'm closer to living my ultimate dreams than I've ever been. Passion drives me in all I do and it's my heart to share with others how they can reach their dreams too.

I've been blessed to meet some amazing people in my life like Les Paul and I look forward to meeting new people who want more out of their life. I welcome the opportunity to develop stronger relationships with everyone as time goes on.

Who I'd like to meet?

People who are wanting to make things better in their life. Motivated, entreprenuerial, excited people who like to grow and learn how to enrich their lives. Drama happens in peoples lives- but if you're sole focus is on the 'story' around the drama, that's not where I'm going. If you are willing to embrace the opportunities that life holds for you- I'd love to meet you! We have opportunities everyday that come out of daily experiences. To share with others is great- especially if we can help each other along the way.

John Denner

Dear John, It is hard to know what to MOST admire about a guy like you.

Upon hearing you, a person would likely be awe-struck by your amazing musical abilities and mastery of the guitar. Honestly, I don't know how you can play that thing so hot without melting the frets! I have had the pleasure of hearing you.

Upon seeing you, a person might by moved to learn that your amazing musicianship on a "two-handed" instrument is being delivered by a fellow that doesn't have two hands. That in itself is inspirational. I have had the pleasure of seeing you.

However, upon knowing you, a person might be struck by your tremendous capacity for giving, your concern and hopes for other people and your irrepressibly optimistic outlook. I have had the pleasure of knowing you. When you first volunteered to help our nonprofit, www.littlekidsrock.org, I was immediately impressed by your level of commitment and the passion that you have for bringing music education to kids that might not otherwise receive it. You are an amazing individual. We are lucky to have you as a supporter and, on behalf of the tens of thousands of students that we serve with your help, let me say a big, heartfelt THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
David Wish
Executive Director
Little Kids Rock
http://www.littlekidsrock.org
http://www.littlekidsrock.tv

John Denner is proof positive - a handicap will not slow you down from doing what you love.

He has gone against the odds doing what he does. To see what he does is AMAZING! I'm proud to be a part of his new CD.

Johnny Hiland

That is incredibly generous of you! We appreciate how you’ve reached out to the ACA to become a part of our mission to empower people with limb loss. 

Thank you for your commitment to inspiring and encouraging other people with limb difference. Everyone I know who has heard your music is instantly impressed with your talent. We are truly appreciative that you are utilizing that talent in a way that has such far-reaching impact.

Stephanie Guthrie "Amputee Coalition of America"

My name is Craig Goldy,
Lead Guitarist for DIO (Ronnie James Dio former vocalist for Black Sabbath & Rainbow) I was at The Namm Show when I first heard John Denner play guitar. I shoud've been too distracted by the hundreds of fans waiting in line for an autograph from Ronnie and myself to notice anything else, but there was John playing Guitar and I couldn't keep my eyes and ears off of his talent.

This video is just a mind blower.I don't think I could do that with both of my good arms.

John Denner has all the elements of a great player. Tone, chops and style. The fact that he's achieving all that while inventing a whole new way to hold a pick is just amazing. I'm honored to have been involved with his album and I'm sure he'll continue to be a great inspiration to many, many people.

Not only is your Eruption guitar solo on Youtube one of the most accurate verions I have heard, I am also beyond impressed with your ability to play with relatively no string noise simply amazing. I can't imagine trying to do it without my right palm and fingers to mute the unused strings I hope other's appreciate that.

PDX Guitar Legend

John, My wife and I were blown away by your performance with Les Paul last night at the Iridium in New York City! I have been a longtime fan of Les Paul for 30 years and have seen the show 8 times!

Seeing you along side Les Paul was truly a pleasure and a treat. When Les Paul said there was going to be a One Handed Guitarist joining him onstage we had to idea it would affect us the way it did!
You are an amazing guitarist and performer , it was nice to see you playing guitar in the style of Jazz for a change !

Jon Gray

You are truly one of a kind!- Your pickin pal,

Johnny Hiland

That's awesome. I'm listening to your solo while you were on Howard Stern. It is incredible, and inspirational. And your desire to inspire people with limb loss coming back from the war is very admirable.

Brannan Willson Advertising Director - Eastern Sales and New Media Acoustic Guitar Magazine

My son Jack was born in May 2006 without a right hand. He is a blessing to our lives. I look forward to sharing this site with Jack when he is old enough.

Shannon Dagrossa

You are an inspiration to so many. 

Dear John, I saw the article that was in the paper a while ago and I thought that you would be an excellent guest artist for my Humanities program. We have numerous musicians of all genres come in during the year, and your skillful playing and inspiring story would have a profound impact. We have a setup in the rear of our auditorium so you can wail--no classroom involved. The kids are all seniors very bright and a very attentive audience--it\'s an excellent combination of learning and entertainment.

Charles Wolfe, Old Lyme High School

Congrats on the site man, this looks just great. I am my neighborhood "big brother" to all the kids, they come over and jam on everything from banjo's to bagpipes. I love giving free lessons to these guys after school. More than once I've heard"I can't do that"... You know where this is going! 

I'm going to keep your handy for the real "you can if you want it enough". Hope we get to hear that next interview real soon, and tell Howie to call EVH on the show with you. (if he doesn't show, we all know it's because he doesn't want to be shown up!) Take care brother, talk to you again soon, nicely done - on the site.

Denver Berry Oak Ridge, Tennesse

OMG! bro. 

When I went to your site I first heard the EVH riff & was impressed just from that. When I looked further only to be shocked that you were doing it without the use of a right hand...I was floored! Incredible is what I said. If you used a spatula to pick the notes it would be no matter to me....just that much more impressive. I have a hard enough time using my good right hand & a pick...lol. I have not seen any of the youtube stuff but plan to soon. 

I have added your site to my guitar bookmarks & plan on visiting often. I just started playing again about 8-9 months ago after playing Bass for most of my adult life (37) & just can't seem to get enough. I love to play the guitar & learn things / riffs that I have only listened to for years. I'm a huge KISS fan with the David Lee Roth Van Halen years a close second...big hair metal for me. Great guitar years. I'm on a mission to learn Eruption...Like Aceman on Curt's forums....but I need some help. finding a good tab is next to impossible. Anyhoo bro...I'll shut up. You my friend are incredible! Rock on!

Thomas Lee Parsons/Bama

John, you're awesome. 

I stumbled upon your site looking for Line6 settings, I just bought a Spider III and I'm struggling to figure it out. I watched your lesson where you were manipulating the volume knob, so I'm gonna try it tonight. I guess I don't have any excuses about sucking, you prove you can do anything you put your mind to. I'll write you back later. Take care.

Dave Dodsworth

Skies are the limit!!! It is a great thing that You picked up the guitar! Hope to see more of the videos on the site. I always have a problem with my technique, but now I can see, that the problem lies within me, and not anything else! Don\'t know what I want to say more... Just wanted You to know, that You have my support! 

Please ROCK!!!!

Karol Wasliewski (from Poland)

I just read an article in the Hartford Courant and all I can say is WOW and good for you!!!!! 

I also play guitar which I started when I was 12, I was self taught, and it kept me out of trouble in Jr and High school...LOL. It was a good "friend". When I was 22, I came down with chicken pox, which settled in my spine, and I developed Transverse Myelytis, and was confined to a wheelchair, and again, the guitar was a good "friend". 

I am happy to say that after 6 years, I got out of that wheelchair and was doing great for 10 years until this past September, where I broke my neck caused my a congenital fused vertabrea. I lost feeling and function in my pinky and ring finger on my right hand and cooridination of my right arm. I then started to develop other neurological problems, and I lost feeling in my legs and bladder again, and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

I tried to play my guitar and piano, and was soooo frustrated. It's been a long 9 months and alot of hard work, but I am now back to work and I just threw out my cane. I get tired alot, but like you, I keep pushing. My right arm and hand is still not cooperating, but I am trying to work it out. I too, grew up and was inspired by EVH, and usually, when I pick up my guitar, one of his songs or licks just come out. I just wanted to say that reading a story about you has inspired me more, to keep pushing, what a surprise seeing it, must have been a reason or sign, because just yesterday I was looking at my guitar and saying that tomorrow I need to pick it up and practice some more. 

I currently live in East Hartford, CT. I would love to meet you sometime and jam. God Bless Ya!!!!!

Matt Alexander

Greetings from Windsor, CT. I just got through reading your story in the Courant. I believe you will help thousands of people everywhere overcome the negative feelings they have of being different,in whatever form. I am very inspired how you overcame your personel obsticals. 

You have a beautiful spirit and are a highly gifted guitar player and musician. I encourage you to keep pressing on because you have the power to help others. I have been playing guitar for 20 years and wish I had your technical ability. I really like your web site and look forward to seeing more of you and your lessons. Take care and God bless. And yes, John Denner does ROCK!

John Whitcomb

That was one of the best performances I may have ever heard live on Stern! You are an inspiration to anyone with a disability, and could possibly "single-handedly" (pun intended) cause the death of many able bodied guitarist friends of mine who will never be able to play any of those songs as well as you! Keep on keeping on man! You are awesome!

Revan Halo

Heard your performance on Howard and I was blown away. 

I'm an insane VH fan and just when I've given up learning the guitar, you've given me a kick in the ass. 

Keep up the good work and please post some more videos. When I see "ordinary" people pulling off EVH licks it's just amazing to me. 

I know you are going to hear it a thousand times because of the Stern show. but that was truly amazing. you are an inspiration to all. you have proven that a disability does not have to hold you back. great job on Howard Stern, and great job overcoming adversity. 

And I hope you post more videos for all to see. again, truly amazing! Thank you!

TheKeymaster316

John you rocked on Howard Stern today!, 

I can't believe how well you can play Van Halen's Eruption guitar solo , somebody was telling me you play guitar with only one arm , and that is the furthest thing form the truth , you have a right arm and your playing eruption with one hand ..   I could listen to that over and over; I figured Eddie Van Halen was the only guy on earth able to play that song as good as the album version of the song. Unbelievable man, keep it up!!

potatoninja80

I couldn't believe my ears today as I listened to you on the  Howard Stern Radio Show today. I sat in my driveway and couldn't leave my car. You rock! wow you and Les Paul thats Killer , looking forward to seeing what comes next for you in the future , you should really look into getting the URL JohnDenner.com 

loudogg82

Hey John! You rock man! You're like 100,000 times better than me and my lame guitar playing. And your able to do so with part of your arm / hand missing to boot brother Keep up the amazing work, and bring on the van halen guitar solos dude!

Brad Boyer

it brought tears to my eyes. You are a killer. My husband and I are amazed. You make it look so easy. I hope all that you do for others are so successful. Keep up the good work, God created you for a reason and I think you found it.

JoAnn Niekrewicz "Industrial Amplifiers"

Caught your clinic over at Berklee College of Music   and just wanted to let you know how much it meant to me and my family !  Your abililty to communicate is outstanding and we look forward to seeing you again real soon 

Johan Davis 

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