If you asked a non-guitar player to name a guitarist, the odds are they would say Eric Clapton. Few guitarists are more famous, more iconic or more emulated.

Though Claptons style was formed by learning blues based pentatonics in the style of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and countless other blues legends, his style is much copied by modern players. He has a particularly expressive vibrato technique and uses string bending to great effect in his solos.

Key playing points;

• Much emulated blues influenced pentatonic licks

• Signature vibrato and expressive string bending

• Blues influences still heard when playing other genres such a reggae, ballads or acoustic songs

Eric Clapton player study - Interactive TAB

Further Learning

See below some recommended videos, lessons and interviews with the man himself to further immerse yourself in the playing style and mindset of Eric Clapton.

Eric Clapton - guitar masterclass by Mike Bradley!

I had to include this video from my buddy Mike Bradley playing a solo over Crossroads and talking about his hero - Eric Clapton!

Check out the Jamming Masterclass course by Mike and Andy here to learn more from me and Mike!

Eric Clapton - guitar masterclass by Chris Buck!

Here's a video on Clapton's iconic solo in the Beatles song While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Clapton on Clapton

Here's some insightful video clips from through the years!

Eric Clapton - guitars and gear!

In his early career, Clapton mainly played a Gibson Les Paul. In his time with Cream, he played a Gibson SG and Gibson ES 355. Since the early 1970s, he has commonly played Fender Stratocaster.