How to Play Guitar Like Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is revered by his peers and considered a god by some of his fans. His blue infused rock and roll style has influenced some of the biggest bands of all time. He has been a part of The Yardbirds and Cream and had a successful solo career and several notable collaborations. Here are some tips to help you play like Eric Clapton.

Instructions

1. Work on your blues standards. Eric Clapton is a blues guitarist above all else. He has spent countless hours working on traditional blues standards. Use a song like "Malted Milk" by Robert Johnson to start working on your chops. Listen to blues greats like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert King and especially Robert Johnson. Clapton respected Johnson's musicianship so much that he made a tribute album.

2. Slow down. Eric Clapton has the nickname Slowhand due to his style of play. You can shred all day, but Clapton is able to comprise amazing melodies and solos without the need to speed through them. It seems flashy to be able to play fast, but that's not always the best way to play, especially when dealing with the blues.

3. Learn to manipulate a single note. One of the tricks to playing in blues style is to realize that there are many ways a single note can sound. Instead of just plucking a note and moving on, work with vibrato, bending and using different attacks. See how many different ways you can manipulate a note to produce totally different sounds.

4. Spend some time working on your tone. Eric Clapton's tone is flawless, so tone is a key part to playing like him. You don't have to necessarily replicate his tone, just make sure that you have good tone that can stand on its own.

5. Play rhythm with some of your favorite Eric Clapton songs. You can get into the mood and feel a part of the song by playing along with some of your Clapton favorites. Pick out a few that you know and love, and play rhythm along with them. After you know the song well, try to come up with your own lead parts and solos for the song.

6. Equip yourself like Eric Clapton. Clapton has used several guitars in his career, primarily Gibson Les Pauls early on, but his black and white Fender Stratocaster is easily his most recognized guitar. Fender makes an Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster. Clapton also often uses a traditional Marshall stack for his amplification. As far as effects, a Dunlop Fuzz Face and a Vox Wah pedal are a good place to start.