How to Play Like Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, as of 2010 the only person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times -- as a member of the bands "Cream" and the "Yardbirds" and as a solo artist -- is often viewed as one of the greatest guitarists by fans and critics. Clapton's style, regardless if playing in a group or performing solo, is rooted in the blues. Learning fundamentals of blues playing and learning about musical gear will help you achieve a sound similar to Eric Clapton's.
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Instructions
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Watch videos of Eric Clapton performing. Pick a song you would like to learn, and watch how Clapton plays it. Observe Clapton's technique and where on the neck of the guitar he plays.
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Learn the minor pentatonic scale, also known as the "blues" scale. Clapton, among other electric blues players, will employ this scale in solos. Memorize how to play the scale in a variety of keys. If you can read music or tablature, which is a style of notation for guitar, identify places in a Clapton song that employs the blues scale.
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Learn how to play with vibrato. Vibrato refers to manipulating a pitch by quickly moving your left hand up and down or from side to side. Clapton tends to move his entire hand when playing vibrato instead of just a small wrist movement. Watch videos of Clapton using vibrato. Practice in front of a mirror and match your hand movements to those you see in the video.
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Learn techniques of playing the guitar and identify when Clapton uses them. For instance, Clapton often employs triplets and accents in his playing. Watch a video or listen to recording and locate where Clapton uses these techniques. Practice holding the pick a bit tighter to make playing accents easier. Practice triplets, which are groups of three notes within one beat.
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Choose one riff from an Eric Clapton song. If possible, watch a video of someone playing the riff. Practice the riff in front of a mirror to match what you see and hear.
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Learn the gear that Clapton uses. Much of the tone and sound of a performer comes from the instruments and amplifiers they use. If possible, use the same equipment or a variant that sounds similar. Eric Clapton has signature guitars from manufacturers Fender Stratocaster and Martin guitars. Clapton also uses Marshall cabinets, Marshall heads and Fender Twin amplifiers.
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References
- Photo Credit guitar player image by Snezana Skundric from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I love the mirror technique. I have found this to be a useful technique with anything that requires physical dexterity. Guitar, sports and even photography.
