I've played with some fantastic musicians who were incredibly precise and fast. But I never got into that. I wasn't fast, and I could never be fast, because injured my hands when I was a sailor and just didn't have the speed or dexterity to do that. I adapted by tending towards more emotive playing. Guys like Clapton and Gilmour gave me hope. I still play, and I still love it.

I really hear this in Mark Knopfler’s playing. He doesn’t waste any notes!

A older player told me long ago. It’s not the notes but the space in between them. Lots of value in that statement. I’m a true Clapton fan. Style and tone for days….

3:29 every note has dynamic. There, saved you minutes of waffling

I call Eric's music "Funky Falling Water". His notes flow seamlessly up and down the scale like water flowing over rocks in a stream with no harsh transitions. Every note fits and NEEDS to be there.

...and the most important thing in Clapton's playing: He always plays the “right amount” of notes. There is never an unnecessary note, never a note too much. He never "overdoes" his playing.

I bought the first 3 Cream albums, vinyl, when they were released. Loved Clapton the first time I heard him. Fresh Cream (1966) Disraeli Gears (1967) Wheels of Fire (1968)

Pat Metheny's first guitar teacher was a horn player too. He told Pat to phrase things as if it were a horn solo where you had to take a breath. It's also why many good players sing along with their solos. Singing with the solos forces you to play with breathing space.

A GREAT lesson / insight. Congrats to DW! That’s part of why I felt that BB loved Peter Green’s playing. Greenie was talking to us, and each word made a difference. Rock on, Bro.

This is something that most people miss (judging from what I hear from KZfaq). I think the way to get it is to try to play solos *exactly* -- so that they are indistinguishable from the originals, and do that with solos that aren't blazingly fast. A good one to work on would be George Harrison's solo on "Something". This is what classical musicians are doing *all* the time -- the notes are all given to them, so the only thing that distinguishes one performance from another is exactly how each note is played. It's all about the details.

I have always preferred one note from David Gilmour over 50 notes from any so called Prog Player. The difference is in Intent! Am I trying to SAY something to you, or am I just trying to impress you with how many notes I can cram into a measure?

Very nice video! Just want to comment that Clapton did not write Cocaine (JJ Cale did) . Layla I would not call a simple chord progression.

As a singer first that makes total sense. It gives it emotion and personality. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Cracking video 👏🏼❤️ Clapton learnt from the best BB King and his philosophy in life was it isn’t how many notes you play it’s how you play them

Emotional phrasing & touching each note with a soulful expectation brings life and dimension. Once your soul becomes involved your music moves to a much higher level and intensity.

It is called "soul". Putting one's self into all of a song. Not just a few riffs. The Concert for George was an amazing look at EC playing "While My Guitar Gently weeps" with so much feeling for his friend now gone.

SWEET. EACH NOTE HAS ITS OWN PERSONALITY.

Great analysis! I think this note by note approach explains Santana’s playing as well. Think of the great guitarists in history who you can name by hearing only one note.

Great presentation David, and I'm just starting to see these concepts after playing guitar for many years, long story short, it comes down to very subtle nuacesand technique variations that'll give any player his or her unique style, not to mention make special

Love your videos man, and hope your daughter gets better safely! ❤

The main explanation, playing each note with meaning, is why I loved Prince’s work so much . Fast or slow, he said something with each note he played.

Very interesting video. Really enjoyed it. I’ve only seen Clapton live once. He just blew me away. He just plays differently than anyone else. He really has a gift. It’s God given. And he plays notes in places no one does - it just grabs you. Plus, his phrasing. Unreal. Need to see him live again

"eric clapton's another guitar player that's blown my mind many times..it's because of his ability to create a solo that tells you a story..he never play anything fast,it's always well thought-out and beautifully played",.thats what tommy emmanuel said on eric clapton

Clapton ain't my man , but I will use this valuable lesson . Without even trying it yet I feel I've already improved by just knowing this. 👌🏼

Very nice vid. I'm a huge Clapton fan as well, and for me it's always been his 'touch' and the way the notes seem to 'drip' off his guitar. When I first started playing (before I could understand what was going on technically), his playing always made me visualize water. Still enchanted with it to this day. Thank you for the reminder.

They used to call it soul. Not R&B Soul music. He puts his soul into every note. That's why he's been my favorite guitarist since I first heard him in Disraeli Gears and Tales of Great Ulysses.

I like this new style your doing for your lessons now its been great watching you grow

He has also really grown as a singer. His tone and tasteful playing is part of the appeal. He likes songs. Nothing wrong with songs being accessible and memorable.

I am very thankful for your insights! Definitely your assessment will impact my playing! CHEERS!!

Your explanation of the "character" of the note is very profound and I enjoyed this video.

He listened to Jeff Beck. Yardbirds. Jeff has never played a note with the same volume, attack, intensity and tremolo arm combinations twice in his entire career.

an original riff is genius, shredding is nothing more than guitarfapping

I think the word that best describes Eric’s playing is “elegant.”

Clapton didn’t write all his songs but the ones he did are great. I was never really into him until I saw the documentary and Red the book. I have respect for him and by sheer coincidence I ended up being offered a Clapton signature Strat! Cool guitar!

Really enjoyed that analysis.

Wow, I play just like that, thinking about every note. I was playing at a club on sunset with a blues singer and the soundman called me over after our set and I thought he was going to chew me out cause I was playing too loud and he said to me, "I hear about a hundred guitar players every week and you were one of my favorites". I think of the solo as if I was going to sing it in my head and I can sing along with all of my solos and do the George Benson thing. You are spot on about Eric Clapton.

What drew me to Clapton was his use of double stops and bends…the growl and dissonance…makes the hairs stand up on your arm!!

"Some of us grew up listening to Eric Clapton.,.........we cool one's still do......"

You hit the nail on the head brother. Thank you 🙏 🎸

His phrasing got me, and it's hard to reproduce, it's inherent in him, a gift. BB, Chris Cain, SRV and EC. That and his vibrato(back in the day).

I saw Clapton on an Australian tour he has Derek Trucks in the band. Clayton’s tone , phrasing and feel were perfect. I went because my father told me as a guitar player it’s my duty lol. I’m really glad I saw him, he’s a genius.

All notes that comes from Eric Clapton is pure music. There is no scales that you can hear. Emotions and musicality that matter most.

I love unplugged stuff of his so much but I never liked clapton's electric guitar playing (i thought it was nothing unique as you mentioned) until i saw the Cream reunioun concert: clapton can just play pantatonics in the pocket all over the fretboard for very long period of time without sounding cheesy, which is soooo hard to do. Additional to what you mentioned on his note accent, he is always at the right note and at the right time and so natural and soulful.

Great video! This is exactly what I've told my students for years :-)

Great job man! I really respect your artistic perspective. This is the type of perspective that can change the way guitarists approach their writing.

Thank you. I first heard clapton when I was 11 years old. There is some kind Of magic that keeps me listening....I love all music and love all guitarsis....I stopped listening to music during covid as I was too depressed....until I heard clapton collaborate with ozzy.

David I have always been a player in the style and feel of the blues men. Thanks for this great and insightful video.

To me, Eric Clapton is the epitome of “class”. Every note rings true. He steps back to let others shine when they’re time to shine comes, he’s right on time when his time to shine comes. He’s got nothing to prove. People know he can kick ass amongst literally anyone but he’s perfectly happy to be amongst other greats and step into a secondary position. He chooses people to be part of his band he knows feel the same and who are always welcome and can be counted on to be dependable. He plays great songs with such melodic and beautiful meaning and every song is always perfect. He’s been through enough shit in his life that when he’s playing blues he obviously can truthfully deeply feel it and relate to it and his fingers know exactly the notes and tone to let the audience feel it and relate to the music. The man is truly a master of his craft. He’s not there only for the money or to collect a pay check, but to be amongst good friends who love him and who he loves. I have enjoyed and loved Eric Clapton for MANY years and when Eric Clapton passes from this life a huge hole will be left not only in the world but in the hearts and souls of all of us who have rocked, danced, played, sang to, sang with, laughed, and cried to songs, learned his unmistakable riffs, and meaningful lyrics he has left us all with that have truly touched our lives and souls in the special way that no one else will ever come close to. There is not anyone of note who Eric hasn’t played with and none who would not jump at the chance to have the honor of having Eric play on their recordings. I look forward to listening to ERIC CLAPTON in Heaven where we’ll meet again because although your song “Tears in Heaven” states you don’t belong there, we know you belong and will be there entertaining all who love and look forward to hearing the amazing talents the Lord has given you to bless all who will be forgiven due to the Lord’s eternal mercy and forgiveness. Thank you Eric Clapton for truly making this world a better place with your music and the kindness you have given others.

A lot of times when I watch your videos, I feel like I am learning something. Then, by the time you finish, I feel like I spent a lot of time just watching somebody beat around the bush explaining their opinion but not learning much (kinda like how I felt when my old high school physics teacher would ramble on about how amazing science was and the amazing world we live in, blah blah blah this and that but not get anything out of it and be screwed by the next test). Today though, I felt like I really took something out of it, so thank you. As an art student, the idea of every note and segment of the songs being a character expressing itself really helped me see music different.

On the same vain, gilmour once said he can play a note 100 different ways. It’s the little things, the attention to detail, that have placed both Clapton and gilmour in my Mount Rushmore.

Recently Rick Beto put out a video of shredders and save The Best for last and that was Steve lukather. The amazing thing about Steve shredding is, like Clapton, he put love into every single note even while he was shredding. That is what set clapton, Steve lukather and Gary Moore apart from most other great guitar players.

The intro to 'Sitting on Top of The World ', from Goodbye Cream, still kicks ass.

Derek and the Dominoes at the Fillmore East is what caught my attention he was all over that neck he was amazing.

The way I heard it, Eric’s solo patterns were played in a way to emulate someone singing. His intervals, perhaps complemented his playing? I’m not a professional, just my novice bedroom player opinion.

Great interpretation and insightful Thx much!

Yeah, but "Cocain", after midnight", and travelling light are not Clapton songs but of course (you knew) they are J J Cale songs.

BB King, Hubert Sumlin, and many others did the same thing. They put it all in every note, every phrase, and even in the "rests" in the intervals. Pure art and soul.

Not surprised you picked out a clip from his live version of My Father's Eyes in which the emotion flows out of him to his guitar. Goosebump invoking guitar for sure.

When we naturally the feel music, these different dynamics come out in our playing.

I am just coming into this way of playing. I imagine conversations or storytelling as I play. The notes are the syllables sometimes, sometimes they are the feelings. I play what I hear see and feel now. It's changed everything. I play so much now because of it. So much my calluses are cut through. I put in 10-16 hours a day every day when my fingers aren't all cut up. It becomes addictive when you can play like this.

Heard Clapton say before that he approaches leads as a singer. People don’t sing every word/syllable the same either. Clapton used a Sinatra vocal melody on “Sunshine of your love” I think it really can help guitar players to sing a phrase then translate it to guitar. It helped me Rock on David 🤘

Amazing insights. All about listening isn't it? Notes acting out a stage drama... thanks David!

i find it amazing you learned all the technical ability but missed the music ...all this time now you found it well done i bet your playing n enjoyment improved too

One of the most important music lessons of my life. Huge game changer. Put some style in my playing l.👍

I love this video. Guitar-wise, it is full of mature statements and a high degree of realization for subtlety and tone, usually expressed by older players. It is sad that so many present-day guitarists miss the opportunity of distinguishing between pure music and flatly, soulless acrobatics or pyrotechnics, irrespective of the speed or technical difficulty implied in the latter.

Guitar teacher here, the characters idea is actually a great idea. Thanx David.

Great video!!!

I don't know who you are or how you ended up in my feed, but boy, what a great analysis. Indeed, Eric has this attention to articulation that is hard to replicate. Kinda like Jim Hall in the jazz world. Not super virtuosic, but greatly intriguing through great phrasing and articulation.

I agree with this approach 🌺

Good analysis. I think of his playing as being "ultimate tasteful." David Gilmour also does this.

If you were a teenage guitarist when the Blues Breaker album came out, you knew that Clapton was on a different level from everyone else at the time. It is more than "feel" which of course he has, but it is his mastery of the guitar neck and his ability to move freely around it. Being a musical genus helps too.

I've always thought Clapton was extremely precise. Way more so than other blues players. His technique is just flawless. The bent note with vibrato at top is so hard to do and he's a master at it.

Good information and ideas

Your onto something I happened upon at first when I first started playing. And I've been feeling them out so long I never got around to getting into the fast sets. The fast sets never seemed to have any real life. Always seemed more like a party trick or some affectation. But I do realize that there is a place for it now, and I don't have to shun that either, or perhaps I'll miss out on something good in there too. So I'm finally looking at Van Halen types.

Sir, this video opened my eyes! Thank you so much for this deep inside! To be honest...I always found Clapton not so special... This insight is amazing!

First time on your channel now .and my first impression of you is You are very sharp.Love your passion for the guitar.Yhe way you described E.C.Man. But hey I just thought of a show you can do.Do one on Jeff Beck. r.i.p.recently

great guitar lesson, david....i stumbled on this video, and am glad....you know I have known about clappy's signature sound for a long time, but never thought of his notes, individually...yes, i agree, that lick from layla definitely has characters...basically 2 parts.... the first part ACDFDCD...are a bunch of bold conquistadores announcing their presence...the 2nd part could be their handlers, or bodyguards rolling in those inversions....I am trying this approach in re-recordings some of my old material....

Fascinating video; even for a mere afficionado, there's always _something_ more to learn about Great Music that can only enhance your appreciation of it.

So so true !! 🙏

Otis Rush and BB King are two examples of Clapton’s influences who played by feeling each tone that they played.

This is a great point, David, and I don't know that I ever thought of it quite this way. I used to have this conversation all the time. "What do you play?" "I mostly play blues." "I don't like blues. It all sounds the same." "Well, the way I look at it is, most blues songs do have the same structure - but because of that structure, you have infinite ways to express yourself." Your explanation here really gets at that. The one thing I would try to evangelize to my guitar-playing buddies is that there are a lot of ways just to bend a note, and the blues lives partly in your relationship with those infinite spaces between the traditional 12 tones. (Jazz and classical avoid microtones completely; blues thrives on them.) And although I didn't verbalize what you're saying about each note's individuality, bending notes is where I most felt that intuitively. Anyway, this was great!

Great advice.

Clapton is a bluesman first and foremost. Like all the greats who preceded him, inside himself he sings the tune that he will then play. With method and many exercises you can succeed. Notes should not be thrown away. Just listen to B.B. King, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, etc

i understand u my friend veeeeery well ...i listen to eric since 30 years ago

Word. Thanks. 🤙🤙

Great observation!

I used to enjoy learning theory and techniques here, especially the diagrams and explanations. Ever since the channel shifted focus to personal motivation stories and entertainment, learning wise, watching had diminished value per time spent. We talked about it several times in the comments, and i understood why you needed this change. Yet, at this point I feel like It would be more fair to just unsub and be replaced by people who support & enjoy this kind of content, instead of bitching about it every video. 😋 I want to Thank you again for helping spread knowledge across the internet. Good luck in the future! From a 40y old loyal viewer who need to make the most out of what little time he have left xD

Thanks for sharing yoir observation. I agree some of the song, normally the simpler the chord progression, the easier it is to be memorized and keeps on singing on our minds. Art is not to be treated like competition or race. Thank you David.

Interesting point. Should describe the Blues 💙.

I tried this technique and it works.!

Thanks for th4 insight. I've been thinking that I need to de doing exactly that - on anything that gets played.

This is basically the well-known approach of guitarists from the blues tradition.

Nice work, David. I like to mention - Like any accomplished blues player, Clapton does not just play pentatonic scales. It seems like kind of a myth out there that this is all Clapton, Hendrix, etc. played. But they carefully choose when to play the 6th, major 3rd, etc. Take apart some of his solos in his 'middle period,' like on Just One Night in Worried Life Blues, for example, and these things stand out. B B King's playing is similarly full of some surprises.

I totally get you I’m a musician. I’ve been a percussionist for many years but now I’m trying to get into the guitar. I’ve got basic guitar down but you have to feel what you’re playing every single note just like singers do when they bust out different tones in songs they feel it it’s like you’re acting you have to feel it inside and you’re right I don’t see a lot of musicians that do that Clapton surely does!! good video!

Excellent!

Its dynamics. I learned that playing trumpet and reading music long ago. make each note have value.

Really good video and most of the great players do it. Santana and his instrumental songs especially because there aren't vocals so he has to make the notes stand out even more. I'm definitely going to approach my solo's differently. Thanks.

Clapton’s guitar sings. His guitar is like a vocalist.

Well said David. The best way I've heard it said is "only play as many notes as is necessary." Most players are better off being intentional and slow rather than trying to fit as many scales into a phrase as possible. This is NOT to say that technical or fast playing is bad, it's just harder to make musical.

Excellent lesson! This should be required for all guitar players to watch this video. Those who get wrapped up in technique forget that the notes have to have a soul. BB King played three note solos that anyone could play, but no one could have that passion in three notes like him. I am not knocking shredders. Eddie Van Halen had great technique AND soul in every note. Many copied his technique and no one sounded like him either.