I'm excited to say that we are starting another player takeover week, and this time with chosen the original GOAT, Eric Clapton! We're specifically focusing on the cream era of Clapton as well, as we believe that was his most influential time as a guitar player.
Before we get started on ur little Clapotn in Cream journey, learning some of the all time greatest riffs and solos ever played, if you are interested in learning to master Eric Clapton's style, click the link below to start our Clapton in Cream player study absolutely free for 14 days...
Our first riff that we're going to learn this week is the opening lead lick from Strange Brew. This is Clapton's homage to Albert King, and you can hear the blues influence from the first hammer on! It skilfully combines the 1st and 2nd pentatonic boxes in the key of A minor. It's a great solo for a beginner to start with and an intermediate player to refine their technique. Click below to check it out and start learning.
Click the video above to see exactly how we got the tone for the Strange Brew solo we sent out yesterday. In case you're wondering, we're using a Gibson 339 going into Amplitube 5 Max. If you are thinking about upgrading to Amplitube for your digital amp sounds, click here to grab the software and help us get an affiliate sale!
When it comes to legendary rock bands that left an indelible mark on the music scene, Cream stands out as one of the most influential groups of all time.Formed in 1966, Cream brought together three extraordinary musicians: Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass and vocals, and Ginger Baker on drums. At the heart of this musical powerhouse was the incomparable Eric Clapton, whose guitar prowess and innovative playing style forever changed the landscape of rock music. During the week, we'll delve into Clapton's pivotal role in Cream and the impact they had on shaping the sound of a generation. I will also share some epic licks from Clapton during his time in Cream for you to learn, as well as how to get that Clapton in Cream tone!
Before Cream, Eric Clapton had already gained recognition for his exceptional guitar skills in The Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. However, it was his collaboration with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker that truly unleashed his creative potential. Cream emerged as a supergroup that effortlessly merged the blues, rock, and psychedelia genres, creating a sound that was both groundbreaking and electrifying.
We couldn't do a Cream week without showing you how to play Sunshine Of Your Love! Apparently this song was a Jack Bruce brain child which they jammed out overnight and by the morning had the whole song written, done and ready to record! Now that's how you write a rock riff!
Click the video above to see exactly how we got the tone for the Sunshine Of Your Love solo we sent out yesterday. In case you're wondering, we're using a Vintage VS6V ReIssued going into Amplitube 5 Max. If you are thinking about grabbing any of these bits of gear, please do so via these links, as we can earn a little, but very helpful, affiliate sale! Plus Thomann is by far the best for customer service of any online music store we've dealt with.
At the core of Cream's sound was Clapton's virtuoso guitar playing. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional blues with hard rock elements introduced a new dimension to the music landscape. Clapton's tone, phrasing, and emotive solos left audiences spellbound, and his use of the wah-wah pedal became iconic. Songs like "Sunshine of Your Love," "Crossroads," and "White Room" showcased Clapton's exceptional talent, as he effortlessly combined melodic hooks with blistering guitar solos.
Although Cream's lifespan was relatively short-lived, disbanding in 1968 after releasing four studio albums, their impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. Cream's groundbreaking fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia laid the foundation for the development of genres such as hard rock and heavy metal. Eric Clapton's contributions to Cream established him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, inspiring countless musicians to pick up the instrument and explore its endless possibilities.
After yesterday's email showing off the greatest live performance of Croassroads, we had to help you out by showing you the opening riff. Of course there is loads more to study in this song, but this is a great start. If you want to get to grips with how to play a full song like this, check out the Clapton player study!
Click the video above to see exactly how we got the tone for the Crossroads riff we sent out yesterday. In case you're wondering, we're using a Vintage V100 Icon Cherry going into Amplitube 5 Max.
After Cream disbanded, Eric Clapton continued to make significant contributions to music as a solo artist and collaborator. His career has spanned decades, during which he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," "Unplugged," and "From the Cradle." Clapton's mastery of various genres, from blues to rock to pop, has solidified his reputation as a musical icon.
Cream's meteoric rise and subsequent impact on the rock music landscape owe much to the brilliance of Eric Clapton. His guitar wizardry and innovative playing style, combined with the exceptional talents of Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, made Cream an unstoppable force in the late 1960s. The music they created, both individually and collectively, continues to resonate with audiences to this day. Eric Clapton's legacy extends far beyond his time in Cream, cementing his status as a true guitar legend whose influence will be felt for generations to come.