To round off our rock-themed October, we’re going to highlight one of the most influential guitar players to have every lived. Though also classified as a blues artist, Eric Clapton is, without a doubt, one of the most revered rock guitar players in history. Hailing from Surrey, England, Eric Clapton was a founding member of the legendary groups, The Yardbirds, and Cream before embarking on his full-fledged solo career. He is ranked second in Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, and is the recipient of 18 GRAMMY Awards (among many other awards). Eric Clapton was also made Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1994 and 2004 respectively. This makes him one high honor away from entering British Knighthood!

Eric Clapton’s widespread influence on the guitar community was proliferated, in part, by his enthralling songwriting. Let’s take a look at some of his hits that you can learn on guitar at JamPlay!

“I’ve Got A Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart” by Eric Clapton – Song Lesson – JamPlay

A single from Eric Clapton’s 1983 album, Money and Cigarettes, “I’ve Got a Rock ‘n’ roll Heart” had two instances of rising to popularity. First, upon its release, the song peaked at No. 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and at No. 6 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts. Then, in 2010, the song regained popularity in the from of digital downloads after being used in a T-Mobile ad in which Eric, himself, made an appearance.

The song itself is comprised of a couple different rhythm guitar parts, and a notable lead guitar line. You can get the breakdown of all of these guitar parts in Mark Brennan‘s full song lesson on JamPlay!

“Lay Down Sally” by Eric Clapton – Song Lesson – JamPlay

First released as a single featuring J. J. Cale’s “Cocaine” as a B-side, “Lay Down Sally” was released in 1977 and garnered critical acclaim. Eric Clapton credits his band members, as well as J. J. Cale as inspiration for the country rock style in which the song was written and performed. The song would go on to peak at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

“Lay Down Sally” featured a couple interlocking guitar parts that lay the harmonic and rhythmic textures for the song. Learn these parts note-for-note with Callum Bair‘s full song lesson on JamPlay!

“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton – Song Lesson – JamPlay

“Wonderful Tonight,” like “Lay Down Sally,” was included on Eric Clapton’s 1977 hit album, Slowhand. According to Clapton, he wrote the song about his then-wife, Pattie Boyd as she got ready for Linda and Paul McCartney’s 1976 Buddy Holly Party. The song peaked at No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and is certified Platinum in the UK.

Featuring some of the prettiest guitar parts Eric Clapton has ever written and recored, “Wonderful Tonight” is a timeless blues ballad. Learn all of the guitar parts as they were recorded with Christian Davis‘ full song lesson on JamPlay!

For more Song Lessons, check out JamPlay.com! JamPlay has over 450 guitar courses from 120+ instructors, and online guitar lessons tailored to every skill level, music genre, and playing style. Click here to learn more.

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