Slowhand by Eric Clapton: A Guitarist's Perspective

"Slowhand," released in 1977, is a seminal album by the legendary Eric Clapton, showcasing his incredible talent as a guitarist and songwriter. Seen by many Eric Clapton fans as the album in which he truly found his musical voice, 1977’s Slowhand is a showcase of his most diverse playing; from bluesy rockers to tender ballads and country crossovers. In this Licklibrary Classic Album guitar course, Clapton super fan Danny Gill takes you through the guitar highlights of this exceptional album, from the famed ‘Cocaine’ to the radio hits ‘Lay Down Sally’ and ‘Wonderful Tonight’, not to mention the lightning fast licks of ‘The Core’ and more.This article will explore the album in-depth from a guitarist's perspective, discussing each song, guitar scales, and techniques used throughout the album. Additionally, we will analyse Clapton's famous guitar solos and delve into his significant contributions to the album.

Cocaine

"Cocaine" is a classic blues-rock tune written by J.J. Cale and features Clapton's use of the E minor pentatonic scale. The rhythm guitar is based on a simple two-chord progression (E and D), with a signature power chord riff driving the song. Clapton's guitar solo in "Cocaine" demonstrates his masterful vibrato and string bending techniques. Additionally, he employs alternate picking and slides to add a smooth, expressive quality to the solo.

Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a beautiful ballad that highlights Clapton's finesse with arpeggios and clean guitar tones. The song is based on a simple chord progression in G major, with a melody that revolves around the G major pentatonic scale. Clapton's use of finger-picking and arpeggios create a delicate, intimate feel, while his emotive solo showcases his trademark vibrato and string bending techniques.

Lay Down Sally

"Lay Down Sally" is a country-tinged, upbeat track that features a catchy riff and syncopated rhythm guitar. The song is in A major, and Clapton employs hybrid picking to achieve a country-style, fingerpicked sound. The guitar solo showcases Clapton's use of double stops and hammer-ons, along with alternate picking for a lively, energetic feel.

Next Time You See Her "

Next Time You See Her" is a rock song with a reggae-infused rhythm, highlighting Clapton's versatility as a guitarist. The song is in the key of D major and features a syncopated chord progression throughout. Clapton's solo in this track is notable for its double-stop bends, pre-bends, and smooth legato playing.

We're All The Way

"We're All The Way" is a tender, acoustic ballad in the key of D major. Clapton's fingerstyle technique shines in this track, with intricate arpeggiated chord progressions and delicate finger-picking patterns. The song also showcases Clapton's ability to create a rich, textured sound using open strings and capo techniques.

The Core

"The Core" is a driving rock song with a bluesy feel, featuring Clapton's powerful guitar playing and the use of a wah-wah pedal. The song is in E minor and showcases Clapton's command of the pentatonic scale. The extended guitar solo demonstrates various techniques, including string bending, unison bends, vibrato, and tremolo picking. "The Core" also features a lively call-and-response section between Clapton's guitar and the saxophone.

May You Never

"May You Never" is an acoustic folk song written by John Martyn and performed by Clapton in the key of C major. The song features Clapton's intricate fingerstyle technique, with delicate finger-picking patterns and open-string hammer-ons and pull-offs. The track highlights Clapton's ability to create a soothing, warm sound using his acoustic guitar.

Mean Old Frisco

"Mean Old Frisco" is a traditional blues song written by Arthur Crudup, showcasing Clapton's deep-rooted love for the blues. The song is in the key of E and features a standard 12-bar blues progression. Clapton's solo in this track employs classic blues techniques, such as string bending, vibrato, trills, and pinched harmonics. The song is a testament to Clapton's ability to convey raw emotion through his guitar playing.

Peaches and Diesel

"Peaches and Diesel" is a soothing instrumental track that closes the album. The song is in the key of A major, and Clapton's use of the major pentatonic scale creates a bright, uplifting atmosphere. The clean guitar tone, coupled with Clapton's use of arpeggios, slides, and string bending, showcases his ability to craft a melodic and expressive guitar part. Additionally, Clapton employs octave melodies and dual-guitar harmonies to create a layered, textured sound.

Lead Guitarist: Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, the lead guitarist and driving force behind "Slowhand," is renowned for his incredible guitar playing and songwriting. His contributions to this album are immense, and his ability to effortlessly transition between different styles and genres is evident in each track. Clapton's iconic playing techniques, such as his vibrato, string bending, and legato phrasing, are present throughout "Slowhand," showcasing his immense talent and influence on the world of guitar.

In conclusion, "Slowhand" is a testament to Eric Clapton's immense talent as a guitarist and songwriter. Each track on the album showcases his ability to master various techniques, making it an excellent album for aspiring guitarists to study and learn from. From bluesy bends and powerful solos to delicate finger-picking and arpeggios, "Slowhand" is a must-listen for guitar enthusiasts and a true testament to Clapton's legendary status in the world of music.

Guitar Techniques

"Slowhand" features a plethora of guitar techniques that demonstrate Clapton's diverse range and mastery of the instrument. Below is a list of techniques used in this album:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Finger-Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Pre-Bends
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Octave Melodies
• Dual-Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Capo
• Pinched Harmonics