Quick Licks - Eric Clapton: Embracing the Blues Guitar Legacy

"Quick Licks - Eric Clapton" is an insightful and comprehensive guitar lesson series taught by Michael Casswell is meticulously designed to explore the signature techniques of one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time. This series zeroes in on the key elements that define Eric Clapton's guitar style: string bending, blues licks, vibrato, and slides. Each lesson is crafted not only to teach these techniques but also to convey the feel and expression that Clapton brings to his playing, making it a must-have for any guitarist aiming to delve into the blues genre.

What You Will Learn In This Course

35 killer blues licks in the style of Eric Clapton. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

• String Bending
• Blues Licks
• Vibrato
• Slides

Technique Breakdown

String Bending

Eric Clapton’s string bending is renowned for its emotional depth and precision. These lessons focus on mastering the art of bending strings, a technique that Clapton uses to infuse his solos with soul and expressiveness. You'll learn how to execute bends with accurate pitch control, enabling you to add a vocal-like quality to your playing that's quintessential to the blues.

Blues Licks

The essence of blues guitar can be captured in its licks, and Clapton's repertoire is filled with memorable ones. These lessons break down classic Clapton licks, teaching you how to incorporate his phrasing and note choices into your playing. Learning these licks will not only improve your technical ability but also deepen your understanding of blues language and how to use it to create impactful musical statements.

Vibrato

Vibrato is crucial in adding life and emotion to guitar notes, and Clapton’s vibrato is subtle yet powerful. In this series, you'll learn how to develop a controlled, expressive vibrato similar to Clapton’s. This technique is about more than just wiggling a note; it's about making each note resonate with feeling, adding depth and character to your solos.

Slides

Slides are an integral part of Clapton’s playing, offering a way to transition between notes smoothly and add flair to licks and solos. These lessons will guide you through the technique of sliding between notes and chords, showing you how to use slides to add a seamless, fluid quality to your playing, much like Clapton’s own style.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: The Real-World Context

Each technique is reinforced with a backing track, providing the essential context for applying what you've learned. Practicing with backing tracks helps you understand how to integrate these licks and techniques into actual music, enhancing your timing, rhythm, and improvisational skills. It’s a crucial step in learning how to apply these techniques in live playing and jamming scenarios.

Eric Clapton’s Guitar Style

Eric Clapton’s guitar style is a blend of traditional blues with elements of rock and pop. Known for his work with The Yardbirds, Cream, and his solo career, Clapton’s playing is characterized by its melodic sensibility, emotional depth, and masterful technique. His influence on guitar music is profound, and learning his style provides valuable insights into playing with feeling and technical refinement.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you will:

• Develop the ability to express emotions through string bending.
• Enhance your blues vocabulary with classic Clapton licks.
• Add depth to your notes with soulful vibrato.
• Create fluid transitions in your playing using slides.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Eric Clapton"

Upon completing "Quick Licks - Eric Clapton," your skills will be enhanced in the following techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pull-offs
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends

"Quick Licks - Eric Clapton" is an invaluable resource for any guitarist seeking to delve into the soulful world of blues guitar. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these lessons offer a comprehensive guide to mastering the style of a blues legend and infusing your playing with the same level of emotion and finesse.