Eric Clapton’s Early Musical Influences

Eric Clapton, one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music, has often spoken about the profound impact that several early guitar players had on his style. His journey to becoming a master of the guitar was greatly shaped by the blues legends he listened to in his formative years. These early influences include B.B. King, Albert King, and Big Bill Broonzy, among others. This article explores the journey of Eric Clapton and how his exposure to these blues musicians influenced his approach to guitar playing.

Early Exposure to Blues Guitar

Eric Clapton’s early years were heavily influenced by the blues, which was a cornerstone of his musical education. He recounts being particularly drawn to the sounds of B.B. King and Albert King on radio and records. Clapton was meticulous in his approach to learning. He spent countless hours listening to the musicians he idolized and trying to reverse-engineer their techniques and styles. This methodical process of learning is common among guitarists, and Clapton’s dedication to this approach was a key factor in his development as a guitarist.

A Setup for Mastery

Learning the guitar is a multifaceted process. It involves picking up pieces of information, listening to various music genres that resonate with you, and eventually emulating what you hear while infusing your own style. This combination of imitation and innovation is what allows a guitarist to truly master the instrument. Clapton was no exception in this regard. His early exposure to blues music laid the groundwork for his later success, as he was able to blend his love for blues elements with his own unique style, setting him apart from his contemporaries.

Learning Guitar as a 'Wunderkind'

Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, both fans of blues music and jazz, considered Clapton to be a true master of the blues, much like themselves. His understanding of blues and improvisation set him apart in the 1960s, as extended solo playing was not common in the pop music scene of the time. Clapton was thus seen as a 'wunderkind' among fellow guitarists, as he had studied blues music and improvisation to a high degree, and these skills were not widely practiced.

The Blues Influence in the 1960s

In the 1960s, the influence of Negro blues players like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters was particularly significant on Eric Clapton. These musicians not only inspired Clapton but also pushed him to aspire to play blues music authentically. Clapton’s admiration for Muddy Waters was evident in his own recordings and live performances. Other notable influences include Freight King, B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Hubert Sumlin.

Surprising Influences

It may come as a surprise to some that Buddy Holly also had an influence on Clapton. Clapton’s performance of a Buddy Holly song, as well as his comments about the sound of a Fender, highlight the diverse range of influences that shaped his guitar playing. The simplicity and complexity of Holly’s music had a lasting impact on Clapton, who incorporated these elements into his own style.