• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I don't "get" Eric Clapton

embellisher

embellisher

Holy Ghost filled Bass Player
Supporting Member
Apr 18, 2000
22,086
8,728
Heber Springs, Arkansas
www.facebook.com
#1
I know that Clapton is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists ever, and I will probably get lots of flak for this, but I don't think he's all that.

IMHO, other guitarists of his generation are better, Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Page, Phil Keaggy, etc.

As far as his musical output and songwriting, I don't think he's done anything of quality since Cream.

So, let me have it! Tear me up! Or, let me know if you agree with me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SunnBass, xUptheIronsx, karl_em_all and 10 others
#4
He's done some relative junk, both some pop, and when he was on drugs, but I think he is a great player (although I agree that Gary Moore is probably the most under-rated player out there). I think because of the pop stuff, and because he has been around so long, he seems watered down.
 
#6
You're cool;Your opinion!
I could think of many guitarists, primarily jazz/fusion, and /or funk players that have skills that are remarkable, and get little recognition or acclaim.

However-In his field, Clapton is an extremely skilled and interesting player; performs some great material, sings pretty well, and always has a great rhythm section with the likes of Nathan East, Willie Weeks, etc.

He's earned his stripes and then some; gotta give him his respect for a long and still significant career.
 
  • Like
Reactions: squidtastic, Dominic DeCosa and hdracer
#10
His fame and reputation was cemented with the Yardbirds when a white blues player of extraordinary talent was a rare thing. His playing on the 1966 album John Mayall and the Blues Breakers was a watershed for all Les Paul/ Marshall players and still stands as one of his greatest recordings. He predates Hendrix, Page and Beck and it's this early work that set the bar that some reached and a few surpassed. He really was the Wayne Gretzky of guitar for a few years and reputations like that never fade. I'm not much of a fan and I like Money and Cigarettes the most of all his albums which says a lot............or not.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tkonbass, natw42, RobBottom69 and 2 others
#13
Embellisher, You and I are in complete agreement on this one. Cream was far and away the best thing Clapton's ever done. His solo work leaves me cold. I find in incomprehensible that Clapton is celebrated in the U.S. while Rory Gallagher is practically unheard of. And while we're on that subject a big shoutout to Gerry McAvoy of Rory's band, who's one of my bass heroes!
 
  • Like
Reactions: jj4001, Oddly, Duckwater and 1 other person
#17
True enough, his post Cream output is underwhelming to put it kindly, but as already noted the work he did in and especially pre-Cream basically revolutionized the perception of the guitar in rock, and more or less singlehandedly elevated psychedelic music from goofy, jangly, kids stuff to musical poetry capable of fueling the revolution of the 60s.

Perhaps Page, and most definitely Hendrix, saw further, but it was because they stood on the shoulders of a giant - Clapton.
 
#20
IMHO Clapton is a great guitarist. Great musician, great songwriter, great singer. He deserves it. I love many of his music, including his post Cream and 'modern' era.
I don't think one guitarist is the best , nor better than the other one, especially for guitarists/musicians at that level. It's not Olympic nor horse race.
If the OP or someone else doesn't like Clapton, it's a matter of personal taste IMHO, but objectively, he's a great guitarist, great musician.

BTW Eric Clapton's voice when he sings, is one of my favourite, besides Paul McCartney and Sting.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: tkonbass, bswag, SirMjac28 and 1 other person

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back