Check out this Easy Eric Clapton Iconic Must Know Guitar Riff free guitar lesson from Guitar Control featuring instructor Darrin Goodman. In this lesson, Darrin teaches how to play the timeless classic riff from “Layla” by Derek and the Dominoes. Be sure to click the link below to get the free tabs for this lesson so you can easily follow along with this classic.
Early Career
Eric Clapton is an English guitarist, singer and songwriter born in Ripley, Surrey England in 1945. Clapton first landed on the map in 1963 when he joined The Yard Birds replacing original guitarist Top Topham. In 1965 Clapton left the group to join John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and played on one album before leaving the group in 1966 at which time he formed the iconic band Cream with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce. After the fall of Cream Clapton went on to form the band Blind Faith with Ginger Baker and Steve Winwood. The band would only release one album and do one tour before disbanding.
Eric Clapton Solo Career
In 1970 Clapton started a very successful solo career with hits like his cover of the Bob Marley classic “I Shot The Sheriff”. During this time Clapton also performed with Derek and the Dominoes which produced one of his most famous songs “Layla”. In 1991 Clapton’s world would be shaken by the death of his son. The tragedy sparked the inspiration for him to write the must-know song “Tears in Heaven” which appeared on his “Unplugged Album”.
Legacy
Eric Clapton is considered to be one of the most influential and iconic guitarists of all time and was ranked number 2 on Rolling Stones list of the 100 greatest guitarists. He is the only person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three separate times and has won 18 Grammy awards. Clapton has sold over 100 million records worldwide making him one of the most successful musicians of all time.
