Eric Clapton has long been a towering figure in the world of guitar. For me, he’s nothing short of a guitar god.
His playing style is marked by its emotional depth and technical brilliance. One of the key elements of Clapton’s sound is his use of alternate tunings.
He sometimes adjusts the tuning of his guitar to achieve a richer, fuller tone that enhances the soulful expressiveness of his music.
In this guide, I’ll dive into how Clapton tunes his guitar for different songs.
Open Tunings – Used Sometimes
Eric Clapton sometimes employs open tunings, especially open G and open D. He uses them to create the distinctive sound that has become synonymous with his name. This resonance is particularly well-suited to blues music, where the richness of the sound can elevate the emotional impact of a performance.
Clapton’s preference for open tunings, like open G (D-A-D-G-B-D) and open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D), is closely tied to his blues roots. These tunings make it easier to play slide guitar, a technique Clapton often uses to convey emotion through his music.
Clapton Likes It Standard
While Eric Clapton is renowned for his use of open tunings, he still primarily favors standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) for much of his playing. Many of his most iconic songs, such as “Layla,” “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Tears in Heaven,” are performed in standard tuning.
Clapton tends to reserve alternate tunings for specific blues covers, particularly those by Robert Johnson, a blues legend known for his use of open tunings. When Clapton re-tunes his guitar for these covers, it’s a nod to Johnson’s influence and a way to capture the authentic spirit of the original recordings while infusing them with his own distinctive touch.
Tuning the Guitar Half a Step or a Step Down
In recent years, Eric Clapton has occasionally detuned his guitar by half a step or even a full step for live performances. This subtle adjustment is often made to accommodate the natural changes in his voice, which, over time, has made it more challenging for him to sing certain songs in their original keys.
By lowering the tuning, Clapton can reduce the vocal strain and deliver his performances with the same emotional intensity and precision. This practice helps him maintain the quality of his live shows and demonstrates his adaptability as an artist.
Most Popular Songs by Clapton and Their Tunings
Let’s check what tuning are his songs.
- Wonderful Tonight – Standard (EADGBE) tuning
- Tears in Heaven – Standard (EADGBE) tuning
- Cocaine – Standard (EADGBE) tuning
Here are some examples of songs where he uses open tunings
- Walkin’ Blues – Open G (DGDGBD) tuning
- Milkcow Calf Blues – Open G (DGDGBD) tuning
- Motherless Children – Open G (DGDGBD) tuning
- Preachin’ Blues – Open D (DADF#AD) tuning
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Eric Clapton is known for his occasional use of alternative tunings, particularly in his blues covers or for specific practical reasons like slide guitar, his preference remains with standard tuning for most of his music. Songs like “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight” are classic examples of how Clapton’s mastery shines in standard tuning. That is where he crafts melodies that resonate deeply with audiences.
However, when covering blues legends like Robert Johnson or adapting his guitar to suit live performances, Clapton is not afraid to experiment with tunings to achieve the desired sound or accommodate his evolving vocal range. This balance between tradition and innovation is a hallmark of Clapton’s enduring legacy in the world of music.