There’s a version of Clapton doing Sweet Home Chicago that I’ve always really dug from his Robert Johnson Session back in 2004… Unfortunately I can’t post it because the copyright police keep removing it from YouTube đ
Regardless… I wanted to do a video for you of how to play it…
But at the time I made this, the “good stuff” was all put away and the studio was in shambles so this is probably the most ghetto video you’ll ever get from me… but it’s good stuff and I know you’ll have fun playing it.
Download the TAB – PDF
Most any blues shuffle in E backing track should work to play this, here’s one I found at https://youtu.be/0_BPMCYcl8Y?t=39 (the first 39 seconds are someone soloing over it, so use the whole link and it’ll take you straight to the track.)
89 replies to "Clapton Sweet Home Chicago"
Hey Griff,thanks for the first rate lesson as usual.I am a longtime BGU customer and have bought and enjoyed many of your lessons.
I am not a PC person and not easily offended,but what about not using the the word âghettoâ when you want to describe a cut down or no frills set up.I grew up in Harlem NYC, and true there were many challenges and poverty,but there was also hope,joy and the determination to overcome hardship, which is the spirit,essence of the blues.
The blues to me and music in general is a language of nuance and when itâs at itâs best, is when we are precise and thoughtful in our expression. So like you choose your notes, choose your words.
Just sayinâ
Keep up the good work.
Philip
The backing track video is marked as privat, even after login.
Dang, they must have pulled it. Darnit, sorry. The copyright police strike again!
Great lick.
Video inaccessible as “Private”
This is my of my favorite lessons.
I find it pretty challenging but always worth it
Sounds a lot like “I Believe”
Outstanding!!!! Just because it is xmas, how about L. Fulson’ Lonesome Christmas.?
Keep going with the stuff you show “how to” so well! Merry Xmas, Royce
The backing track is a Private video
It requires a login.
Hey Griff,
How about some more info regarding your move to Texas (don’t need your street address, you don’t want any of us showing up at your door). But how about such things as the city, how it affects your band (I assume the guys aren’t also moving)
and how it affects your wifes job at Disney (though I assume she’s not working
much right now with Covid lockdowns, but what about later next year?). I’m sure everyone is a little curious (my money is on Austin area with its smoking music scene).
REKing
The linked backing track video is unavailable – it’s a private video.
Thanx Griff .
AS USUAL VERY GOOD GRIFF. THANKS
I know Robert Johnson was the original writer.
But to me I grew up on the Blues Brothers version.
Which brings me up to some sad news.
Matt ” Guitar ” Murphy passed away aprox 5 days ago
Griff glad I saw your email this morning. great way to start the day.
Thanks
Mike
Hey Griff,
Just what I needed to lift me today,
Cheers mate
My Favorite version for some time now!!!
G,Day Griff,
This is the first time I’ve put in a responce to
your blog/s pages.
I firstly would like to commend you on your instructional format and the clarity of your tuition video’s, I have wanted to purchase you unleased CD set/s for some time now however our finnacial situation has prevented me from doing so, ” I’m a carrer for my wife who suffered a fall some time back hence I do not work. your gift instrution vidoes placed here on your site are my main source of learnning blues and very much valued. Keep up the fine work, your a gem cheers!
PS: loved the lick thanks Mate!
What a great lesson totally enjoyed it. Thanks you
Something’s come easy others drive me crazy some days I want to quit,but keep coming back. Thanks to you for what I have learned,while fighting cancer this keeps me going Thanks again
Excellente Maestro!
It occurred to me that several times during this 12 bars the first note of the riff started on the down beat of the “one”…’breaking’ a Griff ‘rule’ to start on some other beat besides the down beat of the “one.” Rules are meant to be broken.
i noticed that very same thing!
Incredibly generous lesson Griff! I love learning key guitar intros to songs (I used to always get into trouble by knowing the intro, but nothing more!). This is definitely one to put some time into. Thanks!
Clapton makes a little math error at 1′ 52″ when he sings, “Two and two is four, baby, four and two is eight.” He makes up for it with the blistering solo after giving everybody else a shot!
It was an error in arithmetic
if you play it back slowly he actually says 4 into 2 is 8. Thats the way they use to say it in grade school like 6 into 2 is 12.
I nearly fell into the abyss with another online instruction site, so glad I came to my senses and quickly came back to Griff! Everything about your methods is top notch pure education. Your site, I purchased BGU DVD and Digital and Griff’s site is smooth and responsive. Happy man I am.
Cheers Griff
For the lesson
How about some Peter Green he gets forgotten I’ve been studying
Some of the blues songs he did and the man as an incredible touch
I learned a few days ago… that Peter Greens protege in
Fleetwood Mac Passed away as well?
His name was Danny Kirwin
He was a amazing guitarist.. it was kinda sad that alot of people
felt he was just a PG clone… but he was amazing!!
If you ever get a chance go on youtube and try to find
There was a British blues band called Tramp.
on that album Danny played on a track called
Somebody is Watching me. What a amazing solo.
There is a old Black and White live video of the band.
the song is called Like it This Way that features Danny singing
and playing lead
He had a amazingly wide vibrato… if you listen to the famous
Fleetwood Mac song.. the solo is not Peter Green.. it was
Danny Kirwin.
The famous Fleetwood Mac song I was referring to
was Oh Well… the solo is not Peter Green.
It was Danny Kirwin
thanks griff, I enjoyed that lesson. thanks for all the timing/counting, that really helps me. once again well explained and thanks for taking the time to post the lesson. at the very start it reminded me of ‘Strange Brew’ too then some notes reminded me of Freddy King ‘Going Down’. clapton does a similar chord run at the A chord as in (Unplugged) Before you accuse me and (Beano album) Ramblin on my Mind.
Yep, as above comment, Eric may have got that riff from Buddy Guy, But Buddy probably picked it up from Magic Sam’s classy version, and Sam may have gotten it whoever, back to Robert Johnson, and even HE may have copped part of it from someone,
That’s how it works, you “steal” a lick, but in the process you make it your own in various ways, and then the next person does the same, and infinite variations bloom,
Bach would have understood, and dug it ! Well done, Griff.
Love it.. But, Eric got that lic from Buddy Guy.. I’ve been wanting to steal it myself for years and you nailed it.. thank you..
great job.. but, Eric got the lic from Bubby Guy.. it’s all good.. I’ve been wanting to steal that lic..you nailed it.. \
Thanks Griff …. cold and all. That’s dedication baby.
I think I’m the only girl leaving a comment so far!
Thank you Griff, I love your teaching style and generosity with your tutorials.They’re aways clear and concise and make me feel like I can really play.
I’m knuckling down a lot lately and hammering away at my scales etc, and it’s amazing how quickly I am suddenly progressing, and picking up things like this lesson really fast now.
And I just got the acoustic blues and slide series and am loving it. It’s great to have teacher who is confident you can do it!
You rock!
Thank you so much Griff – great comparative, unbrushed lesson – up to your usual standard.
I have to comment that it is beyond me why Clapton gets so much stick – I have (spasmodically) followed his career since his days in the Yardbirds and, while he is by no means a guitar God, nor do I think he would agree he is, he has been one of the most influential, and I believe, genuine (white) blues musicians of his era. Don’t forget that he also played a large part, along with other Brit. guitarists and groups such as Jeff Beck and the Rolling Stones in bringing attention to America black blues musicians such as B.B., Buddy Guy, Howling Wolf when they were not getting as much attention in their own country, so don’t knock him guys.
Joseph, as you said, If it weren’t for Eric, and a select few others, (no, not Led Zep, as they plagiarized, without due credit to the originals,many bluesmen,and never apologized for it… though I enjoy their music, above is a FACT) we as Americans would has possibly lost our own music, but I disagree, respectfully, that, although quite humble, Eric is a Guitar God,as he did play and introduce much of the great blues we would have missed if it weren’t for him, and his influences and subtly changed versions are absolute genius. His later blues infused songs represent his roots, and the music he played changed Rock permanently, in a GREAT way…and introduced it mainstream for the world to see,research,learn and enjoy. In this way, it does make him Guitar Legend and God like…obviously we are both great fans of a great man, and I just had to add my .02 cents. I love the fact that he played with, and gave FULL due credit to, all the blues greats…That , to me, puts him on his pedestal. Not totally disagreeing with you, just giving extra credit where it’s due. And Blues knows no color-white,black or otherwise…The point being is he never forgot who inspired him, and he made sure he brought them along, put them onstage and on screen and helped them get the recognition they so rightly deserved…Rock, Blues,Guitarists and music in general most definitely owe Eric a nod, a Guitar God’s nod as it were.
Thanks Griff. Your playing is lovely & I think you fill in the gaps between those who can play a bit and those who can count. Thanks especially for the way you clearly explain the timing of this and other great tunes. I feel that anybody could learn from you who is prepared to listen.
Slainte!
Hi Griff, Finally…..Thanks to you I have settled this conflict with my fellow band members.
We will be playing tonite at the Midnight Sun Music Festival and I will get to perform this intro. We have been playing Sweet Home for many years and I have always told the guys that there needs to be a better intro….Thanks for giving me one.
BTW: We gig all weekend long at various venues…It’s always lots of fun and it never gets dark……Not even at 4AM…..Let the party begin!!
Ugly Scott in Nome, Alaska
how did it go over? i’m writing on 12/23/20
I’ve been a musician for 56 years, trained in Theory, etc. I can state for a fact that the first 8 bars are VERY similar to “Strange Brew., if not note for note. “Strange Brew” is a re-worked version of “Lawdy Mama” which can be found on “Live Cream Vol. 1. This was also confirmed by Clapton himself in an interview on how they came up with the songs for “Disraeli Gears”. I have this CD. The name of the album came from a friend who just purchased a new 10 speed bicycle that was equipped with DERAILLEUR GEARS, which he incorrectly called DISREALI gears. They all laughed so hard they decided to name the album after his malapropism.
love this kinda info, thanks
I agree Czar. Very close to Strange Brew. Fantastic!
Great lesson Griff – loadsa fun to play with bonus of watching ‘The Man’ playing it as well. Quality stuff!!
COOOOOL DUDE LOVE IT =
Many thanks for the great lesson. Keep them coming and keep on rocking.
Hi Griff,
I think John H will probably know that a lot of Blues songs were never invented with any sense and especially arithmetic they are simply matched by harmony and sound.
Most songs are structured to match words with sound but with Blues you could tell a whole story over the melody and it would still sound great.
As always Griff you are so clever to match a segment of a blues classic to drive home the Measures and how the blues Boxes in the Pentatonic Blues scales are simply used by the long time experienced guitarists like Eric Clapton & more notably Griff Hamlin.
Michael- St Andrews Australia
hey griff, more good stuff! as always you cant please everyone, but ALL, yes ‘ALL’ the lessons you send out are highly valued. my playing has improved immeasurably since taking on the info. from your aproach..
all the top players steal licks from each other. always have always will.
take ’em and make ’em your own!!
blues on boys….
Hi Griff
Got this one first time around and still love playing it; today in fact just before I got this email.
Keep on keeping on.
Cheers
Graeme
Hello Griff,
Thanx for the posting – a different slant, but nothing like as good as the intro in the Blues Brothers film version, which really sets the number up.
This Clapton rendition doesn’t really do anything meaningful for the song, and as Pete Sheridan rightly says. it isn’t original anyway.
Am probably going to get a load of stick for this next bit, but how come Eric C. is regarded as a guitar God anyway – the only time he showed any originality was in his Cream and Derek and the Dominoes days which were shortlived, after that he just became a B.B. King copycat (like dozens of others)!!
Hey Topaz.
A bit harsh on poor ol’ E.C.
First let me say that over the last few years or so he’s done nothing of note and lived off his reputation. But you need to go way back to discover why he is (or was) so revered. Every now and then you get a “what the f*** was that??” moment when someone comes along and does what no one else does. In the 50’s people were listening to Johnny Ray and Vic Damone when suddenly Elvis hits the UK with Heartbreak hotel and “What the f*** was that??”. Similarly people were listening to guitar solos from George Harrison and Keith Richard when suddenly E.C. turns up with his fantastic sustain and vibrato
and everyone goes “What the f*** was that??” His style of playing is now, I suppose, old hat where people have copied it and then taken it further. But at the time just watching him produced many a jaw dropping moment. Personally I prefer his period with John Mayall. As an exercise, listen to Freddy King play his composition “Hideaway” and then listen to what Eric did with it on the Beano album. Similarly, on the same album listen to his guitar work on “Have You Heard” I think you might just realise what all the fuss was about, back in the day.
Take Care
I like EC a lot, he has been around the block a few time and that includes his style, approach and skills.. There are some periods in his musical live that I do not care too much about , others are ACE. Somehow at one point I felt that he lost the powerful – raging – sound envelope that I was used to and then never heard again. It was maybe around the early 2000’s when he started to get that acoustic guitar out of the closet. It has nothing to do with the skills or approach but he softened up a lot and his tone got more thin-ny, there was less rip and go / leave no-one behind attack. I have missed that!
I believe this is the first lesson in the Blues gig in a box, which I purchased recently, in which I heard you sing, but no written words. This arrangement from Clapton has rhythms and variations added to it. Thank you.
I’m a veteran player and a new subscriber, Griff and I’ve gotta say (and this is coming from someone that’s been playing 46 years:since i was 5 yrs old:)that you’ve got style sir. As one of these gentlemen mentioned earlier, youve got a knack for teaching and as we take in this knowledge that you freely give, you may not realize the connection you make with each of us and the “fanbase” you yourself have gained. Well done my friend. Where do you live? Because i think we need to hang out together….Haha j/k thanks again. Your efforts are much appreciated. Ron mays
Feel it’s somewhat related to creams strange brew, am I totally wrong ?
I was thinkin’ it’s practically a rework of “Crossroads.”
AM I WRONG? NOTICED ERIC STARTED HIS LICK ON THE FIRST BEAT.MY MEMEORY IS GOING. I CAN’T REMEBER ALL 5 BOX’S. JUST BOX 1.
TERRY, NOT EVEN CLOSE TO STRANGE BREW.THANKS GRIFF FEEL BETTER!
Not me Paul đ
Very similar to Strange Brew intro but with different twiddle bits
Hi Griff,
It’s funny how sometimes something just hits the spot. Out little band does Sweet Home Chicago and I was getting bored with my solos and was looking to spice it up a bit and then bingo your lesson pops up. Brilliant!! I’m 69 next month and you saved my heaven knows how much time with your fantastic knack of getting concepts across.
Incidentally, I’ve found an alternative backing track on iTunes which has the real middle eight, etc. It’s called “Sweet Home Chicago (Playback version) by a guy called Jean Pierre Danel. Cost 59p UK which is about 70 cent US I would imagine.
As you can imagine, like a lot of would be rock gods :-), I get loads of emails from all sorts of guitar tutors most of which I just delete. But I can honestly say I read every single one of yours every time. Your love of the guitar, The Blues and your desire to share is clear in everything you do for us. So just keep doing what you’re doing Griff.
Good lesson Griff. Thanks .
Great lesson! Thank you!
Hey Griff. Nice stuff. Did you notice Eric says 2 & 2 is 4, then 2 & 4 is 8. Play around 1:50. Very funny!!
There is some similarity with this riff and the riff Clapton dose in his song pretending both very kool I like his voice in this clip as for the petty stuff this is about guitar and another great lesson from our teacher so let’s give him thanks and remember why we are here !!!
Just to set the record straight – The opening lick was used first on Little Walter’s “Everything Gonna Be Alright”, recorded July 21, 1959 and originally issued on Checker single 930.The guitar players on the date were Robert Jr. Lockwood and Luther Tucker. The lick has been used by harp players and guitarists many times in the past 55 years. It’s a classic opening, but Clapton didn’t invent it. Walter, Robert and Luther did, possibly with assistance from Willie Dixon, who played bass on the date. Otis Spann also was present on piano.
I Believe…my baby’s goin’ out on me….
I Believe…my baby’s goin’ out on me…
She come home in the mornin’
Mean as any woman can be… dadada dadada dadada daaaaa…
Thanks for this Griff.
Is that Billy Preston in Clapton’s band? I think so.
YES!!!! The late, great Billy on the B3. I really miss him. RIP Billy. Also Nathan East on bass. I think that this was one of Eric’s best lineups.
This video was done prior to BGU live 2012 as reference material for attendees when this was one of the songs to be played, and I believe Griff made it at home rather than in the studio. Great lesson of a great intro to a great song. Well worth devoting some time to.
Hi Griff !
Thanks so much for all your help. But, what I like most of all is Your “quality of person.” You are generous, sincere, loyal, honest and strong. That’s a real man.
John
Thanks loads Griff. I LOVE that riff! Nice to know how to play it and time it out properly. Probably borrow it for one of my own blind stabs at songwriting.
Jim
Thank you Griff! This is great, keep me coming back for more!! in 8 months you have taught me so much, very exciting to sound good finally.
Thanks Griff. I love these licks, especially Stevie Ray and Clapton. I have your Blues Guitar course, and enjoy supplementing that with these extras.
I donât see why it should get you any grief TB. I tend to agree with you. I know it seems ridiculous to criticise Clapton, but for me his real genius is his guitar playing. Jack Bruce was the real vocalist in Cream and I have to say I much preferred Peter Greenâs vocals when he replaced Clapton in the Bluesbreakers. Green’s voice always seemed to come more from the heart. But voices are very subjective, I’m sure somebody else might say exactly the opposite and in a way we would both be right.
Here we go, someone playing the race card again. This video is showing it down low and straight out!!!
The reference is to the style and sound of this particular version. (ala Robert Johnson style is what Griff is trying to say. But every one obviously is missing the point. Go read ” The History of the Blues. Shame on you guys for putting a spin on things.
OK, great lick and lesson, as usual. But I gotta say something here that will probably get me a lot of grief. Clapton is so iconic, such a genius, and I love him. But certain folks do not get on well with certain vocal tracks. I know we are all about guitar here, but man…this is the worst I have ever heard Eric sound in a vocal performance. Completely uninspired and flat, especially the “Come on…” riff. Sorry, I know you probably all disagree, but I just wanted to get it out there. Guitar-wise? O hell yeah, that’s the stuff. Thanks for the lick Griff.
I disagree … I like Clapton’s vocal tone/phrasing.. Sweet Home Chicago is a deceptively hard song to sing IMO
Great stuff, Griff. In another life I took lessons for about a year with a great old guy who mostly talked about his days playing in the pit for Etta James, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, etc. Anyway, I don’t play, and now I’m the “old” guy who just enjoys listening to talented, sincere musicians (mostly Blues and Jazz) share their knowledge. I never leave comments – this is a first. But if had it to do all over again, I would want you as my teacher (although the “old timer’s” stories were great to listen to). Thanks for sharing your gift.
Thanks Griff, you do keep me inspired.
what do you mean, this is as ghetto as i’am going to get ? sounds kind of racist to me
How do you get racism from the term “ghetto??” Sounds like you think only one particular race can be in/from/about the ghetto. From Wikipedia: “A ghetto is a part of a city in which members of a minority group live, especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure.[1] The term was originally used in Venice to describe the part of the city to which Jews were restricted and segregated.” So, exactly which minority group do you think Griff was referring to here? Jewish people? Good grief.
Stephen,what Griff means is that the version of the song is rough and raw ala Robert Johnson sound. It was intended to sound that way. Hence ,the ghetto style. This was always the true beauty of blues.pure,raw,and earthy sounding.if you want sugar go listen to the Buddy Guy version.p.s Griff earned his bragging rights, so back off pal and be nice! Leave my teacher alone , nuff said
During WW2 the parts of Berlin and Warsaw segregated for Jews were called the Ghetto. One of Germany’s losses to someone other than military. Was the famous Ghetto uprising. A lot of Jews were killed but a lot of Nazis also died. So saying “Ghetto” does not always mean what you took it to mean.
Stephan, Grow up!
Thanks Griff,
Just GREAT!
Wow! This is pure gold. Thanks Griff!!!
Hi , griff thank you for taking the time to make this sound
this is fantastic grif I have enjoyed every moment of this in learning the blues thank you with you
regards
andrew