I love Clapton’s playing… I think we all do. And there’s one thing he does that is pretty uniquely his and I call it the Clapton Flurry.

Watch this video of him playing “5 Long Years” and you only have to wait 38 seconds before he starts ripping it up with some rapid fire repeating notes.

 

 

So once you’ve listened and enjoyed that… lemme show ya how to do it ๐Ÿ™‚

 

 

Have fun!


    184 replies to "The Clapton Flurry"

    • Alexander

      What s killer idea. Canโ€™t wait to practice that! Great lesson
      Thanks
      Alexander

    • bill

      Nice and simple but impressive! I aggree with the others re that little decending run you played. Show us that one. Maybe a new course on just little bite size licks like this kind of like the 52 rhythm fills. Thanks man

      • Dan

        Try Rut Busters by Griff.

    • Dale Traylor

      Awesome little video…Thanks

    • Robert

      Griff, wanted you to know that I try to learn something new every day while digging through lots of info out there but you are always my #1 go to for learning valuable things. Thanks very much!!!!!!

    • KEN

      I FORGOT TO MENTION ARTHERITIS IN MY HANSD STOPPED MY PRO PLAYING MANY YEARS AGO.SO I BUILD GUITARS WHEN THE HANDS LET ME. I’M JUST A KID OF 76.

      • David Sempau

        Love!

      • John

        Do you sell what you build?

    • KEN

      BACK IN 1953 I SAW AN 8 YEAR OLD KID IN RIPLEY ENGLAND STRUGLING WITH A ACOUSTICAL GUITAR. SO I STOPPED FOR A FEW MIN AND SHOWED HIM A FEW LICKS. HE REALLY PAID ATTENTION. LOOK AT HIM NOW.THE NEXT KID I SAW STRUGGLING WAS A KID I THINK HIS NAME WAS KIETH RICH— SOMETHING HE PAID ATTENTION ALSO.
      I ALSO HAVE A RED BRIDGE FOR RENT IN CALIF.

      I REALLY LOVE THE LESSONS YOU PUT OUT. I PURCHASED BLUES GUITAR AND SOME OTHER LESSONS. I WISH YOU WERE AVAILABLE WHEN I WAS A KID LEARNING.1950’S. OR THERE WAS SOMEONE LIKE YOU OUT THERE.
      I HAD A FEW PROFESSIONAL LESSONS IN CHICAGO IN THE 1960’S BUT MY TEACHER LEFT TO PLAY IN A VERY FAMOUS BLUES BAND. NEVER FOUND ANYONE TO REPLACE HIM.SO I’M SELF TAUGHT FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS.WISH YOU WERE HERE
      KEN

    • Bob Spaugh

      Very Good short clip.
      The kind I like.
      can plug this kind of stuff in almost anywhere!

      Thanks Griff

      Bob

    • Darryl Manire

      Yeah..what’s that guy’s name again,he’s pretty good, probably would sound better with out sweet pants on, like maybe blue jeans or something..ha..

    • Kim

      Still fun after a few years ! Forgot all about this one,glad you brought it back.Be 66 in Feb.It’s been 4 years .lol

    • Russell Eckam

      Please take a minute and show us the boxes again. It would help us all follow along. Remind us to count and know the beginning steps to play.THANKS

    • Russell Eckam

      Can’t say it enough. THANK YOU Griff, Always learn something from your lessons. You can’t have enough fills, passing notes , trick licks to choose from. Tune it, turn it up and play. 61 years young, thanks for the break downs of some of my guitar heroes best, it would take me forever. God Bless

    • mike z.

      Griff , this is so cool . You explain it so well . Cannot wait to try it today . Thanks for the great lesson . Mike Z.

    • Dave McCall

      Nice explanation but I would rather learn the speed run you did near the end! How about a lesson on that Geoff?

    • Mickhunt

      Hi Griff
      Very effective but how about the better run down you played us
      Thanks
      Mickhunt
      UK

    • Michael Prince

      I love Clapton’s playing and always have. Never ever get tired of watching and hearing him play. When you reach his playing ability then you don’t have to say anything, you just go out and play. Proves everything. I’ve been watching Bonamassa and have noticed that he’s very repetitious. But he certainly can play. I’m 60 now and started playing when I was 14, but I would play then put it down, play and put it down. Bad mistake. Some were meant to be a full-time player. I hope to get that 100 percent passion back. I have to much ivested in equipment not to use my talent. Great clip Griff. Do you ever do anything on Larry Carlton and Pat Matheny?

    • leon

      I did not get the download link

    • Bruce Leonard

      Please make a lesson with more of this.

    • Mark Wales uk

      Cheers Griff
      Nice lick and the blues rock one๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŽถ

    • Zander Freiz

      Thank you so much Griff!Keeping the blues alive!Had the opportunity to see Eric in concert twice thus far.The first Show featured Albert Lee as his right hand man,and the second show featured Mark Knopfler as his second!Both shows were humbling and highly educational on many levels.The day of the Clapton/Knopfler show both Guitar players could be seen walking uptown together chatting with anybody whom approached them.Great humility=great human beings.Thanks again Griff! Zander Freiz,Winnipeg.MB.Canada

      • Bill

        Griff
        Can you show us how to do more of it?
        Thanks

    • gene

      no one else like ec. making history. thanks griff. i’ll take all the ec lessons i can get my hands (pick) on.

    • James W

      Thanks a lot. EC was the first player to reach me
      at 15 yrs old.it was the feeling I responded
      To by just some blues fills. Anyway thanks
      For all Clapton lessons.

    • gerd gwiss

      Thank you Griff – another greatand easy one ! best regards from Vienna -Gerd

    • Llewellyn

      Thanks For the the lesson Griff, Excellent as usual…
      Like the 5-Easy Blues Solo’s DVD, Boss you can make a Eric “Clapton Lick’s Special” DVD..This lesson proves how good it will be, and sure it will sell like “Hot Cakes”

    • Al;ex Mowatt

      Thank Griff, you make it all easier to follow than just watching Eric go into what some might call a masturbatory flurry. All to often musicians can get caught in the moment and, clearly they know what they are doing – even if it sounds so repetitive at times yet, the lay music enthusiasts among us might just hear the noise and not appreciate the science and learning required in our heroes to achieve that sound or this sound. great video. thank you Griff.

      • David Henderson

        Masterbutory? Seriously?

        • Jay

          Seriously David,..You are judging what people say in their comments? Shame on you …

        • Arnie

          I agree with you, it is masturbatory.

          • Sean

            Seems a bit harsh to call it that. Heโ€™s Eric Clapton for cryinโ€™ out loud. People donโ€™t buy his records or his concert tickets to hear or see him play lounge music on a vibraphone. They want the blues and rock and roll like only Clapton can do it. What would you rather Clapton do, other than play songs like this?

            If youโ€™re using words like masturbation to describe a bravura moment or an entire bravura performance, I suspect it might be that you are deeply insecure about your own guitar-playing abilities, and are concerned that you could never, ever be as good as Clapton. Relax. Clapton is one of the very best, ever. Few were or are or will be his equal. Donโ€™t be intimidated by that. Be glad you get to hear and see a virtuoso perform. And please, stop using ridiculous words like masturbation to describe technial skill and brilliance beyond your own abilities.

            To paraphrase a great piece of wisdom,, โ€œYou are only limited by your own willingness to rehearse.โ€

            Or, as the great Frank Zappa put it, โ€œShut up and play yer guitar.โ€

            And thanks to one of my favorite people ever, Griff Hamlin, for teaching us this much flurry.

            • Dave

              I agree, I think we can do without the “self-pleasuring” references although I’m really not a prude. Since you mentioned Zappa…I recall reading in his autobiography that when he would hear one of the guitarists getting all “tweedly” (my word for it) during warmups he or another Mothers member would shout “SPOO” at them. It was an inside joke/reference to the same activity that was mentioned earlier. So there you have it. A bit of moral/social contemplation and a history lesson!

        • Darryl Manire

          Yeah.
          That word I think is miss spelled..Leadโ€ขRest..out..

    • Larry B

      Thanks Griff. Just the kind of stuff I need. I love the way you teach. Nicely shown and taught.
      Thanks again. Now for me practice, practice.
      Larry B

    • Rich Cibelli

      Griff,
      Thank’s again for sharing this lick. Look forward to the next lesson!

    • Rod W

      Griff, another great lesson thankS

      I really appreciate the clean tone you always seem to get out of your notes. You must have listened carefully and worked hard to improve your technique in the past to achieve that high standard.

    • MinorPentatonicAddict

      Great lick Griff!! Now you started this…so now you have to teach us the lick at 3:23.

      • Jeffrey

        Start it on the 2nd note of the scale, then it’s relative majior! For ever minor there’s a majior

    • Aussie Chris

      Haven’t read every single previous comment, somebody may have mentioned it before, but I just have to draw attention to Andy Fairweather-Low on “rhythm” guitar. You have to watch to catch him behind Eric’s right arm, but it’s worth the effort. The guy is absolutely phenomenal. Listen closely and you can hear his tasty but gritty backing guitar. He has been a regular in EC’s bands over the years and deserves to be recognised.

      • Les Corder

        Chris is right. Andy Fairweather-Low is a great guitarist in his own right. He fronted a group called Amen Corner in the Sixties. I saw him on tour last year where I live in UK – plays a mixture of blues/rock ‘n’ roll/jazzy stuff – check him out if you can.

        • credenhill

          Yes- I remember bend me shape me- great song from AFL

    • Alex Mowatt

      So many comments. Clapton has had us all talking about him for years. I have some twenty two of his CD’s. When I compare his playing to the like of another favourite, this side of the pond – Chris Rea I find I have as many of his. Some have labelled Clapton God in the past – no he is just a very talented artist. Someone above mentioned The late Johnny Winters yes, he was great and should not be forgotten or fall off our radar. That said there are so many others before and since Clapton that are truly great too. I do not feel the attention he gets is altogether justified when you consider his career has been built on the backs of Giants that came before. One final point, not to put the man down, so much as draw others attention to his stage(d) performances. He does not make too much of his fellow players or have any great rapport with his audiences. Many others have and will compliment their fellow players and ask for recognition of their solos etc – not Clapton on the occasions I have seen him live. That is a mute point that does not detract from the fact he has inspired so many, as has the likes of Hank Marvin, Bert Weedon, Diane Eddy, Buddy Guy and many others. This has turned into an unintentional rank -sorry. I guess I just see and hear so much about him. Griff you bring so much to th table and this Jem is no exception. Thank you Maestro keep up the great work, nut leave time for family too -very important.

      • micker54

        Every artist has a group of influential folks that shape their style. Eric Clapton is no exception. He built his career by; loving guitar, respecting, listening, and learning, from those who came before. Then adding a little of his own style. By love and dedication he has moved guitar playing a little farther along so that future guitar players can do the same. That is the way it works.
        As for not making much of his fellow players, have you watched any of the crossroad performances?

      • Bill C.

        Alex Mowatt, with no snark attached to this, your final comment about Clapton not giving some due to other players you need to find the Crossroads video of Clapton and Sonny Landreth trading licks. Landreth blows Clapton away literally and Clapton visibly shows how much so. As they walk off Clapton has his arm over Sonny’s shoulder and is laughing and complimenting his playing. Clapton is pretty much famous for being an introvert as much as he is a killer guitar player.
        Back to the original topic and clip, I enjoyed that and carry guitar solo’s around in my head all the time and sing them to myself and “tweedly” is how I always sing those bits. Blues vocalists do the same sort of thing on slow blues numbers and I think players picked up on it. It’s a great embellishment and I’m glad that you posted or reposted this video Griff. Claptons hands are sometimes to fast to actually see what he’s doing. Thanks!

    • Chris hutchison

      Vert tasty Griff. Thankyou. Also handy as a g major lick. Regards from perth,Chris.

    • Dave

      As Always Great Lesson Griff’ Funny How Your Lessons Become More Understandable The More I Learn. By The Way ‘ Great Shirt Man xxx

    • bruce

      Very good breakdown of what I assumed was hard to play. It’s not! thanks. I have two of your courses. I need to quit buying more and finish these. Where are you next gigs in SoCal?

    • Pete from philly

      So it’s been a year now since I first seen this blog/lesson. Commented then, now I just want to say I’m still not ready for the “flurry” but practice as much as I can. I’ve learned quite a lot this past year from you Griff. Maybe next year I’ll be ready to “flurry” it up.
      A few days ago I read your blog that outlined experience is the best teacher. I couldn’t agree more. Practice practice practice. All the best guitarists spent their entire lives mastering their craft. You included, Griff. So next year I hope to be that much better. Thanks for all you do Mr. Hamlin. Regards , Pete.

    • Marcos

      Thanks Griff. Clapton always gives me the chills with his playing. After you broke down the lick for us, I can now practice that lick and maybe give myself the chills. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Jim Tshiamba

        Great job bro, I like it, thanks

    • lou

      thanks Griff for another great lesson. You put a lot of time in on these lesons and do a great job .

      • PAUL

        i found out that your treedelde’s are called a triwl’s. thanks for that nice lick.

    • JR London

      It’s those little gems that raise the who solo – so long as you don’t OD them.

    • David

      This was fantastic. When Clapton plays it, it appears way above my skill level. But when you break it down, note by note, and explain the mechanics behind it, I found I can (come close) to playing it!!

      Thanks Griff for these continual mini lessons. They are very helpful and keep me inspired.

      David

    • Mr. Music

      Hey there Griff, Age has crept up on me, so I can’t recall the title of the song, but this “Clapton Flurry” reminds me of a song with the exact same note sequence and rhythm. Somewhere in my foggy brain it seems like the lyrics are toward the end of the song and goe, “So hush little baby. Doe hoo woa ohhoo woa ohhoo woa (ETC) ‘t you ooo! Cdrdrdrdrdrdry. It’s hard to spell this phonetically, but I’m sure you get the idea. Anyway, I really like the repetative trill and have often used it myself. Thanks for the refresher.
      Mr. Music

      • Glenn.Lego

        Check out a duet he did with Pavarotti called “Holy Mother” Clapton does this flurry on it along with Pavarotti s operatic voice singing.

    • MinorPentatonicAddict

      Thanks for the hard work you put into these lessons, Griff. Really outstanding. Very useful lick! A great go-to when you are running out of ideas. Now you have to teach us that run at 3:21!

    • Michael Chappell

      Hey Griff,
      This is a great refresher in Nov 2015. Do you have the Tab Sheet for this which would be great.

      Thanks
      Michael- Sydney – Australia

    • Westley

      Great lesson and insightful comments by everyone. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Has anyone published the TAB?

      Thank you.

      Blessings,

      Westley

    • JimmyC

      Thanks for this! Now that you have shown us this, I hear ALL the time. Its crazy. I look forward to that IV chord now!

    • Windy Benisek

      ๏ปฟSuper site

    • Ian Robins

      So sorry to hear about your gear, Griff. I pray you get it all back soon. Thanks for the twiddly!

      • riche

        Thanks for this cool lesson Griff! As you’ve clearly shown, it’s not that technically difficult, more of the time/groove you have to keep feeling. I’m going to try this lick next time I grab my guitar.
        Sorry to hear about your gear getting stolen. Our musical equipment, especially our guitars take on a personality of their own.
        Even in the face injustice, you keep giving, wow, I appreciate that. I hope you get your gear back, intact, asap.

    • Chris hutchison

      Thankyou as always Griff. A great flurry,twiddlyde? Saw Eric playing in the marquee etc in the good times plus I was the tape guy when cream recorded some demos in broadhurst gardens finchly London. What times!!!??? Canned Heat also produced some unique blues reincarnation ! Sorry about your gear. I googled earth your gig locations. Looks great. A belated birthday to your son. Enjoy your Easter. Best wishes,Chris in Western Australia.

    • Charlie Di Lisio

      I got my stuff ripped off and replaced more than a few times. It was after the 10th time with my favorite bass and amp as part of it, that I never played again. This was after being a working musician around the L.A. area for 30 years. Your emails and lessons are starting to give me hope that one day I’ll do what I always wanted to do which was to bring my blues guitar playing back to life. Thank you

      • Johnny B .

        Hey Griff , very sorry about your gear being stolen . It happened to me , my PA was taken along with some mics. and stands .I hope none of your beautiful guitars were taken .These are our tools but for us they are much more . Thanks as always for everything ,and I hope they get recovered . Peace, Johnny B .

    • tim perdue

      get a old youhall box truck you got a ramp put a battery kill switch that’s what I did after my traler got taken never had a problem sence never ever found my gear is shame

    • AzMike

      Griff- So sorry to hear about your gear!!

      THank you for keeping up with the tips and tricks!!

    • Tobin

      Good Luck in the replacement of our equipment. Thanks for the lesson as well. I can’t believe EC is 70. He is by far, my all time favorite. Bar None.

    • Raymee

      Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

    • steven reacord uk

      It was a shock to hear about your gear being taken.. best of luck with the recovery..

      Thank you for sharing the Clapton flurry will be getting on this one for sure.. All the best..

    • Pete from philly

      Hey Griff, sucks being victimized. As a contractor, I’ve experienced
      theft more than a few times. But if you need an ax, I’d be happy to let
      you borrow my Gretsch 5125. She’s a pretty nice piece, plays easy,
      and is set up to go. Let me know.
      Thanks for the lesson. I wonder how much Eric lost in his career.
      Take care. Hope it only gets better.

    • Seamus

      So sorry to hear of your loss.Hope you recover everything.Please keep us informed.
      Thanks for your generosity in sharing all those valuable tips with us.
      The world is a very sad place when one hears of what has happened to you. Go well Griff

    • Gary Hylton

      Griff,

      If your band mates are “punking you out” as Jim suspects you need to remember that payback is a BITC…You get the picture!

      Old School and Still rockin’

    • Jim

      Griff,
      Any chance your band-mates are just “punking” you out in honor of April Fool’s Day on your missing truck/trailer?

    • Mike

      Sorry about your gear being stolen. Thanks for the lesson

    • Jean Dominique

      Sorry to hear about your loss. This world is full of demons. I think you play like him sometimes.I also learned something about his singing. He sang the verse without playing, then he plays….Thanks for sharing.

    • John

      Feel sad for you getting your gear stolen Griff. That’s a nightmare scenario for any band. Another great lesson as always. You’re the best.

    • RollyS

      Am very sorry to hear about your equipment. If I lost the small amount of equipment I have I’m not sure I could replace it. I’m still plugging away at my BGU course but these little tidbits keep me going. Thanks so much!

    • Gary card

      Thanks for everything griff heard about your loss this last weekend hope you find your stuff I have some equipment if you need it just let me know

    • rob

      Excellent yet another easy explanation of what appears to be a complicated riff.

    • Alan Abriss

      Griff, Sorry to hear about yer gear. Hopefully yer guitars were not in the vehicle.

      As a photographer I will leave lighting equipment (think amplifiers) and light stands in the vehicle. But I always take my cameras with me. That way if the lighting is stolen I still have my cameras and can shoot the job.

      Leave the heavy stuff and take the instruments.

      Hope yer insurance covers yer loss. And oh yeah, thanks for some amazing lessons.

    • Jeff Zak

      Sorry to Hear bout Ur stuff thieved by them B*****S !!! Mr.Griff . Well hope for them , “what goes around comes around ” holds true. I Reckon it will. Thanks fer the lesson Brother !

    • Mark Arnold

      Sorry bout your truck and trailer plus gear Griff like the other gentleman said time to upgrade wow talk about a artist and people get into this whole who’s better crap ! Silly and childish music is a form of expression there is no such thing as better than the great Eddie Van Halen said this and it’s so true just dig the music !!!!

    • Juan Carlos

      Thank you for so many excellent tips..
      JCN

    • Darrell Baschak

      Thanks for your generosity of spirit Griff. Hope you get some satisfaction from the insurance company with respect to your stolen gear. Happy Easter and keep on Rocking !!

    • Jim

      The theft of your equipment represents stealing a person’s TOOLS that they use to make a living with…inexcusable! If you happen to have any pictures of the equipment (especially with serial #’s) you should disseminate then to your “army” and we can all keep our eyes peeled for their possible appearance on ebay, craigslist, Etc.

      Sorry to hear this Griff.

    • Bob Polecritti

      I’m very sorry to hear about your gear,and truck. Maybe the morons who did this will stand in a puddle of water when they fire up your amps .

      The lesson was incredible. I was jumping’ in my computer chair and watched it twice. I can’t practice right now, but will be burnin’ my fingers when mywifew and I get home.

      Thank you Griff. And, when they catch these vermin, don’t drop the charges.

      • Mike S

        Bummer! Hope they get these guys!

    • David

      Thanks Griff! Sorry to hear about low-life’s stealing your gear. While I’m sure you’re now painfully aware of certain theft-prevention measures that can be employed to protect your investments, here goes anyway… while your buying new gear, also invest in a camera, or two, motion sensor lighting, and make sure you park your vehicle where it’s difficult to access, if not impossible.

      I do hope you recover your stuff! Keep Up The Great Work! Peace.

      • PeterG

        It seems like EC doesn’t use his pinky finger ever?

        • Alan Abriss

          Yes I too have noticed EC’s lazy pinky. When I saw him play with Cream and Steve Winwood during the reunion shows at MSG, I kept pointing out to my wife that he almost never uses his pinky. Close-ups of his fingers on the video screens showed this clearly.

          Now I don’t feel so bad about my lazy pinky. But I find myself using it more than he does.

          Just saying…. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • DaveyJoe

      Thanks for the lesson, Griff. I really have to work on getting my fingers moving that fast. I’m really sorry to hear about your Gear though. I hope i’s recovered, and they find these guys and they do some time. I hate criminals.

      All the best,
      DaveyJoe

    • Rosco

      Hey Griff can’t make it to Malarkeys Grill, but I would love it if you could book a show at the Olde Quindanning Inne!!!!!

    • Paul Say

      God bless Eric Clapton. The beautiful thing about Slow Hand and Stevie Ray is/was that their technique is pure. There is no sloppy sliding around and missed chances for a beautiful note. Just beautiful

      • Paul

        Griff, great video lesson. Thanks! Very sorry about your gear.
        Paul

      • william england

        That’s Gods way of telling you it’s time to up grade your equipment. Every time something of mine has been stolen I’ve gotten something much better. Every time! Of course insurance has made the transition that much sweeter. It’s all in the script baby. Choa 4 now.

    • Steve

      Sorry about your truck and tailor Griff. If you want to move up to Logan, Utah that wouldn’t happen- we’d love to have you here- though it’s a bit less cosmopolitan than LA.

    • Peter

      I’ve been a Clapton fan for as long as I can remember. Had the privilege of being able to see him in small sweaty UK Blues clubs in the mid 60’s and in various incarnation since. He’s still got it at 70, but actually I agree with a number of others here that the ‘tweedly’ on its own is actually quite irritating, especially when repeated for more than part of a measure. Reality is that EC himself doesn’t usually play it on its own for very long but bundles this in with all his other ‘stock’ licks in various combinations. The video of him shows this very well. Personally I want to learn the ‘fast, technical’ run that you demo’d at the end. How about a lesson on that!

    • Keef

      Griff: If your equipment is not returned, hereโ€™s hoping the thieves spend eternity with the Shaggs!

      • Walt

        That’s exactly what I wanted to know more about is the ending lick after the repeating riff.

    • Michael Chappell

      Hey Griff,
      Sorry to hear about the loss of your Truck, Trailer and the bands gear, your insurance should cover the loss but guitars are so personal it is much harder to bear such a loss. For the future, bands in Sydney do not have any signage on their Vans or trucks anymore, they are just plain vehicles with blocked out side windows. Street parking have Tow away type wheel locks in bright yellow on two wheels front & back. Have a sticker on the windows “Danger BEWARE OF THE SNAKE”. I have seen this EC video in one of your previous lessons and is fantastic.
      Could you provide your lesson in Tab.
      All good, maybe the BGU members should hold a concert to raise money to pay your excess for the insurance claim… it all helps.
      PS: I have experience in insurance matters to help you with some tips.
      Michael-Sydney Australia

    • Alex Mowatt

      Like so many others I empathise with you in loosing your van etc. Your understated sense of the loss is refreshing and probably the only way to go,given that insurance will hopefully pick up the tab. We all know that there might be ‘pet instruments’ or pieces of equipment that you may still miss. As for Eric Clapton, certainly this side of the big pond he was declared ‘God’ by a graphic artist (if indeed you could call it that defacing someone’s wall). I think he didn’t/ doesn’t believe his ‘followers’ think that but; that aside he is very good – no doubt about that. I have no less than twenty one of his CD’s in my collection. Interestingly enough I have nearly as many, if not more, of Chris Rea, who is in my view, certainly from a stage presence point of view his equal. Good luck on the recovery of your van etc. Great lesson as usual Griff.

    • Steve C

      Griff, very sorry to hear about the loss of you truck,trailer and gear. As others have mentioned hopefully no instruments were in the trailer, real bummer if that’s the case. Thanks for the lessons, great technique gifts even if some on her don’t appreciate the artist or style. You and your lessons are appreciated!

    • Greg Bailey

      First, Griff, let me offer my condolences on the loss of your vehicles and equipment. I hope no actual Instruments were lost, for they are our Best and truest friends. I hope you recover as much as possible.
      Eric Clapton’s Muse is Robert Johnson, and RJ was known to change tempo, mid-song, then bring it back, much as EC does here. It’s seems to me that this is his method of interpretation and ownership. It’s definitely part of his signature, and, like RJ, often drives musicians crazy, specifically because it’s out of phase with the rest of the music.
      As always, take care and be well,
      Greg Bailey

    • Elton Luick

      Enjoyed examining this, fantastically nice ram, thankyou. Not anything occurs to emphatically on the subject of any fixation which mostly that thing is immediately not finished of course to tolerate. by Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

    • Charlie Di Lisio

      Great lesson as always. I have tremendous respect for EC as a musician and blues player. But, in all honesty have never been a big fan of his or these type of repetitive licks. The human ear is limited in it’s capacity to absorb it for long and you tend to lose the listener. Having studied classical music, the same thing can happen there too. The trick seems to be in maintaining a balance of interesting, fun, and feel. Thanks Griff.

      • Lego 47

        I’m no fan of Clapton either. I do respect him as a musician. Recently I happened upon a video of him and Luciano Pavarotti doing a song called “Holy Mother ” It was amazing how Clapton could blend together with the great Pavarotti even though they represented two different genres of music. Hopefully you’ll recover your equipment.

    • tim theys

      THAT’S MY GUITAR!! the white guitar that I played at BGU LIVE is that same guitar Clapton’s playing in the video…I was fortunate to have a connection to buy it when the tour was over. For some odd reason, Clapton sure makes it sound better…duh.

    • Sandra Mahony

      Have to say I am a fan of eric clapton, thanks for showing how to play that lick, I would have said, no that looks too hard, but its not , just needs a bit of practice.would like you to do a lesson on bell bottom blues one day griff, thanks, cheers!!!!

    • Bruce

      Thanks Griff , ya ,a good one to know , n save to use .

    • lorenzo

      Thank you so much Griff for all the great knowledge you have and your willingness to share it with us.

      • Bunk

        Great stuff, Griff. Always enjoy and get a lot out of your lessons. Easy to understand (not always easy to do). Great teaching. God Bless you!

    • Daril

      Clapton … holy shit!

    • TonyD

      Oh. One request Griff. I play acoustic guitar more than lead guitar. Could you do some more acoustic guitar lessons. I own your Acoustic Blues Guitar Unleashed and I love it, but I would like to learn more acoustic guitar from the masters.

    • TonyD

      Great lesson Griff. Keep the Clapton lessons rolling in. Love Clapton.

    • Ross

      Thanks Griff. I’ve been playing for 50 years. Always a bit of a loner, I picked up what I could from books and recordings. I’ve always known if I had been more socially skilled, I could have learned much more, faster. Now you’re that guy for me. Much appreciated, my friend. BTW, no lick has soul. That’s in the player. When improvising lead is working best for me, I’m no longer playing, I’m listening.

    • Jeffrey Goblirsch

      Thanks Griff
      We know the Box, but got to perfect the pull offs & hammer on’s & bends. That’s the deference between awesome Guitar playing & playing just a boring Pentonic 1 Box! Want to get there someday!

      Jeffrey Goblirsch

      • David Norfolk England

        Hi Griff so sorry to hear about your gear and trust that all be be resolved satisfactorily for you. Great lesson as always – love your teaching style and – wow – how things have leaped forward with the arrival of the Internet and YouTube – just wish I was 16 ans not 66!! So much to learn and so much time already passed.
        Blessings David

    • GFord

      Griff,
      The lesson was awesome as usual. This is nit-picking from a true fan and also military man. Stop with the camouflage – in any form!

      I think it is certainly ok to talk about and thank the troops, maybe wear some related T-Shirts, but the CAMO thing… It makes it look like you are saying you were there. If you were, then great and I will shit up. If not, general T-Shirts (even service ones) would be better. Just not the BDU look.

      I love your stuff and am sorry to ding.

      Gary

    • joe mcmahon

      griff your too much! but that clip of clapton? dam i felt stevie? and the boss
      your good , thank you. joe

    • Jim Gulley

      Cool. Right on Griff. You made something that “appears to be difficult” look easy enough so that even one of you students (like me )want to give it a try. Thanks for the info.

    • matt

      Great stuff and clear explanation. Matt

    • George Koziol

      Great to see that. Someone just asked me the other day who I thought was the best guitarist. I said Clapton, don’t get me wrong there are a lot of great guitarist but, Clapton has done so much for so long he is amazing. And what you just showed here is just an example of that. I listen a lot to what he does, most I can’t come close to doing so I really appreciate what you can show me.

    • Jim

      Griff, did you know you are also a piano teacher? Yep, I started watching your videos when I tried guitar for a few months but I went back to piano and started working on blues piano. But I kept watching your videos because you have such a good way of laying the foundation of good musicianship. I’ve translated several of the licks you’ve demonstrated including this one to the piano. I found this a nice way to start building up energy when you get to the IV chord in bar 5 so that you get a nice arc through the 12 bars. Thanks again for all the ideas and encouragement you share.

    • Bill Bellinzoni

      Thanks Griff. Anything Clapton is greatly appreciated. You are a terrific teacher ๐Ÿ™‚

    • GerryinCanada

      Griff … as always, great stuff.

      I noticed you seem to be using a footswitch to start and stop the backing track … care to enlighten us?

      Thanks, Gerry

      • Jim

        I think Griff pointed out in the beginning that he was using his “Looper” pedal to provide the simple rhythm backing track. Look up looper at Guirar Center’s website and youl’ll find it – or, on you tube. It’s a cool “instant recording/playback box.”

    • Michael

      Thanks Griff ! after much practice, it will be a good tool in my BGU
      toolbox. Awesome teacher!! again Thanks!

    • Neil Wilkinson

      Wow Griff some very diverse comments. Just keep doing what your doing I cant believe how much ive progressed. If it was easy everyone would be doing it Clapton SRV Hendrix Buddy Guy Albert Lee (another brit) Rory Gallagher (another brit) the list goes on. All are hugely talented in there own right. All are great to listen to and make me want to be a better guitarist.

      Thanx Griff

    • Dave AKA Bluewater

      Perfect quick lesson.

    • Vic G

      I have been trying to find how to do those tweedles for ages, Then Griff shows it ! I bought almost all his stuff, He always shows stuff S-L-O-W-L-Y and carefully, and usually with tab, And here, I’m afraid you let your muscle memory blaze through it, and your explanation was too fast and unclear,

      PLEASE do this over and show is SLOWLY before you speed it up, Like Griff Hamlin my teacher always does !

    • Frank Lombardi

      Thanks Griff I wish you were in New Jersey. Your a Great Teacher

    • John

      Your explanation of building into this lick and then not starting it until you hit the IV chord makes great sense. Then finishing with a bend back to the E when you go back to the I chord is great too. This guitar thing is addictive! Thanks!

    • raulz

      superb lesson griff! Thx a lot.

    • JoeyB

      Thank you! This will be fun to practice!

    • John Fitch Sr

      That was way cool, thanks for the explanation, I have seen Clapton do this in quite a few songs and wondered the purpose of it.

    • Mars

      Thanks for the licks ,I’m learning so much from you.

    • Ray Jackson

      Nice to see that lick broken down and to realise it’s not that difficult, except to keep it going, at speed, but, practice will crack that. I have to admit, I don’t really care for fast licks like this, but hey, each to their own.

      Griff, you might be interested to know that having followed your downloads for what, 3 yrs to learn blues soloing, my wife takes great pleasure in telling any and everyone that asks “Does Ray play guitar”? there are a few hanging off the walls. Oh yes! she will beam. He used to strum chords for years but NOW, He plays guitar and plays it well, Bless her heart.

      So a BIG thanks to you Griff, cos’ it’s all down to you and your unique and methodical way of teaching. Keep up the great work and a massive Thanks again from myself. Ray (UK)

    • Colin Campbell

      Thanks for yet another excellent playing tip.
      Essential that us students keep the ‘widdly’ brief.
      Otherwise it becomes tedious for the audience.

    • Victor

      Cool man, thanks for that.

      • Jerry Palladino

        That was a great performance by Clapton. Recently you sent an email that had a link to one of your performance’s with a great band. The sound was just as tight as Clapton’s band, your vocals were excellent, and your guitar playing as good as Clapton’s, to my ear anyway. So what’s the difference between you and Clapton besides hit records? I think there’s a lot of hype around guys like Clapton that makes people think he’s the greatest ever. What are your thoughts on that Griff?

    • Ric Haley

      Fun lesson Griff keep em comin.
      bigrichaley

    • Alexander Blue

      Way – 2 – COOL !!!

      Thanks Tater ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Art

      First of all thank you Griff for all of the latest video posting; most recent favorite was the Albert Collins, Clapton and SRV. One can learn a lot by watching then trying to play along and cop a lick or two from the video(S). That said, Ricardo seems to have a negative about the Clapton style which is his opinion to be sure, but to say a “slap in the face to Johnny Winter”??? I think I could say much the say about many of the great guitarists we try to emulate, copy licks from, learn from. They all have a common lick they will use over and over. One can argue to who the greatest “blues” player all day long, and never come to an agreement. Some aren’t even household names, yet if you look on YOUTUBE they are there. How does one define a great blues player; creating their own, style, era they were in, who they played with, their tone…? I don’t think it’s the fanciness, speed personally, but how the guitarist can cause the listener to feel deep into the soul what they are playing, drift away with the riff/song… The late Hubert Sumlin once said that he told a guitarist it don’t matter how fast or much they play; cause if they don’t have soul, they ain’t got nothing! So that’s my two cents and I hope that we as blues players, search and keep searching/striving to improve ourselves, learning from all of the greats before us, and not find fault. In Clapton’s case, he’s come a long way and the world style loves to listen to him.

    • Donnie M.

      Hi, Griff! Gotta ask you to do that blues-rock lick slow for next time! (I know; someone else asked before, but, I’m jumping on the bandwagon!)

    • ricardo

      Clapton Clapton Clapton such a slap in the face to our own johnny winter who played blues whether you liked it or not. played and sang with more fire. not rock and roll hootchie coo or other songs with rick derringer (who is a very good player, as good as clapton ) but when he went back to the blues. yes claoton is good but PLEASE don’t you as so many others, make him to be the benchmark for great blues. as another in the responses said I hate the lick. it is just repetitive and has no soul at all. its like these metal heads that run up and down the frets and thrash and crash and shred with no melodic qualities at all. john mayer does some really nice stuff and is better. try david hidalgo from los lobos and I could go on and on. albert Collins may not have been more knowledgeable around the fretboard but he wiped out Clapton with his style and intensity. ec has done much to keep the blues on the map but please don’t make him to be THE bluesman. if you saw hail hail rock and roll about chuck berry, chuck introduces him as – man of the blues. how interesting. not bluesman. my favorite clapton is when he was on a tv show honoring Curtis Mayfield and played acoustically with some singer. I thought that was the real deal. anyway griff, keep up with what you do and try to include some americans who were kickin it before Clapton, ec was good with duane allman. couldn’t say he is a straight bluesman but do you ever listen to ry cooder?

      • Griff

        I understand you may not be a fan of Clapton’s, but there isn’t anything here that tried to say his playing is a benchmark for anything. This really isn’t the place to discuss “better” when it comes to guitar playing (or music in general) because it’s too subjective and until you define how you’re going to measure it there is no point. This blog is about learning the blues and it’s a lick many people will enjoy and use just as there are many people who probably share your opinion and won’t learn it or use it. Either way is fine and perhaps the next time I’m in the studio I’ll do some Johnny Winter and/or Ry Cooder licks.

        • patrick

          I’m learning slide and would much appreciate anything from JW or RC. I have been able to pick up a few slide licks from JW but rarely can I figure out what RC is doing. Without sparking a debate I am more interested in the JW style of play. Just my preference.
          Thanks in advance.
          Pat
          Is a tweedlie anything like a trill?

      • Twisty

        No soul and repetitive? It can, in the hands of a soulless player. But there are plenty of soulful players that shred, I agree sometimes speed isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, soul?…give me Holdsworth…Mclaughlin …Coryell… Hendrix… and it seems no one remembers Frank Marino, ask him and he will always reply “it’s all about the blues”…

      • paul wilson

        what are you going on about,Clapton can and as wiped the floor with everyone he has played with including Joe bonamassa and he was not that well but clapton nailed him, joe just could not stop smiling and joe is a great player.but this is just a lick, like it or dont like it your choice but always great to know and being as you are all ranting about great blues players its simple Robert Johnson for acoustic and for electric guitar howlin wolf and muddy waters they made most of the songs Clapton, bb king, Albert king,Gary Moore ect have recorded for them self so you are all by far way out with chuck berry, really he could not even play in time or tune

    • dale

      good stuff thanks Griff. going to work on that one…

    • DaveyJoe

      Yeah!! That’s the kind of stuff I really dig!!
      Thanks, Griff!!

    • Rick S

      Griff,

      Just wanted to say thanks for all the video clips and information you send out. It has really helped me with understanding how to play better blues. Keep up the good work, I am sure you are helping a lot of musicians.

      You daaaaa mannnnn !!

      Rick from Seattle, Wa.

    • Paul George

      Ok Griff, honestly I think you just sorta obligated yourself here.

      “… you’re not tryin-na pull off one of those “Super – speedy, Blues – rock, kinda moves… …???

      Now you gotta show us how that one works. Pleeeeease! What’s behind a lick like that Griff? Can tomorrow’s blog be that one?

      • Tom Summers

        Griff,
        Clapton has it all when it comes to that unique Strat sound matched to an incredible feel for the music. Just seeing him close his eyes and move with the lick such that it is an organic creation emanating from within and so much more than mere mastery of technique. Such is found among all great blues guitarists and great musical geniuses of all genres regardless of the instrument. I mentioned to a friend of mine, who listens to music more frequently and broadly than I, that Clapton has become perhaps the finest blues guitarist of our generation (he is a bit older, Boomers) and is one who has truly kept the genre alive and evolving. He responded that Clapton is not a blues musician! If one were only aware of some of his more popular songs of the 1970’s, many with “Derick and the Dominoes”, and his “unplugged” acoustic CD of a couple decades ago, one might make the case mmmmm that he is a primarily rock??. However that is not how I hear that early music anymore. Following his career one finds, as the above clip shows, a master of blues. Even his early work has a definite blues influence, even in his 70’s hit, “Layla” one finds a bluesy feel to the leads. Anyway, after I picked my jaw up from the floor, I reminded him that Rock and Roll evolved from the blues or rhythm and blues if one prefers. And almost all of the great guitarists of the of the past five or six decades have been masters of blues. Thanks for the inspiring clip. Whatever our skill level, and not to down play the importance of technique, we are reminded that we must play with heart and soul and allow the music to flow from within us. As free stream of consciousness writing helps to hone the skill of the writer, so too does some free stream of consciousness playing to a backing track or loop help us to hone our skills and guitar players who aspire to become guitarists and musicians in our own right.

    • jim

      Good lesson…I hear a whole lot of Griff Hamlin in Clapton’s playing!
      Honestly, I HATE the lick. It sounds like the needle’s stuck in the groove…and not the “good” groove. I heard Marty S. try to teach this same thing and hated it then (he doesn’t even play it well). Sorry, NO offense to Griff – just a personal taste thing, and probably one of the few licks that Griff teaches that I don’t care for.

    • Paul Warner

      Very good lesson. I’ve been following Eric Clapton since his “Yardbirds” days when he took over or played with Jeff Beck, with his rendition of
      “Smokestack Lightning”. In the beginning you really had to be impressed with his playing, but as time went by and with much listening to every guitar player on the block, there were so many guitar players that really could smoke him as to talent and playing ability, not that he is not good, he is, but as you say old school with not much advancement in playing skills over the years until he did his acoustic stuff with the use of wonderful jazz chords and extraordinary voicings. When he helped form “Cream” he created the perfect riff forever etched in our minds with “The Sunshine Of Your Love”. I have watched and seen many blues players over the years and still the one that stands out for me is Gary Moore. This guy was very very skilled and I still get goosebumps watching stuff that he did on the guitar.

      • Clifton Jones

        EC took over from ‘Top’ Topham, then Jeff Beck took over from EC. Chris Dreja was rhythm in this period. Jimmy Page joined before Jeff Beck left (Chris Dreja swapped to bass) and the two played together for a while. Then Beck left and they carried on with Page as lead. Finally everyone got out before Page (some going to Renaissance) and he was stuck with the name and a series of gigs in Scandinavia. Page had to get some more musicians to form the New Yardbirds. After the commitments were fulfilled they changed their name to Led Zeppelin. I wonder what happened to them? ๐Ÿ˜‰

      • Garry

        today agree with Gary Moore and the way he let’s his soul play….

    • Bob JK

      Clapton does it, you do and show it, I now closer to learn it, thanks Griff.

    • Steve

      Great EC clip and a nice piece to practice ,
      Thanks one moe time Griff.

    • Oliverio Garza

      Griff, if it wasn’t for you teaching us how to do it, we would never figure it out ourselvesl. Thanks a million and God bless you.

    • Bob

      As always Griff – yo da man!!! Thanks

    • svend erik Nydahl

      Thanks again always a joy to peep into your teaching.

    • papa j

      I heard BB King in his vocal phrasing.

    • Vin

      Excellent! I’ve been hearing that classic Clapton “signature” riff for years and always wanted to see it slowed down.
      But I have a more basic question: Clapton obviously does not use his pinky much on these Box 1 pentatonic runs, so I am assuming his first and third fingers are moving between (low E string first) 1 and 2 tones of Box 1 pentatonic, and uses first and second fingers between 3 and 4 tones, and same for 5 to Root? It’s the 2 fret- 1st – 2nd finger that’s difficult to get fast. So much easier to use 1 and 3 finger for the 2 fret stretch. But if Clapton does the 1-2 finger for 2 frets that’s what I want to do. Any other’s please help me with this one.

    • Keith

      Great lesson. Thanks Geoff l will have fun with this keep emails conning you rock! Keith

    • Dandiller

      Great vidios Griff. I’ve always been in awe of Clapton’s seemingly effortless rifts, now to see you break it down for us is really exciting. Thanks Griff. Keep it comming.

    • Terry

      Cheers Griff.

      Clapton was right on the money in that video. Thanks for pointing out the “Clapton Flurry” Not be confused with the Mac D version. It’s little things like this that take ages to discover for yourself, so thanks again.

    • Mike

      I equate these “tricks” to well crafted mitre joints. By themselves they are no big deal but to execute them flawlessly, over and over at the right moment is paramount to realize the optimum strength of a single piece. Griff is like a master carpenter showing us apprentices how to fit the details, perfectly. My joints still have some glue showing but, at least, now people can tell what It is I’m building.

    • Richard Livesay

      Love your style of teaching you don’t beat around the bush and explain all the tricks and shortcuts so that anyone can understand them . Keep up the good work Griff

    • tony

      First of all would like to say that Eric and I have the same taste in guitars .I have one just like his. I believe that it is a Jeff Beck type . Any ways as always Griff Your the best and also I believe I already have been zeroing in on this sort of riff . The videos that were out yesterday were pretty cool. Seeing Freddy playing that Gibson SG blew Me away. I borrowed one like it when I first started taking lessons . Found one like it w/o the sway bar for one hundred and seventy five thousand dollars on E bay WoW!!!! The guy I got to loan the guitar was willing to sell it . Could not reach a fair price any day any time its just priceless . He passed it on to his Son, good idea. LUCKY BOY !!!! B-) Have a great w/e.

      • tony

        Gonna play this one over a few xs love the shifts alot.

      • PeterB

        Tony: Clapton has played his own ‘signature’ Strat (albeit in a variety of colours/models) for decades. They always have an all maple neck, and for years have had the 25dB mid-boost kit and Fender Vintage Noiseless PUPs and and ‘blocked’ tremolo. The early ones had Lace Sensors so this clip dates back a while as sadly Eric is getting on a bit now and based on the last time I saw him at the Royal Albert Hall a couple of years back, plays much more mellow stuff. JB’s Strats have Hot Noisless PUPs, a Rosewood Fingerboard, a Roller nut for all those bends and the all important floating tremolo (Jeff’s signature). So – I don’t know what you’ve got but if its one like Eric is playing here its not a JB.

        • tony

          whatever Man looks like one I believe is what I said mine is actually a CE and looks like a JB

    • Gary L.

      Great lesson and video of EC ripping it up! I will enjoy learning this flurry this weekend! Thanks Griff!

    • Christian

      Right on Griff! Thanks for flurry lesson I’ll be using it tonight over the 4 chord at the blues jam. Stay true to the blues!

    • Paul Betts

      Wow…I guess you could call that being in the zone. EC and the band were tight and he didn’t miss a note!

    • Jimmy

      Well I like various musical forms and not just the blues.
      I prefer variety,yet do whatever you enjoy.

    • geoff

      Gday griff very cool

      • Kiim

        Hi Griff & thank -you for these lessons , I would like to teach our son- in -law how to play, so I can start to learn lead work. This lesson, it seemed like my fingers just automatically seem to know where to go ! Sorry, to hear about a theft. I will pray that you get your stuff back. Respectfully, your new 62 year old student- Kim Alexander-pres. Fox River Sports- Waukesha ,Wi

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