Eric Clapton Reveals His 7 Favorite Guitar Players – Who Made the List?
Eric Clapton, one of the greatest guitarists of all time, has influenced generations of musicians. But who does he consider the best? In interviews over the years, Clapton has revealed his favorite guitar players—some expected, others surprising.
Here’s a deep dive into Eric Clapton’s top 7 guitarists, why they inspired him, and what makes them legendary.
1. B.B. King – The King of Blues
Clapton has often called B.B. King his biggest influence. He once said:
“When I heard B.B. King, I knew I had found my path. His phrasing, vibrato, and emotion were unlike anything else.”
King’s minimalist style, focusing on “one note that says it all,” shaped Clapton’s blues foundation. Their collaboration on “Riding with the King” (2000) remains a blues masterpiece.
Watch their legendary performance:
2. Jimi Hendrix – The Revolutionary
Clapton was stunned when he first heard Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s. He recalled:
“Hendrix came along and reset the bar. He played things I didn’t think were possible.”
Hendrix’s explosive creativity and use of feedback and distortion pushed Clapton to experiment more.
3. Robert Johnson – The Delta Blues Pioneer
Clapton has called Robert Johnson “the most important blues musician who ever lived.” Johnson’s haunting recordings, like “Cross Road Blues,” influenced Clapton’s early work, including Cream’s “Crossroads.”
4. Freddie King – The Texas Cannonball
Freddie King’s aggressive yet melodic style left a mark on Clapton. Songs like “Hide Away” showcased King’s fiery licks, which Clapton later emulated in his solos.
5. Albert Lee – The Country Virtuoso
A surprising pick, Albert Lee is known for his country and rockabilly playing. Clapton praised him:
“Albert is the greatest guitarist in the world. His speed and precision are unmatched.”
Lee’s hybrid picking technique inspired Clapton’s later country-infused work.
6. Duane Allman – The Slide Master
Clapton and Duane Allman bonded during the making of “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.” Allman’s slide work on “Layla” is iconic. Clapton said:
“Duane had a way of making the guitar sing like a human voice.”
7. Hubert Sumlin – Howlin’ Wolf’s Secret Weapon
Hubert Sumlin, Howlin’ Wolf’s guitarist, shaped Clapton’s rhythm playing. His raw, jagged riffs in “Smokestack Lightning” influenced Clapton’s early blues days.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
When Clapton’s list surfaced, fans debated his choices. Some expected Stevie Ray Vaughan or Jeff Beck, but others agreed with his blues-heavy picks.
Twitter reactions:
“No SRV? Shocking! But respect for Freddie King and Hubert Sumlin!” – @GuitarFanatic
“Clapton’s list proves blues is the foundation of rock.” – @BluesLover
Conclusion: Clapton’s Guitar Legacy
Eric Clapton’s favorite guitarists highlight his deep blues roots. From B.B. King’s soulful bends to Hendrix’s wild innovations, these players shaped Slowhand’s legendary career.
Who’s on your top guitarists list? Let us know in the comments!
