Politician by Cream
"Politician" by Cream is a blues-rock classic that showcases the incredible synergy of one of rock's greatest trios. This note-for-note guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com unpacks the nuances of this timeless song, focusing on essential guitar techniques to help players elevate their skills. Whether you’re a fan of Cream or an aspiring guitarist looking to broaden your repertoire, this lesson delivers both musical and technical mastery. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Guitarists: Eric Clapton and Cream's Influence
Cream, often hailed as one of the first supergroups, was powered by the legendary Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Ginger Baker on drums. Eric Clapton’s contribution to the blues and rock genres is immeasurable, with his innovative playing style influencing countless guitarists. In "Politician," Clapton’s tasteful phrasing and powerful tone are on full display. His ability to blend blues roots with rock’s intensity revolutionised guitar playing and solidified his position as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Techniques Explored in the Lesson
Power Chords
The driving rhythm in "Politician" heavily relies on power chords, creating a robust and gritty foundation. Power chords are an essential tool for any rock guitarist, providing a simple yet impactful way to add depth and weight to your playing. Mastering power chords enhances your rhythm playing, making it more versatile and confident.
String Bending
String bending is a hallmark of Clapton’s expressive soloing style. This technique allows you to add emotion and dynamics to your playing, mimicking the nuances of the human voice. Learning to control bends will improve your pitch accuracy and tonal control.
Slides
Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, adding a fluid and connected quality to your lines. In "Politician," slides contribute to the song’s seamless movement and bluesy character. Developing this skill will enhance your legato playing and stylistic versatility.
Vibrato
Clapton’s signature vibrato breathes life into his solos, adding richness and sustain to the notes. Vibrato is essential for creating a personal touch in your playing, allowing you to shape your sound and convey emotion effectively.
Bluesy Bends
Bluesy bends are a cornerstone of Clapton’s technique, imbuing his solos with a soulful, raw edge. These bends are not only expressive but also a fundamental part of blues-based rock. Practicing bluesy bends sharpens your ear for tonal nuances and enhances your improvisational skills.
Double Stops
"Politician" features double stops to create harmonic and rhythmic interest. This technique involves playing two notes simultaneously, adding depth and texture to your phrasing. Mastering double stops will improve your coordination and give your solos a more layered sound.
Palm Muting
The chugging rhythm parts in "Politician" benefit from palm muting, which adds a tight, percussive quality to the guitar. This technique is vital for controlling sustain and dynamics, making your rhythm playing cleaner and more articulate.
Barre Chords
Barre chords are integral to Clapton’s rhythm guitar work in this song. This technique allows for greater flexibility when playing complex progressions and shapes. By incorporating barre chords into your practice, you’ll develop finger strength and broaden your chord vocabulary.
Chromaticism
The use of chromatic runs in Clapton's solos adds a sophisticated, jazzy flair to the blues framework of "Politician." Learning chromaticism enhances your ability to navigate the fretboard and adds colour to your improvisation.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
Each of these techniques offers distinct benefits, from improving your expressiveness to strengthening your foundational skills. By mastering the techniques in "Politician," you’ll not only replicate one of Clapton’s most iconic performances but also expand your overall proficiency as a guitarist. This lesson is an excellent opportunity to delve into blues-rock stylings while refining your tone, phrasing, and dynamic control.
Guitar Techniques Used in "Politician" by Cream
Below is a list of the techniques covered in the lesson. Each links to an in-depth explanation:
Dive into this lesson and unlock the power of Clapton’s timeless guitar techniques with Licklibrary.com!
Other Cream Guitar Lessons
View All
Related Guitar Lessons
