Sunshine Of Your Love by Cream

Introduction to "Sunshine Of Your Love" Guitar Lesson

Licklibrary.com brings you an in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson for "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream. This classic track, recognised as one of the most iconic rock songs of all time, is a masterclass in blending blues influences with rock energy. Our lesson dissects every riff, lick, and solo, helping you play the song exactly as performed on the original recording.

This lesson emphasises essential techniques such as string bending, vibrato, and pentatonic phrasing, which are key to achieving the soulful, expressive sound of Cream's guitarist, Eric Clapton. Perfect for both intermediate and advanced players, learning this song will enhance your guitar technique and deepen your understanding of blues-rock guitar. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind the Song: Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, delivers a performance in "Sunshine Of Your Love" that showcases his unique ability to fuse emotion with technical precision. As a key member of Cream, Clapton's innovative use of the blues scale and groundbreaking solos helped shape the sound of rock music in the late 1960s. His work on this track has inspired countless guitarists, from aspiring players to legends of the instrument.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

1. String Bending

String bending is a fundamental blues technique prominently featured in Clapton's solos. It involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, creating an expressive, vocal-like quality. This lesson breaks down Clapton's subtle and precise bends, teaching you to control pitch and add emotional depth to your playing. Mastering string bending improves intonation and finger strength.

2. Vibrato

Vibrato adds warmth and sustain to notes, making them resonate with character. Eric Clapton’s vibrato is smooth and controlled, an essential ingredient of his expressive style. In this lesson, you’ll learn to replicate Clapton’s signature vibrato, giving your playing a professional polish and emotional resonance.

3. Slides

Slides create smooth transitions between notes and are used extensively in "Sunshine Of Your Love" for fluidity and expression. This lesson covers both subtle and dramatic slides, enhancing your phrasing and connecting notes seamlessly in your solos and riffs.

4. Power Chords

The driving riff of "Sunshine Of Your Love" is built on power chords, a staple of rock music. These simplified chords are powerful and percussive, making them perfect for riff-based songs. Mastering power chords improves your rhythm guitar skills and helps you achieve a tighter, more dynamic sound.

5. Pentatonic Scale Usage

The pentatonic scale is the backbone of Clapton’s lead playing in this song. This lesson focuses on Clapton’s phrasing within the scale, teaching you how to craft melodic solos with confidence. Understanding the pentatonic scale opens the door to improvisation and composition in blues and rock.

6. Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic feel of "Sunshine Of Your Love" is rooted in syncopation, giving the track its unmistakable groove. By learning these patterns, you'll develop better timing and a deeper understanding of rhythmic interplay in rock and blues.

Why Learn This Song?

"Sunshine Of Your Love" is a perfect learning tool for guitarists aiming to master the foundations of blues-rock. The techniques taught in this lesson not only help you recreate this legendary track but also enhance your overall musicianship. You'll gain insights into phrasing, dynamics, and improvisation, all while adding a timeless song to your repertoire.

Techniques Used in the Lesson

Here’s a list of guitar techniques covered in this lesson. Click on each technique to learn more:

This lesson provides an engaging and comprehensive breakdown of "Sunshine Of Your Love," helping you unlock Clapton’s signature sound and take your guitar playing to new heights. Get ready to master one of rock history’s most memorable tracks!

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Michael Casswell

It is with great sadness that we post the news of Michael Casswell's tragic death in a swimming accident while on holiday in Spain. All of us at Licklibrary are shocked and saddened by MIke's passing, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time. Michael...

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