Cocaine by Eric Clapton - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Our note-for-note guitar lesson on "Cocaine" by Eric Clapton will take you through the iconic techniques that define this rock classic. The song, originally written by J.J. Cale and popularized by Clapton on his 1977 Slowhand album, is known for its driving rhythm and memorable guitar riffs. In this lesson, we focus on four key guitar techniques: power chords, slides, vibrato, and string bending. These techniques are fundamental for any guitarist looking to master Clapton’s signature sound and apply it to their own playing. Whether you’re an intermediate player or a seasoned guitarist, this lesson will provide you with the skills needed to nail Clapton’s style on this track. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in Cocaine

Power Chords

Power chords are an essential element of the rhythm guitar in "Cocaine." These chords are typically made up of just the root note and the fifth, giving them a punchy, powerful sound that cuts through the mix without sounding too complex. In "Cocaine," Clapton uses power chords to drive the song’s rhythm, creating a strong, steady foundation for the rest of the track. Learning to play power chords efficiently is crucial for any rock guitarist, as they are used in countless songs across multiple genres. In our lesson, we’ll break down the power chord progressions used in the song, helping you improve your rhythm playing and chord transitions.

Slides

Slides are another key technique used in "Cocaine," adding smooth transitions between notes and giving the guitar lines a connected, flowing feel. Clapton uses slides to transition between power chords and individual notes, making his playing sound more fluid and dynamic. A slide involves moving your fretting finger from one note to another without lifting it off the string, allowing for a seamless transition between pitches. Mastering slides will improve your ability to move between notes smoothly, adding a more polished, professional sound to your playing. In this lesson, we’ll guide you through Clapton’s slide technique, ensuring you can replicate his smooth transitions in the song.

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of Clapton’s signature techniques, used to add emotion and sustain to his lead lines in "Cocaine." Vibrato involves slightly bending and releasing a note repeatedly, creating a rich, resonant sound. Clapton’s vibrato is controlled and subtle, enhancing the musicality of his playing without overpowering the melody. Learning vibrato will help you add depth and expression to your playing, making your solos sound more professional and emotionally engaging. Our lesson will teach you how to apply smooth, controlled vibrato, allowing you to bring out the full emotional range of your notes, just like Clapton does in this song.

String Bending

String bending is another essential technique used by Clapton in "Cocaine." String bending allows you to smoothly transition from one note to a higher pitch without picking the string again, creating a vocal-like, expressive quality. Clapton uses string bends in his solos to emphasize key notes and add a bluesy feel to the melody. Mastering string bending will help you add more emotion and dynamics to your playing, making your solos stand out. In our lesson, we’ll break down Clapton’s bending techniques in the song, teaching you how to bend notes accurately and in tune, so you can replicate his bluesy, soulful style.

About the Guitar Player in Cocaine

Eric Clapton, often referred to as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, is renowned for his ability to blend blues and rock in a way that feels both effortless and deeply emotional. His version of "Cocaine" takes J.J. Cale’s understated original and infuses it with Clapton’s distinctive blues-rock guitar work, creating a more powerful, driving sound. Clapton’s playing on this track is marked by his clean tone, strong sense of rhythm, and melodic leads, all of which have influenced generations of guitarists. Learning "Cocaine" offers a deep dive into Clapton’s playing style, particularly his use of power chords, string bending, and tasteful vibrato, giving you the tools to replicate his iconic sound.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String Bending

By mastering these key techniques, you’ll be able to replicate Clapton’s sound in "Cocaine" while also improving your overall guitar playing. This lesson will give you the tools to bring Clapton’s powerful, blues-driven style to life in your own playing, helping you become a more dynamic and expressive guitarist. Dive into our detailed lesson and start playing this classic rock anthem with the precision and feel of Eric Clapton!