Cocaine - Eric Clapton

Overview

Eric Clapton’s "Cocaine" is a blues-rock classic that showcases his signature smooth and expressive guitar work. Originally written by J.J. Cale, Clapton’s rendition is known for its infectious groove, melodic phrasing, and dynamic lead playing. This note-for-note guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com breaks down the song’s structure, providing deep insight into Clapton’s playing style and technique.

By learning "Cocaine," guitarists will gain valuable skills in blues phrasing, expressive bending, vibrato, and rhythm techniques, all of which can be applied to a wide range of musical styles. This lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also enhances your overall technique and musical vocabulary. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques in "Cocaine"

String Bending

Clapton’s expressive bends in "Cocaine" add emotion and fluidity to his lead lines. Mastering this technique helps players develop greater control over pitch, allowing them to replicate Clapton’s signature bluesy tone.

Vibrato

A key element of Clapton’s lead guitar work, vibrato gives sustained notes a singing quality. Learning to execute a controlled vibrato will help improve sustain and add a personal touch to every note you play.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the song’s licks to create a smooth transition between notes, making melodies sound more fluid. Developing this skill enhances legato phrasing and adds a professional polish to lead guitar playing.

Double Stops

Double stops provide a rich, harmonised texture to lead lines. Clapton uses this technique to thicken his licks, and learning it will improve your ability to create full-sounding lead passages.

Pull-offs

Pull-offs are used to create smooth, fast legato runs in Clapton’s solos. This technique helps increase playing speed and dexterity while making lead lines sound more connected and effortless.

Palm Muting

The song’s rhythm section incorporates palm muting to create a dynamic, punchy groove. Mastering this technique allows for better control over note articulation and rhythmic precision.

Chord Progressions

"Cocaine" follows a straightforward yet powerful chord progression that forms the backbone of its groove. Understanding this technique improves rhythm playing and helps guitarists recognise similar progressions in other blues and rock songs.

Bluesy Bends

Clapton’s phrasing in "Cocaine" includes subtle bluesy bends that add emotion to his solos. Learning this technique improves expression and the ability to create soulful lead lines.

The Guitarists Behind "Cocaine"

Eric Clapton’s version of "Cocaine" was recorded for his 1977 album Slowhand. While J.J. Cale originally wrote and recorded the song, Clapton’s version became widely popular due to his signature guitar tone and fluid playing style.

Clapton, often referred to as "Slowhand," has influenced generations of guitarists with his masterful phrasing, smooth touch, and melodic sensibilities. His ability to blend blues, rock, and pop elements makes him one of the most respected guitarists of all time. "Cocaine" perfectly represents his minimalist yet powerful approach to soloing, where feel and timing outweigh technical complexity.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Pull-offs
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions
• Bluesy Bends

By studying these techniques through our note-for-note guitar lesson, you'll not only be able to play "Cocaine" but also develop essential skills that will take your playing to the next level. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your blues-rock repertoire or an advanced player refining your phrasing, this lesson is an excellent addition to your practice routine.