Hideaway by Eric Clapton

"Hideaway," originally by Freddie King and later popularised by Eric Clapton, is an instrumental blues-rock classic that highlights both Clapton's masterful technique and his deep understanding of blues guitar. This note-for-note guitar lesson of "Hideaway" offers guitarists of all levels the chance to explore essential techniques that define Clapton’s style and build a solid foundation in blues guitar playing. Richard Barrett breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Clapton’s Influence on "Hideaway"

Eric Clapton’s version of "Hideaway," which he recorded with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, showcases his early brilliance and his love for American blues guitarists. Clapton's interpretation of this song is a tribute to Freddie King, one of his primary influences. King's ability to blend blues licks with rock energy provided Clapton with a model to follow, adding his unique phrasing and impeccable tone to make the song his own. Clapton’s take on "Hideaway" not only brought blues guitar to a wider audience but also helped solidify his reputation as a premier guitar player of the 1960s.

Clapton's fluid combination of melodic blues runs, dynamic phrasing, and impeccable timing in "Hideaway" continues to inspire generations of guitarists. Understanding these techniques will help you capture the essence of Clapton's playing and bring your own guitar skills to a higher level.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

1. Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is an essential technique for mastering "Hideaway," as it allows for fluid, fast runs across the strings. By alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, guitarists can achieve a smooth, even sound that Clapton employs throughout the song’s melodic runs. Learning alternate picking improves picking efficiency, speed, and timing, making it a core skill for any guitarist looking to play lead or rhythm guitar with precision.

2. String Bending

String bending is a key feature of Clapton’s solo work in "Hideaway." This technique involves pushing the string up or down to change the pitch, emulating a vocal quality in the notes. Clapton's expressive bends bring emotion into his playing, and learning how to bend accurately will improve your note control and add depth to your solos.

3. Vibrato

Clapton’s use of vibrato adds flavour to sustained notes, making them sing with a distinctive flair. This technique, where the pitch is oscillated slightly by the player’s fretting hand, enhances expression and helps the guitarist sound more fluid and natural. Mastering vibrato is crucial for guitarists looking to develop a unique voice on the instrument.

4. Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout "Hideaway," Clapton uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to execute smooth, fast melodic phrases. These techniques allow you to play more notes with fewer pick strokes, giving your playing a legato feel. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are excellent for building finger strength and dexterity, while also improving phrasing and fluidity in your solos.

5. Slides

Slides add an essential bluesy feel to "Hideaway." Sliding between notes gives a smooth transition and mimics the vocal qualities often found in blues music. Clapton’s use of slides in this song enhances the melody and leads to a more connected, flowing sound. Learning how to execute slides cleanly will improve your phrasing and add a distinct flavour to your playing.

6. Double Stops

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, are a prominent feature in Clapton’s rendition of "Hideaway." This technique adds harmonic depth and is often used in blues and rock playing to create a fuller, more powerful sound. Mastering double stops will allow you to add extra layers to your solos and rhythm playing, enriching your overall tone.

7. Bluesy Bends

Bluesy bends are essential to capturing the emotive power of Clapton’s playing in "Hideaway." These bends, often applied to notes of the pentatonic scale, push the note slightly sharp, adding a soulful character to the melody. Learning bluesy bends will give your playing a more authentic blues sound and increase your expressive capabilities.

8. Chord Progressions

The driving rhythm of "Hideaway" is anchored by a classic 12-bar blues chord progression, with Clapton weaving in and out of the changes with seamless lead work. Understanding this progression is essential to mastering the structure of blues songs. It also provides a foundation for improvisation, allowing guitarists to jam and create variations within a familiar framework.

9. Palm Muting

In some sections of "Hideaway," Clapton incorporates palm muting to control the dynamic range of his playing. Palm muting, achieved by resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, gives you the ability to add rhythmic depth and contrast, especially in faster or more percussive sections. This technique is useful for creating a tighter, more controlled sound and is essential for any modern guitarist.

10. Arpeggios

Arpeggios are used to outline chord shapes and add melodic interest to Clapton's lead playing. An arpeggio involves playing the notes of a chord in succession rather than all at once, giving your solos more direction and highlighting the harmony beneath them. Mastering arpeggios will help improve your knowledge of chord structures and add a sophisticated touch to your lead playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

By mastering these techniques, guitarists can capture the essence of Clapton's style in "Hideaway" and bring their own playing to a higher level. Whether you're a blues aficionado or looking to expand your technical abilities, this lesson offers valuable insights into Clapton's legendary approach to the guitar.

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Richard Barrett

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