Layla – Eric Clapton

Learn to Play Layla by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton’s Layla is one of the most iconic guitar songs in rock history. Originally released in 1970 by Derek and the Dominos, this song showcases fiery lead guitar work, intricate riffs, and emotional expression that define Clapton’s signature style. With our note-for-note guitar lesson, you’ll master the techniques that make this song a masterpiece, helping you develop essential guitar skills along the way. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists on Layla and Their Influence

Layla features the legendary Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, two of the most influential guitarists in rock and blues. Clapton’s emotive phrasing and blues-inspired licks set the foundation, while Allman’s slide guitar playing adds a soaring, vocal-like quality to the track. The interplay between these two guitarists is a masterclass in dynamics, melodic storytelling, and expressive playing. Learning this song will help you understand how to blend lead and rhythm guitar seamlessly, an invaluable skill for any guitarist.

Key Guitar Techniques in Layla

String Bending

This technique is essential in Clapton’s expressive playing. By bending the string, you can achieve smooth transitions between notes, adding emotion and depth to your solos. Mastering string bending will improve your phrasing and allow you to recreate that classic blues-rock feel.

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of Clapton’s defining techniques, adding a singing quality to sustained notes. This subtle modulation of pitch creates a richer and more expressive tone, making your solos sound more dynamic and professional.

Slides

Slides are frequently used in Layla to transition between notes smoothly. This technique enhances phrasing by creating fluid movements across the fretboard, mimicking vocal melodies and adding an expressive touch to your playing.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, which creates a fuller, harmonised sound. This technique is used in Layla’s solos and rhythm sections, making your guitar playing more powerful and textured.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs make solos more fluid and allow for fast, legato-style licks. These techniques are essential for executing the rapid note transitions found in Clapton’s lead lines.

Unison Bends

Unison bends occur when two strings are played together, with one note bent to match the pitch of the other. This creates a rich, harmonised sound that adds intensity to solos, a signature technique in Layla’s lead sections.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are used in both the rhythm and lead sections of Layla, allowing for melodic, broken-chord patterns. This technique helps develop a strong understanding of chord shapes and note selection when improvising.

Barre Chords

Barre chords provide the harmonic foundation of Layla's rhythm sections. By learning these chord shapes, you’ll gain better finger strength and fretboard knowledge, allowing you to play complex chord progressions more easily.

Slide Guitar (Duane Allman’s Influence)

Duane Allman’s slide guitar work in Layla adds a unique singing quality to the song. If you’re interested in slide guitar, studying his parts will introduce you to open tunings, vibrato control, and expressive note bending.

Syncopated Rhythms

The interplay between the rhythm and lead guitar in Layla features syncopation, where notes are played off the beat to create a dynamic and groovy feel. Mastering this technique improves your timing and rhythmic awareness.

Master These Techniques with Our Lesson

Our note-for-note guitar lesson on Layla breaks down each section, helping you develop the skills necessary to play this song authentically. Whether you're looking to refine your lead guitar phrasing, improve your rhythmic accuracy, or dive into slide guitar techniques, this lesson will elevate your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in Layla

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Unison Bends
• Arpeggios
• Barre Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms

By studying Layla with our expert lesson, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Clapton and Allman’s legendary guitar work while mastering essential techniques that will improve your overall playing ability. Start your journey today and bring the magic of Layla to life on your guitar!