Mean Old Frisco by Eric Clapton - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Our note-for-note guitar lesson on "Mean Old Frisco" by Eric Clapton offers a deep dive into classic blues guitar playing. This iconic song features a combination of essential blues techniques, including altered tunings, string bending, slides, and vibrato. Each of these techniques plays a crucial role in shaping the song’s rich, bluesy sound, making this lesson perfect for any guitarist looking to master Clapton’s style. Whether you’re an intermediate player or a seasoned musician looking to refine your skills, this lesson will help you capture the soulful essence of "Mean Old Frisco" and apply these techniques to your own playing. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in Mean Old Frisco

Altered Tunings

Altered tunings are a key feature of Clapton’s playing in "Mean Old Frisco," and they provide a unique, resonant sound that is perfect for blues. In this song, Clapton uses an open tuning that allows him to create rich, full chords with minimal finger movement, while also making slide playing more accessible. Learning to play in altered tunings will expand your understanding of the guitar and open up new possibilities for chord voicings and melodic exploration. In this lesson, we’ll break down how to tune your guitar for "Mean Old Frisco" and explain the benefits of using altered tunings to achieve a fuller, more resonant sound.

String Bending

String bending is an essential technique in blues guitar, and Clapton’s use of it in "Mean Old Frisco" adds emotion and expressiveness to his playing. String bending involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, creating a smooth transition between notes. In this song, Clapton uses bends to highlight key notes, adding a vocal-like quality to his phrasing. Mastering string bending will help you play more expressively, adding dynamics and emotion to your solos. This lesson will guide you through proper bending technique, ensuring that your bends are in tune and controlled, giving your playing a more professional and polished sound.

Slides

Slides are another important technique in Clapton’s blues repertoire, and they are used throughout "Mean Old Frisco" to create smooth, seamless transitions between notes. A slide involves gliding your finger along the fretboard while maintaining contact with the string, allowing you to move from one note to another without picking. Slides add fluidity to your playing and can create a more connected, flowing sound. In this lesson, we’ll break down how to perform clean, precise slides, helping you develop a more melodic and connected approach to soloing. Learning slides will also improve your ability to play faster, more fluid lines in your solos.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a crucial technique for adding sustain and emotion to your playing, and Clapton’s use of vibrato in "Mean Old Frisco" is subtle but effective. Vibrato involves moving the string up and down while holding a note, creating a slight variation in pitch that adds richness and depth. Clapton’s vibrato adds a warm, resonant quality to his notes, helping them stand out with greater emotional impact. Learning how to control your vibrato will give your playing a more polished and expressive feel. In this lesson, we’ll guide you through developing smooth, even vibrato that enhances the overall tone and emotional depth of your solos.

About the Guitar Player in Mean Old Frisco

Eric Clapton is one of the most influential and celebrated guitarists in rock and blues history. Known for his emotive playing and impeccable technique, Clapton has mastered the art of blending traditional blues with modern rock influences. "Mean Old Frisco" is a prime example of Clapton’s blues roots, drawing on the classic Delta blues tradition while incorporating his signature sound. Clapton’s ability to create melodic, soulful guitar lines that are both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant is showcased throughout this song. Learning "Mean Old Frisco" will give guitarists valuable insights into Clapton’s approach to blues guitar, particularly his use of altered tunings and expressive techniques.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Altered Tunings
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato

By mastering these key techniques, you’ll gain the skills needed to play "Mean Old Frisco" with the same emotion and technical precision that Eric Clapton brings to this blues classic. This lesson will help you develop a deeper understanding of the blues while improving your ability to express yourself through the guitar. Dive into the world of Clapton’s blues mastery and take your playing to new heights with our in-depth "Mean Old Frisco" guitar lesson!