Next Time You See Her by Eric Clapton - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Learn to play Eric Clapton's classic song "Next Time You See Her" with our comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson. This track from Clapton's Slowhand album (1977) is a masterclass in melodic guitar work, blending blues, rock, and pop elements. In this lesson, we’ll dive deep into key techniques found in the song, including chord progressions, syncopated rhythms, and alternate picking. These techniques not only form the backbone of the song but are also essential for developing your overall guitar playing skills. Whether you’re an intermediate player looking to refine your technique or an advanced guitarist aiming to capture Clapton’s style, this lesson will provide the tools you need. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in Next Time You See Her

Chord Progressions

One of the central elements of "Next Time You See Her" is its sophisticated chord progressions. Clapton’s ability to build tension and resolution through harmonic movement is a hallmark of his songwriting. In this track, he uses a series of smooth transitions between major and minor chords to create a rich, full sound. The progression moves through both open chords and barre chords, offering a wide harmonic palette. Learning these progressions will not only improve your ability to change chords fluidly but will also enhance your understanding of harmonic structure and how chords interact to create emotional responses in music.

Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopated rhythms play a vital role in the groove of "Next Time You See Her." Syncopation involves placing emphasis on the off-beats, creating a rhythmic push and pull that makes the song feel dynamic and lively. In this track, Clapton uses syncopation to give the rhythm guitar parts a bouncy, flowing feel. Mastering syncopated rhythms will help you improve your timing, feel, and groove, allowing you to add more rhythmic interest to your playing. Our lesson will guide you through the syncopated strumming patterns used in the song, ensuring you capture the laid-back but driving feel that Clapton brings to the track.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for maintaining clarity and precision in your picking hand, and it’s used throughout "Next Time You See Her" to play both lead and rhythm parts. Alternate picking involves picking the strings in a continuous up-and-down motion, which helps increase speed and efficiency. In this lesson, we’ll show you how Clapton uses alternate picking in his melodic lines to create fluid, clean phrases that blend seamlessly into the song’s rhythm. Mastering alternate picking will help you play faster, more complex passages with control and ease, giving your playing a more professional sound.

About the Guitar Player in Next Time You See Her

• Eric Clapton, often referred to as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, is known for his ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and pop styles. His work on "Next Time You See Her" is a perfect example of his melodic and rhythmic sensibilities. Clapton’s playing is characterized by smooth phrasing, a clean tone, and the use of syncopated rhythms to add depth and movement to his compositions. This song showcases Clapton’s ability to create emotional, story-driven guitar parts without relying on complex speed or flashy solos. Learning this track will give guitarists valuable insight into how Clapton uses rhythmic and harmonic devices to craft engaging guitar parts.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Alternate Picking

By mastering these key techniques, you’ll be able to play "Next Time You See Her" with the same precision and feel as Eric Clapton, while also improving your overall guitar playing abilities. Whether you’re looking to improve your rhythm guitar skills, add syncopation to your playing, or refine your alternate picking technique, this lesson provides the tools you need to enhance your skills. Dive into our detailed lesson and start playing this timeless Clapton classic with confidence!