Old Love by Eric Clapton

Introduction

Eric Clapton's "Old Love" is a masterpiece that showcases the guitar legend's soulful playing and deep connection to the blues. This song is a perfect example of Clapton's ability to merge emotion and technical brilliance, making it an essential study for any guitarist aiming to improve their craft. Our note-for-note guitar lesson on "Old Love" dives deep into the intricate techniques used in the song, ensuring you can replicate its iconic sound while expanding your own playing skills.

This lesson focuses on various guitar techniques found in the song, explaining their application and the benefits they bring to your playing. Additionally, we'll touch on the incredible musicianship of Eric Clapton and others who contributed to the track, highlighting their influence and impact on the song's style. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

"Old Love" features Eric Clapton's expressive playing, which is rooted in blues but also showcases a touch of jazz and rock influences. Clapton's ability to convey emotion through his guitar has made him one of the most revered musicians in history. His dynamic phrasing, subtle vibrato, and soulful bending techniques are hallmarks of his style, making "Old Love" a fantastic case study for guitarists.

The track also benefits from the collaborative genius of musicians who bring depth and texture to the composition. The interplay between instruments creates a rich, emotive soundscape, enhancing the song's appeal and serving as a testament to Clapton's ability to work synergistically with other talented artists.

Techniques Covered in "Old Love"

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

String bending is one of the defining elements of Clapton's style in "Old Love." His precise bends hit the target note with emotion, often incorporating bluesy bends to add nuance. Learning these techniques improves your pitch accuracy and expressive phrasing.

Vibrato

Clapton's use of vibrato brings warmth and sustain to his notes. This technique, which involves oscillating the pitch of a note subtly, gives life to sustained tones and makes them sing. Mastering vibrato is essential for adding personality and emotion to your playing.

Slides

Slides are frequently used throughout the track to create smooth transitions between notes. This technique adds a fluid, vocal-like quality to your solos and enhances your ability to navigate the fretboard effortlessly.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song features hammer-ons and pull-offs to create legato passages that flow seamlessly. These techniques are invaluable for developing finger strength and speed, allowing for smoother and more expressive runs.

Double Stops

Double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—are used to add harmonic depth to licks in "Old Love." Incorporating this technique enhances your ability to create fuller, richer sounds during solos and riffs.

Finger-Picking and Hybrid Picking

The rhythm and lead work in "Old Love" often employ finger-picking or hybrid picking (a combination of pick and fingers) to achieve a delicate, articulate touch. These techniques are ideal for increasing your dynamic range and precision.

Chord Progressions and Arpeggiated Patterns

The song's sophisticated chord progressions and arpeggiated patterns highlight its blues and jazz influences. Mastering these elements will deepen your understanding of harmony and improve your ability to craft engaging accompaniments.

String Rakes

Clapton uses string rakes for percussive accents and dramatic effect. This technique enhances your rhythmic feel and adds texture to your solos, making them more dynamic and engaging.

Sustained Notes

The sustained notes in "Old Love" showcase Clapton’s impeccable control over tone and timing. Practicing sustain improves your ability to hold notes with consistent tone, adding an emotive layer to your playing.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique in "Old Love" contributes to developing essential skills for any guitarist:

• String bending and vibrato: Enhance your expressive capabilities.
• Slides and legato techniques: Improve fluidity and fretboard navigation.
• Finger-picking and hybrid picking: Expand your dynamic control and precision.
• Double stops and chord progressions: Add harmonic depth to your playing.
• Sustained notes and rakes: Build control and rhythmic creativity.

By mastering these techniques, you'll not only recreate the magic of "Old Love" but also elevate your overall playing style.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Old Love"

Here’s a comprehensive list of the guitar techniques featured in this lesson:

1. String Bending
2. Bluesy Bends
3. Vibrato
4. Slides
5. Hammer-Ons
6. Pull-Offs
7. Double Stops
8. Finger-Picking
9. Hybrid Picking
10. Chord Progressions
11. Arpeggiated Patterns
12. String Rakes
13. Sustain

Master these techniques with our comprehensive lesson and take your guitar playing to new heights!