Sunshine Of Your Love - Eric Clapton
Learn to Play "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream
"Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream is one of the most iconic blues-rock tracks of all time, featuring a riff that defines the era. This note-for-note guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com allows players to fully master Eric Clapton’s legendary licks and techniques, ensuring they can capture the essence of this classic track. The lesson breaks down the song’s signature riff, rhythm work, and expressive soloing techniques, making it an essential study for guitarists looking to develop their blues and rock skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
The Guitarists Behind the Song
"Sunshine Of Your Love" was recorded by Eric Clapton as the lead guitarist of Cream, alongside bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker. Clapton’s guitar work in this song is a masterclass in blues phrasing, sustain, and dynamic expression. Influenced by blues greats like B.B. King and Albert King, Clapton brought a unique British blues-rock style that helped shape modern guitar playing. His fluid yet aggressive approach to soloing remains an inspiration for guitarists worldwide.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
This lesson focuses on the key guitar techniques that make "Sunshine Of Your Love" such an unforgettable track. Each technique is broken down in a way that will help players develop control, tone, and expression in their own playing.
String Bending
String bending is a fundamental blues technique that Clapton uses extensively in this song. By bending strings to reach new pitches, players can add emotion and vocal-like phrasing to their solos. Mastering bends will improve a guitarist’s ability to convey feeling in their playing.
Vibrato
Clapton’s signature vibrato gives his notes extra life and expression. This technique involves subtly oscillating a note to create a richer, sustained sound. Learning proper vibrato control will enhance sustain and depth, making your playing sound more polished.
Power Chords
The driving force behind the song’s riff is the use of power chords, giving it a thick, punchy sound. These two-note chords are a staple in rock music, and mastering them will help guitarists build stronger rhythm skills and better chord control.
Slides
Slides are used in both the main riff and solo, helping notes flow smoothly between different pitches. This technique adds fluidity and expressiveness, making solos sound more natural and less rigid.
Hammer-ons & Pull-offs
These legato techniques help create smooth, fast runs without excessive picking. By incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs into your playing, you can develop speed, articulation, and dynamic control.
Bluesy Bends
This song features bends that incorporate microtonal nuances, replicating classic blues vocal inflections. Learning this technique will increase your expressive range and add an authentic blues feel to your solos.
Chord Progressions
Understanding the blues-inspired chord progression in "Sunshine Of Your Love" is crucial for grasping its harmonic structure. Learning these progressions will improve improvisation skills and help guitarists craft their own blues-based riffs.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
With this in-depth lesson from Licklibrary.com, you’ll not only master "Sunshine Of Your Love" note for note but also enhance your overall blues-rock technique—bringing you closer to the timeless sound of Eric Clapton and Cream. Ready to take your playing to the next level? Start your lesson today!
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