Sunshine of Your Love - Solo by Cream

The iconic "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream is a must-learn classic for any guitarist looking to delve into blues-rock mastery. This note-for-note guitar lesson focuses on the solo, delivering detailed insights into the techniques that shaped this legendary performance. Featuring the fluid and emotive playing of Eric Clapton, this solo showcases expressive phrasing, blues-inspired bends, and melodic creativity that has influenced generations of guitarists. Here, we’ll explore the techniques highlighted in this lesson and the benefits of mastering them. Stuart Bull breaks down this iconic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, often referred to as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, pioneered the blues-rock genre with his innovative style and soulful playing. His work with Cream redefined what a power trio could achieve, blending technical prowess with raw emotional expression. In "Sunshine of Your Love," Clapton’s solo epitomises his ability to craft memorable and expressive melodies that seamlessly intertwine with the song’s rhythmic foundation. His influence on guitarists spans decades, inspiring players from blues enthusiasts to rock icons.

Breakdown of Techniques in the Lesson

String Bending

String bending plays a prominent role in this solo, allowing for expressive, vocal-like phrasing. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to convey emotion and dynamics in your playing. By replicating Clapton’s subtle and intense bends, you’ll learn to add a deeply personal touch to your solos.

Vibrato

Vibrato brings life to sustained notes by adding a subtle or dramatic pitch variation. This lesson emphasises Clapton’s smooth and controlled vibrato, a signature aspect of his playing. Developing vibrato technique enriches your tone and makes your lead playing more compelling.

Slides

Slides are used to connect phrases fluidly, creating a sense of motion and flow. In Clapton’s solo, slides contribute to its smooth, lyrical quality. Practicing slides will improve your ability to transition between notes seamlessly and with confidence.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These essential techniques create fast, smooth note changes without picking every note, adding to the solo’s melodic fluidity. Clapton’s use of these techniques demonstrates how to achieve an effortless, legato sound in your playing.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, enriching the harmony of your licks. This technique adds depth and texture to Clapton’s phrasing in the solo, making it an invaluable skill for any guitarist seeking a fuller sound.

Bluesy Bends

Bluesy bends are a cornerstone of Clapton’s style, characterised by their expressive, soulful quality. Incorporating these bends into your playing will improve your ability to convey emotion and add authenticity to blues and rock solos.

Rakes

Rakes involve muting strings while strumming through them before landing on a target note, creating dramatic emphasis. This technique adds rhythmic flair and tonal dynamics to solos, as seen in Clapton’s expressive licks.

Chromaticism

Chromaticism involves incorporating notes outside of the key for tension and resolution. Clapton uses this subtly in the solo to add complexity and intrigue. Learning chromatic lines will help you craft more sophisticated, unique solos.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Expressive Dynamics: Techniques like string bending, vibrato, and bluesy bends enable players to express emotion more effectively.
• Fluidity and Phrasing: Slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs create smoother transitions between notes, enhancing your overall phrasing.
• Textural Variety: Rakes and double stops add depth and rhythmic interest, giving your solos a professional polish.
• Advanced Creativity: Chromaticism and bluesy phrasing encourage thinking outside the box, allowing you to develop a unique playing style.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

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

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Rakes
• Chromaticism

This lesson on the "Sunshine of Your Love" solo is a masterclass in blues-rock technique. By studying Clapton’s timeless solo note-for-note, you’ll develop essential skills that transcend genres, enhancing both your technical proficiency and musical expression. Dive into this iconic performance and elevate your playing to new heights!