Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton is an emotional masterpiece that showcases Clapton's soulful playing and intricate fingerpicking. This lesson dives into every aspect of the song, helping you master its nuanced techniques and heartfelt expression. Each section of the song is broken down note for note, ensuring you can play it just like Clapton. Let’s explore the key elements of this classic, the techniques it highlights, and how these techniques will elevate your playing. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Eric Clapton and "Tears in Heaven"

Eric Clapton, often hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, is known for blending blues, rock, and heartfelt melodies. “Tears in Heaven” is a deeply personal ballad, written as a tribute to his late son. Clapton’s tender performance showcases his ability to convey profound emotion through music. His influence extends beyond genres, inspiring countless guitarists to focus on emotional expression and technical mastery.

The song’s gentle fingerpicking patterns and melodic phrasing have influenced acoustic and electric guitarists alike, making it a timeless piece for aspiring players.

Guitar Techniques in "Tears in Heaven"

1. Fingerpicking

The cornerstone of “Tears in Heaven” is its intricate finger-picking pattern. Clapton’s method involves alternating bass notes and melody lines, creating a full, layered sound. Learning this technique enhances coordination between your thumb and fingers, a fundamental skill for acoustic players.

Benefit: Mastery of fingerpicking allows you to tackle complex songs with independent bass and melody lines, opening doors to a wide variety of musical styles.

2. Slides

Throughout the piece, Clapton incorporates slides to transition smoothly between notes, adding a flowing quality to the melody. Slides make the transitions between frets feel seamless and expressive.

Benefit: Practicing slides improves your control and accuracy, adding an expressive touch to your solos and melodies.

3. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Clapton uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid phrases within the melody. These techniques allow notes to ring out with clarity without additional picking.

Benefit: Hammer-ons and pull-offs develop finger strength and agility, essential for achieving smooth, legato passages in your playing.

4. Chord Progressions

The song features beautifully crafted chord progressions that blend major and minor tonalities. These changes provide the harmonic foundation for the piece.

Benefit: Understanding chord progressions deepens your knowledge of music theory and enhances your ability to create emotional depth in your own compositions.

5. Arpeggios

The melody incorporates arpeggiated chord progressions, where individual notes of the chords are played in sequence. This technique highlights the harmonic structure of the song.

Benefit: Practicing arpeggios improves your precision and timing, skills that are vital for both rhythm and lead playing.

6. Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythm of “Tears in Heaven” employs subtle syncopation, giving the piece its unique groove and emotional impact.

Benefit: Learning syncopated rhythms enhances your timing and rhythmic flexibility, essential for playing with other musicians.

7. Capo Usage

The song employs a capo, allowing for open string voicings in higher registers. This technique adds warmth and richness to the sound.

Benefit: Using a capo expands your ability to explore different keys while maintaining familiar chord shapes, making it a versatile tool for acoustic playing.

Why Learn “Tears in Heaven”?

Mastering “Tears in Heaven” equips you with a diverse range of techniques, all wrapped in a deeply emotive composition. This lesson not only refines your technical skills but also teaches you how to convey emotion through your playing. Clapton’s approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm will inspire your creativity and bring new depth to your guitar playing.

Techniques Used in "Tears in Heaven"

Here’s a summary of the techniques covered in this lesson, with links to dive deeper into each one:

• Fingerpicking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Capo

Explore these techniques and unlock the beauty of Eric Clapton’s unforgettable “Tears in Heaven.”