Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

Overview of "Tears In Heaven"

Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven” is a timeless ballad filled with emotional depth and intricate guitar work. This iconic piece, written in memory of Clapton's late son, combines poignant lyrics with beautifully crafted guitar arrangements that resonate with players and listeners alike. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson takes you through every nuance of this classic, helping you master its unique blend of techniques while appreciating the artistry behind it. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Tears In Heaven"

Eric Clapton, often referred to as "Slowhand," is one of the most influential guitarists in history. Known for his soulful playing and technical brilliance, Clapton has inspired generations of musicians. His work on "Tears In Heaven" showcases his ability to seamlessly blend emotion and technique. The song’s acoustic brilliance highlights Clapton’s delicate finger-picking style, intricate chord voicings, and melodic phrasing. Learning this piece allows guitarists to delve into the artistry of one of the most revered players in modern music.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Finger-Picking

One of the standout elements of "Tears In Heaven" is Clapton's masterful finger-picking. This technique involves using your fingers rather than a pick to pluck individual strings, creating a rich and intimate sound. Learning finger-picking improves your control, independence, and dexterity in both hands, enabling you to tackle complex patterns with precision.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song's structure is built on arpeggiated chord progressions, where each note of a chord is played individually in a sequence. This approach creates a flowing, melodic texture that complements the emotional weight of the song. Mastering arpeggios enhances your understanding of chord shapes and helps in crafting beautiful, song-like arrangements.

Slides

Throughout the piece, slides are used to add smooth transitions between notes, contributing to the song’s fluidity. Slides not only add expression to your playing but also improve your fretboard navigation and legato phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs feature prominently in this lesson, offering subtle embellishments that elevate the melody. These techniques are essential for achieving seamless, connected phrases and building finger strength and agility.

Barre Chords

Clapton incorporates barre chords in the rhythm sections, which are vital for achieving the song's harmonic depth. Barre chords provide a foundation for mastering versatile chord shapes across the fretboard.

String Bending

Though subtle in this acoustic piece, string bending adds expressive flair to Clapton's playing. This technique is invaluable for developing pitch control and emotional expression in your solos.

Vibrato

Eric Clapton’s tasteful use of vibrato gives notes a singing quality. Vibrato is a cornerstone of expressive guitar playing and learning it can dramatically enhance your musical phrasing.

Travis Picking

The steady, alternating bass-line found in parts of the song is a hallmark of Travis picking. This technique combines melody and rhythm, offering a full-sounding solo performance style.

Benefits of Learning "Tears In Heaven"

Learning "Tears In Heaven" equips players with a wealth of skills that extend beyond the song itself. Each technique contributes to building a more rounded and expressive playing style. The song's moderate tempo and layered techniques make it accessible to intermediate players while providing ample challenges for advanced guitarists seeking to refine their craft.

Why Learn These Techniques?

• Finger-picking: Develops control and independence in both hands.
• Arpeggios: Enhances understanding of chord structures and melody.
• Slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs: Improves fretboard fluency and articulation.
• Barre chords: Builds strength and flexibility in fretting hand.
• Vibrato and string bending: Elevates emotional expression in playing.
• Travis picking: Combines rhythm and melody for a fuller sound.

List of Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

1. Finger-picking
2. Arpeggiated chord progressions
3. Slides
4. Hammer-ons
5. Pull-offs
6. Barre chords
7. String bending
8. Vibrato
9. Travis picking

With Licklibrary.com, you can delve deep into the techniques behind this beautiful song and elevate your playing to new heights. Each lesson is designed to ensure you not only learn "Tears In Heaven" but also acquire the skills to tackle any song with confidence and finesse.