We're All The Way by Eric Clapton - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Our note-for-note guitar lesson on "We're All The Way" by Eric Clapton is an ideal learning resource for guitarists who want to explore the delicate, acoustic side of Clapton’s playing. This song, from Clapton’s Slowhand album, features beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions, fluid slides, and expressive hammer-ons. Each of these techniques contributes to the song’s gentle, intimate feel, making this lesson perfect for players who want to develop a more melodic and dynamic touch. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, this lesson will help you master the core techniques that bring the song’s warm acoustic vibe to life. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in We're All The Way

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

One of the defining elements of "We’re All The Way" is its use of arpeggiated chord progressions. Arpeggios involve playing the individual notes of a chord one at a time, instead of strumming all the notes simultaneously. This creates a flowing, melodic texture that gives the song its soft, atmospheric feel. Clapton’s arpeggios in this song are smooth and precise, providing a beautiful harmonic foundation for the vocals. Learning arpeggiated chord progressions will improve your finger dexterity and control, allowing you to add more dynamics and emotion to your playing. This lesson will guide you through Clapton’s fingerpicking patterns, ensuring you can replicate the flowing, delicate feel of the song.

Slides

Slides are a key technique used throughout "We’re All The Way", adding fluidity and smooth transitions between notes. A slide involves moving your fretting finger along the string from one note to another without lifting it off the fretboard, creating a connected, continuous sound. Clapton uses slides to move between notes gracefully, which adds to the song’s smooth, melodic flow. Mastering slides will improve your ability to transition between notes seamlessly, giving your playing a more connected and expressive feel. In our lesson, we’ll break down Clapton’s slide technique, showing you how to use this skill to enhance your melodic lines.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are another crucial technique used in "We’re All The Way" to add speed and fluidity to Clapton’s melodic lines. A hammer-on involves playing one note and then “hammering” your fretting finger down onto the string to sound a higher note without picking it again. This technique allows for faster transitions between notes and adds a smooth, connected feel to the melody. In this lesson, we’ll show you how Clapton uses hammer-ons to create flowing, melodic phrases. Mastering hammer-ons will improve your legato playing, helping you play faster, more fluid lines with ease.

About the Guitar Player in We're All The Way

Eric Clapton, a guitar legend, has been a pivotal figure in shaping both electric and acoustic guitar music. Known for his deep roots in blues, Clapton often takes a more intimate, personal approach to songs like "We’re All The Way". In this track, Clapton demonstrates his ability to create intricate, emotional acoustic guitar parts, showcasing his skill in fingerstyle playing and melodic chord progressions. His gentle, nuanced playing in this song offers a glimpse into his softer side, highlighting his versatility as a guitarist. Learning this track gives players valuable insight into Clapton’s acoustic techniques, which balance precision with heartfelt expression.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons

Mastering these techniques will improve your ability to play acoustic guitar with precision, emotion, and fluidity. Our lesson on "We’re All The Way" provides you with the tools to not only play this specific song but also develop the skills necessary for a wide range of acoustic styles. Dive into our detailed lesson and bring Clapton’s beautiful, intimate playing to life on your guitar!