White Room by Eric Clapton

Introduction

One of the most iconic rock songs of all time, “White Room” by Cream, showcases the legendary guitar work of Eric Clapton. The song, released in 1968 on the album Wheels of Fire, is known for its haunting melodies, dynamic shifts, and powerful guitar solos. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com takes you deep into Clapton’s unique playing style, teaching you the precise techniques that bring this song to life.

By mastering “White Room”, you'll gain valuable insight into classic rock soloing, blues phrasing, and psychedelic chord progressions, making this lesson an essential addition to any guitarist's repertoire. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind “White Room”

The song features the unmistakable guitar work of Eric Clapton, who was at the peak of his powers with Cream. His ability to blend bluesy bends, vibrato, and sustain with a more experimental approach helped define the British rock sound of the late ‘60s. Clapton’s playing on “White Room” is both melodic and aggressive, combining wah-infused licks, fiery string bends, and emotive phrasing to create one of the most memorable solos in rock history.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Vibrato is a crucial technique that adds expression and sustain to your notes. Clapton’s smooth and controlled vibrato is a key feature in “White Room”, giving his leads a vocal-like quality. Developing a strong vibrato will enhance your ability to phrase melodies and make your solos sound more professional.

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Alternate Picking

The song's rapid note passages and dynamic phrasing require precise alternate picking. This technique allows for faster, more fluid playing, making it easier to execute intricate licks cleanly and with precision.

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String Bending

Clapton’s lead work features expressive bends, including half-step and full-step bends that add tension and emotion to his solos. Mastering bending techniques will improve your ability to create smooth, soulful melodies.

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Double Stops

Throughout the song, Clapton incorporates double stops, playing two notes at the same time to create a harmonically rich sound. This technique is widely used in blues and rock to add depth to solos and riffs.

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Unison Bends

Unison bends help create the signature soaring lead lines found in Clapton’s solos. By bending one string while playing another in unison, you can achieve a powerful, screaming sound that is a staple in classic rock.

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Slides

Smooth slides between notes and chords are used to create seamless transitions in “White Room”. This technique enhances fluidity in your playing and helps develop better fretboard control.

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Chord Progressions

The song's dramatic and moody chord progression plays a crucial role in its distinctive sound. Learning these progressions will improve your ability to play dynamic, expressive rhythm guitar parts.

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Palm Muting

Certain rhythm parts in the song use palm muting to create dynamics and contrast. Mastering this technique will allow you to control attack and sustain, making your playing more expressive.

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Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential for achieving smooth legato phrasing. This technique is used in “White Room” to create fluid, fast note runs without excessive picking.

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Bluesy Bends

Clapton’s blues influences shine through in his signature bends, which add emotion and dynamics to his solos. This technique is essential for any guitarist looking to develop expressive soloing skills.

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Sustain

Using controlled vibrato and proper picking technique, Clapton achieves incredible sustain in his lead lines. Learning to control sustain will help your notes ring out longer and more expressively.

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Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Bluesy Bends
• Sustain

By diving into this lesson, you'll not only master the intricate guitar work of “White Room” but also refine essential lead and rhythm techniques that will elevate your playing across multiple styles. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skillset or an experienced player wanting to capture Clapton’s signature tone, this lesson will provide you with the tools to take your playing to the next level.