Your Cart is Empty
Free shipping in the US on all orders $50+
Free shipping in the US on all orders $50+
It’s hard to believe, but this year marks the 50th Anniversary of Derek and the Dominos’ seminal “Layla” album.
As far as I’m concerned, “Layla” is the best thing Eric Clapton’s ever been involved with. That’s not to cast aspersions on his myriad accomplishments over the years, but to me, there’s something so transcendent about that record.
Needless to say, it’s been getting a few spins on the Thalia office turntable these past weeks, and that’s meant I’ve been adding some Eric Clapton Words of Wisdom the guitar inspiration quote wall. Whether you’re a fan of Eric Clapton, or just looking for some motivation to pick up your guitar and play, I’d recommend having a read of these:
“My driving philosophy about making music is that you can reduce it all down to one note if that note is played with the right kind of sincerity.”
“At first [Robert Johnson’s] music almost repelled me, it was so intense, and this man made no attempt to sugarcoat what he was trying to say, or play. It was hard-core, more than anything I had ever heard. After a few listenings I realized that, on some level, I had found the master, and that following this man's example would be my life's work.”
“Music will always find its way to us, with or without business, politics, religion, or any other bulls--t attached. Music survives everything, and like God, it is always present. It needs no help, and suffers no hindrance. It has always found me, and with God’s blessing and permission, it always will.”
“Music became a healer for me, and I learned to listen with all my being. I found that it could wipe away all the emotions of fear and confusion relating to my family.”
“I found my God in music and the arts, with writers like Hermann Hesse, and musicians like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Walter. In some way, in some form, my God was always there, but now I have learned to talk to him.”
“Whatever your standing in life, the most important thing is behaving in ways that help other people. It's the same with music. I am a servant of the music ... and if I get caught up in ego, I'll lose everything... it'll burn and that's a guarantee.”
“When all the original blues guys are gone, you start to realize that someone has to tend to the tradition. I recognize that I have some responsibility to keep the music alive, and it's a pretty honorable position to be in.”
“Give me a guitar and I'll play; give me a stage and I'll perform; give me an auditorium and I'll fill it.”
“I have always been resistant to doctrine, and any spirituality I had experienced thus far in my life had been much more abstract and not aligned with any recognized religion. For me, the most trustworthy vehicle for spirituality had always proven to be music. It cannot be manipulated, or politicized, and when it is, that becomes immediately obvious.”
What’s your favourite Eric Clapton project? And what are your memories of the Layla album? Share your stories in the comments.
When we’re young, there are several firsts that we’re not aware of, though our parents may relish in those moments. These are milestones such as first steps, first words, first trips to the potty, and so on.
As we age, there are more firsts that we become more aware of, such as our first kisses, first dates, and first times behind the wheel (often to our parents’ great fear in the passenger seat).
While punk and pop-punk are arguably defined by stacks of power chords and clean guitar passages, incorporating capos benefits the genre.
They can make some things more accessible to play. In interviews, Mike Ness of Social Distortion said he has a Gold Top Les Paul tuned down from E standard to Eb standard and capos the guitar at the second fret. This is to make playing certain things more accessible and comfortable, accommodating an old injury on his fretting hand. Thanks to capos, Ness can play in different keys.
While he can imitate the greats, his voice on the instrument is also distinct, blending virtuosic technique, great tone, incredible musicality and a healthy dose of humour. All of that has made him an in-demand clinician and very busy player, recording and touring with Asia, Dizzee Rascal, Steven Wilson, Hans Zimmer, and his project, The Aristocrats.
One does not travel this world without gaining experience and wisdom, which Guthrie has shared with many through the years. Without further ado, here is some of the knowledge he has passed on over the years.
