Eric Clapton/Cream -"Crossroads"- Guitar (SOLO) Lesson #6 with Chelsea Constable

**Check out my debut EP (Chelsea Constable Part 1) featuring Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Doyle Dykes, Trey Hensley, and my 15 year old sister, Grace Constable! Available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon MP3, and Google Play! Links below!
iTunes - geo.itunes.app...
CD Baby - store.cdbaby.c...
Amazon - www.amazon.com...
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Hello everyone, I hope you enjoy this guitar lesson of "Crossroads". The lesson is played live with a backing track that I created. I played the bass and the drums were played by an awesome drummer Mr. Steve DiVirgilio - thanks (great job Steve)! The amps used were the Marshall 2005 handwired 1959 100 Watt Plexi (on camera). The other amp (off camera) was a Marshall JCM 900 SL-X 100 Watt (bone stock - this is one of my many favorite Marshall's.....I have several of these). I used a Keeley Framptone amp switcher to run both amps at the same time. The cabs used (on camera) is a 1960AHW, it's loaded with reissue Celestion G12H-30 speakers (awesome - this one of my favorite Celestion Speakers)! The other cab (off camera) is a Marshall bottom cab loaded with Celestion G12M Heritage (my all time favorite speaker). The Mics used are a Heil PR30 and PR40 (I use these Mics exclusively in this combination for all my recordings...(the quality of the Heil is exceptional)! The gain is the amps themselves (actually not a lot) with a Keeley modded DD-3 for a hint of delay and a Keeley Compressor with an Orbit Electronix completely reworked Echoplex (thanks Tony). The guitar is a 2005 Gibson ES-335 loaded with a DiMarzio DP163 Bluesbucker. Strings used are GHS Electric Burnished Nickel Rockers. I use Accusound Cables, Peterson Tuners, Essential Sound Products power cables, AF Designs Straps and last, but not least, which is also very important, I use a Dunlop ULTEX Sharp .90 pick. I truly hope this info helps just in case someone likes and wants to achieve this tone. Thanks for watching!
-Chelsea
*This video and included audio complies with U.S. Copyright Law under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowing "Fair Use" for "nonprofit educational purposes".

[@newvisionsco]

I saw Cream with Clapton play this live at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit. I don't know how to describe the power of the moment. I stood at the edge of the stage. I had a garage band at the time. The Grande hosted an absolutely unbelievable cascade of great acts. All the very best of the era. A lifetime reflection. Thanks, Chelsea, for your tribute to this great piece.

[@robertshirley3422]

Was that show in '68; the "Farewell Tour"..if so, do you remember what guitar Clapton was playing that night?? I'm wondering if it similar to the red 335 Chelsea is playing, or a Firebird or Led Paul, that Clapton apparently took on that tour?

[@karlyetter3265]

Chelsea, Spot on. You are an inspiration to any serious guitar player. I,m a 72 disabled Vietnam veteran. I kind of play Crossroads in a free form style. The Nice thing when I play. Mostly by myself. I am pain free. The guitar playing is the only thing that I can do. That is still normal. Glad I never quit playing. You continue doing your thing. I am proud of you. May God Bless{;-)

[@johnheart6890]

This is as accurate as you can get. One of the best on KZbin that I have seen. It is amazing that no one can ever make an exact copy of a moment in time and music. The instruments used; the strings used, the amps used; the room in which it was played and the skin and structure of the musicians hands. That being said- this is really accurate! I love this solo. I think it is my all time favorite and I marvel that it was created improvisationally responding to 2 other musicians at the height of the considerable powers of all three of them. It is a masterpiece. Thank you for posting this!

[@donkloos9078]

Totally agree.

[@hirawstra8edge137]

@@donkloos9078 its not amazing why they can't its plainly obvious, but the rest of your comment is bang on and probably the best cover of the solos i've ever seen.

[@RobertMJohnson]

chelsea is truly an exceptional player. her vibrato is uncanny

[@Wileylikethehawk]

This absolutely rips. The feel is right on.

[@gallo3297]

The best solo that replicates Claptons original live version. She makes it look easy. A lot of things going on in that solo.👍👍👍👍👍

[@pauldemarrais6490]

I didn't think any human could make this solo sound like Clapton with the same tone, vibrato and feel! You have proven me wrong! Great job, Chelsea! You are a real musician, not just a guitar player. I doubt Clapton played it this cleanly. All you needs is three stacks of Marshalls!

[@epoch0315]

Her vibrato is fantastic. She makes Eric sound like a tube. I've seen various videos of her lessons and this is the real thing.

[@TuesdayAt5]

Your vibrato is incredible... Clapton himself would probably be jealous if he ever heard this. Just discovered your channel, looking forward to more lessons!

[@hirawstra8edge137]

he wouldn't as Chelsea nailed it to a T so really what we are hearing is claptons exact vibrato, well almost, that being said she plays these like she wrote them and that is rare.

[@danielsuarez1431]

It's a great and accurate lesson but she put imho, too much vibrato than the original song. Try to listen both of them and compare. 🤔🎸

[@superdriver777]

The 25 seconds between 2:06 and 2:31 comprise perhaps my favorite bit of pentatonic solo-age ever recorded, and your rendition was flawless. Thanks for the amazing tutorial!

[@taildragger53]

Unbelievably great!! I've never heard anybody redo this note for note because the timing is real tricky thanks to Baker's drumming. Eric couldn't replicate it like this and never went beyond it. He had a good inspirational day. Love the tone & vibrato!

[@SFolkes97]

Best Crossroads demo and lesson on the planet! Thanks.

[@jonkoelker1179]

I am stunned.....one of my all-time favorite solos, and in fifty-plus years of playing, I've never even come close to this......well done!!

[@brianjhutto]

Your vibrato is absolutely beautiful. No idea how to even begin practicing it that cleanly.

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

Wow! You absolutely nailed this! I've listened to this solo countless times and I am blown away with how you got every detail bang on. Eric would be gobsmacked if he heard you replicate his work. Well done! There are a boat load of world class players who'd really struggle to do what you did and you made it look easy!

[@glenncowan6669]

You deserve some kind of award for your performance!! Your attention to detail is just amazing.

[@jackthebunnet]

fantastic chelsea ,I've been playing the song for over 40 years in bands ,doing the solo different every night , but i take my hat of to you chelsea what a lesson !!!

[@danielmicheli354]

The sound and phrasing that Clapton created for this song is absolutely incredible. A master piece. Good job, Chelsea.

[@leemccullough131]

Not sure that another comment praising you're playing could do justice! Beautiful tone! Beautiful Style! Brings great joy! Thank you

[@leemccullough131]

Your guitars and amp are just so beautiful to look at

[@hugejohnson5011]

Darn you, KZbin algorithm! This showed up, I see, I like! Great job on the solo. Since childhood, this version of Crossroads is what pops into my head first and foremost. To me, it is THE definitive version. And Chelsea, you play it so well. Thank you for sharing this.

[@agtronic]

I've never ever said "best ever" on a KZbin comment, but your cover is the absolute best I have ever heard anyone play. Your bends and vibrato are dead dead dead perfect for Clapton's early style. I find most people struggle with that particular aspect of his playing. Really incredible job! I have spent a lot of time listening to the original and can play it pretty well, but nowhere near as accurately as you do. Just WOW.

[@squidface4381]

There is that Dutch fella who nails it pretty good, may he rest in peace.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Nice job here Chelsea. Your bent string vibrato is REALLY nice! This is a classic solo that ALL rock guitar players need to learn. cheers

[@Slakky100]

Nice work

[@taterlysaladman9377]

Your vibrato is really nice, care to share the settings on that reverb/echo pedal?

[@maroofali2142]

The man himself. You know the video is good when Andy takes his time to leave a comment. I'm a big fan of yours and you're without a doubt the best guitar teacher on KZbin.

[@mysteriomarvel933]

Fantastic playing all so effortless and with spot on guitar tone to Clapton's rig at the time. What strings and string guages do you use?

[@robertshirley3422]

Andy of "Shut Up And Play" called it. Your touch and finger vibrato is exemplary!! Your thousands of hours of diligent practice and playing have paid off!! Love to watch your playing!!!!!!

[@biglouis4201]

That was really terrific Chelsea. It's easily the best and most authentic version I've heard. Your breakdown into discreet parts makes a lot of sense as a teaching tool and is easy to follow. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@jimparker7778]

my first Clapton show was Aug. 3 1969 EC was playing the red 335. That particular instrument had a great vocal variety. I can see why it was one of his favorites.

[@Flare4roach]

Outstanding playing. Just fantastic. Sounds EXACTLY like Clapton during the 60's. Perfectly nuanced.

[@fon267]

Awesome tone, awesome playing, congratulations Chelsea, often I feel so lonely playing these days when everything is rap or auto tune, it's so refreshing finding a young girl playing this great music with such devotion.

[@mst2203]

How does this video have any thumbs down? This is hands down the best and most accurate cover of these solos on KZbin. Fantastic job. I'm glad I found this video.

[@tonkonijn3484]

Great job Chelsea, playing one of the very very best solos by Clapton. Every detail is perfect and with great feeling. Bye the way, one of the best guitar solos in rock history.

[@SpecialTed]

Wow! One of my favorite guitar solos of all time and you are absolutely nailing it! If i was just hearing the audio, i would swear it was Clapton. Keep rockin' Chelsea! You're amazing!

[@transparent4847]

Unbelievably great dedication, talent, and playing! Eric would be truly honored to hand this solo over to you at a live show. Go for it Chelsea! Best of luck, you are amazing!

[@marksanfratello6955]

You played those guitar solos so perfectly. I love you, Chelsea!!!

[@Huskrrrr]

Nailed it! I've been struggling with the solo for years. You've given me a clear direction to follow. Thanks!

[@davidspalten1304]

Fabulous job, and you make it look so easy. There is no live video of the original performance, so yours is the best chance to see the dynamics of Clapton's incredible performance up close. Thank you!

[@NicholasStein]

I learned this solo from a magazine quite a few years ago and wanted to refresh myself. This video is perfect. Your tone is perfection.

[@ericv5]

I've been playing guitar for 44 years now and I'm trying to nail this, which has two of of the greatest solo's ever ever ever. Seeing the first part of this video lesson, where Chelsea plays the solo's in full, I could not help all the hair om my arms stand on end and I got shivers down my spine. Holy cow ! What a guitar player !

[@DoctorDave5]

Superb! You make it look easy which allows me to fool myself into thinking I could do it too! Great stuff 👍

[@KfirOchaion]

You go girl!

[@EricCirca6566]

Thank you so much for this! You have done a fantastic job of nailing this song. No easy accomplishment! When ever I hear Cream's version on the radio, it always puts a smile on my face. I consider this to be Clapton's finest solo of everything he's ever done. And this song holds the number one spot as the greatest blues rock song ever recorded in my book!

[@justinshields6626]

Clean and precise. Undoubtedly one of the world's best. How could anyone possibly do it any better. Definitely God given.

[@ChelseaConstableGuitar]

Justin Shields - Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm truly grateful!

[@MasterDreamful]

@@ChelseaConstableGuitar 7 years later, I was about to say the same. Hugeeeee talent !!!

[@namcat53]

Nobody gave it to her. This was not free. Her hours of learning, practice and listening resulted in her ability and skill. Hard work pays off.

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

This is the best I ever heard, you played this incredible solo not for note. Great Job!

[@rcdubya]

I'm a big Clapton fan and I think Crossroads is my favorite, but your interpretation is just incredible. I've watched this video numerous times and I think I enjoy it...and appreciate it ...more each time. Great phrasing and great tone. I just can't believe you were playing this through TWO Marshalls and cabs! I'd be deaf....😉 Thanks for sharing.

[@largemouthbassfundamentals8669]

I have never seen as accurate performance!!! Amazing

[@nycLPplayer]

Clapton probably bookmarked this lesson. Amazing job.

[@taterlysaladman9377]

Clapton is probably practicing on this video right now. If you read his autobio which is excellent by the way, he was losing his motor control back when he wrote it, which is why he started selling some of those guitars. He probably knows they are difficult to play anyhow, compare to a new PRS.

[@alexcastro7339]

@@taterlysaladman9377 Wrote it???

[@s550danny]

Alex Castro before any live solo, there is definitely some sort of foundation of what the guitar player wants to do. A lot of “feel” goes into it as well, that’s what takes it to a whole new level so who knows what Clapton was feeling when he played that legendary solo but it definitely wasn’t improvised

[@alexcastro7339]

@@s550danny BTW, what you described is the definition of improvisation. Where the solos notes aren't preconceived, but made up at the spur of the moment to whatever the soloist is feeling at that time.

[@nagol6801]

S550 Danny he absolutely improvised this. Every time he played crossroads the solo was different. Listen to their farewell tour! If he played even close to the same solo over and over live jack and ginger would’ve beat his ass no one wants to hear that

[@WileECoyotey]

It's the opening riffs at 2:53 that make that such a unique solo. Mix pf major + minor pentatonic

[@AmericanIsraeliJew]

Chelsea it has been 7 years. I hope you are playing and doing what you enjoy. I have a whole bunch of respect for you. I use to get an occasional video of yours to watch but that hasn't happened in a long time.

[@danielcarmichael8961]

Gave me goosebumps watching you play that! Awesome!!!

[@dakotabob6773]

Wow. Just wow. This is hands down, the absolute best instructional video I have ever seen. I really hope you will make 2 more Eric Clapton ones - first, "Born under a bad sign" and, second - "Outside woman blues". "Crossroads" and these two so perfectly demonstrate the true lyrical genius Clapton achieved occasionally on the early Cream recordings. Clapton, as compared to numerous others, did a great deal more than just play the boxes. If one becomes proficient with the relative minor by learning the previously named songs, you will not only be able to play well but will understand the techniques involved with passing notes and all the things needed to be considered good and impressive as a player. You can go anywhere from here! Wow Chelsea!!!!!

[@RealityCheck1958]

Wow, your fingering is incredibly smooth and articulate. You make it look so easy. Thanks for posting!

[@barrywhite828]

thank you for this unexpected pleasure, chelsea. i would have never guessed that that second solo stayed on the seventeenth fret like you played it. again, thank you for this. great tone, great feel, great lesson. the world is better with you in it.

[@80sROCKKKKK]

Man... you really carry the soul of classic rock in you! Something about the tone and playing.... brought a flash of high school days to mind. I just went "wow!" when you finished with that sudden stop. I always fuss over covers and often dislike videos, but this is exceptional.

[@davidtexmex1616]

Still incredible... TC Electronic brought me back here all these years later 🙂

[@hkguitar1984]

As a player of 46 years I can't thank you enough for this content and your efforts. Your style of video here is just about perfect, Thank You Chelsea. Count me as a new Subscriber

[@Zulumann25]

That was the best covet of that solo I have ever heard. Thanks for the lesson. Your vibrato and Tone is pristine!👍

[@jeremiahwilson1781]

Damn...she NAILS IT!!! And not only that....she played it LIKE BUTTER!!! WOW. Not many can nail this exactly right. She made it look easy. Damn. Sweet licks girl. You got chops. No doubt!!!

[@countalucard4226]

Crosswords one of my and I’m sure millions of others favorites. You were amazing.

[@RJ-lf8ex]

WOW! This blew me away. You hit the bends SO PERFECTLY.

[@0isez]

Seems to me, Clapton's note selection over his dexterity makes this solo shine. While I can pretty much reproduce the dexterity part, I am awed at where he goes next every time I hear it. Thanks for breaking it down. Now, why can't I come up with something original and great? People like you and Eric sometimes make me want to throw my guitar in the trash can.

[@donkloos9078]

Eric created this solo on the fly, she is just mimicking it very well. True genious is Clapton's.

[@thomascroce4672]

I'm just finding this in 2021! lol. I admit to chuckling a bit over your deadpan delivery Chelsea in the beginning, but my smile stayed out of surprise and then deep appreciation for your considerable talent. Your "chunking" approach with the lick breakdowns in review is superb. Now I have a (slim!) chance of duplicating the second solo with your guidance. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@jazzblues2927]

One of the great female guitarists of the world.

[@Meeckle]

Truly the best cover of this solo I have EVER heard!!!!

[@susandeibert709]

great lesson, excellent tone, vibrato , feel, execution.

[@GolfPassport]

Chelsea, I'm coming to this after nearly 50 years of first trying to learn it. Now, with a new 'Whyte Blues Band' on the go, I'm going to learn it all over again and follow your note for note perfect instruction. Thanks much!

[@mrmanch204]

That is absolutely superb playing and accuracy, thank you.

[@TheReillyDiefenbach]

Marvelous job on the greatest blues guitar solo of all time.

[@dsan05]

Hey, thanks Chelsea. This is enormous help. Going through it riff by riff at the moment with some tabs from a book but this video makes it so much more attainable.

[@robertgrisanti]

amazing how she broke that lead down - Eric Clapton played that lead right off the top off his head never once played it the same - this girl is an amazing talent and very beautiful too -

[@Dogheadj]

Excellent, Chelsea! As are all of your lessons. Keep on keepin' on!

[@bwalk009]

Really great job, Chelsea. It's perfect!

[@robertiola88]

Amazing accuracy. I've looked at a bunch of lessons on these solos and learned something from each one, but it would have been a lot quicker if I came to you first Chelsea. Thank you!!

[@nickthenail]

This is a fantastically done lesson, and your tone and technique are wonderful. Thanks!

[@robertlee8042]

Great technique. So relaxed and efficient.

[@ishiyama333]

This is the best solo copy and lesson I 've ever met. I like your vibrato. Not only the guitar solo is good but also the backing track is good. Thank you for upload it.

[@slyphon]

The precision and feel demonstrated here is really remarkable. It's wonderful to see, and the fact that you go through each lick step by step is so incredibly helpful. I've been studying this solo and this video is a great resource for me. Thank you so much.

[@patrickjosephtobin8014]

This is exceptional . Thanks I’m learning this for live & This is the best I’ve seen well done excellent

[@trance7309]

chelsea, your guitar playing is very good, .. i think this is the best "version" i have heard ... real ............. smooth, and precise. I am a guitarist with my fingers .... I just start with the pick ... and the way of thinking rock (in guitar, otherwise in my head that's all that) I heard this title for the first time on the radio in France. at the time when the disc came out .... I was 8 years old ..... I recognized in your guitar playing THE PRESENCE of clapton! and that is not given to everyone. , you are now my teacher ......... THANKS jerome

[@upgrader99]

I wish I were good enough to follow this lesson! I'm definitely saving it for 5 years from now if I can build up that sort of dexterity!

[@helmutsecke3529]

Girl, you are above und beyond!!!

[@arjunkaul]

Great tone and playing. I really dig your vibrato!

[@Andrewkafp]

Your playing looks so effortless but it is fast , accurate and the best I have seen. You are extremely talented.

[@RodTDavies]

Young lady that’s the best Iv ever herd anyone play Eric’s superb solo

[@Darkwell0071]

Great way to do a lesson. Everybody has access to tab or knows the notes. Showing the hand movements and fingering cuts to the chase and makes this the most interesting lesson I have watched.

[@gellymusic]

this is not a solo - it's a speech consisting of wonderful sentences. well done. Oh I'd love to hear your material.

[@adrianmiller1971]

Never thought id see someone nail that solo so well. As already pointed out, your vibrato is something else...

[@rustycockering9925]

Brilliant vibrato! So wide and smooth.

[@charlestheos8954]

Very nice touch especially with right hand! Great job

[@abelwritesmusic]

This is superb!!! Words cannot Express my gratitude

[@stevekastenbaum6678]

Great cover of the holy grail solo. Many of us never even attempt it. This and Clapton's Steppin' Out with the Bluesbreakers, two of the best guitar tracks ever recorded. Now I will get to work using your tutorial.

[@enzonetto]

amazing ! if i didn't see your fingers i 'ld think it's fake ! the note , the rythm and the sound are perfect !

[@andychase7693]

Awesome job. Killer vibrato! Keep on doin' what you do!

[@howzaou812]

Great job Chelsea! hopefully I can learn from this lesson. I have a 59 Marshall amp model on my pedal and I have to say it's my favorite Marshall era.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Nicely done! One of my favorite solos of all time and you really nailed it.

[@elgonm289]

Still one of best and most accurate lesson on KZbin, thank you Chelsea ❤

[@luzpintero1088]

Amazing playing Chelsea!

[@jammergreg]

Spot on! My fave solo. I learned on a turntable 52 years ago. went through three albums just to get it halfway. You did it perfect IMHO. I knew nothing about music just had a good ear and a Gibson SG Standard 1966.

[@_Chuvisco_]

This was alredy said, but I am going to repeat it: "The most complete and perfect version I've seen on youtube or anywhere else. You deserve a reward!"...

[@williamweir1547]

Chelsea that was fantastic!!! Even though no live footage of this version of "Crossroads"exists your great playing made me feel like i was there in person!!! You've just got another subscriber!!! All the best and i look forward to many more uploads

[@billyb9842]

Chelsea is going to be the next big thing in guitar playing. Amazing!!!!

[@MrDocVenture]

Chelsea, I’m really knocked out by your playing, it’s not a trivial thing to learn this solo, believe me, I’ve tried! I will echo the others who have pointed out that your vibrato and sense of timing is awesome! Keep on rockin’!

[@Timothy-yj6ng]

HI CHELSEA, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL RENDITION OF THIS HISTORIC ERIC CLAPTION SOLO. BRAVO!!!

[@stevemoreton2751]

One of the best solos

[@11sparky71]

Great tone, great vibrato, great job

[@mdallen5]

Thank you! This adds so many new iconic licks that can be used all through the sets