Eric Clapton Names His Favourite Seven Guitar Players

[@99muddy99]

I didn’t hear Clapton declare his 7 favourite guitarists. What I head was a quasi-human, speaking machine English, picking through historical video clips. Eric loves many more than 7 guitarists. I have read that he thought Beck was the best in the world, and another time, Joe Walsh. Do we really think that he doesn’t rate Django? what about his idol (and mine) Freddie King? What about BB and Albert; Stevie; Cornell Dupree; Carlos? The only interesting thing for me in this video is the archival footage of guitar legends.

[@petesshed]

Well said. Totally agree. It wasn't that long ago when he was heaping high praise on John Mayall (after his passing), saying he taught me a hell of a lot; he was like a father figure. Though I must confess I'm not 100% sure if he was referring to Mayall's guitar work... if I have it wrong then apologies. ATB

[@pockynon]

Yeah,these sites are stupid. Anyhow, although Hendrick’s was a mesmerizing personality and showmen, technically he was not superior. Some of the Country artists are: Roy Clark, Glen Campbell, Vince Gill, on and on.

[@vladdrakul7851]

@@pockynon Sorry he was technically revolutionary and changed guitar playing all around the world. His techniques include doing things your country guitarists could not dream off. Have you ever heard 'Machine Gun'?? Unique genius so great Miles Davis switched to Electric Jazz. As for the 'showman ship' that was his least talent, that I could not care less about and his personality is irrelevant to me, only WHAT I HEAR COUNTS. Compare Jimi's 'Voodoo Child' in 1968 and compare that to the sub Beatles Yardbird's song; 'For Your Love' just two years earlier. As boring as Clapton is, he knew a stinker when he heard it and left. It is a good thing Jimmy Page took over and made Led Zeppelin. Page knows Jimi was the best as well!

[@northstarmind1049]

@@pockynon Those _country_ singers?... 'Technically superior to Hendrix'???... _Hahaha_ !!... Why would anyone even take you _seriously_ when you _don't_ even how how to _spell_ Hendrix's name?... Get off the _rotgut moonshine_ !... You're just *_trohlling_* anyway...

[@briangoss6685]

Right. I've heard Eric say he was most influenced by Chuck Berry, Albert King, Freddie King, BB KIng, and Robert Johnson.

[@danguee1]

Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher

[@9ballz]

Jeff and Rory, both virtuosos in their own right but they would be behind Freddie.

[@lexusmaxus]

Definitely lefted out unforgivable?

[@fubartotale3389]

Albery King, Roy Buchanan.

[@tonyquinlan7341]

Garry Moore

[@kenkeyes8148]

The KZbin needs to post warnings about AI created content, like they do on videos they don't like about Climate Change and COVID-19.

[@ramsey6681]

​@@KLRJUNEBut they do rigorously enforce the instant removal of certain comments that are contrary to whatever agenda they're supporting that week. 😉

[@lapelcelery42]

@@KLRJUNE They keep their rules and regulations a mystery so they can enforce them selectively.

[@MichaelJamesWood]

Don't worry. If any truth of Covid or Climate change gets posted, I'm sure KZbin will do their best to censor it for you. As for AI, I agree.

[@onoyudont]

you're damn lucky they allowed that truth to stay up.guess they realize there's "a slow train comin"

[@adammyers8143]

or just use your brain, not expecting others to do the thinking for ya'

[@ThomasLloyd-w5q]

clickbait title, somebody found 7 guitarists that clapton has mentioned favourably in different interviews at one time, or another, and then twisted it to say those are his favourite seven. perhaps with a bit more effort you could have found another 3 and made it a nice round 10.

[@AubMar]

Absolutely right, there are so many others that I would put up there, Moore, Knopfler, Buckingham, Blackmore, King, Gallagher, Slash, Green, Vaughan to name a few, and I am not taking anything away from the artists in the vid, BUT.....

[@gaspersignorelli3724]

Too many guys comments are naming their favorite guitarists but that's not the point of the video. Not mentioned here but much esteemed by Eric: Freddy King, Robert Cray and of course BB.

[@jcruisioso5975]

Me thinks you are quite right

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

Yep

[@unclewalt1]

These people don't do effort.

[@TheHuester44]

So in august 1990 I went to see Eric Clapton at the Alpine Valley Music Amphitheater. He was playing two nights I went the first night. During the end of the concert it might have been the last song of the night Jeff Healey came on stage to play Sunshine of Your Love. Jeff was sitting on a chair ass he did as he was blind and played a unique style. For the solo Eric went up to Jeff to let him know to take the solo . Jeff went off and played an amazing solo even standing up to continue the solo. The place erupted in joy ! Eric stepped back to stand in front of the drummer with his arms dangling by his side . Even Eric was taken back by the magic that Jeff performed that night. I don’t have to explain what happened the next night. Also I just want to mention the narrator omitted two obvious players Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

[@lindamorehart3132]

I was there that night also! It was fantastic! I live in Wisconsin and whenever I drive through East Troy I wave and blow a kiss to Stevie on the side of the mountain at Alpine Valley. I miss him still 🥲

[@cmc2234]

This video is a super lousy piece of work. Total crap really. But you're right, Beck and SRV hold a real lasting place at the top of Clapton's list. This is a direct quote from EC in a Rolling Stone interview Oct 17, 1991 oh wow just realized it's 10/17 today! "The worst thing for me was that Stevie Ray had been sober for three years and was at his peak. When he played that night, he had all of us standing mere with our jaws dropped. I mean, Robert Cray and Jimmie Vaughan and Buddy Guy were just watching in awe. There was no one better than him on this planet. Really unbelievable." SRV was the best ever folks!!!

[@Mai_Grundwürmer_geborene_Ling]

Ritchie Blackmore, Rory Gallagher, Peter Green, Mike Bloomfield, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Gary Moore.

[@Ricimer671]

Specially Ritchie Blackmore.

[@lucone2937]

How about Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and Slash?

[@thomasespositio3139]

throw Beck and Buchanan in there and I'm happy with that 8

[@hennagaijin100]

Mark Knopfler

[@Buckseed]

Bloomfield is Robben Ford's inspiration.

[@jimwebb9328]

I know he also has had high praise for Stevie Ray Vaughan.

[@rcs3511]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWjKm3afjdx3nMU at 2:52

[@baird5776mullet]

No kidding, i wonder how this guy can prove these are Clapton's 7 favs?

[@ThomasLloyd-w5q]

@@baird5776mullet he can't, he just found 7 interviews where clapton praised a guitarist, and now claims those those are his favourite 7. just lazy research in search of likes and subscriptions

[@vamboroolz1612]

Came to the comments to mention SRV.

[@baird5776mullet]

@@ThomasLloyd-w5q I know right, there's also an interview where Eric said of SRV that he was an open channel and his guitar playing just flowed out of him.

[@dalewalker4666]

Surprised Jeff Beck didn't get a mention, Eric was always in awe of Jeff's versatility on the Strat.

[@BarbarraBay]

It was only late in his life. I recall reading statements by Eric in the late 80s he couldn't listen to Beck. There was a conflict for him for decades over Jeff.

[@markkeeler2343]

Beck, Hendrix, Santana, Dimeola , Page, Roy Clark, Stevie Ray

[@denty32]

Why are you surprised? Eric will have he’s favourites and you will have yours.

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

May also be because at the time they were musical rivals, he, Beck and Page all having passed through the same band.

[@V3ntilator]

This video is not Clapton's top 7 list. It's just 7 random guitarists he praised.

[@OBauer-l2s]

How about Rory Gallagher. He was the inspiration for so many. He was fabulous.

[@wolfgang4078]

And he was not so vain as Clapton!

[@Lydiansolo]

Brian May speaks very fondly of Rory’s influence

[@mclarsj]

I saw Rory playing in Antwerp in 1978 (I think it was..) Never saw and heard a better rock/blues guitarist in my life than mr. Gallagher.

[@edgaraquino2324]

​@@wolfgang4078Agreed...& willing to teach & answer questions concerning his music & techniques, something Eric didn't care for....

[@mickymantle3233]

Without a doubt - Clapton's playing on the John Mayall with Eric Clapton Album opened the door for future generations of blues / rock guitar players. Cream were definitely the first heavy rock band on the scene - they were very heavy live. We owe a lot to E.C.

[@tj7870]

clapton is just another excellent guitar player, there are many!!!

[@michaelclark9762]

The reason you Johnny come lately folks think Clapton sounds like so many others is because you don't realize those others have all been copying what Clapton was doing first in the mid-1960s for the past 60 years.

[@stevendreith4343]

You don't realize how Clapton stood alone in the 60's. When he played with John Mayall, and Cream, no one came close. How old are you, about 30 or 40?

[@Thadmotor1044]

He has a very special place in rock and roll history . Since Cream I saw him 25 times over the years with so many different groups . Iconic in 1967,68

[@Thadmotor1044]

I saw them all

[@mikeyerian2562]

@@michaelclark9762 I've listened to everything Clapton has done. And I listened to his contemporaries. He wasn't anything special. Sorry, he just wasn't.

[@hawki5120]

I think this is what you think the list would be. I find it hard to believe that Jeff Beck wouldn't be on that list.

[@cpking7]

Beck is my favorite, and Clapton has indeed praised him highly, but different styles. Also, not sure Clapton actually said at any point these are my seven favorites, but I think they did a great job of compiling seven he truly loved. Guitairist friend got invited to Prince's after show show, hours of playing for a handful of people just for the love of the music: said he was phenomenal.

[@sg72646]

Absolutely agree!

[@hakansoder5279]

Or Pete Townshend..!!

[@paulwood5803]

@@hakansoder5279 Not fit to clean up after the likes of Clapton, Beck, Hendrix, Page etc.

[@hakansoder5279]

@@paulwood5803 Heartily disagree.

[@kevinfraser7]

A couple of names to consider too. Jeff Beck for sure. And someone who is always overlooked when lists are compiled - Terry Kath of Chicago. The impact he made on me as a 10 year old music-lover was profound. His bluesy voice too was a perfect foil for the soaring notes of Peter Cetera. Check out their work on the debut album Chicago Transit Authority.

[@cpking7]

And Kath a favorite of Hendrix.

[@carlosbotto3826]

Clapton, is so grate, that he acts, in a humble way ,with other guitarrists ,tha are a level ,under

[@karenweaver134]

David Gilmore!

[@Lydiansolo]

@@karenweaver134 any relation to Dave Gilmour?

[@karenweaver134]

@@Lydiansolo yep! I messed up! Usually my spell check helps but not this time! ✌🏼

[@peter9962]

@@karenweaver134 We all know who you meant.

[@karenweaver134]

@@peter9962 thanks Peter! David Gilmour is my first choice and I will give Clapton his due….tho not a big fan…..I love Jeff B and I’m amazed by Prince …..I think Paul Mc is pretty damn good too! ✌🏼

[@peter9962]

@@karenweaver134 Haha, I could have made the same comment 😊 Have a nice day 🌞

[@leehambleton9919]

I know he likes Rory Gallagher Eric said it was listening to Rory that got him back into playing the blues

[@oicsaywhat]

Jeff Beck and SRV , Clapton held them in high regard you forgot about them. Also a few others like Buddy Guy , Freddie King, BB King,Albert King , Mark knolpher there’s others I’ve heard Clapton sing praises to.

[@robertschiffhauer1679]

Jimmy Page too🎸

[@rblauson]

Peter Greene

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Albert Lee is a BEAST! And a very humble man.

[@JimRosebush-g8v]

So true!!!

[@bmepdoc9675]

For us oldtimers who are fortunate enough to have experienced these musical monuments first hand - Clapton's nod to Albert Lee is palpable. Lee is to a guitar man what Ali is to a boxer. Pretty much as peerless as one can get .

[@fordgiesbrecht1087]

JJ Cale - so understated that some actually thought Clapton wrote some of the songs he covered

[@billypilgrim5329]

Thanks for mentioning JJ Cale, feared he would be missed, which would be a great shame

[@sbonamo]

On guitar? LOL, not close.

[@sammyseagull]

@@sbonamo thats not what clapton said

[@sbonamo]

@@sammyseagull Send me the link.

[@sammyseagull]

@@sbonamo who was your slave last year?

[@metta8917]

You forgot Freddie King about whom Clapton said " I was interested in the white rock 'n' rollers until I heard Freddie King - and then I was over the moon. I knew that was where I belonged - finally. That was serious, proper guitar playing and I haven't changed my mind ever since.I still listen to it and I get the same boost now that I did then." Guitarist Magazine, June, 1994.

[@pjw1016]

Mick Taylor and Peter Green

[@petesshed]

Yes, I remember a TV programme on music and some American fella said, 'Why don't you get that great guitarist from England?'. Someone replied, 'What, Eric Clapton?' and the fella remembered who it was and said, 'No, Peter Green!'. Great or even Greatest Guitarists will always be subjective, but hey, they certainly knew how to knock up a tune. Some gone but their songs and rifts are NEVER forgotten (and never will be). ATB

[@owenball7218]

I know he held SRV in very high regard also. I saw a video on here somewhere that Eric said when he heard SRV on the car radio he pulled over and just listened

[@DougProkop-x6x]

A real Clapton list would include SRV for sure!!

[@ldub783]

Yeah, this video is trash LOL!

[@andybroer651]

@@DougProkop-x6x agreed

[@Gzoratto]

@@DougProkop-x6x The whole list is invalid without Jeff Beck.

[@Dogsled1000]

This is one of the best look backs on the music that was being plaid at the time of Cream. You can worship who ever you want, but everyone contributed their part of the late 60's and 70's. Thanks you for this whole post and I enjoyed reading most of the responses.

[@chriswilliams5982]

If you look you’ll find an old video of Hendricks at a muddy waters concert in the front row watching muddy play with his teeth, behind his head, and copied him. You’ll also find both muddy and Albert king saying the best blues guitarist they ever saw was Eric Clapton. In fact if you find the Albert king video he also said Jimmy couldn’t play the blues if his life depended on it. II was stunned, and wondered if he had some personal thing about Jimmy, but my son at 16 was a guitar prodigy about to go to Berkeley school of music on a full scholarship. He was obsessed with the blues and thought Clapton was amazing. When I asked him about playing the blues and rock he said “ oh no dad, playing rock and playing the blues are very different techniques. Playing 12 note blues is something a lot of rock guys can’t play.” I never got to see his potential because he passed away in his sleep on Christmas 2001. All I have is a video of him in a club in boulder where this old blues played twice a year to standing crowds. He had photos of him playing with a who’s who of blues greats. Him and my son instantly connected and he listened to my son play and asked him to play with him in an upcoming gig. At one point he left the stage and left Shawn to play and sing two songs that had people screaming. He sat next to me and said “that boy is an old soul”. The video is all I have left of Shawn but i haven’t watched it in 22 years. I just can’t.

[@michaelscore6763]

And then there God plays lead guitar for Mark Knopfler..... Who isn't ranked here under his favorites. Without words!

[@Andy_Ross1962]

Duane said of Clapton. He's good but he's no Dickey Betts.

[@jessehaft]

@@douglemay7989Sure did.

[@corkycoreson1403]

Clapton has often said that Buddy Guy was one of the greatest guitarist alive. How'd you miss that?

[@57stratkat]

Yeah. Jeff Beck. I read a Clapton interview years ago where he said that "on a good night, No one can touch Jeff Beck". For me, having seen Beck live 6 times over the years, and having seen just about everyone else, Jeff is the GOAT. Saw Rory is the early 70's - another phenomenal player. Both killed by f__king bacteria! RIP

[@johnzane4610]

Having seen Jeff Beck od 25 times over the last 30 years , I concrr that Beck was the G.O.A.T. !!!!

[@sidsidow2024]

How about Rory Gallagher - "who got him back to the blues"?

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Gary Clarke, another Irishman that has been mentioned.

[@davidsilva1649]

Tommy Emmanuel and Richard Thompson

[@TheCavemancam]

Tommy Emmanuel is very skilled guitar player, yes. But he didn't left footprints in guitar history, zero big hits. Im missing Carlos Santana in the list. Great musician, skilled guitar player

[@lonewave1]

@@TheCavemancam So why did Eric Clapton call Tommy Emmanuel the greatest guitar of the day. You do not need "hits" to make you a great guitarist. He's leaving his footprints all over the place. I like Carlos Santana too, but Tommy much more!

[@ABStudioProductions69]

@@lonewave1 the key words are "of the day" vs ever - I attended Tommy Emanuelles concert in Melbourne this year and yes he is good (extremely good in His style) but not as versatile as the greats - IMO

[@lizgray5750]

Love Richard Thompson

[@garyvevang5283]

​@@lizgray5750Yes to RT. He seems to admit to and revel in being naughty. I guess that's ok. Gays often revel in their gayness, I suppose us naughty boys can revel in that too. Oh.....girls are naughty too but, like Victoria- it's secret😊

[@mauricebate5069]

How about the great Peter Green ? 👍🏼❤🇬🇧😎

[@876mpr]

Duane Allman will always be my A#1, but the others are tough to argue against.

[@casedismissed8581]

you're SPOT ON !!! stay that course !!!

[@johngore7744]

Sky Dog ( from Brown Sugar ). It was on the wall in the bathroom at Muscle Shoals studio when the Stones recorded Brown Sugar there. Duane also did a version of The Weight with Aretha there too. Awesome. He was playing with the studio musicians ‘the Swampers. ‘ they played on many many hits. Duane was the only hippie in the group lol. One day I’d like to visit there the natives said the river dings. That’s why so much good music comes from that studio. Cheers from Montreal

[@johngore7744]

The river SINGS. lol

[@fess04]

There so many great guitarists in this country alone. So many unsung.

[@dr.johnson400]

Paul Kossoff

[@CornerstoneChurchNet]

Terry Kath, Eric Clapton, Gatemouth Brown, Joscho Stephan, Doyle Dykes, Chet Atkins, Glenn Campbell, Price Love, I could go on. So much great music out there!

[@Home-lb7jr]

Stevie Ray Vaughan was not mentioned in this video. There's no need for me to elaborate really. Just listen to Erics comments about him. It's all on You Tube. By the way all you guitar fans out there, give yourselves a little treat and watch Stevie playing Texas Flood live at El Mocambo. Nuff said.

[@cmc2234]

Poorly made video for sure. This is a direct quote from EC in a Rolling Stone interview Oct 17, 1991 oh wow just realized it's 10/17 today! "The worst thing for me was that Stevie Ray had been sober for three years and was at his peak. When he played that night, he had all of us standing mere with our jaws dropped. I mean, Robert Cray and Jimmie Vaughan and Buddy Guy were just watching in awe. There was no one better than him on this planet. Really unbelievable."

[@wolfgang4078]

There are so many unknown guitarplayers on the same level as Clapton but Clapton became an Icon.

[@garyvevang5283]

Backless was genius. I and many others became fans in that era.

[@brotherbob3569]

My favourites I hav'ent seen live. Jimi Hendrix, Rory Galleger, Carlos, Richie Blackmore, Gary Moore, Derick Trucks. Those I've seen. Roy Buchanan, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, SRV, Alvin Lee, Albert Lee, all Three Kings, Robin Trower, Duane & Dicky, Mick Taylor, Martin Barre, Sony Landreth, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Tab Benoit, Jerry Garcia, Andy Powell, Walter Trout & Coco Montoya, Robert Cray, Toy Caldwell, Jimmy Page, Tony Iomi, Kim Simmons, Nitzinger, Billy Gibbons, Mark Farner, JJ Cale, Rossington & Collins, Warren Haynes, & Tony Joe White. Oh. I've never seen Terry Kath. They're all the GOATS.

[@ochjim]

A star studded line up . . Surprised that Jeff Healey, Bonamassa, and Brian Setzer aren't in there somewhere . .

[@theronware]

Wow Studio Number Six, this video was a treat! Gratitude!

[@jangroterlinden569]

Gilmour, Clapton, Gary Moore, Knopfler, Beck, Blackmore

[@aacoaf1984]

Hank Marvin different style, also great

[@jeromeportier4914]

That’s not a list of great guitarists but a list of guitarists Clapton admired! I very much doubt Blackmore would be there! JJ Cale, on the other hand…

[@jimbyrne2328]

Did Blackmore upset you? You are claiming on every thread the Clapton didnt care much for Blackmore. Probably, because Blackmore was more successful than Him. Professional jealousy, perhaps.​@jeromeportier4914

[@rosshardy6223]

How could you leave out the Green god?

[@michaelmouse4024]

Page, Beck, Blackmore, May & Eddie VH... and Robin Trower, who's a bit good too

[@djtrendsetta5766]

May is nowhere in the mix. This Queen adulation of the last couple generations needs to come to an end.

[@jerrygoldfarb7739]

Loved Cream but the group wasn't all Clapton-Jack Bruce played a mean bass and handled the vocals-and Ginger Baker was hell on the drums!!

[@chrismascher8667]

I actually got a surprise phone call from Albert Lee (thanks son). Regardless of how big a fan of his I am, he was the most humble, gracious man. I can't think Mr. Lee enough for that....and, he is a kick ass guitarist. Head, hands and feet!!!

[@bhbm47]

Besides the friendship, Clapton loved G Harrison’s guitar playing

[@zivkovicable]

And his wife…

[@tomaslinden5304]

Terry Kath. Outstanding. Watch him, listen to him. Search Chicago.

[@jimmyclyde4273]

25 or 6 to 4

[@cwilk5062]

To me it sounds like those might be Claptons personal choices but there has been so many great guitar players in this world , Jimi Hendrix was amazed at Terry Kath guitar playing...........many people may not know who Terry Kath was.

[@mauriciocastro6363]

You missed Stevie Ray Vaughan. Claption admired SRV much more than John Meyer.

[@BeauSally]

Who doesn't?

[@jeromeportier4914]

And you know that how? While I’m sure Clapton appreciated SRV, style wise John Mayer is much closer to Clapton.

[@jeffprenoveau4841]

Roy Clark, was another great guitarist.

[@robertm7889]

Glen Campbell

[@1960fusion]

@@robertm7889 Hey, you beat me to it! 🙂

[@DaveMiller2]

Jerry Reed.

[@1960fusion]

@@DaveMiller2 Another great one that is forgotten...your on a role!

[@joannmay-anthony1076]

Chet Atkins if we are into country. Also Vince Gill who was asked by Mark Knofler to join Dire Straights

[@mwalker3547]

He loved his good friend Mister Jeff Beck.

[@DaveMiller2]

Lindsey Buckingham. Mark Knopfler.

[@StevenQ74]

Mark would certainly be on Erics list, they played together often

[@kurtschmidt9760]

Stevie Ray Vaughn and Gary Moore

[@mjblane]

Jeff Beck! - seriously EC, you didn't include JB? Bah!

[@leggomyeigonosensei]

Steve Howe, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Roy Clark, Django, Van Halen, Clapton

[@djtrendsetta5766]

Grant Green

[@petejones879]

Prince is very underrated as a guitarist

[@goodpainlive]

Prince might be the greatest of them all. If you have seen While My Guitar Gently Weeps, he has to be at the top.

[@northstarmind1049]

I hate to say it but...: Geee, I wonder _whyyy_ ...?

[@TerryLevitt]

@@northstarmind1049I’ll bite. Why? Truly. :-)

[@northstarmind1049]

@@TerryLevitt Welll, Prince was _never_ underrated in _Blk_ America & most of the Western world... It's only in whyte (particularly, American) guitar magazine ratings of top electric guitarists, you'd be hard-pressed to find Prince even in "the top best 40"!!... -- if the ratings even went anywhere near at all that high. In one whyte guitar magazine ranking I saw _Kurt Cobain_ at around _#17_ & Prince nowhere in sight! In other guitar magazines, for a "top best 50", Prince might come in something like #44...! Sometimes in a "top best 40", Prince if he even makes the list, he might come in #37. I used to periodically amuse myself picking up one of those whyte guitar magazine rankings whenever I saw one of them to see if Prince was even at all on the list! But then we live in a country where many whyte people make all kinds of excuses where Caitlin Clark is supposedly the best WNBA player in WNBA history!! And, "the King of Rock-n-Roll / Jazz" -- both _Blk_ American invented art forms -- is always "whyte" ! (Like, of course Elvis or Benny Goodman.) That's why in the YT video, *"2021 Remaster "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with Prince"* , etc, Prince _made sure everyone_ knew who was the best! And there's the story that Clapton was once asked, "What's it like being the world's best guitarist?", and Clapton said, *"I don't know...: go ask Prince"* ! It's said that if whyte cats could vote for whatever the smartest color of cats is, they'd vote _whyte_ cats!... In the late 1940's, & the 1950's, Blk bebop musicians said, *'We're gonna make this sh **_so harrrd_** there **_ain't gonna bbee_** no whyte "King of Bebop"* .

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

There are many underrated players in music history.

[@andybetts6584]

Clapton is class respect him for his playing his opinions are his to hold and express same as anyone

[@bristleconepinus2378]

I saw Eric when he toured w/ Cream, in L.A. in the late 60's. What I respect about Eric is he taught himself to sing which he didn't do in the early days and became a great performer with a great voice, very distinctive.

[@damianwhite504]

Yes, I remember him saying he couldnt stand his voice and he had to be prompted by others. And yes, he does have a very powerful and emotive voice

[@danskhansen]

I was there.

[@mjford6152]

Clapton was one of many greats in his era. He's imotrtal as a songwriter for Lovely Tonight and Tears in Heaven. Guitar wise he played with everybody and held his own always.

[@andychase7693]

Peter Green, Terry Kath, Roy Buchanon, etc., etc.,.....

[@Mikethebike-ov1yp]

Terry Kath- beast and way overlooked maestro.

[@henry-nr5np]

David Gilmour,, Mark Knopfler,, Keith Richards,,Eric Clapton,, Van Halen

[@freddyeltigre2327]

Paul Kossoff's Vibrato's are lengenary, and Guitarists to this day are still trying to copy him, I respect every guitarist who goes on stage. there are sooo many great Guitarist who never get recognized like Koss. Clapton! I think was very gealous of Kossoff, Buddy Guy, Gilmore,Knolpher, Van Halen and Bonamassa's playing. I'm 80 heard hundreds of bands live, But I was never a fan of Clapton because I never saw anything special that he could do, that the others could. Most all great guitarists are mentioned on this Pod cast.

[@DaveWaters-qd9bn]

Many different fantastic players. Clapton is very right high rated. Carlos Santana, Joe Walsh, Slash, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, Gary Moore and many more are all masters. But I like to hear the tones of David Gilmour or Mark Knopfler or Mike Oldfield. The melodies and emoticons are important to me.

[@davidg5629]

Prince sounded amazing. I have to give him another listen. I may stray but I always come back to Clapton.

[@shirleybuffington6420]

Stevie Ray Vaughan was one Clapton said in an interview once that he was driving and heard Stevie playing on the radio and said he had to find out before the end of the day who that was because he was so blown away . Also the last concert they played together Stevie was playing and Clapton was to go on after him and waiting back stage and turned around and said to someone how do they expect me to play after that .

[@alanehiggins123]

Knopfler no 1, you know its him from the first note . Wether its on a Strat,Les Paul , resonator or acoustic .

[@martinlively2392]

Definitely the most distinctive

[@philcole7788]

Roy Clark, Glenn Campbell, Jimmy Page, Clapton, Blackmore, Eddie Van Halen

[@Rick123691]

Glen Campbell for sure, he's forgot more about the guitar thru the years than most ever knew. John Denver and Chet Atkins were two more. Gone but not forgotten ❤️

[@jeromeportier4914]

That’s not a list of great guitarists but a list of guitarists Clapton admired! I doubt Clapton cared much for Blackmore or Van Halen! Van Halen was a big fan of Clapton though…

[@mustangbaby]

I agree with your choices. Glenn Campbell and Roy Clark could play anyway anything, anytime. That makes a great guitarist. Eddie was in a league of his own.

[@mustangbaby]

​Amen! Jamming in the heavenly band.

[@Elkastro100]

You forgot Jerry Reed.

[@t.sewell1513]

I’ve always thought that Albert is criminally overlooked in the broad spectrum of guitar playing.

[@dalewalker4666]

Went to an Albert Lee masterclass in a little club in my home town, such a humble man who would show you anything you asked him for. An absolutely amazing player, even Jeff Beck once said, "If Albert ever starts playing hard rock, get out of the way as he will blow us all awsy".

[@sebastiangarla8558]

He was talking about Albert King

[@t.sewell1513]

@@sebastiangarla8558Considering Albert Lee is in this video….I’d respectfully disagree.

[@JimRosebush-g8v]

@@t.sewell1513 Albert Lee is playing crazy solos in Eric Clapton's (Just One Night) Live in Japan early 80's LP and you disagree ???? LMAO!!

[@t.sewell1513]

@@JimRosebush-g8v I was responding to the previous comment above mine, that Eric was talking about Albert King.

[@BrendaRamirez-e1n]

It will always be Eric Clapton and Neil Young for me. Then and now.

[@jameskrause-k7i]

terry kath!

[@RocketKirchner]

Jeff Beck Jeff Beck Jeff Beck

[@lucone2937]

Jimmy Page!

[@StevenMoney]

@@lucone2937nope!

[@SMHannon100]

Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughan

[@rethink62]

@@lucone2937 Another 12 year old

[@BarbarraBay]

@@lucone2937 please... wrong video... go away thanks

[@markcusack6335]

Interesting, if flawed topic for a music documentary short (its makers surmise what Clapton’s seven favourite guitarists are - there is no interview in which he says, “this is my top seven”).

[@JimRosebush-g8v]

Albert Lee is often called Mr Telecaster and rightfully so , he never has to hide behind a wall of distortion !!!

[@bpw8139]

The world's greatest ever guitarist, MK, is not even mentioned. Unbelievable.

[@garyvevang5283]

You talking Mark Knopler? I love Brothers In Arms

[@bpw8139]

@@garyvevang5283 Of course. there is no one else.

[@MrDallman]

Mike Bloomfield , Peter Green, …..

[@numv2]

Albert Lee kills everyone else in this list

[@andipipo]

For a man who had been called the definition of a guitar god back in the 1960s, though, Clapton knew that Beck had a certain type of magic that no other guitarist could really claim to have, saying, “I think he is the most unique guitar player and probably the most devoted. From what I know of Jeff, he’s either fixing his cars or playing the guitar, and there’s no in-between for him. He has never changed, whereas I have been wandering around all the time.”

[@ralex3697]

You do know he has passed away ?

[@denniswinters2541]

Always heard Clapton mention Freddie King & Albert King being favorites.

[@petergedd9330]

That tone (when Eric is demonstrating his guitar) is magical, and it sings, I aim to always try to get my tone near that because its just like a vocal sound, quite beautiful, only a master can achieve this kind of tone through many hours of trial, in some ways its just like a violin tone.

[@WilliamFlannery-y8o]

There is a popular Cream tune, Strange Brew, when Clapton copies an Albert King solo note for note.

[@niku30504]

2:15 Duane Allman, 3:42 Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, 4:23 Jimi Hendrix, 6:25 Prince, 7:19 John Mayer and 8:37 Albert Lee.

[@alexmook4746]

John Mayer but no SRV....don't get it.

[@k2fish]

Terry Kath.

[@sanjaypaul9159]

Eric Clapton had influenced many musicians over the decades. His dedication to his craft is awe-inspiring ❤

[@Chatti16]

Absolutely Perfectly put! 🙏

[@sanjaypaul9159]

@@Chatti16 Thank you! 🙏

[@DJS11811]

Stevie Ray Vaughan?

[@russhfan]

Alex Lifeson So many players We're truly blessed.

[@wai701b6]

I'm adding Allan Holdsworth, Danny Gatton, Eric Johnson and Michael Hedges to the list.

[@Belfreyite]

Allan Holdsworth! Yes.

[@jeromeportier4914]

Does Clapton care about any of those?

[@enutrofdude]

I always scroll down through guitarist discussions to see if anyone mentions Danny Gatton. 🙂 Very few people mention Lenny Breau, who was "the best guitarist I've ever seen" according to Gatton.

[@garyvevang5283]

​@@enutrofdudeyes Danny was too good it bored him a bit. Hendrix may have had the same problem. Pure God given Prodigies. They were both quite humble.

[@lacfilms8345]

Thanks for mentioning - Danny Gatton R.I.P. A local legend in this area from back in the day. Fill in the _____ blank question of who were some of the all-time great guitar players? We as music fans have our own favs to add to this list - with Clapton being on there for sure. For me it was who or which guitarist had the most recognizable unique sound that got my attention. Beck R.I.P, Trower and Santana. Not to say that there aren't many other greats, but those 3 stick out for me. Find some ole Danny Gatton videos still on U-Tube today of his playing - truly a remarkable player.

[@martyndormer]

I saw Albert Lee with Head Hands and Feet when I was 15. I was utterly baffled by his playing. As a guitarist I am still trying to do something useful.

[@Chris-wj8fz]

Alvin Lee Ten Years After at Woodstock 69

[@scottmgso]

Going Home!!❤❤❤

[@Chris-wj8fz]

@@scottmgso yes Going Home 🏡

[@Chris-wj8fz]

He plays a big old red Gibson with peace stickers all over it 🎸

[@Chris-wj8fz]

He inspired me as a 17 year old to pick up a Gibson Les Paul sunburst still got it at 72!!! My wife controls amp volume a lot more now because I tend to slide up to 11 these days....f*** it ;))

[@scottmgso]

@@Chris-wj8fz Thank you!

[@rk41gator]

Clapton is a TRUE ARTIST illustrating his amazing skill and pure emotional weight whenever he plays. Great list of blues guitar masters. Praise from Caesar [Eric Clapton] is praise indeed. Despite his fame and perhaps because of his lack of excessive ego, for me Clapton is still a guitar god. One of, if not, the best.

[@rong.7768]

It's difficult to judge, every era had good players. What style of music, what genre, etc. I know so many gypsy jazz and swing acoustic players, but no one mentions the real virtuosos on their instruments.

[@DavidDavies-k7o]

can't believe so few mentions of Jimmy Page. Got to be top 7 surely. So many great guitarists, not enough time.

[@robertsmith3901]

i wonder at the veracity of this. As jimwebb9328 says, Stevie Ray Vaugh was extremely high on Eric's list.

[@BlueSun4886]

Django played with half of his left hand burned off from a caravan fire when he was younger - astonishing. I watched an interview with Clapton once where he was asked who his favorite guitarist was. Without hesitation, he said Richard Thompson, formerly the guitarist with the English folk-rock group Fairport Convention (which he co-founded in 1967 & featured Sandy Denny & several musicians later to join Jethro Tull), still filling halls at age 75 today. He was one of my all-time guitar gods (I played professionally from when I got my union card at age 15 until I married at 25, including mostly studio sideman work but I got to know many of the top guitarists of the '60s & early '70s). Thompson is primarily known for "1952 Vincent Black Lightning," a song listed in Time's All-Time Best Songs. I know he was awestruck by Jeff Beck because Beck brought a style to the guitar that NOBODY has been able to duplicate. Watch Jeff Beck and teenage Australian female bass guitar sensation, Tal Wilkenfeld, playing together with Vinnie Colaiuta (American drummer who played with Beck & Tal for years & was a session man for just about any genre of music that involves drums). Check out KZbin for some of the cuts from Beck's 2007 album "Live at Ronny Scott's" a London jazz club. Tal plays incredible lead on the bass & Beck is gobsmacked, grinning & throwing his hands up - it is wonderful to see 2 musicians in perfect communication. BTW, when Tommy Dodd was the recording engineer who recorded Layla in Miami, it was Dodd, who, knowing Duane Allman was in town, first called Allman & offered him the chance to play on the cut. There is no such thing as "the 7 best guitarists." Would you not be able to find room for Paco DeLucia (who re-invented modern Flamenco guitar) and Al Di Meola playing Mediterranean Sundance (they have multiple versions including one with Mahavishnu John McLaughlin on KZbin - listen and prepare to burn all of your guitars in frustration). On the original album with no audience, you hear them finish this masterpiece & one is heard saying something like " whew" in amazement. Don't forget John Renbourn, of Pentangle, who can play anything from a Telecaster with a wah peddle to 17th century rennaisance music, acoustic or electric (and his Pentangle acoustic fingerpicking partner Bert Jansch, who created the platform for Renbourn's flights of genius). When I was 15 & had been playing for almost 4 years, I was hired by an adult dance orchestra (complete with the 40's music stands & a conductor. We were at Krass Brothers "Store of the Stars" in Philly for fittings for new stage outfits (Bill Haley and the Comets were just leaving if that ages me). Being by far the youngest & newest in the band, I was last in line while 40 others were being fitted. One 40ish Black man was waiting behind me for his turn. He had a guitar case next to him & he saw me eyeing it. He asked me if I wanted to see a beautiful guitar & I said "Yes." He opened the case & took out a Gibson L-5 with a single cutaway & the legendary Gibson P-90 pickups. He handed it to me and said, "Here, try it." Being young, rash & stupid, I dug a pick out of my pocket & played a tune I though was more of his generation, "'Till There Was You," from The Music Man (the Beatles also covered it). I already had a highly intricate jazz arrangement of it I played as my "show off" guitar feature piece with the orchestra, so I started playing it. The axe was so good that, instead of just ending the song, I spent over a half-hour just noodling around the melody in 50's improvisational jazz style, working all around the melody before finally coming back to it to close it down. He asked me how long I had been playing (4 years, but I had played classical clarinet since I was 6, so music was not new to me). He generously praised me & said "Stick with it. You got possibilities (I think he was being polite)". I handed back the guitar as I was called for my fitting. I told him my name and he told me his, Wes Montgomery. I turned pale white & came close to losing my lunch & said if I had known who he was I never would have taken the guitar. As the man credited with invention of cool jazz & jazz fusion (which I later followed him into), with his octave play, arpeggio solos & the first person I ever heard use superimposed triads over other chords. Playing a Db triad over a G7 chord gives you the improbable G7b5b9 chord. Shift the triad up a full tone and you have a G13b9. All basic jazz technique now - but it's because every guitar player in the world has been influenced by Montgomery or people who were themselves influenced by him. And he did it all without a pick - just fingerpicking, which is the way I started on acoustic blues. After that (and especially after seeing Beck in London for the first time live, it is still my goto with my just rebuilt Strat. What about Tony Rice & Clarence White in country & bluegrass picking? Bluegrass picking teaches better technique & control of tone production than even jazz does. Montgomery was the BEST.

[@deanbembridge8640]

First time I've ever seen a picture of Eric playing a telecaster , he's been a big influence on my guitar playing , I'm surprised BB King wasn't in there as they did an album together ridding with the king which is absolutely brilliant 🎸🎶

[@bwolfe8516]

i think he's been playing a Tele since Cream broke up........like most of his career as a musician

[@robertdusziii4125]

The Tele was during Blind Faith. Tele body and Strat neck. Check KZbin Blind Faith live and you’ll see it. Now it’s Strats.

[@northstarmind1049]

It's _not even_ *Prince* _effortlessly_ fantastic & _effortlessly_ fluid guitar solos that make him the greatest -- after *Hendrix* . Prince could _highly virtuosically_ play _whatever form_ of music he _wanted_ to. Even _fantastic_ electric jazz! Prince put studio albums together playing *_every_* instrument himself! Just go hear the first 45 seconds alone of Prince's _cymbals_ playing, along with another cymbals solo in the middle, along with the drumming (that's Prince _tooo_ ), on the long version of "777-9311"...: _pure virtuosic genius_ that he even _thought it up_ , let alone play it himself! --Let alone, that most drummers _can't_ even _play_ it, certainly not offhand if at all! And Prince was even a _fantastic base_ player too! And like Hendrix, what Prince would've done in their futures, had it not been tragically cut short, was beyond our musical estimation! As for being inspired by electric guitar history's most famous innovator, Prince probably was influenced to some degree by Hendrix (many guitarists have been, altho off-hand I don't recall Prince ever playing a gritty/dirty guitar sound), but I like to say that *Prince* picked up where *Hendrix* left off!!... Now Blk guitarist Ernie Isley was _definitely_ widely underrated, but that's because he wouldn't have been as widely well-known in _whyte_ society, because the Isley Brothers wouldn't have been as widely well-known in whyte society. But Ernie Isely's guitar style _&_ attire was sometimes definitely inspired by Hendrix. Check out the Isleys 9+ minutes version of "Summer Breeze", & the 9+ & even 13+ minutes version of "Ohio/Machine Gun" covers, the long versions, by The Isley Brothers, & hear Ernie's guitar _soarrr_ , as well as how Ernie Isley dressed. In fact, when Hendrix was _very_ young, essentially unknown, & before he struck off to carve out his own thing, Hendrix was _with_ the Isley Brothers, when the Isley's were just starting out. (Sort of like when Tupac was _really_ young, essentially unknown, but _obviously_ greatly promising, when he started with Digital Underground.)

[@jameskirchner2655]

My First rock album 1967 CREAM DISRAILIE GEARS👍💯

[@lunes-1]

8) Paul McCartney 🎸

[@jamro217]

Steve Winwood explained the "Clapton is God" graffiti as the work of an aspiring rock manager. He allegedly contacted Winwood boasting about creating a similar message that read: "Steve Winwood is alive". "See what I can do for you?" Steve answered: "What? Remind me that I'm still alive?" He then refused the offer of this manager to represent him.

[@rickaitkins6539]

Great story/info! Who is that manager?

[@jamro217]

​@@rickaitkins6539 I don't remember if his name was even mentioned in the interview. I believe it was in Contemporary Keyboard magazine in the late '70's or early '80's. Steve might have been on the cover. I remember laughing about it, though. Some of the stuff musicians have to go through in order to deliver their art to the public is unbelievable until you're in a band and see it for yourself. Thanks for the reply and have a great night.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Yes....everyone seems to forget the photo of a pup making his views known concerning Clapton....Eric knows, he saw the picture & said so...😊

[@TheSuperKozak]

1. Jimmy Hendrix 2. Jeff Beck 3. Eric Clapton 4. Mark Knopfler 5. Peter Greene 6. JJ Cale 7. SRV 8. Albert Lee 9. Rory Galagher 10. Mick Taylor That's The List

[@layla-bw4xu]

Forgot glen Campbell

[@AubMar]

Glen Who? 😃

[@simongilbert2704]

@@AubMar naughty naughty ;;

[@petera7403]

200% true. Glen Campbell may not have chosen to play rock music, but wow, there was someone whose musical ability was second to none. I'm frequently disappointed to read people's comments in these sorts of videos. They are sometimes so opinionated, and at the same time so narrow minded.

[@simongilbert2704]

@@petera7403 glen who - shows ignorance ;; also --- roy clark ,, and the man who helped glen and chet adkins when they needed a a note -- jerry reed ;;

[@petera7403]

@@simongilbert2704 Agreed. It's sometimes called respecting one's elders.....

[@LindaHuff-n9x]

Ritchie Blakemore. Glad he mentioned Duane Allman.

[@cato451]

Hendrix raised the bar for everyone.

[@TheReal1953]

Really easy now for Millenials and Gen Zs to tear down Hendrix. "I can play his songs!" etc. The thing was, they weren't there to see his live performances. Hendrix invented the boundaries of rock/blues guitar. He was unlimited in his talent....whatever direction he chose. Nobody was as good and nobody was better. When all the 'greats' at the time heard him play, they were dwarfed by his talent and amazed. When Clapton first heard him play, he was somewhat defeated because as good as Clapton was, he realized Hedrix was better. Duane A. was a great guitar player and his slide work along with his Southern blues style was amazing and better than Clapton as well. Hendrix's only fault was the extended showmanship 'era'. But when he was chided to get down and get serious about his music, he did as in "Band of Gypsys". And then he was dead......

[@northstarmind1049]

'Millennials & Z'ers tear down Hendrix...' Where!?... Who!?...

[@TheReal1953]

@@northstarmind1049 I hear it all the time in real life and online from wannabe musicians and armchair critics.

[@wowojeejee]

Most overrated guitarist!

[@northstarmind1049]

@@wowojeejee Trohlll...

[@nicolaenicolas6088]

I would mention Holdsworth, Alvin Lee, Martin Barre, D. Boon, Raymond Burns ( Captain Sensible)...

[@Gordon-r4h]

LoL ...Jimi Hendrix Voted best ever .. Clapton an everyone copied Jimi .. Clapton didn't like Jimi because he was so fn.. ..Good he showed the dreamers, how to make a Guitar talk.. All along the Watch Tower, Bob Dylan ... these over night sensations couldn't believe what Jimi did to that number, Dylan loved it... RIP🎉 Jimi the Greatest Ever

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Then why the fuck did Clapton buy Hendrix a left hand Stratocaster? Because he didn’t like him? Nah, doesn’t sound right.

[@Gordon-r4h]

@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 He came around eventually admired him deservedly

[@bhbm47]

@@Gordon-r4h Clapton and Hendrix were admirers of each other and hung out in NY and England when they were both there. Don’t know where this alternate version is from.

[@gusfring9895]

Q: How many supporting acts has Clapton thrown off a tour because the other guitarist was blowing him off the stage? A: To the best of my knowledge, only one - Deep Purple in 1968 after doing 3 gigs as part of Cream's farewell tour. The guitarist was, of course, the one and only Ritchie Blackmore. Clapton may not have liked Ritchie, but he definitely didn't want to compete with him. Clapton is not and never was God; not even close. He's a great blues guitarist, a master of the 3-chord rock/blues I-IV-V progression, and can improvise whilst playing live. That made him perfect for Cream. But in terms of sheer musical ability, he was out of his depth in that band. Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were the real driving force in that band because they were seriously accomplished jazz musicians with chops Clapton could never hope to possess. He was, however, a better frontman than Jack, and he also had the great fortune to be spotted and singled out for press attention by Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records, who knew that blues and R&B music had far more commercial appeal and marketability than jazz. Ertegun did more to throw Clapton into the public spotlight than anyone else. And in that context, Ertegun made a brilliant decision. But in strictly musical terms Clapton may be one of the more seriously over-rated players of all time; the lucky recipient of an overblown media hype/false narrative that has persisted for almost 60 years. Enough already.