Happy #MethodMonday & Happy Birthday, Slow Hand! I had another post lined up but turns out it's everybody's birthday today! (Click here for Clapton’s birthday brother: Vincent Van Gogh) For round 2 of today’s dive, I'll be referencing Eric Clapton's cover of I Shot the Sheriff by Bob Marley. Specifically, his guitar solo from 5:08-8:50. It's a lot to chew so let's get into it:
This solo is style and technique all rolled up in a full-bodied tonal and technical exploration. It tells a story with an arc, opening with a welcoming wail then flowing from one musical vignette to another, a full song in itself, emboldened by what Bob built. To me, it's a perfect mixture of smooth, loose, and intricately tight rhythmic expression. From 6:05-6:13, listen how he disregards the conventional constructs of tempo. He's so thoroughly in the pocket that he doesn't even have to confine to it. Lock step with all the amazing musicians around him. So much trust, connection. Showing that once you know the rules, you can bend them to your will. As I've heard John Mayer say, it's one thing to learn the licks. It's another thing entirely to learn from whence they come. Then it's all feel and you can start singing with your fingers. From there you can go full #OHFACE and blast off 🚀 And the lick at 8:31 will forever be etched into my canon. Bring it on home, Slow Hand... 🙏
Needless to say, this is one of my favorites of all time. Moving Song was my first go at putting these elements together. Have a listen to both and see if you can find the inspiration there: Moving Song (2:13-3:24)
Produced by : Tony Licker @tlick.tv
That's how these things get passed down the line. From Bob to Clapton to Geronimo to Beyond... Keep on spreading the Peace, the Love & The Inspiration 🌈❤️💛💚