Re-create the Epic Guitar Tone of Eric Clapton
Re-create the Epic Guitar Tone of Eric Clapton
To recreate the epic guitar tone of Eric Clapton, you’ll need a selection of pedals, an amplifier, microphone, and cabinet combination that can capture his iconic sound. Here’s a suggested selection of pedals, signal path, amplifier, mics, and cabinet rigs for achieving a Clapton-like tone:
Signal Path: Guitar → Compressor → Overdrive → Wah → Modulation → Delay → Reverb → Amp
1. Compressor
MXR Dyna Comp: Clapton often used a compressor to even out his guitar’s dynamics and add sustain. The Dyna Comp is a classic choice that can help you achieve that smooth, singing tone.
2. Overdrive
Ibanez Tube Screamer: Clapton is famous for his bluesy overdrive tones, and the Tube Screamer can provide that creamy, mid-boosted sound. Set the drive to moderate levels to get that classic Clapton crunch.
3. Wah
Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: Clapton has made extensive use of a wah pedal in his playing, and the Cry Baby Wah is a versatile option that can add expressive vocal-like qualities to your tone.
4. Modulation
MXR Phase 90: Clapton incorporated phaser effects in his solos to add texture and movement. The Phase 90 can provide that classic swirling modulation sound.
4. Delay
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay: Clapton often used delay to create space and depth in his guitar solos. The DD-3 offers a range of delay times and can provide crisp repeats to enhance your playing.
4. Reverb
Strymon BigSky: Clapton’s tone often had a touch of reverb to create a sense of ambiance. The BigSky pedal offers a wide variety of reverb algorithms, allowing you to dial in lush, atmospheric reverberation.
Amplificadores e Gabinetes
Fender Twin Reverb or Marshall Bluesbreaker:
Clapton has used both Fender and Marshall amps throughout his career. The Fender Twin Reverb and Marshall Bluesbreaker are excellent choices that can deliver the clean headroom and warm breakup tones associated with Clapton’s sound.
Colunas / Gabinets
Pair your chosen amplifier with a suitable cabinet. For Fender-style tones, a Fender 2×12″ cabinet can provide clarity and a balanced response. For Marshall-style tones, a Marshall 4×12″ cabinet can deliver the punch and power that Clapton often sought.
Remember that Clapton’s tone evolved over the years, so don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust the settings to achieve the specific era or album sound you’re aiming for.
Clapton’s playing technique and feel are also important factors in capturing his tone, so be sure to incorporate your own interpretation and style as well.
