Product Description
“I found a pattern in my behavior that had been repeating itself for years, decades even. Bad choices were my specialty, and if something honest and decent came along, I would shun it or run the other way.”

With striking intimacy and candor, Eric Clapton tells the story of his eventful and inspiring life in this poignant and honest autobiography. More than a rock star, he is an icon, a living embodiment of the history of rock music. Well known for his reserve in a profession marked by self-promotion, flamboyance, and spin, he now chronicles, for the first time, his remarkable personal and professional journeys.

Born illegitimate in 1945 and raised by his grandparents, Eric never knew his father and, until the age of nine, believed his actual mother to be his sister. In his early teens his solace was the guitar, and his incredible talent would make him a cult hero in the clubs of Britain and inspire devoted fans to scrawl “Clapton is God” on the walls of London’s Underground.With the formation of Cream, the world's first supergroup, he became a worldwide superstar, but conflicting personalities tore the band apart within two years. His stints in Blind Faith, in Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, and in Derek and the Dominos were also short-lived but yielded some of the most enduring songs in history, including the classic “Layla.”

During the late sixties he played as a guest with Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, as well as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and longtime friend George Harrison. It was while working with the latter that he fell for George’s wife, Pattie Boyd, a seemingly unrequited love that led him to the depths of despair, self-imposed seclusion, and drug addiction. By the early seventies he had overcome his addiction and released the bestselling album 461 Ocean Boulevard, with its massive hit “I Shot the Sheriff.” He followed that with the platinum album Slowhand, which included “Wonderful Tonight,” the touching love song to Pattie, whom he finally married at the end of 1979. A short time later, however, Eric had replaced heroin with alcohol as his preferred vice, following a pattern of behavior that not only was detrimental to his music but contributed to the eventual breakup of his marriage.
In the eighties he would battle and begin his recovery from alcoholism and become a father. But just as his life was coming together, he was struck by a terrible blow: His beloved four-year-old son, Conor, died in a freak accident. At an earlier time Eric might have coped with this tragedy by fleeing into a world of addiction. But now a much stronger man, he took refuge in music, responding with the achingly beautiful “Tears in Heaven.”

Clapton is the powerfully written story of a survivor, a man who has achieved the pinnacle of success despite extraordinary demons. It is one of the most compelling memoirs of our time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (382)

It is a must
His biographyis a crude story and a gesture of humility. Only a person who suffered as he did and overwhelmed all obstacles can share his experience and lessons of life. I am shure you will enjoy reading it.

Clapton: The Autobiography
An Excellent book, Clapton bares his soul. He's faced his demons and tells it all with true sincerity. You'll put this book down with a whole new respect for Eric Clapton. He's a hero with or with out Rock and Roll.

-Carl Bailey

book
This used book is in perfect condition 100%. Cheaper than going to a store & paying full price. Highly recommend this.

Clapton comes clean
While I liked Clapton's music, I was never a diehard fan. Don't think I ever bought a CD, come to think of it. But his autobiography sounded intriguing. Clapton opens the doors to his life and gives great insight into his childhood and development. His struggles with drugs and alcohol are astounding and makes you wonder how the human body can survive that sort of abuse. He chronicles his recovery well and makes a sound argument for living clean, from his relationships to his music. I was amazed at his attention to names and dates. While the hardcore Clapton fan would appreciate the details of his musical evolution, the bands and bandmates and dates, I sometimes felt it slowed things down, but I understand the book would be more for the fans than a casual observer like me. Still, I enjoyed it.

If You Read his Book, Read It to the End
Be careful with this book. As you read it you may find yourself, like I, not liking the person your reading about. What you may not discover unless you read the book to the end is that Mr. Clapton didn't like himself either and has spent many years changeing himself to be person he is today, a reformed alcoholic, a family man, and of course a highly acclaimed accomplish musician.

Honestly, it may have been better for him to have kept up much of the mystery rather than of written this book. Much of the book is devoted to his self portral as an over indulgent, self absorbed, screw-up; hard to believe huh? We that admire him get taken down a peg when we find out what he use to be like. But I say it took courage for such a private man as Eric Clapton to reveal what he reveals in this book. Yes, I would of liked him to talk more about the people he's worked with, and about his knowledge of the guitar, music and technology. Well maybe next time then, eh Eric?

But what I take away from his autobiogrphy is the knowledge that Eric Clapton is a human just like me with all the frailties and faults as anybody else. And now he has found some peace and love in his family in a world where that ain't so easy to do. Like Robbie Robertson said, "It's a God damned impossible way of life."

... Read more

Product Description
Note-for-note transcriptions of three dozen Clapton hits fill 344 pages! This must for every Slowhand fan features: After Midnight * Badge * Change the World * Cocaine * I Feel Free * I Shot the Sheriff * Layla * My Father's Eyes * Pretending * Riding with the King * Sunshine of Your Love * Tears in Heaven * Wonderful Tonight * more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Eric Clapton autobiography
I really liked this book not only because I like Eric Clapton but the stories are so humorous.If you like autobiographies about musicians then this will be a must have.

Great Collection of Eric Clapton's Music In Tab Form
This is an awesome collection of Eric Clapton's music notated and tabbed with lyrics.Need I say more?

Super Clapton book
As always another great Clapton book.If you are a CLapton fan & play his music jump all over this book,great book at a great price.

It is almost like having a piece of his soul.
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I ordered this book, but to my astonishment, it was a compilation of Eric's music in a form I didn't expect. Knowing Eric Clapton can't read music, (or couldn't) I can't imagine the work, combined with technology, he poured into getting this music down on paper. I don't read music, nor do I have any musical talent... but I will never part with this collection. It is almost like having a piece of his soul. ... Read more

Product Description
Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

For the first time, rock music’s most famous muse tells her incredible story

Pattie Boyd, former wife of both George Harrison and Eric Clapton, finally breaks a forty-year silence and tells the story of how she found herself bound to two of the most addictive, promiscuous musical geniuses of the twentieth century and became the most legendary muse in the history of rock and roll. The woman who inspired Harrison’s song “Something” and Clapton’s anthem “Layla,” Pattie Boyd has written a book that is rich and raw, funny and heartbreaking–and totally honest.Amazon.com Review
A Q&A with Pattie Boyd, Author of Wonderful Tonight

Why are you writing the book now?

I have been asked for the last 15 years to write a book, and it is only now that I feel the time is right. My confidence in myself was restored after two successful exhibitions of my photography, and it occurred to me that I was finally ready to take a look at the unique experiences of my life and to share them--including all the ups and downs.

Tell us about the first time you met George Harrison.

Working as a model, I occasionally went for castings, mainly for television commercials. I went for an interview with one of the directors I had worked with in the past, and he cast me in his first movie, A Hard Day’s Night, to play the part of a schoolgirl. When I first saw George on the set, I thought he was the best-looking man I’d ever seen. I was so surprised when he asked me out on a date at the end of my first day offilming.

Tell us about the first time you heard George Harrison's song, "Something."

George said he had written a song for me, and he played it on the guitar at home without the words. Then when I heard the song after it had been recorded I couldn’t believe how utterly beautiful it was. It was released on a single in October 1969, and I felt so thrilled and flattered.

Tell us about the first time you heard Eric Clapton's "Layla."

Eric invited me to his band's flat one day and played a rough recording of "Layla" on a cassette recorder. I was sitting on a sofa and he on the floor as it played, and he kept looking up at me for a reaction. I was stunned; the intensity, passion and tenderness came across so strongly--I knew, as he said, it was written for me.

Customer Reviews (288)

A Good Read
Really enjoyed Patty Boyd's up close and personal account of her relationships with famous rock stars and artists. She recalls conversations and details that
give incite into what they were like as people. Wished there were more of her photos.

great service
My book showed up in about 3 days, way before it's due date, and was in very very good cond. I would buy from this vendor again for sure.

Fascinating, Surreal Life
This was such an interesting book. 1st of all I'm surprised Patti Boyd never OD'd on anything. All the partying. 2nd what an insight into the private love lives of George Harrison and Eric Clapton. I couldn't put it down.

Patty provided great history on her life and the Beatles
I would give this a rating of 3.5 to 4.0. It was a good story. It was really interesting to hear about the lives of the Beatles as well as Patty's crazy life. I can't imagine living that kind of exciting life in those exciting times. It all sounded very genuine and real. Thanks for sharing!

Patty Gives It Her All
I read this right after finishing Suze Rotolo's A Freewheelin' Time: A Memoir of Greenwich Village in the Sixties, which disappointed me with its emotional distance from her early 60's time with Bob Dylan. I was pleasantly surprised by Patty Boyd's ability to make her past come alive. It's well written and engaging enough that even her early personal life (well before any rock stars come into the picture) is enjoyable.

I've always been a Beatles fan, so was more interested in the George Harrison part of her life, but I was so horrified by her description of life with Eric Clapton that the next book I read was Clapton's Clapton: The Autobiography. Clapton confirms, in essence and in many details, what Patty Boyd has to say.

Love and romance at the superstar level is apparently just as confusing and frustrating - and sometimes wonderful - as love and romance is for average people like you and me. For the most part Patty Boyd keeps her head, and all these years later has written a wonderful book about it.

There is one early chapter on modeling that wasn't so interesting to me, and the post-Clapton years go by quickly, as they should.

If you enjoy reading about the Beatles or Eric Clapton I'd recommend this. ... Read more

Product Description
A great collection of the chord symbols and lyrics for 75 of Slowhand's finest. Perfect for players who don't read music but want to strum chords and sing and equally ideal for more advanced guitarists who don't want to wade through note-for-note notation. Convenient 6 inch. x 9 inch. size makes it perfectly portable, too!Includes: Badge * Bell Bottom Blues * Born Under a Bad Sign * Change the World * Cocaine * Cross Road Blues (Crossroads) * Have You Ever Loved a Woman * I Can't Stand It * I Shot the Sheriff * Knockin' on Heaven's Door * Lay down Sally * Layla * Let It Grow * Riding with the King * Strange Brew * Sunshine of Your Love * Superman Inside * Tears in Heaven * White Room * Wonderful Tonight * and more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great format
If you're like me, you'll find this book really handy. The format includes only the chords and the lyrics. I'm an experienced guitarist, so I only want the bare bones of a song. I rarely have to turn the pages since most songs fit on a couple of pages (lyrics are hard for me to remember for some reason). The chord changes are placed above the lyrics, so if you know the song, it's easy to make the changes at the right time. So far, all of the songs I've played are in the correct key, but I've only played a dozen or so from this book. The Chord Songbook series has been a real productive one for me. I love 'em. Especially the Beatles Complete Chord Songbook. I've learned more about pop song structure from these books than any other material. Chord diagrams are at the top the every song title page, in case you need them. Songs are in the correct key unless a capo is required. While I don't use these songbooks to learn new material very often, I do use them to play songs I'm familiar with. So, if you want to play songs without having to turn pages for lyrics and tabs, you will probably like these. Happy guitaring y'all.

Obsolete Technology with No Access
Although this is described as Mac compatible, thisapplication requires OS9 which is not well supported by Apple anymore.Trying it on Windows produced mediocre results.Don't waste your money on this!Even when running, it is not effective.

I got this for some great songs.
It is too bad that there isn't as much information shown about the music in this book as great marketing of CDs provides for some popular items.I recently heard Eric Clapton play in Saint Paul, and I'm sure thousands of people know a lot of the songs in this book, but after a concert, I enjoy looking at the book to see if anything that is down in black and white makes more sense than it did when I heard it.My best example would be the song "Layla."In the book, it is written in a key of D flat, with a few changes for the verses, chorus, and instrumental at the end.The music in the book doesn't try to show everything going on at the same time, so it never seems to be as complicated as the song itself.After all these years of trying to put the opening notes together, I have finally heard this song often enough so that the quick run at the beginning is just what I'm thinking when I try to play it.People who can't get to that point will not enjoy this book very much, but people who really don't know if they could put a few parts of this song together from a bunch of notes ought to make the effort.One of the verses starts out, "I tried to give you consolation, . . ." but people who really know this song probably remember the line, "before I finally go insane," better.Having this book might not be good for everybody, but being able to play this stuff is great, as far as I'm concerned.Give it a try. ... Read more

Product Description
Matching folio to his best-selling acoustic album. 14 songs, including: Tears in Heaven * Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out * Layla * Alberta * Old Love * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Unplugged
There are two versions (at least) of this book. This is NOT the one I had hoped it would be, but still works ok.

Beginners...do not purchase!
If you are a beginner I would advise you not to purchase this book, as it is so wrong it is past being rubbish.

You do not get the songs that you are promised, but a very cut down version of them, and mostly in the wrong key, or alternate key from the original.

I have been playing these songs for years but lost my copy of the unplugged book. I purchased this thinking it was the larger 112 page version (the real one), and was saddened by the lack of tab in this book and by the fact that it is factually incorrect.

It states that "Tears In Heaven" is in G, when it is so obviously in E!

All the songs in this book are wrong!!!

This is not a good book, and all you get is melody lines! This may be good for an accompanying guitar but that is all.

An absolute waste!

Great book
This book is tabbed just like the recording.If you are a clapton fan you won't be disappointed

looking for the transcribed version?
As the title states, this book is the easy guitar version. If that's what your looking for then this is the book for you. If you are looking for the note for note (as recorded on the album) version then go to musiciansfriend.com

Wrong one!
If you think this book will teach you the songs on "Unplugged", it won't. This is just a simplified version of the song transcriptions and is pretty much useless.

There's another version out there that contains the note-for-note transcrptions. That's the version I bought several years ago when "Unplugged" first came out, and that's the one you should buy... ... Read more

Product Description
The Guitar Play-Along Series will help you play your favorite songs quickly and easily! Just follow the tab, listen to the CD to hear how the guitar should sound, and then play along using the separate backing tracks. The melody and lyrics are also included in the book in case you want to sing, or to simply help you follow along. The audio CD is playable on any CD player. For PC and Mac computer users, the CD is enhanced so you can adjust the recording to any tempo without changing pitch! Songs: After Midnight * Can't Find My Way Home * Forever Man * I Shot the Sheriff * I'm Tore Down * Pretending * Running on Faith * Tears in Heaven. ... Read more

Product Description
Blues Before Sunrise * Blues Leave Me Alone * Driftin' Blues * Five Long Years * Goin' Away Baby * Groaning the Blues * How Long, How Long Blues * I'm Tore Down * I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man * It Hurts Me Too * Motherless Child * Reconsider Baby * Sinner's Prayer * Someday, After Awhile * Standin' Around Crying * Third Degree. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great book
First let me say that the album From the Cradle is a treasure trove of classic blues tunes wherein Eric Clapton shows us the dedication he has had his whole life to the real blues from the masters. Nobody but Clapton plays like this, period. In this book I have found great transcriptions that will keep me busy for years. I am a musician, have played guitar for years, and this book will be a challenge for me. If you are brand new to guitar, you may want to start somewhere else, but really, if you take this bar by bar with the album, learning both guitar parts a bite at a time, it will be a great education for any aspiring blues guitarist of any level. Kudos to Hal Leonard and the transcribers for a job well done.

From the Cradle Eric Clapton Music book review by Mike Elliano
This is essential blues training for guitar.Don't let the leads let you think that this is the average EC book.Try playing the Rythemsections.You'll find that they are tough but engaging.The leads are another story.Pure slow blues with soul.I agree with the other writers on that one.This book and CD should be more well known.Out of all Eric Claptons albums this to me is his best.Listen to the CD first and see if you don't want to grab your guitar. Also, go on youtube and pull up the "Groaning the Blues" video.If you watch that you'll buy this book.

From the Cradle songbook - great resource!
Great for all levels of blues guitarists - beginners can get the chords to these great blues songs and more advanced guitarists can read the note-for-note transcriptions and spend many a night going over EricClapton's wonderful guitar solos.

this book is the soul of blues
a great book muist have for any guitar wanting to expand their guitar vocabulary if youstudy this book peoplewill be blow away by the crazy blue you know and thats the whole point is to get other people amazed

Poor transcription
I really have had it with people that attempt to transcribe EC they always reduce it to the lowest common denominator of the transcribers knowledge of pentatonic scales. ... Read more

Product Description
Matching folio to his best-selling acoustic album. 14 songs, including: Tears in Heaven * Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out * Layla * Alberta * Old Love * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good for all levels
I'll strongly recomend this book for all the guitar players out there. If you are trying to get in blues, this book will give you a good start. In this book, eric covers different pieces by the blues masters including Maddy Waters, Robert Johnson, etc, and many good eric's original pieces such as Tears in Heaven and Layla. No matter which genre you are in, this book will boost up your technique, knowlege and enjoyment with your guitar.

looking for the transcribed version?
First of all, I gave this book 5 stars because I think that Eric Clapton: Unplugged earned it. If you're like me though, you might be looking for the tab book that has every song, note for note, including solos. After reading all the other reviews I got tired of the same complaint, but nobody mentioned where you could get it. So if you want the real deal go to musiciansfriend.com

Does The Job For Most Audiences
This music book is fine for mostbeginners and mid level guitarists.Advanced musicans might find parts of it more helpful than others as they can probably pick out most of EC's tunes without a book.Many of the instrumental passages are missing.None the less most of the chords are fairly on the money. Know your level and make the call.

get the "from the album" version
This version of the book is the "fake book" version, as opposed to the actual transcriptions in the "from the album" version. While it is a perfectly adequate guide to the general structure of thetunes, the actual chord inversions, lead lines, picking patterns and fills are not even suggested here. If you want to play what's on the album, getthe transcribed version.

If you love Eric Clapton then you need to get this book.
"Eric Claton unplugged" has done wonders for me.Im currently 16 and I believe that without this book I would never been introduced to the world of the blues.Eric's music has brought me closer to my music byintroducing songs to me like "Layla" and "tears inheaven."and especially an updated version of Robert Johnson withinhis music.I have no choice but rate this book five stars and honor thetrue living god, Slow Hand, The creame of the Crop. Eric Clapton. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of 30 of his best, including: After Midnight * Cocaine * Crossroads * I Can't Stand It * I Shot the Sheriff * Lay Down Sally * Layla * Sunshine of Your Love * White Room * Wonderful Tonight * Tears in Heaven * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Tabs
If you need a great selection of EC's playing history in Tab buy this book, got it and love(d) it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book!
Greastest thing since sliced bread!Giuliano really brings out the true picture of Clapton.If there is one thing Giuliano can do better than write is print these wonderful rare photographs.This book is well put together.5 stars from me. ... Read more

Product Description
A personal friend of the great British rock star presents an intimate chronicle of his long and successful career, gathering together a unique collection of Clapton memorabilia, including posters and bootlegs, and offering many never-before-published photographs. ... Read more

Product Description
CROSSROADS is the story of Eric Clapton - the man, his magnificent music and his tragedy-marred life. Clapton is the million-selling Grammy-winning master of the blues guitar - and his popularity has hit new heights since his 'Unplugged' album sold over 6 million copies. However, beneath the acclaim has been a life full of heartbreak. This, the first full-scale, serious look at this history-making musician, captures it all. Heroin addiction in the 70s...alcoholism in the 80s...his divorce from Pattie Boyd - the inspiration for 'Layla'...the helicopter crash that killed his closest associates including Stevie Ray Vaughan...the accidental death of his four-year-old son...this book goes behind the headlines to reveal the depth of Clapton's pain and the roots of his musical power. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A venerated axeman
I acquired this book for Alexander Ariano because Eric Clapton's music stroke a chord with him in his pre-teens. Alex did not know about Clapton until he was in High School when he learned that his favorite songs were from groups where Clapton played the lead guitar.

In a time when everyone was using drogs to escape, Alex turned to music and spent hours listening to Clapton's unique sounds. Reading this book provided Alex insight into this man that he has listened to for over 40 years.

The book has answered questions about the artist and his music, questions that Alex has had since he started to know about this man. It also allowed Alex to see what other artists Clapton has played with over the years. This will no doubt increase Alex's extensive music collection.

In Alex Ariano's words: "For this musician, I wish to say thank you for your music, for it has helped me during and through very hard times."

Okay
This book is okay for a real Eric Clapton fan. There are not a lot of pictures, so if you want a more visual book, you may want to select another.

enjoyable reading about the guitarist/singer
I always enjoy reading books on amazing musicians/people and this one held my interest. I am not a book critic who analyzes details of every page. I will simply say I liked the book. I save my analysis for the music. Eric's music has always been fine for me. Historical anecdotes and biographical information in the book pointing out Eric's influences and life events are well written and readable.

Insightful
A fascinating journey into the life of Eric Clapton. As someone who has been an avid Clapton fan from the beginning, it was quite interesting to read about his growth and evolution as a musician over the years and with his different groups. I was fascinated to discover that he did not think he was lead guitar material and that he lacked confidence regarding his vocal abilities. This is a book which will stimulate discussion among friends and have you running to your music collection to listen to old songs yet once again, while eagerly awaiting a new Clapton release.

Very Comprehensive
This biography is indeed very informative.The details on Eric's life are very complete.One can see how Eric's small stature and limited coordination stunted his confidence at the beginning of his music career.In the Yardbirds, Cream, and Blind Faith, Eric was content just to be a part of the band.I especially enjoyed Delaney Bramlett's influence on Eric's vocal development.And of course the Layla stories are always a joy to read.The feelings behind many of Eric's signature songs are a joy to read over and over again.

The only slight drawback in this book is the fact that the author discounts the There's One In Every Crowd CD.Truthfully, I find it an underatted gem.Otherwise, Michael Schumacher does an excellent job. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

How I Got To Know The Blues
I got my first Stones album way back in 1964 for Christmas. A lot of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters tunes. I didn't know much about either of them. I loved the Yardbirds and Animals too. Ironic that I got connected to American blues by listening first to British kids doing their interpretations of it. You have to admire them for their good taste. After all, we in America had all of this stuff right in front of us, and we didn't appreciate what we had, but it took some young men from across the pond to show us how cool it all was. What goes around comes around.

A Willie Dixon song called I Just Want To Make Love To You appeared on the very first Stones LP released in the US. I loved that tune, with its driving beat and honking harmonica. It took me a couple of years to search out and find the Chess recordings of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and Sonny Boy Williamson, the men who had done the ORIGINAL versions of all of these songs. Once I listened to them, I knew why so many guys in England had picked up guitars and tried to copy that music.

Anyway, this book tells, in intricate detail, the story of how American blues and rock became the basis for the the entire British invasion, from the perspective of the guitarists that made that music come alive. The chronicles of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, and many others are all included, with much credit given to John Mayall, the "godfather" of British blues. For guitarists and gear freaks, there is a wealth of information on tunings, equipment, set lists, and other esoteric information. If you are at all interested in that stuff, you probably already have this book; if you don't, you should.

Anyone who is remotely curious about the genesis of American blues rock needs to own this book. I guarantee you will love it.

Perfect rock out book
This book is awesome if you're interested in details of how Clapton, Mayall & BluesBreakers, Cream, McVie and Fleetwood, etc got started and how they mixed up their bands in the mid-60s. I learned a ton by reading it.It's an anthology so you need to read it like that.Great research behind it though.Really enjoyed it.Lots of details about the guitars and amps, distortion tricks and their tours.

My mind is boggled
Definitive hardly does this book justice. Authoritative, doesn't do it. The sheer amount of research author Hjort did on this labor of love really is mind boggling. He probably knows what each of these guys had for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day from '67 to '70. Being a Mick Taylor fanatic with my love for Peter Green running just shy of that, I was so delighted to find a book devoted to them and Clapton it was days before I realized what you learn reading this book. There's tech stuff for us players, lists of gigs, record sessions and tv appearances for the completists and a bit of gossip here and there for all of us. But his finest feat is making the reader feel he is there at the beginning of ablues scene made up of skinny white Brit kids that 3 years later was the basis for much of the most vital rock music ever made. This time telling the story as it went through Mayall's Bluesbreakers and those 3 incredible guitar players he hired in a row. I'm not sure who came after these 3 but I'm glad it wasn't me. I still consider Taylor and Green to be deities, way too overlooked and underappreciated, but Taylor especially enhances every project he's been a part of and I can listen to him play slide all day long. This is an incredible look at what it must be like to be a child prodigy, playing world class blues at 15, in arguably the best blues band in England at 17 and asked to join the Stones at 20. And there's just as much or more on Clapton and Green; looking back it seems incredible that these 3 virtuoso musiciansemerged in a country with no blues tradition or players to look up to or learn from in their early guitar years. If you're a fan ofblues, guitar,the 60s, London or any of the 4 principles of this story, I urge you to treat yourself to this book. You won't be sorry.

A nearly Day by Day history lesson of British Blues
This book has an amazing amount of information but I find it hard to read straight through and instead wind up jumping from artist to artist and such.

What I do love is the photos of my heroes in action, my favorites being a complete picture of Peter Green with the Orange amps behind him (a cropped version is used for Gary Moores "Blues For Greeny" cd), the Cafe Au Go Go shot of BB King, Clapton and Elvin Bishop jamming (a cropped version leaving out Elvin was used for "Riding With The King") and an alternate angle shot of Cream at Madison Square Garden (this date is used for the cover of "Live Cream") with a nice view of Cream's weaponry behind them (man,I love gear).

That all being said its hard to imagine a more complete source of information on what is probably my favorite style of music, British Blues.

An important volume for guitar geeks
Full disclosure: I am a guitar geek. I was the guy at sock hops who'd sit by the record player, not dancing, reading the liner notes (remember those?), and dreaming of stardom.
What Christopher Hjort has accomplished with this volume is nothing less than amazing - a day-by-day accounting of concerts, club gigs, recording sessions, photo sessions, BBC broadcasts and even informal rehearsals by the movers and shakers of the blossoming British Blues scene. For the five years covered in this book, the careers of John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor (and pretty much anyone who came within five feet of an amplifier or microphone stand) are tracked in exquisite detail. The painstaking research is rewarding to anyone interested in the early days of groups like Fleetwood Mac, Cream and The Rolling Stones, and the cameos by Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix are the icing on the cake.
Great rare photos, detailed equipment lists, and Mr. Hjort's own recommendations for those wishing to hear the music described therein, this book is a keeper. I may have to get another one for lending out. ... Read more

Product Description
New York Times bestselling author Allen St. John started off looking for the world's greatest guitar, but what he found instead was the world's greatest guitar builder. Living and working in Rugby, Virginia (population 7), retired rural mail carrier Wayne Henderson is a true American original, making America's finest instruments using little more than a pile of good wood and a sharp whittling knife. There's a 10-year waiting list for Henderson's heirloom acoustic guitars -- and even a musical legend like Eric Clapton must wait his turn. Partly out of self-interest, St. John prods Henderson into finally building Clapton's guitar, and soon we get to pull up a dusty stool and watch this Stradivari in glue-stained blue jeans work his magic. The story that ensues will captivate you with its portrait of a world where craftsmanship counts more than commerce, and time is measured by old jokes, old-time music, and homemade lemon pies shared by good friends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (65)

Clapton's Guitar
This book is a close-up view/account of the Master Guitar Builder, Wayne Henderson building a masterpiece. It touches on the personality, kindness, generosity and genius of a "country boy" from Grayson County, Va.

Wayne is also a gifted, finger picking guitarist. He has a festival, in his name, and also does personal appearances.

wonderful book
You know how it is when you come across a book that you enjoy so much, you really hate to see it end?
Well, that's how it was for me, with "Calpton's Guitar".Just a well written, informative, and entertaining book.

If you are looking for a lot on Clapton himself, you might be dissapointed, but if you love guitars and want to learn about the world of beautiful vintage instruments, this is a great book.

Clapton's Guitar: Watching Wayne Henderson Build
Allen St. John's tale of winding through the backwoods of America's eastern forestlands after Wayne Henderson is full of fascinating tidbits of vintage guitar lore.Although I appreciate his detailed, vivid description of Henderson crafting the ultimate acoustic instrument, what really thrilled me were the up close and personal encounters with so many classic vintage Martin guitars - the models from which Henderson gained his appreciation of the art of sound.For those of us who have spent a lifetime chasing the ultimate used instrument for sale, it's a great way to spend a few afternoons by the pool - a wonderful read.

inspirational
This book blends a humorous depiction of the life and work, not of the God of Guitar (E.C) but a god of acoustic guitar building and at least a minor diety of flat-pick guitar and country humor.This book was very entertaining as well as inspirational for those of us who have dreamed of making the perfect acoustic guitar.
A great read in many ways!

Wayne Henderson's Clapton's guitar
This is really about a character from the backcountry of Virginia who used to be a mailman as well as a maker of guitars and mandolins, but whose workmanship has led to his name being mentioned as one of the best handbuilt guitar makers on the planet.Wayne Henderson's life is documented and explored as an unusual character of modest means and humble nature who has developed as one of the best guitar pickers who uses steel picks on multiple fingers.He has also served as a mentor to several other guitar/mandolin makers who were in his employ, and his personal success as a luther has led to no more mail delivery, and a waiting list measured in years.Since I read this tome, I have personally seen Wayne perform 3 times, and have spoken to him several times.He is very approachable, and even let me hold his 1,000th guitar for my perusal when last speaking to him.He is a multi-talented individual with a quintessential country-inspired modesty which makes him all the more charming as a person.The book is well written, and gives you a very nice exposure to the details of making a guitar.As a woodworker myself, the references were not new to the details discussed, but would be easy to comprehend by someone not familiar with them, I believe.Recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The definitive guide to the recording career of Eric Clapton contains details on all the recordings on which the famed guitarist plays, including Beatle and Dylan sessions, and gives information on all known Clapton releases. 15,000 first printing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must have for every Clapton fanatic
This is a great book. Lots of recording session information, including photos of tour posters, concerts, concert tickets, master tape slips, and an old advertisement for "EC Was Here.
There are also clips of interviews with Eric Clapton, Phill Collins, George Harrison, Glynn Johns, and other people that Eric has worked with. The only problem with this book is, that
it does not list what kind of amplifer was used during the sessions. I have always wondered what guitar was used on certain songs. This book will do a pretty good job of doing that from his early days up until 1993.

A must have for every Clapton fanatic
This is a great book. Lots of recording session information, including photos of tour posters, concerts, concert tickets, master tape slips, and an old advertisement for "EC Was Here.
There are also clips of interviews with Eric Clapton, Phill Collins, George Harrison, Glynn Johns, and other people that Eric has worked with. The only problem with this book is, that
it does not list what kind of amplifer was used during the sessions. I have always wondered what guitar was used on certain songs. This book will do a pretty good job of doing that from his early days up until 1993.

The Definitive Discography For Slowhand-philies
An exhastive listing of possibly every session Eric Clapton has sat in as band member, frontman, or sideman. From the songs recorded to the instruments used, almost anything you wanted to know about Clapton'srecorded legacy can be found here, including mention of some of the betterbootlegs. The only shortfalling - guitars used is listed, but amplifcationis not. A must for any serious Eric Clapton fanatic. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn the techniques Clapton used on his best-selling acoustic album. 14 songs are covered, including: Alberta ¥ Layla ¥ Lonely Stranger ¥ Nobody Knows You When You’re down and Out ¥ Rollin’ and Tumblin’ ¥ Tears in Heaven ¥ and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent book, easy to follow.
This is a great book and will work for guitarists of any level.The content is well presented and easy to follow.If you want to learn EC unplugged tunes accurately, this is the quickest way.

HORRIBLE
Simply I don't receive anything.
the situation is extremely outrageous and absolutely detrimental to my rights as a buyer.
I still have not announced anything about any delays or missed shipments.
This is not way to treat a customer.
It is certainly my last purchase at Amazon

A MTV Unplugged teacher.
This is a very complete and accurate songbook with the exact same notes played by Clapton and each song has a text explaining the song's structure.

For the solo parts, it has the tablature for the solo guitar and the rhythm one too. For the beginners, the accompaining CD really helps to get the song.

Excellent for Learning to Play This Album!!
Provides accurate transcriptions of the awesome unplugged performance.Each nuance of the Clapton's exhibition is retained, which makes learning it all the more enjoyable.The accompanying CD is very well done and helped me to pare out the vocals and other performers and focus on the rhythm guitar. Highly recommended for those who love this album, the book will get you sounding like the original!

Excellent!
The book is a true helper to get the Unplugged tunes under your fingers.

Want to play like Clapton? Buy it! ... Read more

Product Description
19 hits from his early years, including: Crossroads * I Shot the Sheriff * Knockin' on Heaven's Door * Layla * White Room * Wonderful Tonight * and more. Songs are in chronological order, with notes on each. ... Read more

Product Description
The Guitar Play-Along Series will help you play your favorite songs quickly and easily! Just follow the tab, listen to the CD to hear how the guitar should sound, and then play along using the separate backing tracks. The melody and lyrics are also included in the book in case you want to sing, or to simply help you follow along. The audio CD is playable on any CD player. For PC and Mac computer users, the CD is enhanced so you can adjust the recording to any tempo without changing pitch! 8 songs, including: Badge * Bell Bottom Blues * Change the World * Cocaine * Key to the Highway * Lay Down Sally * White Room * Wonderful Tonight. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very useful book, good tabs, good CD
I found this book very useful to learn to play some excellent Eric Clapton songs (on my Strat, of course!). The amazing slow downer software allows you to play along with the CD at slow speed -- which is very helpful in learning each song. The Tab notation is very easy to follow.

Fantastic!
This is an excellent product!The jam tracks on the CD are excellent quality - it's like having your own band to jam along with! I had previously purchased the Hal Leonard - Eric Clapton Signature Licks DVDs done by Doug Boduch and really enjoyed them.I was pleased to see the Play-Along volumes 24 and 41 jam tracks were also done by Doug Boduch. They are both excellent and I would highly recommend them. They accompany the DVDs perfectly.I would like to see more Guitar Play-Along volumes produced by Hal Leonard with Doug Boduch - they are terrific. ... Read more