American Songwriter highlights three occasions when major guitarists were considered for places in already famous rock bands, illustrating how small personnel changes might have altered the course of popular music. The article argues that the eventual line-ups were well suited to their bands, while the near-misses reveal contrasting musical styles and career paths.

Eric Clapton was considered as a possible replacement when George Harrison briefly left The Beatles during the Let It Be sessions, though Harrison soon returned; Clapton later played on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Jeff Beck and Clapton were both considered by The Rolling Stones after Mick Taylor’s departure, while Clapton had also been discussed following Brian Jones’s exit; Beck ultimately declined, saying the band’s loose approach did not fit his preference for structure and his jazz-influenced style.