The one guitarist Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison and Eddie Van Halen all loved the most
The article presents Eric Clapton as the guitarist most admired by Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison and Eddie Van Halen, arguing that his blues playing and expressive style resonated across generations. Their praise matters because all three were influential guitarists in their own right, yet each singled out Clapton’s playing as distinctive and inspiring.
Van Halen said Clapton was the only guitarist who made him want to play, and that he tried to sound like him. Harrison described Clapton’s performance at the Rainbow as almost angelic, while Hendrix praised his solos and recalled joining Cream on stage in England. The article links Clapton’s appeal to the feeling he put into his playing and his blues influences, including Albert King.
In short
- Clapton inspired Eddie Van Halen to take up guitar.
- George Harrison described his playing as almost angelic.
- Jimi Hendrix praised Clapton’s blues solos.
Explained simply
Eric Clapton is a British guitarist whose career began in the 1960s, when he played in bands including the Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and Cream. His music drew on American blues, a style built around expressive guitar playing and often shaped by Black musicians such as Albert King.
Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison and Eddie Van Halen were all influential guitarists, but from different generations and musical backgrounds. Their admiration for Clapton reflects the influence his playing had on other musicians and the way blues guitar shaped rock music.