April 15, 2021
This video lesson breaks down every single lick Eric Clapton plays on Cream’s iconic live version of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads,” from the equally iconic “Wheels of Fire” album. I hope you dig it–Eric’s playing is just incredible and inspiring on this classic track!
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Great video Andy! Always enjoy watching great guitarist! Thanks
Thank you Lisa glad you dig it–more to come!
Andy
As usual, your playing is spot on, and note for note, Your explanation of how to play this piece was understandable and relatable. I found myself thinking of different ways to use some of the licks you demonstrated..A great job Andy.
Much Thanks Rick, very glad you dig it. This is of course one of my all-time favorite performances and I think there are a few generations of guitar players that feel the same way. IGTV banned my version w/Cream’s backing track for copyright infringement, so i am posting another that is “guitar only;” but the website (and YouTube) will still feature this version.
Thanks and all the best!
Andy
Man…I dig it the most! Thanks for doing this.
BTW…Where did your truss rod cover go?
Best,
T
Hey Todd–
Thanks very glad you dig it. The truss rod cover is sitting right here but the holes for the screws got too big, after 15 years of neck adjustments, so it’s easier to leave it off! I should leave it off all of my gtrs (but I don’t)!
Andy
Andy, thanks for the very accurate tutorial. Re: the truss rod cover — should you ever wish to reattach it, break off a little piece of a flat toothpick just long enough to bottom out in the headstock screwhole(s) but not stick up above it, and drop it in. Replace the cover, start the screw, and it should snug up quite nicely. No glue, no muss, no fuss. Damn, I sound like Suzy Homemaker. — All the best to you —
Thx Todd–yes the broken end of a toothpick finds many uses in gtr repair! I don’t mind it off however–easier to make truss rod adjustments.
All the best and glad you dig the video!
Andy
Hi Andy
Thank you for your incredible lesson on Crossroads. This live version on Wheels of Fire is my all time favourite song of any artist. This song was my beginning point into blues rock. You have done best job explaining how crossroads is broken down.
Much appreciation from Manchester England
George Grima
George—
Thanks so much for your kind words and I’m so glad this video has been helpful to you. I remember being 12 years old when “Wheels of Fire” came out & it had the same impact on me as The Beatles “White Album” (same summer!) I couldn’t believe a band could create music this incredibly creative & original. “Crossroads” was instantly a must-learn for every gtr player and I still love trying to get all those details right today. Here’s a version of us playing it live from two years ago: https://www.facebook.com/groups/323170251179602/permalink/1529105953919353/
Thanks & all the best & I look forward to connecting with you again soon!
Andy